We arrived home safe and sound.
We had a wonderful time on our trip!!
Time to start planning Wayne and mine's Caribbean cruise in May 2010 :)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Hello From London!
We finally made it to London. Our flight was 2 hours late leaving Barcelona because of high winds in London. Winds were 150kms an hour but were down to 85kms by the time we landed. I guess I am glad we waited because I thought it was a very bumpy landing and don't think I would have liked any higher winds.
Tonight we are both having a bath (finally) since our cabin on the ship only had a shower and we are both bath people.
Tomorrow we will hit the big city again for more sightseeing.
We fly home on Monday - and we are both ready!
Tonight we are both having a bath (finally) since our cabin on the ship only had a shower and we are both bath people.
Tomorrow we will hit the big city again for more sightseeing.
We fly home on Monday - and we are both ready!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Sea Day #3
I woke around 8am and went up and had coffee outside in the sun. Another sunny day and 17C.
The birthday girl got up at 9:30. We went up to the free cruise draw (which we didn't win) and then went for lunch. We had a pretty relaxing day.
We went and had a birthday drink at the bar in bar city at 2pm.
We went to Lisa & Boyd's cabin for a before dinner drink with the Taskers at 5pm and then we all went to the Grand Pacific Dining Room for dinner at 5:30. For dessert Wayne had bought Carleigh a yummy cake with strawberries in the middle which the wait staff brought to the table and sang Happy Birthday to her.
After dinner we literally ran to the theater to watch the comedy show at 7:30 and then back to Lisa & Boyd's after the show. Back to the cabin by 9pm.
Tomorrow we plan a leisurely breakfast and hope to be one of the last off the ship.
The birthday girl got up at 9:30. We went up to the free cruise draw (which we didn't win) and then went for lunch. We had a pretty relaxing day.
We went and had a birthday drink at the bar in bar city at 2pm.
We went to Lisa & Boyd's cabin for a before dinner drink with the Taskers at 5pm and then we all went to the Grand Pacific Dining Room for dinner at 5:30. For dessert Wayne had bought Carleigh a yummy cake with strawberries in the middle which the wait staff brought to the table and sang Happy Birthday to her.
After dinner we literally ran to the theater to watch the comedy show at 7:30 and then back to Lisa & Boyd's after the show. Back to the cabin by 9pm.
Tomorrow we plan a leisurely breakfast and hope to be one of the last off the ship.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Rome
We woke at 7:15am today. We were going into Rome by ourselves today. The Taskers wanted to be off the ship by 7am but that is too early for us since we are on vacation.
It was another sunny day today but only 14C. We had a quick breakfast and were off the ship by 8:40 but we missed the train to Rome so we had to wait at the station for the 9:41 train. We arrived in Rome at 10:54. We walked to the hop on bus (at the opposite end of the station which took about 10 minutes)
We had a nice but chilly ride on the bus seeing all the major sites of Rome. We got off at Trevi Fountain and then walked to the Pantheon. We walked back to Trevi Fountain and stopped at a pizza place for real Italian pizza (sausage) which was really good. We got back on the bus and went back to the termini to catch the train. We caught the 2:39 train back to Civitavecchia. We had a short but sweet visit to Roma!
We walked around for a little while once we got off the train. I wanted to be back by sunset which was 4:50 and we were back on board at 4:30pm.
We went to the early show “Smokey Joe's Cafe” We sailed at 8pm while we were in the show. We also went to the late show which was a farewell show put on by the staff and crew. We then headed up to the buffet for the Chocoholic Buffet – YUM!
Tomorrow is our final full day on board the Jade and Carleigh's birthday!!
It was another sunny day today but only 14C. We had a quick breakfast and were off the ship by 8:40 but we missed the train to Rome so we had to wait at the station for the 9:41 train. We arrived in Rome at 10:54. We walked to the hop on bus (at the opposite end of the station which took about 10 minutes)
We had a nice but chilly ride on the bus seeing all the major sites of Rome. We got off at Trevi Fountain and then walked to the Pantheon. We walked back to Trevi Fountain and stopped at a pizza place for real Italian pizza (sausage) which was really good. We got back on the bus and went back to the termini to catch the train. We caught the 2:39 train back to Civitavecchia. We had a short but sweet visit to Roma!
