10.27.8 CIAO ITALIA, TURKEY HERE WE COME

Somehow I jumped a day in the last note… [corrected since then] It all starts to run together if I don’t get it down as close to real time as possible... Rocks and Ruins is for the 28Th …

Today is a sea day and the REAL night of the first Cruise Elegant dinner… so here we go again and since it’s a sea day this will be short. [ I can just hear a few of you now, “yaaaayyyyy”]

Sunday night after Sorrento was a late night, catching up NOWAT and as a result, Monday morning was a REAL LAZY day. I remember getting up at 8am to let the room service waiter in with continental breakfast and promptly crashed until 11AM… the sore throat appreciated it. I woke to find DL on the balcony reading a book, letting me sleep it off. After a croissant and some coffee, a hot shower was in order and we took our time checking out the ship to better get our bearings. After a late lunch, the rest of the day was lounging around until we drafted a little more NOWAT and reduced pics, trying to coordinate them with NOWAT... and figure out how to get them out. This took some time, right up to getting ready for the REAL cruise elegant night.

After spending all that time on the pics we missed the Captains Cocktail party and it was time to dress for dinner, for our first Cruise Elegant night. Most dressed up… some didn't. Dinner was the usual 3 course Ship Fare but not bad… last 2 meals rate 4’s each… and of course the service is always a 5. Also... the waiters did the usual seranade from the stairs... cute... no cigar.
It was time for the BIG Show in the lounge “A Ticket to Ride”, a Beatles tribute show that was highly touted and very well done. Better than the last couple of cruise shows we’ve seen.

After the show we wandered in search of a late cocktail and soft Jazz in the Habana Bar, hidden away between decks and reeking of cigar smoke, but the really funky beat drug Chuckie in shucking and jiving all the way, to the amusement of the band and some of the other patrons. We settled in for a nightcap, grooved on some decent jazz and whatnot [Chuckie danced with a barstool in the corner… the music was that good] and even got DL out on the dance floor for an overly long rendition of “Stardust” [we think the bandleader was messin’ with us] and as the band finished their final request, Chuckie needed a little Ramsey Lewis to leave on, we headed up to finish a NOWAT, and crash since at the last minute before dinner we decided to book the Dalyan River Cruise tour in the AM with our school teacher tour mates who will join us in Izmir and Istanbul.

So NOW…Tomorrow… Roman Ruins, Rock Tombs and an interesting meal “up a Lazy River” on the way to Caunos.

Ciao 4 Now,
Chuck and the getting the hang of this relaxing stuff, Dragon Lady

10.28.8 UP A LAZY RIVER IN TURKEY

We docked in Marmaris, Turkey at 11AM and only have a half day for the Dalyan River cruise so we overslept again and rushed to get ready to meet our retired Ohio School teacher tour mates at 10:45 in the show Room to embark on the tour. Finding Sara and Phyllis in line already we got our little Green Stickers identifying us as ship sponsored Tourists, Officially Green #4 we followed Green #3 to the tour bus where we met our Turkish guide for the 1+ hour ride to the restaurant where we would have lunch before boarding the boats for the cruise.

Our guide MERT was a handsome 37 yr old divorced former army officer with a Ph.D. in Archeology. 5 on the personality scale and quite a character. He clued us in on the sights as we wound through the middle valley of 4 mountain ranges, amid sesame, olive, and pomegranate groves. With a short history of the region and some political commentary out of the way we arrived at the Denizkizi restaurant operated by the Dalyan River Cooperative, an open aired hall where, as the first bus to arrive, we quickly ran through the cold buffet, grabbed a passable mushroom soup, a cold beer and found out seats at long tables arranged by bus. We had ordered ahead on the bus and we all mistakenly chose the Local Fresh Grilled River Briz, served head on and not really that bad once you got past the bones.
Food 3+, Big Beer Good 4+.

After a WC break… there won’t be one for the next 4 hours, we board 2 rickety Tuk- Tuk boats for a leisurely cruise up the brackish Dalyan River that alternates between fresh and saltwater depending on the direction of the winds since it runs between the Mediterranean and Lake Koyeegiz. This allows it to support both fresh and saltwater fish which in turn supports the local community.

The seashore South of Dalyan is also famous as the internationally protected breading ground of the Caretta-Caretta, loggerhead turtle and the beach’s there are a protected area closed to visitors between 8PM and 8 AM from May to October when the eggs are laid and the young turtles hatch.

