Istanbul (not Constantinople) and other lovely places

This year marked our 30th anniversary, so my Schmoopie and I took a nice trip to Greece and Turkey. Y’all, it was amazing! One ship, eleven cities, many buses, one cable car, zero donkeys. 68 miles walked, with pleasure! We could not have asked for more perfect weather. 60s and 70s, sunny, and breezy. Family and friends came along on the trip too, so of course that made it extra fun.

ATHENS

We stayed in a hotel near the Acropolis, so we walked all through the Plaka and flea market after our plane landed. The next day we ventured to the top of the Acropolis to see the Parthenon. The climb is not for the faint of heart, but the views of the city are so lovely.

After suffering through airplane and hotel coffee for a couple of days, I was so happy to visit this place near our hotel and order a stout cappuccino that instantly vaporized my jet lag. The Athenian man sitting next to our little group seemed amused by my continual “oh my word this coffee is so amazing” and various other grateful exclamations.

There’s me sitting next to my big sister Leigh at the little bar. I’m the one that looks like I’m on my last legs. I cropped out the rest of our coffee party since I’m not sure if they want to be featured on my blog. I’ll apologize to Leigh later. ha!

The lovely cafe proprietor patiently taught me how to say thank you in Greek (Efkaristo!) pronounced ef-ha-ri-STO, a phrase I used a lot, along with kalimera (good day!).

THESSALONIKI AND PHILLIPI

After coming into port at Thessaloniki, we took a bus to see the excavated ancient city of Philippi. It was pretty cool to see the prison cell where the apostle Paul likely spent an eventful night. You can read about that adventure in Acts 16.

Our very chatty guide was Michail. I do not believe he drew breath for about four hours straight. He knew a wealth of information and his goal was for you to hear all of it. I confess I removed my ear piece at some point. Let me tell you, even though the temperature outside was only in the 70s, that mediterranean sun is strong. I was overheated and pretty grateful to get inside the museum at the end of the tour. Shown above is Tyche, patron goddess of Philippi, who looked especially arresting wearing the city wall on top of her head.

ISTANBUL

We found Istanbul to be beautiful, historical, bustling, and clean. Our excellent and witty guide, Yunal, escorted our group to the ancient architectural highlights of the city, all astoundingly well-preserved. The hippodrome (featuring an Egyptian obelisk from the time of Moses), the Roman cistern below the city, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia. And just like any clever tour which exits through a nice little shop, our excursion concluded with the Spice Market.

Day Two in Istanbul we were on our own, so we walked into the city from the port to see the medieval era Galata Tower and the area around it. The tower is shown up there ^ the first photo of the post. It’s one of the oldest towers in the world, built in 1348 by the Genoese.

My sister and I wanted to drink authentic Turkish coffee made in the traditional way so my mister found a tiny alleyway cafe (Nostalgia Cafe Karaköy) that boasted lots of good reviews, and we loved it.

The coffee was brewed in heated sand, tableside, and presented in tiny pretty cups. Y’all, I’m telling you, after I drank this spiced coffee I was thinking in 4D. I could have solved all the world’s problems. But alas, the effect was temporary. By the way, do not drink the grounds in the bottom of the cup. Ask me how I know.

On the way back to the ship, we passed through the duty-free shop in the port. As you can see, the Turkish surgeon general does not play. This is unambivalent language. LOL There were still smokers everywhere.

KUSADASI AND EPHESUS

After arriving at port in Kusadasi, we took a bus to the archeological site of ancient Ephesus with our fantastic and witty guide, Aishe. Only about 20% of the city has been excavated, which is very well preserved as it was buried in landslides after a series of earthquakes. The harbor, which was once next to the city, is now five miles away. Especially fascinating were the unearthed terrace houses, which still have the decorative paintings on the walls and the beautiful mosaics on the floors. BTW, the apostle Paul also caused quite a stir in Ephesus. You can read about the riot in Acts 19, and we saw what is left of the once great temple of Diana nearby. (A single column.)

On the road back to Kusadasi we made a visit at a Turkish rug store and learned how each rug is made, one knot at a time, by hand. We also saw the traditional way of harvesting silk strands from the cocoons which will be made into yarn for rugs. I walked on a silk handmade carpet and y’all, it was lush. But way too expensive for the Hollands. The Turks are very determined salesmen, but they were pumping a dry well.

THIRA (AKA SANTORINI)

Our lovely guide, Viera, who is from Fira, on the island of Thira, informed us that Santorini is actually the name of the five-island archipelego, not a single island. So Thira (not Santorini) is the famed island on which is the city of Oia (pronounced EE-uh), where the oft-photographed blue domed churches are.

As soon as we arrived, we were passed by other tourists who were bristling with cameras and literally sprinting to get in line for THE SHOT. After learning we’d have to wait two hours in the sun for our Moment with the blue domes, we gladly opted out. So here we are with the blue domes from a nice distance. Gorgeous day! I apologize for my shocking lack of gossamer ball gown blowing artfully in the wind.

But before you can get the bus to Oia, you must get up the steep cliff to Fira from the harbor:

Both cities are built into the side of the cliffs and every street is at steep angles, so never fear, even if you wear out the donkeys or sit in the cable car, it will still be 100% leg day all day. And that is good, because before you leave Oia you absolutely have to stop by Lolita’s Gelato and devour as much as you can hold. Best gelato I had on the entire trip! Also got an amazing Cafe Americano that will put some hair on your chest, so I was very sad to have to pitch the rest of it in the trash under the disapproving gaze of our bus driver.

RHODES AND LINDOS

Rhodes was a beautiful stop and another day of perfect weather. We took a bus to Lindos and climbed the acropolis there for lovely views of the heart shaped lagoon below and scarfed down more gelato. Passionfruit flavor, two thumbs up! We also toured a pottery studio and I got a few souvenirs. We didn’t get a chance to tour the medieval castle near Rhodes port because it did start to rain, so we opted to return to the ship and relax.

MYKONOS

Bad weather blowing in almost canceled our stop in Mykonos, and that would have been a shame, because it turned out to be my second favorite stop. It’s just beautiful, you can easily explore on your own, and the atmosphere was very chill. Cats lounging on every ledge and gorgeous little alleyways and nooks everywhere you looked. Plus the ubiquitous young influencers leaning sexily over walls and rocks, trying to get the perfect selfie in completely unself-concious fashion. I am aware of the irony of mocking influencers as I upload my own pictures to my blog but this is different LOL

The blustery weather held off all afternoon so we were able to enjoy every bit of our exploring and get back to the ship before the bottom dropped out. Loved it! Different story after the ship was underway that evening with high winds and big swells. Someone named Larissa got a little seasick. It was insult added to injury, because we were already having to pack to get off the ship in Athens the next morning. Boo!

We arrived safely at home in Atlanta after traveling 5000 miles in 24+ straight hours. I was happy to add my new magnets to the fridge and look through all our photos. It was such an amazing trip, and we feel so grateful to God that it all went off without a hitch! Happy 30th to you, Schmoop. I love you, and here’s to more fun trips!