We walked around for a little while once we got off the train. I wanted to be back by sunset which was 4:50 and we were back on board at 4:30pm.
We went to the early show “Smokey Joe's Cafe” We sailed at 8pm while we were in the show. We also went to the late show which was a farewell show put on by the staff and crew. We then headed up to the buffet for the Chocoholic Buffet – YUM!
Tomorrow is our final full day on board the Jade and Carleigh's birthday!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Naples
We had a early alarm this morning since we were meeting the Taskers for breakfast at 7am.
Today was a beautiful sunny day. We were off the ship by 7:45 but missed the 8am ferry to Sorrento by minutes so had to wait for the 9:10 ferry. Carleigh and I went back on board the Jade so she could eat since she missed breakfast.
We took the ferry which took 35 minutes to get to Sorrento. Once there we had a bit of a walk uphill with lots of steps to get to the town from the waterfront. At the top the views were wonderful. We lost the Taskers on the way up the hill but found them again in town. Carleigh and I then went our own way planning to meet up again at the train station at 1pm.
Carleigh and I wandered up and down the quaint little streets for a few hours stopping for gelato for lunch (the store showed pictures of sandwiches outside but once inside we were told they didn't have sandwiches so we got the next best thing – gelato!)
We went to the train station a little early and so did the Taskers so we got an earlier train to Pompeii. We arrived there around 1pm. Pompeii is much larger than I thought it was going to be. We walked around until 3 and then took the train back to Naples. We were back on board by 4pm and our first stop was the buffet for something to eat.
We had a quiet evening since our legs and feet were tired from all the walking we did today. Tonight's show was a tribute to Celine Deon which we passed on since neither of us our fans of hers.
Early to bed tonight.
Tomorrow Rome!
Today was a beautiful sunny day. We were off the ship by 7:45 but missed the 8am ferry to Sorrento by minutes so had to wait for the 9:10 ferry. Carleigh and I went back on board the Jade so she could eat since she missed breakfast.
We took the ferry which took 35 minutes to get to Sorrento. Once there we had a bit of a walk uphill with lots of steps to get to the town from the waterfront. At the top the views were wonderful. We lost the Taskers on the way up the hill but found them again in town. Carleigh and I then went our own way planning to meet up again at the train station at 1pm.
Carleigh and I wandered up and down the quaint little streets for a few hours stopping for gelato for lunch (the store showed pictures of sandwiches outside but once inside we were told they didn't have sandwiches so we got the next best thing – gelato!)
We went to the train station a little early and so did the Taskers so we got an earlier train to Pompeii. We arrived there around 1pm. Pompeii is much larger than I thought it was going to be. We walked around until 3 and then took the train back to Naples. We were back on board by 4pm and our first stop was the buffet for something to eat.
We had a quiet evening since our legs and feet were tired from all the walking we did today. Tonight's show was a tribute to Celine Deon which we passed on since neither of us our fans of hers.
Early to bed tonight.
Tomorrow Rome!
Sea Day #2
We both slept in today. The Captain gave his morning announcement at 10am and that woke us up.
I went up for a coffee and sat outside in the sun while Carleigh got ready. We missed breakfast so we had an early lunch.
I wasn't feeling very well today. It may have been something I ate or drank (we did have a bit of wine with dinner last night).
We had a pretty quiet day. Watched some TV and walked around the ship.
Dinner was the buffet again and then we went to see the show in the theater – “Extreme Vegas” which was just ok. When that was over I went to the atrium to watch the entertainment cast sing songs from Broadway.
Tomorrow Naples – Sorrento & Pompeii
I went up for a coffee and sat outside in the sun while Carleigh got ready. We missed breakfast so we had an early lunch.
I wasn't feeling very well today. It may have been something I ate or drank (we did have a bit of wine with dinner last night).
We had a pretty quiet day. Watched some TV and walked around the ship.
