Pebble beach in Croatia

Today the boat got to Croatia about midday and anchored just outside of the city. We took the life boats into the harbor and got off in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik. All the roofs are the same terra-cotta orange color with a huge castle-looking wall surrounding the city.
From the harbor we took another boat to the Sveti Jakov beach. It looked just like a postcard with all different colored stones in the crystal clear water. As beautiful as it was, It was far from functional. Just getting knee deep involved several stubbed toes and slipping and falling into the icy water. It was super refreshing because of the heat though, which was an upside!
For lunch they served us a plate of seafood which included mussels, fried calamari, and anchovies that looked like they had jumped out of the water and onto my plate, head, tail, scales, and all. But if course I was dared to try it and I think it was probably the weirdest thing I have ever put into my mouth. Afterward we ordered a salad, but when we asked for dressing they only brought out olive oil and some kind of vinegar.
Jerry then was like, where's the ranch? Which made all of us laugh.
After lunch we relaxed in chairs by the water before having to head back to the boat.
The rest of the night was spent dancing and having fun until super late just because it was our last night.
Tomorrow we will be back in Venice for a few days and hopefully have free wifi!

"The cure for anything is salt water; sweat, tears, or the sea."
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The bridge between continents

Today the boat stopped in Europe. But after a short bus ride we were in Asia. That's because we are in Istanbul or as it was formerly known, Constantinople.
First we got to visit the blue mosque which meant maxi dresses and scarfs covering our heads.






We also got to see the hippodrome which is the Turkish form of the coliseum where they would race chariots.



Next we walked to the Haga Sofia which is a 2,000 year old church that was recently converted into a mosque and then into a museum.






Later, we got a chance to visit another Turkish rug place where the lady let me try hand knotting on the loom.






After lunch at a old palace that is now a four star restaurant, we took a ferry down the strait.






After getting off the boat we went to the old sultans palace and saw the treasury which has a 86 karat diamond!
The boat is staying in Istanbul overnight so we get to see more of the city in the morning!

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Ephesus

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:1)
After the boat stopped in Izmir, Turkey we took a bus to the ruins of Ephesus where according to Ephesians, Paul planted a church. There is even archeological proof that there were Christians living in this city. When Christians wanted to tell other Christians that they were living there, they would mark a fish on stone. The first Jesus fish!



Only about 15% of the city has been excavated so there are archeologists still working there.



The city of Ephesus is actually three cities founded by three different people groups, the Amazonian, the Greeks, and of course the Romans. You can see evidence of all three throughout the city. There are statues of some of the Greek gods and goddesses. The Greek goddess Nike is the base behind the Nike brand. You can even see the swoosh in her dress!



While excavating, the archeologists uncovered some of the most advanced work.



This is a fountain that still has part of a statue of a foot on top of the world. The neat part is that the world is round! Europeans didn't even figure that out until they ran into the Americas.
The mosaic work in the street is absolutely beautiful. Imagine the time it would take to lay all those tiles!



We also got to see the city's amphitheater and library!






After we left Ephesus, we went to a little shop and got to see weavers making the famous Turkish rugs and silk thread.
Ephesus was my favorite city yet. It was so cool to go to a place where Paul preached to some of the first Christians!

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, (Ephesians 2:19-20)

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Ancient Athens

Today we are in the capital of Greece which is named after the Greek godness Athena. We traveled by bus to the most iconic historical site in Athens, the Acropolis where the Parthenon is located.



It was built in honor of Athena and dates back to her golden age. It is located at the top a a massive hill where you can see a panoramic view of the city.



Next we walked to the Planka which is the oldest section of Athens. From there we got to see the remains of the temple of Zeus, which has almost been completely destroyed.



While there we also got a chance to shop around before heading back to the ship.
After dinner we enjoyed an amazing view of the sunset over the Greek mountains while eating tiaramisou!



The depth of hue of the water was like the depth of hue of a good red wine~ Iliad, Homer.



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Walking like the Olympians

The boat came into the Katakolon port early this morning. After getting off the boat we took a short bus ride to the ancient ruins of Olympia! First we saw the place where the first Olympic flame was lit.



We also got to see the remains of the gymnasium where all of the athletes would train and compete.



The best part was stepping in footprints from the original Olympians and watching Jerry and Elizabeth race across the first olympic track!



We drove back to the port to a small restaurant where we got to sample some authentic Greek food. It was delicious!
Greece is beautiful and all the history here is absolutely amazing. I can't wait to be in Athens tomorrow!
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Pool day in Bari

Today the boat stopped in Bari, Italy which is a really small city on the coast. So instead of walking around on the shore, we stayed aboard and relaxed at the pool. Later we ate another amazing dinner with risotto, veal, and an amazing dessert!