As we meandered “Up a Lazy River” on the way to the Ruins at Caunos, we stop for KODAK moments at the Rock Tombs, which were actually carved out of the mountain side for the wealthier Worshippers of Apollo, all facing East to great their God with the morning sunrise. The carvers had hung suspended on ropes from the precipice above and carved the tombs from the top down deep into he face of the mountain.

We finally dock for a loooonnnnng walk up a muddy path between the rocky face of the mountain supporting the ruins and pomegranate and olive fields, passing goats, and cows along the way. For those that couldn’t or wouldn’t make the long hike up, there was a tractor ride to the top for €1. One taker didn't seem worth if for the gas burned but I'm sure it had to be the volume all season working for the driver. The gravely goat dung, crushed olive covered mud path gave way to a brick walkway at a little Pomegranate juice stand and continued up an even steeper incline to the Ruins of Caunos.

Settled as early as the 9th Century BC on a high, fertile ground with fresh water from the lake in abundance, it was the perfect defensible location. The Periplus, the 5th century BC account of a sailing voyage, indicates it was a Carian foundation with no evidence of the Greeks established here. However when the Carian Cities were Hellenised later it became fashionable to trace their foundation to a deity, demi-God or hero and keeping with this trend would explain the un-Greek name which may be Hittite or Lelgian in origin… or so says MERT.

Thus Caunos, according to Ovid, was a son of Miletos and consequently the grand son of the God Appolo. According to legend, Caunos fled to Caria to escape the incestuous advances of his twin sister Bybli. This and other legends of the opposite, may account of the expression “a Caunian love” which often used to describe an unhappy love. Since legend also has it that Miletus had been expelled from Crete by Minos, Caunians believed that their ancestors came from that island too. The Historian Herodotus debated this and held that the Caunians were of Anatolian origin. However, both their customs and language marked them as different from their nearest neighbors the Carians, while they adapted the Carian Script adding letters and symbols to meet requirements of their language. When the Persian Harpagus invaded Caria and Lycia in 540BC, Caunos and Xanthos were among the few cities to offer any resistance which may explain the shrine in Xanthos dedicated to Caunos.

The ruins are an amazing example of roman style architecture with several key elements still intact showing a thriving community high on this mountain top with elaborate flood gate controls to open and close gates in the lake to trap fish for harvest. With roman baths, a Gymnasium and Bazilica for politics and religion the boys were trained both as warriors and citizens. Along with a Temple dedicated to Athena, there also exists a roman styled amphitheatre that seated 2500 used both for gladiatorial exhibitions and eventually political debate and drama/tragedy events. Chuckie, part mountain goat himself, climbed to the very top of the theatre for Pics and with the outstanding acoustics could hear DL and the teachers quite well as they called for him to pose for a pic of him at the summit. After a little more KODAK work, we headed back down the slippery slope to the Pomegranate stand for a quick cup of the tart juice and a careful stroll down the equally slippery mud path to the docks and “Down the Lazy River” to the restaurant dock and through the Captive Audience Tchotchke Shop for a WC beak and quick sparkly purchase for a special God-Daughter.

After a brief nap on the hour-long ride back, MERT gave us a rundown on the Turkish culture, family traditions, and life in Turkey in general answering many questions.

Back at the ship in time for embarkation to Izmir, we grab a quick shower, download the digital pics and convert a few to send out before heading down for a pre-dinner cocktail with some dinner table mates.

Our meal was nothing exceptional but well served and after a stroll around to check for any decent debarkation Cruise Sponsored Photos, it was back to finish posting NOWAT, checking and returning mail and finally catching about 4 hours sleep before Room Service rolled us out to get ready for our day at Ephesus..

Stay tuned for an incredible journey through an important center of the spread of Christianity.

Ciao 4 Now,
Chuck and the thoroughly exhausted but very happy with trip so far, Dragon Lady.

10.29.8 ROCKS, RUINS & ELTON JOHN?!?

Our wake up call beat room service and after a quick shower we rolled out to meet Phyllis and Sara in the lobby for our trip to Ephesus, an ancient city which was extremely important in the rise of Christianity.

Embarkation was easy and we were handed landing cards, which will act as a VISA for entering the Country since our passports are stored in the pursers safe.