Dinner was the buffet again and then we went to see the show in the theater – “Extreme Vegas” which was just ok. When that was over I went to the atrium to watch the entertainment cast sing songs from Broadway.
Tomorrow Naples – Sorrento & Pompeii
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Venice day 2
Today was a little overcast but not raining so I took the ship shuttle ferry to St Marks Square and walked around for a few hours. Much drier than yesterday. The raised walkways were still there but not being used. Bought a few souvenirs and then went back to the ship. On the shuttle on the way back it started to rain again.
We sailed at 2pm.
At 4:30pm we met the Taskers and Lisa and Boyd for Margarita madness. At 5:30 they kicked us out as the bar area becomes the Mexican restaurant. We all went back to our cabin to finish our drinks.
We then all went up to the Italian restaurant for dinner at 6:30. The meal started with antipasto (meat, cheese, tomatoes, olives etc.) then everyone (except Carleigh who only ordered a salad and an entrée and I only ordered the entrée) ordered an appetizer and a first main and an entrée. Some had soup, salad, calzone or chicken Parmesan, pizza and then the entrée. This was way too much food. I had the Tiramisu for dessert and it was wonderful.
After dinner we got a private room and played Wii and sang some karaoke.
Called it a night around 10:30pm
Tomorrow is a sea day
We sailed at 2pm.
At 4:30pm we met the Taskers and Lisa and Boyd for Margarita madness. At 5:30 they kicked us out as the bar area becomes the Mexican restaurant. We all went back to our cabin to finish our drinks.
We then all went up to the Italian restaurant for dinner at 6:30. The meal started with antipasto (meat, cheese, tomatoes, olives etc.) then everyone (except Carleigh who only ordered a salad and an entrée and I only ordered the entrée) ordered an appetizer and a first main and an entrée. Some had soup, salad, calzone or chicken Parmesan, pizza and then the entrée. This was way too much food. I had the Tiramisu for dessert and it was wonderful.
After dinner we got a private room and played Wii and sang some karaoke.
Called it a night around 10:30pm
Tomorrow is a sea day
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Venice
I woke this morning early to watch our sail into Venice. Beautiful!
Then I went and woke Carleigh and we met the Taskers at 10am. Their daughter Rose is in Venice to visit since she is studying in Vienna. We walked from the ship to Pl. Roma. We met Rose there at 10:30. We hoped a vaporetto (ferry) and headed to the island of Murano. Beautiful glass is made on Murano. We walked around a bit and then it started to rain a little so we stopped for a coffee. We then went to a factory and watched them blow glass. We stopped at a little store that was having a closing for the season sale. Carol and I both picked up a few little things. We had planned on going to Burano where they make lace but it was raining heavier by then so we headed to St Marks Square. By the time we got there it was pouring! We walked through the square on raised sidewalks (see photo). We were going to find a place for coffee to warm up but Carleigh and I decided we were too cold and wet so we went back and took the ferry back to Pl. Roma and then grabbed a taxi to the port. We where back on the ship by 3:45pm. Changed into dry clothes and headed up to the buffet for a bite since we hadn't eaten since breakfast. Came back to the cabin to try to get warm and had a little nap. Went to trivia tonight and then another small bite and then back to the cabin. I got a chill today and I am having a hard time getting warm. Hoping for some sun tomorrow but the weather is calling for more rain :(
We are in Venice until 2pm tomorrow.
Venice is amazing but the rain is dreadful!
Wayne you will have to bring me back here when the weather is warmer and dryer :)
Then I went and woke Carleigh and we met the Taskers at 10am. Their daughter Rose is in Venice to visit since she is studying in Vienna. We walked from the ship to Pl. Roma. We met Rose there at 10:30. We hoped a vaporetto (ferry) and headed to the island of Murano. Beautiful glass is made on Murano. We walked around a bit and then it started to rain a little so we stopped for a coffee. We then went to a factory and watched them blow glass. We stopped at a little store that was having a closing for the season sale. Carol and I both picked up a few little things. We had planned on going to Burano where they make lace but it was raining heavier by then so we headed to St Marks Square. By the time we got there it was pouring! We walked through the square on raised sidewalks (see photo). We were going to find a place for coffee to warm up but Carleigh and I decided we were too cold and wet so we went back and took the ferry back to Pl. Roma and then grabbed a taxi to the port. We where back on the ship by 3:45pm. Changed into dry clothes and headed up to the buffet for a bite since we hadn't eaten since breakfast. Came back to the cabin to try to get warm and had a little nap. Went to trivia tonight and then another small bite and then back to the cabin. I got a chill today and I am having a hard time getting warm. Hoping for some sun tomorrow but the weather is calling for more rain :(
We are in Venice until 2pm tomorrow.