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All aboard!

We checked out of the hotel rather early and explored more of Venice before heading to the marina. After going through the strangest process ever, which included scanning a card and taking a mug shot, we boarded the Costa Fascinosa.
Next we had an extremely fun emergency drill where we had to stand in lines wearing the most hilarious looking life jackets while the drill was being translated into every language possible.
After the drill we had time to relax in our rooms before dinner. Dinner was amazing! It was a complete 3 course meal that looked as good as it tasted.



The rest of the night was spent exploring the huge boat which has more little restaurants and bars with entertainment than I can count! The only downside to the boat is no free wifi so I will try to post when I can.
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Venice

The plane brought us to the most gorgeous city I have ever seen. Venice is completely surrounded by water and all the colorful buildings line the cobble stone streets. But to get around the city you only have two options walk or boat. So after checking into our hotel, we wandered around the streets and saw vendors, artists, and musicians.



But the best way to view the city is from Gondola!









I am falling in love with Italy and the food is defiantly helping! For lunch/dinner we ate at a little Italian place and had toasted bread with tomatoes as an appetizer, stuffed ravioli with meat sauce and Nokia with pesto sauce, and for dessert tiaramisou gelato! We board the cruise tomorrow, I will post more then!
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Location:Rio Terà Lista de Spagna,Venice,Italy

Lazy dayz

Roasting marshmallows after a beautiful walk through the woods!

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Wine country on the river

About midday we took the autobahn to the beautiful Rhine River. We had a couple hours to spare so we took the cable cars up to the top of the mountain. We saw the most stunning views of wine country and the towns below. Rows and rows of grape vines stretched toward the sky.



At the top, we walked to a huge monument from one of the French vs German wars. From the monument we saw a panoramic view of the entire river valley.


We boarded the boat just seconds before the boat pulled away from the dock, but thankfully we made it. We motored up and down the beautiful river and saw amazing castles on cliffs and adorable villages below.






After the sun sank below the horizon and the darkness settled over the river we saw an amazing fireworks show that completely made up for not being able to see them on the Fourth. At one point our boat drove right by the spot they were setting them off, which gave us a front row seat!






We got back to port at around midnight and then got stuck in the worst traffic since everyone tried to leave at once. But we stayed in a hotel for the night so we were able to get some sleep.

"Beneath me flows the Rhine, and, like the stream of Time, it flows amid the ruins of the Past." -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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The beautiful country of Luxembourg

Early in the morning we drove to the country of Luxembourg. It's about an hour and a half away even on the autobahn. First we stopped at the Luxembourg American memorial cemetery where the famous General Paxton is buried. Afterward, we arrived in the city and had an interesting encounter with the worlds smallest parking garage; however, we made it up to the tourist office and got a tour for 2 o'clock.
While we waited, we ate lunch at a little cafe. We ordered a bunch of small plates and ate a delicious family style meal. The tour covered the walking area of historic Luxembourg. Our tour guide wasn't exactly the peppy type, but I did learn a ton!
Luxembourg is famous for banking. The bank of Luxembourg is absolutely gorgeous. It is built on a hill and looks like could be a modern day Gringotts or Hogwarts from Harry Potter!


After escaping from the tour, we explored the casemates. These are underground galleries in a fortress that dates back to 1644.
Luxembourg was so gorgeous. I could feel all the beautiful culture and heritage all around the cobblestone streets, castles, and houses right on top of each other. Even though most people don't even know about this little country, going there was totally worth it!

"There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going." --Helen Keller

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Independence Day

We drove to the US Air Force base late in the afternoon and went the small Fourth of July parade which consisted of spinning rides, cotton candy, and a ferris wheel! After, we headed back home and did dinner American style, burgers on the grill and eating on the patio. The Air Force base was going to set off fireworks so we went to Burgnanstein castle for the best view.


The castle is hundreds of years old and still retains some of its former beauty which made it the perfect spot to take pictures.


Even though the fireworks didn't workout because they were being shot too low, we plan on seeing some Saturday at the Rhine river. Off to Luxembourg in the morning! I will post more soon.
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Location:Tausendmühle,Bruchmühlbach-miesau,Germany

auf Wiedersehen and Guten Tag!

Sunday, July 30 -
Heading toward security, passport in hand, with my bestie,
for our flight to Germany.

Monday, July 1 -
Arrive in Frankfurt and drive south to our home
for the next five weeks!

"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king."

-J.R.R. Tolkien The Fellowship of the Ring