We find our guide Murat holding a sign with Chuckie’s name who quickly moves us to a spacious 18 seat van for just we four, and we’re off to explore Ephesus. Along the hour long drive to the excavation near the town of Selçuk [pronounced Sel-chuck] our Guide, an archeology major who is going to Spain for 90 days to learn Spanish for tour guides to fill a void in that language, brings us up to speed on the surrounding area. We traveled in the middle of the mountain range that stretches from the Aegean Sea through Torbali. The fertile valley was carved out of the mountains in the 1st century BC by water and is abundant with cotton, tomatoes, vegetables, olives, peach and plum trees.

As we roll through Selçuk Murat points out the church & Fortress of St John and the Isabey Mosque, important as the first asymmetrical building in Turkey. In ancient times Turkey was called Anatolia and is still referred to in this manner by the locals, the guides in particular.

We park the van and after a brief introduction, Murat leads us through the Magnesia Gate to where we can see the State Agora, the civil business portion of the site. Believed to date back to 5000 BC the earliest evidence can confirm Ephesus present location as at least 3000 years old. It is assumed the Ions settled this region led by Androkles. Due to the expansion and contraction of the sea, Ephesus was moved 3 times and is now 15km from the seashore which caused much of its decline as it once played a large part in the sea trade of the region. Ephesus was captured by the Kimmers in the 7th century BC, by the Lydians in 560BC and the Persians in 546. It was rescued from the Persians in 334BC by Alexander the Great. We visited the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world. The temple was destroyed by a lunatic Herostatus on the eve of Alexander’s birth in a bid to become famous [which he accomplished] and when Alexander liberated Ephesus, he offered to pay to have the temple rebuilt but was refused by the citizens. The Ephesians considered him a half God and declared that “a God cannot make a temple for another God”. Down through the centuries Ephesus came to be an important part of the region and much progress was made during the rein of the Roman Emperor Augusts.

St John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus around 50AD for her remaining years while trying to establish the new religion of Christianity. A Basilica was built on the site if his remains and later the Church of St John was erected in its place by the Emperor Justinian around 526AD. Also important n the area is the “House of the Virgin Mary” believed to be the last residence of the mother of Jesus now recognized as a shrine by the Vatican. We had originally been scheduled to visit it but it was too far into the mountains to do in a half day tour so it was substituted for a visit to the “Terrace or Slope Houses” in the heart of Ephesus.

As we stroll along the main street we pass the Odeon with a 1400 person capacity, the place for parliament, civil debate, and gladiatorial battles, adjacent to the Prytaneion [town hall] where the sacred fire used to burn. After a visit to the Baths of Varius with its three pools, the frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium we move onto the Pornaion [brothel] that is on the corner of Curetes street across from the Library of Celsus which was completed in 135AD by the son of the proconsul Gaius Celsus. It is rumored that there is a tunnel from the library to the brothels elaborate interior; men would head to the library, duck into the cellar and visit the house of carnal delights. We are told something like this exists in Washington, DC, near the Library of Congress… we believe its called the Senate.

On the way to the library we stop to visit the Terrace house, still being excavated. An incredible feat of sophisticated construction using mosaics in the most elaborate decorations and extremely high tech [for its time] plumbing and construction methods. Tiered into the slope overlooking the Agora, the homes of the wealthy used the roof of the lower unit for the patio of the home above it, thus the term “Terraced Houses” and were quite spacious, some reaching 1400-1600 Sq feet.

We spent most of the afternoon moving through each of the important excavations, including Domitialn’s Temple, the Temple of Isis, The gate of Heracles [Hercules], the Fountain of Trajan built between 102-114AD adjacent to the temple of Hadrian and the splendid Scholastica Baths. The Emperor Domitian was so despised that we saw evidence of his name being obliterated from some friezes still being reassembled. We also saw the first commercial billboard and advertisement for the Pornaion [brothel] chiseled in the walkway leading up from the seaport road.

One of the most magnificent structures in Ephesus is the Great Theater, the largest in Asia Minor with a capacity of 24,000. St Paul was dragged into the theater to face the crowds because of his famous letter to the Ephesians, but was rescued by city's security corps. Well preserved, it is the site of many festivals to this day including an Elton John Concert, “Live from Ephesus”.

In the interest of keeping this episode brief, we'll continue our trek through such fascinating ancient history… a lot more interesting than those stodgy college lectures we sat through 40 years ago, and the rest of the day in the next Note.