Venice is amazing but the rain is dreadful!
Wayne you will have to bring me back here when the weather is warmer and dryer :)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Dubrovnik
Woke to overcast skies this morning.
Went up for breakfast and met Lisa & Boyd and then Sean & David.
Headed out with them and Carol at 8:30am. We walked to the old city (25 minute walk from the ship). It rained off and on while we walked. The temperature today was 16C. By the time we reached the old city the rain had let up. We stopped at a cafe for coffee and the sun came out for a little while. We started walking around and quickly stopped for some ice cream/gelato which was delicious. Carleigh and I then decided to go our own way. We bought tickets to walk the wall (old Dubrovnik is a walled city) It is a 2km walk around the wall and the views are spectacular! We then walked around the lower part of the city. It is really a lovely place.
Then when we had saw all we wanted to see, we grabbed a cab (10euro) and went back to the ship for lunch.
I went back out later to a store at the pier that sold everything from groceries to washing machines.
Back on board I was able to steal some free internet to upload the photos for today. I wish I could have done more but the netbook does not hold a charge very long. I will try again in Venice.
Tonight we went to the Blue Lagoon for dinner. We then went to the show “Showdown” which is like American Idol.
Then we walked around a bit before heading to the cabin for the night.
Tomorrow Venice!
Went up for breakfast and met Lisa & Boyd and then Sean & David.
Headed out with them and Carol at 8:30am. We walked to the old city (25 minute walk from the ship). It rained off and on while we walked. The temperature today was 16C. By the time we reached the old city the rain had let up. We stopped at a cafe for coffee and the sun came out for a little while. We started walking around and quickly stopped for some ice cream/gelato which was delicious. Carleigh and I then decided to go our own way. We bought tickets to walk the wall (old Dubrovnik is a walled city) It is a 2km walk around the wall and the views are spectacular! We then walked around the lower part of the city. It is really a lovely place.
Then when we had saw all we wanted to see, we grabbed a cab (10euro) and went back to the ship for lunch.
I went back out later to a store at the pier that sold everything from groceries to washing machines.
Back on board I was able to steal some free internet to upload the photos for today. I wish I could have done more but the netbook does not hold a charge very long. I will try again in Venice.
Tonight we went to the Blue Lagoon for dinner. We then went to the show “Showdown” which is like American Idol.
Then we walked around a bit before heading to the cabin for the night.
Tomorrow Venice!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Sea Day 1
I woke up around 7:30am (8:30 old time) and went up for breakfast and exploring the ship and let Carleigh sleep in. Beautiful warm morning. I sat outside at the back of the ship to eat. Then walked a few laps around the jogging track and then went around taking photos.
I went back to the cabin to get ready for the cruise critic meet & greet and got Carleigh up (around 10am). Meet & greet was well attended.
We went for lunch to the buffet and then I went to the past guest party (for the free drinks!)
We had a pretty quiet day since most of the activities were for the older guests (bridge, knitting, Veteran's gathering, etc.) Carleigh thinks Carnival has better activities and I think she is right.
We went to Lisa & Boyd's cabin for drinks with the Taskers at 5pm. Then we all went to dinner at Alizar at 7:30.
Tomorrow Dubrovnik!
I went back to the cabin to get ready for the cruise critic meet & greet and got Carleigh up (around 10am). Meet & greet was well attended.
We went for lunch to the buffet and then I went to the past guest party (for the free drinks!)
