The last 2 days have been in Athens, where we have enjoyed 2 very different experiences. The first was a bus ride to the southern tip of Greece, along the beautiful coastline. There we saw the temple of Poseiden, positioned on a hill with sheer cliffs on 3 sides. All around were fields of flowers. I think we were all surprised at how great this excursion turned out. Our tour guide for our time in Greece was our favorite yet. We did not want to say goodbye to her.
On the way back, we stopped for lunch at a restaurant on the coastline. Interesting to see octopus hanging in the sun to dry. The food there was very good.
Also, we were given a tour of the Parthenon, atop the Acropolis. Breathtaking. We stopped or drove by several other important historical sites in the city.
On our final day in Athens, we were given a tour of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, which ranks as one of the top 10 Museums in the world. The art history students were in heaven. After the tour, we had a fantastic lunch at the cafe on the grounds. It took us by surprise at how good it was.
After a short rest, we had time to walk around the markets of Athens. Another short rest, and off to a dinner theater, which was our final meal in Athens. Everyone was exhausted, so we cut it short, and returned to the hotel for our final rest, before our journey home.......
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Santorini
Santorini has to be one of the more beautiful places in the world. Long ago, there was a huge volcanic explosion, which is one of the largest known. The tip of the volcano is still visible and all the land around it collapsed, leaving a large central lagoon. Sheer cliffs are approx 1000 ft high and the depth of the water at the center is approximately 1300 ft deep.
One can walk to the top, donkey ride, or cable car. There were some very funny moments related to donkey rides. [We took the cable car] You will see some breathtaking photographs from the top.
One can walk to the top, donkey ride, or cable car. There were some very funny moments related to donkey rides. [We took the cable car] You will see some breathtaking photographs from the top.
Rhodes and Crete
We visited the island of Rhodes, where 1 of the 7 Wonders of the World was once located. It was a giant statue of Colossus of Rhodes. It was a statues more than 107 feet high. Pictures depict sailing ships sailing between the legs of the giant, but it was actually located atop the highest hill, according to our guide. Once again, our guide was great, and she had many stories beyond the typical historical facts surrounding the fortress city/state.
We re-boarded our ship and sailed to Crete. There we visited some of the earliest known archeological sites, where the civilized Minoan culture existed. The restorations afforded us an insight into how the culture lived, as well as some great photos. It is interesting how the columns are more slender at the bottom. Several Friezes were able to be restored.
Then, back on the ship, and we were on our way to our next port!
We re-boarded our ship and sailed to Crete. There we visited some of the earliest known archeological sites, where the civilized Minoan culture existed. The restorations afforded us an insight into how the culture lived, as well as some great photos. It is interesting how the columns are more slender at the bottom. Several Friezes were able to be restored.
Then, back on the ship, and we were on our way to our next port!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Finally a reliable Internet Connection
Hello families and followers of our Greek Trip!
We have Just gotten back in our hotel in Athens, and we will update the blog within the next 2 hours. We have attempted to update from the ship, but the connection worked only once. On land, time for us to sit in an internet cafe was rarely possible since we were always on the move with the students.
The students are having a Great! time. Everyone has learned a ton of new information, and we have seen some of the most important historical sites of all time. We'll fill you in shortly......
........We're baaack. Check out the link on the right that says 'Greece 2009' for a few photos. More to come later tonight, along with more details of our fabulous trip.
We are getting ready to round up everyone for dinner in Athens...
We have Just gotten back in our hotel in Athens, and we will update the blog within the next 2 hours. We have attempted to update from the ship, but the connection worked only once. On land, time for us to sit in an internet cafe was rarely possible since we were always on the move with the students.
The students are having a Great! time. Everyone has learned a ton of new information, and we have seen some of the most important historical sites of all time. We'll fill you in shortly......
........We're baaack. Check out the link on the right that says 'Greece 2009' for a few photos. More to come later tonight, along with more details of our fabulous trip.
We are getting ready to round up everyone for dinner in Athens...
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Mykonos, Ephesus & Patmos
We had a wonderful time strolling around the beautiful island of Mykonos, and feasted on wonderful Greek food. The kids partied at the disco on board and woke early for a tour of the ancient site of Ephesus, in Turkey. This afternoon we sailed to Patmos where we saw the monastery of St John and the grotto....Photos to follow
Monday, April 6, 2009
On Board the Aquamarine
After a GREAT breakfast at the hotel, we took another great bus to Piraeus, where we boarded our cruise ship. Although it has been raining, we were able to stay dry from boarding the bus to boarding the ship.
