Volos

In Volos - sunny. Poor connectivity so will try again in Mykanos.

Athens

Day 1

Arrived in Athens after a long flight with a crying 4 yr old on seat next to us. Short walk from local metro station to hotel where we were greeted with a coffee and bottle of water, and given directions down to the Acropolis - the view from our lunch table.

Working the Metro quite well, it's 25C outside, and have done 4044 steps so far today

Getting ready!

The packing has commenced - the suitcase is stuffed and decisions being made as to what goes and what stays. Have a few last things to do to make sure all is organized, then we're off.

Testing adding a photo by putting in directions from the metro station to the hotel in Athens - we ended up right next to the U.S. Embassy!

Testing new version of Blogger

Testing new version of Blogger since it has been a while, in preparation for Mom and I to travel on the Queen Victoria. More to come!

Day 10 - Stockholm

The Vasa! Gorgeous view as we headed into the harbor - the first time there was anything to watch as we came in. Had decided before we got there that we would spend our time at the Vasa Museum - great choice. Got transit tickets from the information kiosk, and instructions on which bus, metro and trams to take - and did OK until we hit the transition from Metro to tram - but a local who leads walking tours for the City information booth heard us talking, and said she felt it was her duty o show us the way. We prolly would have muddled it out, but with her help we were walked through the underground mall (missing the rain) in 5 minutes and caught a tram sitting there and waiting - got to the museum by 9:30, and it was relatively quiet.

 

 

We then spent the next three hours exploring everything - the Vasa is a 1600's ship that went down on its maiden voyage, only to be found in the harbor 333 years later, and salvaged such that 98% is original. Thoroughly enjoyed the museum. Also decided we were happy we hadn't used the NCL tours, if the rudeness of the one tour guide we encountered was typical of their lot.

Started back towards the main center, intending to take the metro, but ended up hearing the marching band headed for the palace, and the changing of the guard. So we followed! Saw them marching, saw the palace courtyard, and the changing through the back gate a bit, but with construction and crowds, were content with our glimpse.

Walked through the old town center, seeing a few of the sights, and enjoying the pedestrian streets, before heading back to the metro and walking to the ship. All in all, an enjoyable day, and all said they would be happy to visit Stockholm again. We treated to the same lovely view of the harbor and islands, habitués and uninhabited, as we headed back out to open water.

 

Day 9 - Helsinki

Arrived in Helsinki, and as we left the port on foot following the ship's information, we were informed that it was Midsummer's Day, and a holiday. Didn't sink in that that meant nothing was open, until Elsa had to go to the restroom, and absolutely nothing was open. She held it together until we got close to the center square, where we found a fancy hotel - I'm told they had fantastic restrooms.

After, we headed down to the local market, as it seemed to be the only thing going. Again as it was a holiday, we were informed it was a bit smaller than normal. One of the most expensive places we were - the girls got hungry, but weren't about to eat the salmon, so LL need up getting 5€ French fries.

 

 

With little else open, opted to take the boat to the UNESCO island site - enjoyed the boat ride, but choose the wrong direction to walk, and again the museums were closed. Elsa and Ainsley spent some time on a local playground, but we opted to take the next boat back. Good choice, as it started to rain shortly after we got on.

Overall, Helsinki wasn't our favorite stop.

 

Day 7 - St. Petersburg, Russia

Day 1

We got up early, had breakfast and went back to the room to grab our bags - good thing we did so, as folks were already starting to line up. Stood in line for the next bit to get off the boat, to then end up standing in the Russian immigration line - still made it through by 8:30, stamps in hand, to meet our tour guide. Unfortunately, the last party of our assigned tour wasn't so ready, as we did not get going until 9:30. Our guide was named Tatiana - never did get the drivers name.

Started the day with a hydrofoil to the Peterof Palace gardens, where we walked around, and learned a bit about Peter Ist's palace and preferences. Then headed to lunch, which was greatly enjoyed by Elsa. Afterward, we headed to Elizabeth's Palace and the Amber room. Elsa found a Russian doll, then we saw a bit of the gardens, before heading to the Peter and Paul Fortress. The whole day was a challenge for driving for two reasons - 6 ships in port, and the Red Sail celebrations for the school graduates, so the rest of us agreed to head to the ballet hall as there was no way to make the port and then have their new driver pick them up. After, we got a short stop at the souvioneer shop before heading back to the port - this time only one guy on at the immigration line, who stamped our passports back in.

After a late dinner, it was back to bed as the whole process was going to start again in the morning.