We had a pretty quiet day since most of the activities were for the older guests (bridge, knitting, Veteran's gathering, etc.) Carleigh thinks Carnival has better activities and I think she is right.
We went to Lisa & Boyd's cabin for drinks with the Taskers at 5pm. Then we all went to dinner at Alizar at 7:30.
Tomorrow Dubrovnik!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Athens
Our cabin is really quiet and I slept great last night!
A beautiful day today in Athens.
We got up and I went up to meet everyone for breakfast and no one was there. Lisa and Boyd arrived a little after 8am and then Carleigh arrived a few minutes later. David arrived at 8:20 thinking it was 7:20 because in the daily paper which we get a day early, there is a time change tonight but they thought it was last night. Finally got everyone together and we headed out about 9:30. Walked to the Metro station and took the train into Athens. Got off at the Acropolis stop and walked towards the Acropolis. It is being worked on so lots of scaffolding around it – not great for taking pictures. We walked up a hill near it and the view of Athens was amazing!!
Walked down into the main area and stopped for a coffee/tea. Then we walked and walked. Stopped for lunch at a little cafe. As we were eating this man ran by very fast followed by a policeman who stopped to pick up the purse the man had dropped while running away. I guess purse snatching is a problem here. For the rest of the day I held mine a little closer and tighter.
We walked around for a while longer before heading back about 4pm.
On the walk back to the ship from the Metro we stopped for a beer (everyone but Carleigh & I had one), but when they had a second round we decided it was time to leave. We were back on board by 5pm (sail at 8pm).
We went up to the buffet for dinner.
We went to see the show “SHOUT!” which was music from the 60's and then the comedy show (same show as last night)
Tonight we set our clocks back an hour.
Tomorrow is a sea day so we are hoping to sleep in!
A beautiful day today in Athens.
We got up and I went up to meet everyone for breakfast and no one was there. Lisa and Boyd arrived a little after 8am and then Carleigh arrived a few minutes later. David arrived at 8:20 thinking it was 7:20 because in the daily paper which we get a day early, there is a time change tonight but they thought it was last night. Finally got everyone together and we headed out about 9:30. Walked to the Metro station and took the train into Athens. Got off at the Acropolis stop and walked towards the Acropolis. It is being worked on so lots of scaffolding around it – not great for taking pictures. We walked up a hill near it and the view of Athens was amazing!!
Walked down into the main area and stopped for a coffee/tea. Then we walked and walked. Stopped for lunch at a little cafe. As we were eating this man ran by very fast followed by a policeman who stopped to pick up the purse the man had dropped while running away. I guess purse snatching is a problem here. For the rest of the day I held mine a little closer and tighter.
We walked around for a while longer before heading back about 4pm.
On the walk back to the ship from the Metro we stopped for a beer (everyone but Carleigh & I had one), but when they had a second round we decided it was time to leave. We were back on board by 5pm (sail at 8pm).
We went up to the buffet for dinner.
We went to see the show “SHOUT!” which was music from the 60's and then the comedy show (same show as last night)
Tonight we set our clocks back an hour.
Tomorrow is a sea day so we are hoping to sleep in!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Izmir
Another night of little sleep. Woke up the same time as the night before (1:30am). Called down to the desk and they sent up a security guy. He heard it and knew what is was and where it was coming from – the kitchen below us. Within 10 minutes it had stopped but started up again.
Woke up at 7am and met the Taskers for breakfast at 8. Then we all went out to see the sights. It had been raining but it let up by the time we left the ship at 9. Not a whole lot to see in Izmir. It started raining again at one point and we stopped and huddled under a large umbrella for some shelter (see photo – Sean had set the camera to timer mode and he hit a button by mistake that changed the color of the photo).
Walked around a bit more but we were wet so all but David grabbed a cab and went back to the ship.
When we got back I went to see about a room change and they had a new room for us so we changed rooms (this is the trip of room changes). We are now in an obstructed view room but my big concern was what was above and below the cabin – just cabins above and a hallway below.
Met another woman (Lisa) that I had met online today for a drink. She and her husband are joining us on our tour of Athens tomorrow.
