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”
Leaving Venice. Destination: Bari
Ahoy, maties! We’re still in Venice, but not for long. We’re leaving Venice on the gigantic cruise ship, Costa Mediterranea. Moving slowly down the Giudecca Canal, we’ve just passed the Doge’s palace. Next stop: Bari, Italy. Continue reading “Leaving Venice. Destination: Bari”
Good-bye Venice, Hello Greek Isles!
If you’ve been following along, you’ll be glad to know that the rain in Venice has stopped, at least for now. I’ve dried myself off, wrung out my wet clothes, and packed them in a plastic bag. I’m ready to take a cruise. The sad news is that we have to say good-bye to Venice. But the good news is that we’re going to say hello to the Greek Isles! Continue reading “Good-bye Venice, Hello Greek Isles!”
Time to Say “Arrivederci” to Venice
It’s time to say “Arrivederci” to Venice. On our last night, we went out for a nice dinner, came back to the hotel, and started packing. The television was on while we were packing. There was the usual stuff. Then there was this… Continue reading “Time to Say “Arrivederci” to Venice”
Venice’s Jewish Ghetto
Lying in bed in our Venice hotel room early this morning, wide awake, I was thinking about a place in Venice called the Jewish Ghetto. I had read about it and was intrigued. It would be a lengthy hike, but I decided to go for an early-morning walk to check it out. Continue reading “Venice’s Jewish Ghetto”
