This is the DH, still uploading pictures. It is still a rather involved process of exporting, uploading and linking. The DW is helping me by proofreading my posts.
This was such a wonderful trip, and the best part was that I was able to spend all of my time with the DW. Going back through the pictures has been a blessing since I can relive some of these fabulous adventures!
Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes was a beautiful place! Brilliant, blue water, crystal clear skies and warm sunshine! We had a wonderful day walking through the old city, and exploring the Grand Master's Palace.
Our tour guide was very proud of the fact that the island and its inhabitants had maintained their Greek language and heritage even though Rhodes has been occupied and ruled by several foreign nations over the last few centuries.
We saw where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood across the entrance to the harbor. That would have been something to see in its day. The DW writes all about it in her detailed account of our day in Rhodes.
Ephesus, Turkey
From Rhodes we sailed to Kusadasi, Turkey, and took the excursion to the the ruins of Ephesus. Ephesus at one time was a major port city. Today the ruins of the city are several miles from the sea. Part of this was due to the silt buildup from the river, but mostly the change occured because this is a very active geologic area. There are earthquakes recorded in this area often. Part of the original harbor lifted up, pushing the sea out several miles from the city.
Ephesus was never put under siege or sacked by an opposing army, so much of the city's foundations remain intact. There is a huge archeological work going on in the city.
We had a sea day after we left Ephesus, and it was Easter Sunday. For the Easter Sunday post, the DW shared the sermon that she gave on Palm Sunday. We had a song service on Palm Sunday, singing several hymns. I was so proud of the DW for sharing with the congregation. There wasn't a dry eye in the place when she finished. She did wonderfully!
Istanbul, Turkey
From Ephesus we sailed to Istanbul, Turkey for an overnight stay. The first day in Istanbul we took a tour of the Sultan's Palace, and went into the Blue Mosque. I snuck a picture of the huge diamond that they had on display in museum while the security guards weren't looking.
They also had David's sword and Moses' staff on display. Our tour guide had a master's degree in antiquities, and he said he could bore us for hours giving us the provenance of those pieces, but he assured us that they are authentic.
On the evening of the first day we went to a concert at one of the palaces located on the Asian side of Istanbul. This was named the Peace Choir because it was made up of Christians, Jews and Muslims. They did some wonderful traditional Turkish music.
On Day 2 we took the excursion to the Hagia Sophia Church. The church was originally built in the Sixth Century. It has been rebuilt several times, but more recently the church has been converted into a mosque. Our waiters (Azwi and Dani) were very excited that they were able to visit the mosques in Istanbul to pray there. We were very happy for them.
Next up are Greece and Italy! More soon ....
Wonderful to be able to visit so many interesting places and to come back to a lovely ship each evening.
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