Carleigh went to the buffet for dinner while I met Lisa and then joined me while I ate at the Blue Lagoon.
Tonight we went to see the comedy show.
Tomorrow Athens and they are forecasting sunny and 26 C - finally some sun and heat!
Woke up at 7am and met the Taskers for breakfast at 8. Then we all went out to see the sights. It had been raining but it let up by the time we left the ship at 9. Not a whole lot to see in Izmir. It started raining again at one point and we stopped and huddled under a large umbrella for some shelter (see photo – Sean had set the camera to timer mode and he hit a button by mistake that changed the color of the photo).
Walked around a bit more but we were wet so all but David grabbed a cab and went back to the ship.
When we got back I went to see about a room change and they had a new room for us so we changed rooms (this is the trip of room changes). We are now in an obstructed view room but my big concern was what was above and below the cabin – just cabins above and a hallway below.
Met another woman (Lisa) that I had met online today for a drink. She and her husband are joining us on our tour of Athens tomorrow.
Carleigh went to the buffet for dinner while I met Lisa and then joined me while I ate at the Blue Lagoon.
Tonight we went to see the comedy show.
Tomorrow Athens and they are forecasting sunny and 26 C - finally some sun and heat!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Istanbul day 3
Woke up early this morning. Didn't sleep well last – cabin is very noisy at night from the workers. Haven't figured out where it is coming from but I did go down to the front desk first thing and issued a complaint. NCL have been great in contacting me throughout the day and if it is still an issue tomorrow we hopefully will get moved.
Carleigh wanted a sleep-in day so I met Carol, David & Sean (the Taskers) for breakfast and then we took a tram to a Mosque to take some photos. We then went to the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar. What an amazing place! The Grand Bazaar is huge – 5000 stores! I was glad I was with them (they had been before) or I would still be there trying to find my way out.
We then walk to a little sweet shop so Sean could buy some Baklava and then we stopped at a cafe for a coffee. (and Sean shared his sweets).
Next stop was a small grocery store to pick up some water and pop. Then Carol, Sean and I came back to the ship and David went off to a tower to take some photos.
For lunch Carleigh and I went up to the buffet (again).
I met with one of my cruise critic/facebook friends Cheryl at 2pm. It was nice to meet after talking online for a few months.
This afternoon I went to the Muster drill (Carleigh had gone in the morning).
Carleigh and I grabbed a bite to eat at Blue Lagoon and then went to the Canadians social to meet fellow Canadians. Only about 20 of the 235 on board were there.
Met the Taskers for dinner at one of the restaurants but they had a line up so we went to the buffet (Carleigh and I just had dessert) and had a nice chat about our plans for tomorrow in Izmir.
Early evening tonight and hope I sleep better.
Carleigh wanted a sleep-in day so I met Carol, David & Sean (the Taskers) for breakfast and then we took a tram to a Mosque to take some photos. We then went to the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar. What an amazing place! The Grand Bazaar is huge – 5000 stores! I was glad I was with them (they had been before) or I would still be there trying to find my way out.
We then walk to a little sweet shop so Sean could buy some Baklava and then we stopped at a cafe for a coffee. (and Sean shared his sweets).
Next stop was a small grocery store to pick up some water and pop. Then Carol, Sean and I came back to the ship and David went off to a tower to take some photos.
For lunch Carleigh and I went up to the buffet (again).
I met with one of my cruise critic/facebook friends Cheryl at 2pm. It was nice to meet after talking online for a few months.
This afternoon I went to the Muster drill (Carleigh had gone in the morning).
Carleigh and I grabbed a bite to eat at Blue Lagoon and then went to the Canadians social to meet fellow Canadians. Only about 20 of the 235 on board were there.
Met the Taskers for dinner at one of the restaurants but they had a line up so we went to the buffet (Carleigh and I just had dessert) and had a nice chat about our plans for tomorrow in Izmir.
Early evening tonight and hope I sleep better.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Nov 2/09 Istanbul day 2.
