Positano, Italy; Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Haifa, Israel

A New Reality

Sunday, August 16, 2020

 

So, OK, you caught me!  I was desperate and frantically searching for inspiration to write a blog post.  I needed help.  The practical half of Roving Raconteurs (that would be Roger) suggested I look through the “idea file.”   Now that’s a folder where we stash interesting articles regarding travel.  It usually comes into play when we are researching destinations for an upcoming trip.  Not quite a situation we’re experiencing during this time of non-travel Covid—but hey, there it was:  an article by Gina Kramer, published on the Cruise Critic web site a long time ago, detailing several iconic cruise ports.  Places that just should not be missed.  Aha!!  We had been there, done that, and had the photos!!!  A blog post was born.

So, here is an armchair trip to 4 beautiful ports in the Mediterranean:

POSITANO, ITALY

Positano as seen from the road approaching town.
Positano as seen from the road approaching town.
Driving the Amalfi Coast is an adventure ! The views are fabulous!
Driving the Amalfi Coast is an adventure! The views are fabulous!
We parked at the upper portion of town and walked down to the shore.
We parked at the upper portion of town and walked down to the shore.
Positano
Positano
Positano merchants with their inviting shoppes beckon along the way.
Positano merchants with their inviting shoppes beckon along the way.
Ahhh, even in the rain and mist, Positano is welcoming!
Ahhh, even in the rain and mist, Positano is welcoming!
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You might think this is an arduous walk, and the return to the car was, definitely,more challenging, but the simple beauty of this trek is awesome! We did not complain…..well, not too much!!!
Oh look, somewhere up there our car and driver are waiting for us!!!
Oh look, somewhere up there our car and driver are waiting for us!!!
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We were here in November. Can’t you just imagine the sun, warmth and beauty of summer!!! This is why return visits are important.
It is so worth it!!!!
It is so worth it!!!!

SANTORINI, GREECE

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This is the village of Oia. It is located on the island of Santorini. These blue domes may be one of the most iconic sights in Greece!!!
Another gorgeous view of Oia.
Another gorgeous view of Oia.
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I can still remember sitting along the wall up there on the right–under the awning and enjoying the breeze. Sigh…..Classic Greek Isles!!!
Oia
Oia
The windmills in Santorini.
The windmills in Santorini.
A bit of architectural whimsy.
A bit of architectural whimsy.
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Can you see life imitating art as a workman completes repairs at the Orthodox Cathedral.
Beautiful Santorini
Beautiful Santorini

KUSADASI, TURKEY

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This is the functional yet charming port area of Kusadasi, Turkey (gateway to Ephesus).
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The fort on Pigeon Island is the first thing you see as your ship sails into port.
This is a modern city with really good shopping!!!
This is a modern city with really good shopping!!!
Mosque near the port
Mosque near the port
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On the way to Ephesus, we stopped at the home where the Virgin Mary spent her last days.
The Upper Agora of Ephesus
The Upper Agora of Ephesus
Varius Baths, 1st Century AD
Varius Baths, 1st Century AD
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Basilica, 1st Century AD, Trade Center where Merchants Engaged in Business and Bankers Changed Money.
Trajan Fountain (2nd Century AD), originally 2 stories high
Trajan Fountain (2nd Century AD), originally 2 stories high
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Temple of Hadrian (2nd Century AD), Frieze of arch contains myth of Ephesus’ establishment
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The ruins of the Library of Celsus, built by Tiberius Julius Apuila as a funerary memorial for his father, Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanuson. This was the third largest library in the Roman world and held over 1000 scrolls.

HAIFA, ISRAEL

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We were aboard the MS Amsterdam in the Spring of 2016. This photo was taken from Mt. Carmel in Haifa, Israel.
The views are breathaking.
The views are breathaking.
The architecture is modern.
The architecture is modern.
This is an amazing city.
This is an amazing city.
And this is the iconic view from Mt. Carmel.
And this is the iconic view from Mt. Carmel.

We hope you enjoyed the photos.  We had a great time reliving the drive along the Amalfi Coast; the breathtaking beauty of cruising through the Greek Islands; learning the history of Ephesus and touring through the Holy Land.  It’s true, some of these photos date back to 2009 (the most recent is November 2016).  But still, just seeing these foreign destinations again makes us realize how eager we are to be out in the world once more!  Hopefully you too, feel that pull to adventure.

It may be a blessing, but more likely it’s a curse, that we find beauty in every port we visit.  There is ALWAYS something unique and interesting to remember.  Of course, when you select destinations based on your interests, how can you be disappointed.  The trick is to find the information necessary for decision-making.  And with that in mind, may we recommend a couple of web sites that provide a great deal of information geared to travel planning:  www.cruisecritic.com for cruises and www.thepointsguy.com  for all types of travel.  These are 2 sites that will whet your appetite for adventure.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

2 thoughts on “Positano, Italy; Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Haifa, Israel”

  1. Delightful! A wonderful post and tantalizing photos. I hope your “idea file” is full since it would be great to see more of these special, encouraging posts 🙂
    I noticed that MSC is sailing now and Carnival maybe in November. Seems too soon from a North American point of view, but, like your posts, that news contributes something positive to think about!

    Stay calm and carry on! Patricia

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