So Long Farewell-------!!!

Today is our last day in Athens as we leave tomorrow for our flight home to Australia. What an epic journey this has been at times more like boot camp(especially on the cruise!!!) But Oh the sights we've seen, the places we,ve visited. As in all journeys there have been ups and downs . Those terrible waits at train stations and airports. The hoards of people and lines for everything---even the toilet!! But those glimpses of heavenly places made it all worth while. I must thank my good friend Brenda for being a wonderful time keeper and waking me at all the right times to catch whatever!!! She is also the best map reader and has kept us on the right track---well most of the time!!! Venice was a challenge!!

My daughter Shelley gave me a bracelet for my birthday with a heart charm. She said that it represented the  love of our family. I have added so many charms from many different but this heart is still my most precious charm.

We have visited many islands from Ireland to the Scottish islands, Rhodes and Crete and the Greek Islands but to me the most beautiful of all islands is Tasmania. Our pristine beaches with no footprints are one of our most valuable assets. Our wonderful forests and mountains are so far without the hoards that invade European countries----lets keep it that way!!!

I am looking forward to going home to little Forcett----our home among the gum trees!!! Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I believe there's no place like home. I thank my family and friends who have followed our blog and sent emails and their love. Especially Liz who has kept me in touch with Tassie Art news. I think with love of Marj and Joan who have both said they get up in the morning, make a cuppa and read our blog!!!! Especially I thank my darling David who has called me every 3rd or 4th day to see how I'm going and whose timing for these calls was amazing!!! To my little bruv Dave who has kept me going technically when emailing was difficult.

Its been great taking you all on our epic journey. I'll miss writing this post every day on our blog----its been fun!!! Thank you also to my many friends who have kept us in their prayers. I am sure I've have an angel or two very close when we were in difficult situations. It has been a great journey. So many thanks and blessings to you all

Sue and Brenda---last dinner on Aquamarine.

Love From Sue Banks.

Athens Delphi and more 1 and 2nd October 2010

We finished our cruise in Athens on Friday after a wonderful day on Crete and Santorini. I loved Santorini although it was a very hair raising ride in the bus around a winding road that went up a very sheer cliff---scary moments but I'm becoming used to them on this trip---faced all my fears on this trip!! Santorini was so beautiful. The bus dropped us at the top and we walked through little narrow lanes winding along passed the cliff top. Strange to think we are actually on a volcano!! They believe this is where Atlantis was before a major earthquake caused it to slide into the sea---up there you can imagine it too---for you Liz!!! Loved the views from here---very spectacular of white houses, blue domes and all cave houses clinging to a sheer cliff!!!

Cave houses and hotels Santorini

Church Santorini

Sue on the cliffs Santorini!!

Loved this place----a touch of heaven here except for the fact we had to come down in a cable car!!! Cant believe I did it again----only with Brenda's help and encouragement!! The only other way down was on a donkey trail----sooooo steep!! Also not covered by insurance as most people end up down the hill before the donkeys!!! Anyway it was pretty fast and better than a donkey for sure!!

Brenda and Sue at Apollo's Temple Delphi.

When we disembarked at Athens we caught a coach at 7.30am and headed for Delphi. I have always wanted to visit this site and it is in a very beautiful part of Greece!! Apollo sure knew how to pick his place!!! This was excellent but again up a very steep slope and we had to walk on marble stairs that were very slippery so combined with the heat this was a difficult climb!! But well worth it!! Apollo's temple is quite spectacular with its beautiful Ionic columns. Loved the Museum here---so many examples of statues in Classicism and realism that we are studying in Art Theory. I especially loved The Chariot Racer----so very beautiful!!

We both felt exhausted after our cruise and day at Delphi so we are relaxing at the pool today and enjoying a lovely swim. Feel very safe as there are Police everywhere with machine guns as the Chinese President is staying here!! Inside there are Chinese security men everywhere with ear pieces and looking very conspicuous with there black suits----bit funny really!! Last blog tomorrow!!!!!

Mykanos, Turkey Patmos and Rhodes.

Internet at last!!! There is internet on the boat but its very expensive and now I am getting fussy with internet costs. I am in a little internet cafe in Rodes (in the old walled city!!) where for the price of a coffee wifi is free!!!!

