About Me

I live in Tasmania with my husband of 40 years and have a daughter in Melbourne and a son in Launceston. My interests are quilting, theatre, reading, gardening, travel. I work as a chartered accountant.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Europe Holiday 2008 Istanbul Part 13 Day 1

Thursday morning I was up early to see the sights of the Dardanelles as we sailed through.We weren't the only ship!I think this is Gallipoli - Anzac Cove cannot be seen from the Dardanelles as it is on another stretch of water but the Australians on board were still very moved to be in the area. Not so pleased though when the tour director, in his broadcast, referred to the Myth of the Anzacs!!!!
After sailing across the Marmara Sea this is our first glimpse of Istanbul.
And the minarets of the mosques can be seen dotting the landscape.
Sailing past the Topkapi Palace (I think!)


Europe in the background and Asia to the right.

We then did a tour sailing up the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia.
Modern buildings contrast with the old.















Part of the Rumeli Fortress which was built in 4 months in 1452.


Some of the mansions on the Asian side of the Bosphorus.

This has to be a very relaxed way of fishing - which is a very popular occupation in Turkey.







Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Europe Holiday 2008 Part 12 Corinth

The next day we spent at sea catching our breath! Early Wednesday morning we arrived at Piraeus, the port for Athens, and joined a tour to Corinth. This Greek Orthodox church is situated amongst the many port buildings - a haven in a very busy city.


Don 't forget to click on the photo to see a larger image.During the 19th Century a canal was cut between the Aegean and Adriatic Seas at Corinth - we caught a glimpse of the canal as we crossed the bridgeand then stopped so we could walk back and have a closer look - it is amazingly deep when you look down between the cliffs. And this sign intrigued me - do they have ice cream with their toast in Greece?Our first glimpse of the ruins of Corinth was the Acrocorinth on the hill overlooking the ruined city. This was built as a fortress BC and parts have survived numerous earthquakes over the years.The Temple of Apollo
Images of various ruins and places around the enormous site.





And of course I couldn't resist a shot of the poppies.




The museum site has many ancient and interesting exhibits.The Head of Dionysos crowned with vine leaves (2nd c A D)The Head of Dionysos in the middle of a mosaic floor from a Roman Villa (2nd A D - 3rd A D) I could feel a quilt coming on here!


One of the many artifacts which were made about 600 B CAll too soon we were back on board our ship - we watched this Tall Ship arrive in port.
And then we sailed - not a lot of colour in the buildings and there is quite a lot of smog.

The view as we sailed out.And of course we had to celebrate Queen Beatrix birthday being on a Dutch ship - but I didn't get a piece of cake!





Friday, June 20, 2008

Europe Holiday 2008 Part 11 Split

After a night at sea we arrived in the port at Split, Croatia - a pretty city.This is a ship, the Zuiderdam, which is anchored off shore - we tendered in to the port in our lifeboats.I must admit that they hold 100+ in an emergency and we only had 70 and were very cosy. The thought of having 100+ all with those bulky life jackets is a bit daunting! Our tour took us through the Diocletian's Palace which was build around 4th century AD and, as you can see, is still used today.This is the the plan of the original building.From the 6th Century to 1950 rubbish was dropped from above through these holes into the floor below. Apparently this is why the building is so well preserved - it took 10 years to clean out all the rubbish! These are some images taken from those lower floors




And this is supposedly a marble tray which was used for food for the Emperors.

At the rear of the palace is an area which includes this statue which came from Egypt

And what is reputed to be the oldest Christian Church in Europe (maybe there are more claims than that but it was a delightful church).
And I am still fascinated with the lovely foliage which grows in the ancient walls - one was a lovely spread of snapdragons!
We then travelled down the Coast and up a river for a scrumptious lunch where we sat around tables outdoors. This was a watermill which supplied the water for the fish.


And an olive press.

Part of the courtyard.