Beautiful Santorini and the Downward Walk of Doom

Have you seen those photos of a pristine Greek village with a panoramic vista of the sea below? Chances are, they were taken in the hilltop village of Fira, on the island of Santorini. It’s beautiful, but getting up to Fira can be a challenge. Getting back down can be worse! Continue reading “Beautiful Santorini and the Downward Walk of Doom”

Arrival at Santorini. Donkey Ride, Anyone?

Yesterday afternoon, after seeing the ruins at Olympia, we left Katakolon, headed for the Aegean Sea and the island of Santorini. Upon our arrival at Santorini, we took our place in the “cruise ship parking lot,” quite a ways from shore. Whoa. Three giant cruise ships were there at the same time. Santorini must be a popular place. Continue reading “Arrival at Santorini. Donkey Ride, Anyone?”

Santorini and the Amazing Minoans

Santorini is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. These days it’s a popular cruise stop. And guess what? Santorini is probably one of the first cruise stops on earth. That’s because the Aegean Sea was home to one of the first civilizations on earth – the amazing Minoans. We’re on our way to Santorini now. Continue reading “Santorini and the Amazing Minoans”

A Very Short History of the Olympic Games

Olympia, located on the Peloponnese peninsula, is the site of the original Olympic games. We’re here, learning about the history of the Olympic Games from an extremely informative guide. We could call him “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” but that title has already been taken. Don’t worry – we’ll just hit the highlights. Continue reading “A Very Short History of the Olympic Games”

Olympia and the First Olympic Games

Our big, air-conditioned tour bus has just pulled into the parking lot at Olympia, Greece, the site of the first Olympic games. Judging by the number of busses already here, this must be a popular place. Let’s go see. Continue reading “Olympia and the First Olympic Games”

Let’s Go See Olympia!

Yesterday we were in Italy. This morning we woke up in Greece. Such is the cruisin’ life! During the night, the ship made its way from Bari to the tiny port of Katakolon, Greece. We’re here because Katakolon is the gateway to Olympia, where the first Olympic games were held. So grab your toga! Let’s go see Olympia! Continue reading “Let’s Go See Olympia!”

Cruisin’ Toward the Ionian Sea

This morning we boarded a cruise ship in Venice, headed for the Greek Isles. Our first stop was Bari, a port city on the southeastern Italian coast. Bari was fun, but now it’s just a speck in the distance. We’re cruisin’ toward the Ionian Sea, on our way to Katakolon, Greece. Continue reading “Cruisin’ Toward the Ionian Sea”

Bari’s Secret History

Bari is a busy little port town on the southeastern coast of Italy. It’s our first stop after leaving Venice on a cruise of the Greek Isles. While doing some pre-visit research, I stumbled upon Bari’s secret history. It’s no longer a “secret,” but it’s certainly not well-known, either. Continue reading “Bari’s Secret History”

Let’s Explore Bari, Italy

Bari is a port town in southern Italy. It’s on the Adriatic coast, on the opposite side of the boot from Naples. Most Westerners have never heard of Bari, but it’s a vacation destination for Europeans. Our cruise ship has just arrived here from Venice, so let’s go explore Bari. Continue reading “Let’s Explore Bari, Italy”