Sue on Aquamarine leaving Athens

Mykanos

So much to catch up on my blog. The ship is not the best----typical Trafalgar!! But meals are OK and land tours are great so I just stay out of the cabin as much as possible----hard to swing the proverbial cat!!! So my first Island was beautiful Mykanos!! I loved this Island---walked to Venice Beach----where Shirley Valentine was filmed. We were in time for sunset which really was spectacular!!  I loved my time here wandering the tiny streets and lane ways. The colours are only white and blue so outside stairs and shutters are painted blue----so beautiful!!! I hope I get back here one day!!

Next we travelled to Turkey and spent a wonderful day here. David recommended Ephesus and many thanks Dave it was spectatular!! I thougt I had seen enough ruins to last a life time but this city really is quite amazing---just in its size. Streets and incredible library. Loved it thanks Dave. I would like to come back to Turkey and explore it one day with heaps more time!!

Ephesus Turkey

Patmos

Then we went to Patmos. Such an interesting island. This is where the apostle John was exiled and had his vision with the book of Revelation.We went to this Grotto and it was inspiring! Views in Patmos are beautiful---with all the islands in the distance. WE had a Greek night last night that was fun!! Greek dancing---even Zorba!!! It is very hot but ship has good air con!

Athens and the Acropolis 26-9-10

Temple of Zeus.

We set out for the Acropolis on a hot day---for us--31o. Cant say that Athens appeals to me the way our Italian cities have. There are many huge areas of great poverty in Athens and we are warned all the time about pickpockets. However the ancient part of Athens is so beautiful. The Temple of Zeus was highlighted with the blue sky and I loved our photos here.

The Acropolis

Sue in Athens

The long walk to the Acropolis was hard in the heat but it is such an wonderful sight that it was worth it!! It is a strange feeling when you have seen this in so many art history books and suddenly its before you---really awesome(and I use that word rarely!!) We loved our time here but the heat was hard for us so we went back to our hotel and had a little siesta----or the Greek equivalent!!

Olive Trees at the Acropolis.

Tomorrow we leave on our boat for the Greek Islands and I have no idea if I can get Internet access but I will certainly try. You have no idea the little internet cafes I found along the way.!!!!

To Athens 25-9-10

Today we flew to Athens with Aegean Airlines. We were so impressed with this airline after a bad experience with British Airways. The service was wonderful with very pleasant staff----sure makes a difference!

There was a mess up with our accommodation so the Hotel----and a very posh one at that!!) gave us a free dinner. IT was a three course dinner with a glass of red!!! Sure made our day!!!

Our favourite seat on steps of the Grand Canal.

Chilli's in Venice

Arriverdechi Venice!!

I have no photos of Athens yet so I'll post a couple of our last day in beautiful Venice.

Last night in Venice

Today we walked Venice and did all the last sights we missed before we leave tomorrow. What a beautiful city this is. For me its not all the magnificent churches and architecture but the small canals with the beautiful old buildings abutting the little arch bridges. Often with a gondolar and a gondolier silently moving through the water. Everyone is different with subtle shades of lighting---Oh for a brush and palette!!!

Last night we sat on our little deck overlooking the grand Canal and ate a meal with wonderful Italian food-----bullallo Motzerella tomatoes with the flavour of Italy Basil that smells sooooo good etc!! Tonight is our last nigt and traditionally we go to a little restaurant. We have picked one with tables overlooking the Grand Canal and I am sure mine willbe Pizza----love Neopolitani with anchovies!!! mmmmmm cant wait. This Italian food is THE BEST!!! Tomorrow we go to Milano----be sad to leave beautiful Venice!!

Venice and Burano

We have had two days in Venice and I love this city on islands. Our hotel is in a great place on the Grand Canal and we have a little balcony overlooking the canal. Our room looks like a set from Phantom complete with chandelier. Even our reading lights are mini chandeliers. I was a bit worried the first night that the Phantom would come swinging in on the Chandelier!!! Above our bed is a big gold mask!!! All very over the top Italian.

Beautiful Venice!!

We have walked Venice---and yes got lost or as Brenda puts it "temporarily disorientated!!!" All these little bridges look the same after a while!!

The Doges Palace--Venice

We went to the Doges Palace yesterday and it was breathtaking in its beauty! I loved it here.

Today we went by ferry to the beautiful islands of Brurano and Murano. At Murano we saw the beautiful Venetian glass and Brurano is a painters dream---would love to sit here and paint!!!
Tonights dinner is on the balcony overlooking the Grand Canal---bread cheese tomatoes and a bottle of wine!! Bellissimo!!!