We headed up to the rooftop terrace for breakfast. It is a lovely spot with a great view. A plentiful breakfast of breads, biscuits, cookies, fruit, cereal, cheese, meats, olives, juices and wonderful coffee.
We enjoyed the sunshine while watching it rain.
After breakfast it stopped raining and we went out for a walk.
Checked out and took a cab to the ship.
We were on board the Jade by noon. We walked around exploring and grabbing a bite to eat.
Speaking of eating – Something I had the night before was not agreeing with me and I didn't feel like venturing too far so stayed on board today.
Our room was ready by 2pm and our luggage was there by 3pm. We unpacked and settled in to our cute little cabin. We then went up to the card room for a nice window view of the city (it started raining just as we were boarding) We played cards and trivia. My ears had been bothering me since the flight yesterday and they finally cleared while we were laughing. My head feels so much better!
We met David & Carol for dinner at the buffet and then Carleigh and I went to play group trivia (we didn't win) and then went to see the welcome aboard show. Then back to the room to relax and work on this blog.
Tomorrow – getting up early to sightsee/shop before we set sail at 2pm!
WILL POST PHOTOS TOMORROW
We enjoyed the sunshine while watching it rain.
After breakfast it stopped raining and we went out for a walk.
Checked out and took a cab to the ship.
We were on board the Jade by noon. We walked around exploring and grabbing a bite to eat.
Speaking of eating – Something I had the night before was not agreeing with me and I didn't feel like venturing too far so stayed on board today.
Our room was ready by 2pm and our luggage was there by 3pm. We unpacked and settled in to our cute little cabin. We then went up to the card room for a nice window view of the city (it started raining just as we were boarding) We played cards and trivia. My ears had been bothering me since the flight yesterday and they finally cleared while we were laughing. My head feels so much better!
We met David & Carol for dinner at the buffet and then Carleigh and I went to play group trivia (we didn't win) and then went to see the welcome aboard show. Then back to the room to relax and work on this blog.
Tomorrow – getting up early to sightsee/shop before we set sail at 2pm!
WILL POST PHOTOS TOMORROW
Nov. 1/09 Istanbul day 1
We got up early for our 9:50am flight to Istanbul.
Headed to the airport and walked around waiting for our flight to board. Grabbed a quick bite and then boarded our plane. We were a little late leaving but finally took off. The weather was raining and windy so the first part of the flight was bumpy. They served a hot breakfast of some kind of meat my little plastic knife couldn't cut, 3 potato nuggets, tomato slice, what Carleigh said was eggs, yogurt, fruit, roll with jam and juice.
The weather in Istanbul was similar to London and got bumpy as we started to descend. The pilot came and said we were starting our approach and it may be bumpy. Then a loud buzzer sounded twice and then a recording announced “ATTENTION ATTENTION THIS IS AN EMERGEN...” 5 seconds later the pilot came back on apologizing for pressing the wrong button. I think I needed to change my pants!
Our landing was bumpy but I was just glad to be on the ground!!!
I had arranged with the hotel to have a car there for us which of course wasn't there. We waited and waited and I finally met the man who worked for our hotel but our name was not on the list. I am so glad I printed off the email and brought it with me since the driver called the hotel and he said he hadn't received my email with our flight info. We then had to wait again but I am not sure why because he did not speak good English. Finally I said we were taking a cab and left him trying to talk us into staying.
Arrived at the hotel to the owner apologizing his emails from that time had been deleted.
We checked in to the hotel – very cute little place in the old section of the city with VERY narrow roads.
Carol & David, our Tasmanian friends from our last cruise came by with their son Sean and we went out for a beer and then some Kebabs and another beer at another place. The waiter at the second place loves Canada and joked with Carleigh, giving her the store's number and telling her to call him. The food was ok but the beer was good.
It was a fun evening.
Headed to the airport and walked around waiting for our flight to board. Grabbed a quick bite and then boarded our plane. We were a little late leaving but finally took off. The weather was raining and windy so the first part of the flight was bumpy. They served a hot breakfast of some kind of meat my little plastic knife couldn't cut, 3 potato nuggets, tomato slice, what Carleigh said was eggs, yogurt, fruit, roll with jam and juice.