Accommodations are fine, the staff are friendly and efficient, and there are lots of activities on board. We're headed to Mykonos, where we will do a tour this afternoon.
Accommodations are fine, the staff are friendly and efficient, and there are lots of activities on board. We're headed to Mykonos, where we will do a tour this afternoon.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Aquamarine Cruise Ship
Contact info as requested for the Cruise Ship Aquamarine
fax 00 87130934613
tel 00 87133034611
fax 00 87130934613
tel 00 87133034611
Athens!
Hello parents and blog followers
The bus to the airport was fine. Check-in went without a hitch. The KLM flight to Amsterdam was very smooth. The food was actually good, and there was a ton of entertainment, including first run and classic movies, to electronic games, to Berlitz Greek lessons.
In Amsterdam, we met our guide, Paul, and he was friendly and efficient. He had a wait a bit, as a piece of carry-on luggage was left on the plane, but we managed to obtain it without too much hassle. The bus that took us to the hotel in Athens was one of the finest buses we have ever traveled in.
We checked into the Titania, which is located in a choice part of town, and the hotel is first rate.
After a short rest, we commenced a walking tour of the nearby sites. Following the tour, we had a good dinner in a lovely restaurant in the city.
After dinner, we walked back to our hotel, where we had a meeting in a meeting room. From the meeting room you could be the Acropolis lit up in the background. There we went through all the particulars and procedures pertaining to the following days on board the cruise ship. We are all exhausted! Pictures to follow when we have more internet access time...
Captain Stewart
The bus to the airport was fine. Check-in went without a hitch. The KLM flight to Amsterdam was very smooth. The food was actually good, and there was a ton of entertainment, including first run and classic movies, to electronic games, to Berlitz Greek lessons.
In Amsterdam, we met our guide, Paul, and he was friendly and efficient. He had a wait a bit, as a piece of carry-on luggage was left on the plane, but we managed to obtain it without too much hassle. The bus that took us to the hotel in Athens was one of the finest buses we have ever traveled in.
We checked into the Titania, which is located in a choice part of town, and the hotel is first rate.
After a short rest, we commenced a walking tour of the nearby sites. Following the tour, we had a good dinner in a lovely restaurant in the city.
After dinner, we walked back to our hotel, where we had a meeting in a meeting room. From the meeting room you could be the Acropolis lit up in the background. There we went through all the particulars and procedures pertaining to the following days on board the cruise ship. We are all exhausted! Pictures to follow when we have more internet access time...
Captain Stewart
Saturday, April 4, 2009
30 minutes until Meeting at the Bus
This is it folks. The Greece Trip! We're really excited. Lots of photos and drawings will come out of this trip. We'll keep you posted!
Captain Stewart
Captain Stewart
Sunday, March 22, 2009
12 DAYS TIL GREECE!
Final payment of airport tax ($395) is due now!
Also please bring $20 for the group T-shirts designed by Katherine Kreek ASAP.
Good News! Your transportation to and from the airport has been provided & the cost donated by a parent. We will meet at the new atrium entrance of the school & travel together in one bus. Parent pick up before & after the trip will be at the same location. Timing to follow.
See you all at the lunch meeting Wednesday May 24th.
Also please bring $20 for the group T-shirts designed by Katherine Kreek ASAP.
Good News! Your transportation to and from the airport has been provided & the cost donated by a parent. We will meet at the new atrium entrance of the school & travel together in one bus. Parent pick up before & after the trip will be at the same location. Timing to follow.
See you all at the lunch meeting Wednesday May 24th.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
New Flight Info
We just got updated flight times from Mariden. The flight schedule is as follows:
Departure:
KL0642 Sat, April 4 JFK- Amsterdam 5:40 pm, arrive 7:15 AM KL1575
Sunday April, 5 Amsterdam-Athens 9:25 departure, arrive 1:40 PM
Return:
KL1576 Sunday, April 12, Athens-Amsterdam, leave 5AM, arrive AMS 7:30 AM
KL0643 Sunday April 12, Amsterdam-JFK, leave 1:30 PM ( customs in US) arrive
JFK 3:25 PM.
53 Days!
Departure:
KL0642 Sat, April 4 JFK- Amsterdam 5:40 pm, arrive 7:15 AM KL1575
Sunday April, 5 Amsterdam-Athens 9:25 departure, arrive 1:40 PM
Return:
KL1576 Sunday, April 12, Athens-Amsterdam, leave 5AM, arrive AMS 7:30 AM
KL0643 Sunday April 12, Amsterdam-JFK, leave 1:30 PM ( customs in US) arrive
JFK 3:25 PM.
53 Days!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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