Ciao 4 Now,
Chuck and the foot weary but awed by all this history, Dragon Lady

10.29.8 EPHESUS AND BEYOND

“What… no time for tchotchkies?!?” shrieked the Dragon Lady. “I need my tchotchkies for my babies!”
“OOOOoooo look at that Pashimna!”
“Careful Honey, at that price it’s not Pashmina, probably synthetic”; which our guide confirms.
“But…But… I gotta have T-Shirts for the Babies!”
“We can get them at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul”
“But…But…” she whimpers with a quivering lower lip
“Your motors running… with the but…but… Get on the bus.”

Rocks and Ruins notwithstanding, Ephesus is a site not to be missed on any trip to Anatolia [Turkey]. The size and scope of the city, and its history is phenomenal. So much so that after much KODAK we had barely scratched the surface… but we were running up on time to get back to the ship and didn't have time for tchotchke shopping at the captive audience “Last Resort” shops on the way to the bus.
Dragon Chic was not a happy camper about this but we had an hour plus ride back so we needed to get moving. Halfway there, we dropped our guide off in Selçuk to catch a train to his home so he can prepare for his Trip to Spain and we continued on to the ship.

With all the emphasis on Ephesus, we didn't get to have lunch so of course what do we now here from the back of the bus:

“FEED ME!” comes the chorus from the three ladies that were dubbed Chuck’s Angels by our guide.
And so the conversation revolved around the meals we’ve had so far, which only increased the hunger pangs.

Getting back to the ship, processing security and visa control was painless. The teachers needed to stop at the terminals Last Chance Liquor Store to pick up some more booze for their cabin so we made a pact to meet at the Pizza Station on the aft deck once we freshened up.

Up on the Lido deck we grabbed some passable pizza and settled by a window overlooking the aft cabins as Sara and Phyllis to show up, wine glasses in hand.

While enjoying the pizza and company, the ship embarked with loud rumbles and shakes of the side thrusters which just Excites the hell out of Sara, [she loves everything nautical] She was running from side to side to watch the mud they were kicking up. Midway through the departure, Phyllis decides she needs to run down to the cabin for more wine and of course forgets her glass. Soooooo here she comes with the contraband bottle of Turkish wine in her shore bag, which we polish off before heading down to grab a shower and change for dinner.

Dinner was a lively exchange about what everyone had planned for Istanbul the next day. The meal was around a 3+.

After a stroll around looking for a different distraction, we wound up in the Casino. Those that know Chuckie, know that he loves to shoot Craps, but only on a Hot, Lively table. Ship’s crap tables are notoriously cold and “not so Lively” and this has been the case for the past couple days and just for grins we decided to see if the same deadpan dealers were still the loneliest dudes in town… Surprise… there was actually a crowd at the only crap table on board. After watching the action for awhile, Chuckie decided that it was worth a roll or two and bought in just in time to catch 2 wining passes before the shooter crapped out. Now it was Chuckie’s dice and after 5 straight 7 or 11 passes [winning roll’s] before crapping out, he continues to make money working the table and playing come bets as the dice circle the table back to him. The table is still loud so Chuckie rolls for 30 minutes making a little here… a little there and by the time he craps out for the last time, he’s made enough to pay for half the shore excursions they’ve booked. Note bad for a $50 buy in. And this from a guy that hates shipboard crap tables… nothing like being a little lucky on your birthday week.

Of course Dragon Lady blew her allowance on the one armed bandits [wellll… actually 5 button bandits] but the night was still a winner and off to the cabin to finish some NOWAT and crash for some well needed rest.

Istanbul in the Morning is gonna be a loooonnnggg day.

Ciao 4 Now
Chuck and the tchotchke denied and not happy about it, Dragon Lady

10.30.8 It’s ISTANBUL [Not CONSTANTINOPLE]

“How much?”
“€22, but for you, sir I make you special price, €20.”
I grab my heart and fake a coronary…“You can do it for €11.”
“Sir your are trying to Kill ME!... €18.”
“€11.”
“Please sir, I must make a living, for you… €15.”
“€11”
“Sir, Please… my family…Ok last price, €14”
“€12”
“Oh no sir…I can’t do that, Give me €13.”
“Yes you can… €12… my last price or I go there.”
As I walk away with Illy’s latest tchotchke find for €12, the shopkeeper is still shaking his head.
“Did you have to beat him up so badly?” she asks.
“I shudda got it for €11”.