The weather in Istanbul was similar to London and got bumpy as we started to descend. The pilot came and said we were starting our approach and it may be bumpy. Then a loud buzzer sounded twice and then a recording announced “ATTENTION ATTENTION THIS IS AN EMERGEN...” 5 seconds later the pilot came back on apologizing for pressing the wrong button. I think I needed to change my pants!
Our landing was bumpy but I was just glad to be on the ground!!!
I had arranged with the hotel to have a car there for us which of course wasn't there. We waited and waited and I finally met the man who worked for our hotel but our name was not on the list. I am so glad I printed off the email and brought it with me since the driver called the hotel and he said he hadn't received my email with our flight info. We then had to wait again but I am not sure why because he did not speak good English. Finally I said we were taking a cab and left him trying to talk us into staying.
Arrived at the hotel to the owner apologizing his emails from that time had been deleted.
We checked in to the hotel – very cute little place in the old section of the city with VERY narrow roads.
Carol & David, our Tasmanian friends from our last cruise came by with their son Sean and we went out for a beer and then some Kebabs and another beer at another place. The waiter at the second place loves Canada and joked with Carleigh, giving her the store's number and telling her to call him. The food was ok but the beer was good.
It was a fun evening.
Catching Up
Our flight to London was very smooth and event free. A snack and a hot breakfast helped kill some time. Neither of us slept but we might have if it had not been for the noise coming from the seat behind. The man snorted his nose every few minutes (very loudly) and then he fell asleep and snored (very loudly). This is the second time I have had a noisy person behind me on an overnight flight to London (and it only my second flight to London).
Having arrived with no sleep, we were both very tired. We did a little shopping at the airport and then went to our hotel hoping to check in early. We were in luck and our room was ready. We had a quiet day napping and trying to adjust to the time change. Pizza from the hotel restaurant for dinner and we called it a night.
We woke up refreshed and ready to go.
We took the shuttle back to the airport (which didn't charge for Carleigh because under 15 is free – she is almost 21!) and then the tube into London – first stop Harrods! What a store!
We picked up a store guide with map. We went to see the Diana & Dodi memorial. Then went window shopping to see what we will buy on our return in 2 weeks.
Then we got back on the tube and went to Covent Gardens. While riding the tube it says that Covent Garden's tube stop can be busy especially on the weekend. Not paying attention we got off at that stop. Big mistake! VERY busy with a huge line for the lift so we decided to take the stairs. I really need to pay attention to what I read since as we started up the steps it clearly said “these stairs have 193 steps”. This did not sink in until we were up a few steps and the crowd behind was growing so no turning back. The higher we climbed the more people were stopped taking a breath. We made it without stopping but needed a rest at the top.
Covent Gardens has a huge market there on Saturdays. We wandered around but it was really really busy and hard to look at anything so we went looking for a map. Finally found one of the area and started walking. We walked to the Strand and then went on to Waterloo bridge. Walked along the Thames until we got to Big Ben. At this point we had walked off the map I had so I went looking for a bigger one with no luck. I stopped and asked a Bobbie and Bobbiette how to get to Buckingham Palace (BP) and they directed us in that direction. We walked past Westminster Abbey and there was a sign with directions to BP. Once at BP we tried to get back on our map to get to Piccadilly Circus. We headed in that direction but missed a little and ended up at Trafalgar Square. I had been here last time and remember how to get to Piccadilly from there. We walked 2 blocks and we were back on the map. Ending at Piccadilly we wanted to get a bite to eat at a pub – no such luck. We walked and walked all the side streets but couldn't find one. Finally came to one – the Red Lion and it was lined up out the door! We went back to Piccadilly and got pizza at a Pizza Hut! (this was our second meal of pizza and we hadn't even reached Italy yet!)
We headed for the tube to go back to the hotel but the tube was not running from that station so we walked to the next station but not running from there either. We ended up taking a different tube line in the wrong direct to another tube line and then finally getting on our tube which was standing room. Finally made it back to the hotel after a very full day of sightseeing!
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