But wait… this was at the end of our day in the City overlooking the Golden Horn. First a few facts before we begin the day’s adventure.

Founded 2,500 years ago by a band Greeks as Byzantium, Istanbul is the only city in the world to have been the capital of both an Islamic and a Christian empire. As the jewel of the Byzantine Empire Constantinople was the most important city in Christendom for more that 1000 years. As Istanbul it was the seat of the Ottoman sultans, rulers for a 500 year Islamic empire that stretched from the Black Sea and the Balkans to Arabia and Algeria.

Our day started with a bit of uncertainty as we did not find our guide and driver waiting for us at the gate as they did in Izmir. While the girls were becoming increasingly nervous, a quick call to the agency rep. assured us that he would find us after I indicated our location at the terminal entrance. 10 minutes later a young man that had scurried by me earlier looking like he had a mission but without a sign came hurrying back from the opposite end of the port and upon spotting my trademark hat and beard, flashed a hand scribbled sign CHUC MERCURIO. Full of apologies, he took us to our comfortable 12 person van and we’re off.

Our guide Serkan had suggested that we head straight to Topkapi Palace to beat the crowds who would mostly start at either the Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque. And he was, of course, right… we we’re practically alone. Tokapi means “Cannon Gate” for the 2 cannons that once topped the gate to the palace. On the way he gave us a brief overview of the city and country’s history from ancient times through the Ottoman Empire. At the Palace, he gives us the basic stats and directs us where to start and where to meet him. I was concerned that we weren’t getting our money’s worth if he didn't accompany us for details but he explained that Guides are forbidden in the various sections as they tend to block the exhibits while lecturing. We visited the various rooms of the palace and courtyard exhibits of the political and social history through the ages. The size and scope of the palace ground was enormous and our visit included the massive Kitchens to see the enormous pots and wood burning stoves used to cook the soup served to the 30,000 soldiers who would gather in the courtyard for one rebellion or another. If they agreed with the reigning Sultans decision, they ate the soup. If not, they turned their soup pots upside down to demonstrate their pleasure until some equitable agreement was reached. Too bad American politics isn’t as simple.

Another interesting portion on the palace beside the Hall of justice where the Sultan observed from behind a golden screen was the Harem. Quite extensive, it housed some interesting displays of elaborate living amongst the privileged ladies, and the young princes.
An interesting feature of every room of the living quarters as well as most private rooms throughout the palace was the small water fountain treatments or cascades set into the window casements. The constantly running water would create a “white noise”, masking conversations so that anyone lurking outside could not hear what was being discussed privately inside.

The throngs of tour groups were arriving as we headed down the street to meet our driver, at the site of the infamous prison depicted in the move “Midnight Run”. Bought by Four Seasons Hotels, a multi-million Euro Grand Luxe hotel is being built over this archeological site and will have a plexi-glass lobby floor where you can see the excavation below as it continues. What a dichotomy; from the misery and degradation of the unfortunate prison inmates... to the opulence of the well healed traveler… all in the same spot.

There’s more from Turkey, so tune in for Istanbul Pt 2, or as the teachers call it, Illy’s Tchotchkies Parade.

Ciao 4 Now,
Chuck and the overwhelmed by our guide’s intense rhetoric [TMI], Dragon Lady

10.30.8 ISTANBUL - THE TCHOTCHKE CHRONICALS

“It’s too big for him.”
‘No Dear, a 2 is just fine, he'll grow into it.”
“And I say its to big, he’s my grandbaby and I should know.”
“Yes Dear you should know… wrap it up Mustafah, she'll take that one, How much?”
“€15, but for you I make special price, yes?”
“€10.”
Here we go again…

Grandma Dragon Chick is back on the tchotchke/t-shirt hunt for the kids, and Chuckie is back to haggling. Something he does very well… he WILL NOT pay marked price. DL, on the other hand, is ready to hand over whatever Ali Baba and the forty thieves claim is “the Best price for you lady!”

But again… that was near the end of the day… for now we continue the tour of Istanbul with a few more facts and a legend or two.

Istanbul owes its historical significance to its strategic location at the mouth of the Bosphorus, This gave it control of the sea traffic in the straits between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean and the overland traffic between Europe and Asia Minor. Ankara may be the official capital of modern Turkey, but Istanbul remains the country’s largest city, most important commercial and industrial center and busiest port, accounting for more than one-third of Turkey’s manufacturing output.

Legend has it that centuries before the Oracle of Delphi told the Greek Byzas, legendary founder of Byzantium to settle an area opposite a band of blind people who had settled on the shores of the Bosphorus, Jason and the Argonauts rowed through the Bosphorus seeking the Golden Fleece and escaped being killed by clashing rocks. Could this myth have grown from earthquakes which are common here?

After catching up with our driver at the Four Seasons, we headed to lunch at a local eatery, up an alley, around the corner and down the lane. Serkan recommended the meatballs with cheese which this place is apparently well know for. We were served a nice communal salad/pickled vegetable platter with lots of goodies and crusty bread. The Meatballs arrived, and while they looked more like Wendy’s square hamburgers than balls of meat, they were very tasty. Unfortunately Chuckie’s sore throat had given way to another attack of Stomatitis caused by his radiation treatment and was having a hard time eating anything spicy or slightly dry. Overall consensus on the meal was a 4+. But the beer was good.
With lunch out of the way it was time to visit the Haghia Sophia [also known as the Aya Sofya by the Turks]
Built in 325AD by Emperor Constantine on top of at least two earlier churches, it reigned as the greatest church in Christendom for over 1000 years and through numerous destructions and rebuilds is one of the most significant religious buildings on the planet. At the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 it was converted to a mosque until declared a museum by Attaturk in 1934. This is one BIG church complete with a ramp that wound upwards to the upper gallery where the empress would be taken by horse cart to observe mass. In the center of the nave is scaffolding for the ongoing restoration that reaches nearly 15 stories high giving you a sense of the enormous dimension, of the dome, 100ft in diameter floating 180 feet above the floor, which became one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
Our guide’s passionate descriptions are only matched by the magnificence of this grand structure. The mosaics and frescos that were covered with plaster by Emperor Leo III to obliterate “graven Images” or Icons are being restored carefully and are truly magnificent representations of the art of the times.

Since he Blue Mosque will not open until 330PM we visit the site of the adjacent Hippodrome inspired by Rome’s Circus Maximus in 203AD and used for chariot races and other public events. Enlarged by Constantine it held 100,000 people. Located here are various obelisk’s including one brought from Egypt in 390Ad and a metal one shaped like entwined snakes made from the shields and swords of the Persians defeated by the Greeks in 479BC, the oldest Greek monument in Turkey.

We finally move on to the Blue Mosque, so called because of over 20,000 turquoise Iznik tiles that glow softly in the light of the 260 windows. Four massive columns support an enormous dome70ft in diameter and 142ft at the crown. Moving quickly to remove our shoes placing them in plastic bags, we enter the mosque past the rows of brass spigots that line the outside walls of the mosque.

Since the faithful are called to prayer 5 times a day, they must wash their feet, forehead, elbows and hands, before they can enter the mosque. Rain shine, 100 degree or 10 degree weather… this WILL be done. Built from 1609-1616 it is the principal imperial mosque because of the proximity to Topkapi Palace and dominates the skyline.

Then it was time to head for the Grand Bazaar and the Magical Tchotchke Tour. On the way we had many KODAK moments and Serkan tried his best to get us into his favorite jewelry store. One look at the prices and the girls were off to the Bazaar each on their own personal “more economical” tchotchke hunt.

One of the worlds largest indoor flea markets, it just one hustle after another. Easy to get lost, Serkan gave precise instruction on how to find our way out of the maze of shops and stalls. Never to fear… Chuckie’s innate sense of direction and haggling skills prevailed and with special deals in hand, we escaped unscathed save one loud exchange when Sara refused to be bullied by a particular vocal shopkeeper. 35 years teaching 5th grade and nothing backs this lady down.

The ride back to the ship was a bit fretful in the unbelievably congested traffic but we made it to the ship with minutes to spare. Bidding farewell to Serkan, the girls grabbed more booze at the “Last Chance duty free” shop. Safely boarded our floating hotel we have a quick bite in the buffet and its off to crash from a hard walking day.

Tomorrow… a sea day and Chuckie’s birthday…What will the morning bring?!?

Ciao 4 Now,
Chuck and the seriously draggin’ from a hard day walkin’, Dragon Lady.