Out of Africa (and Asia)

12 hours out of Port Said, we had entered a new climate – noticeably cooler and without the haze of Asia and Africa. As well as the weather changing, I also feel a change within myself as we enter Europe – in an odd way I feel as if I’m coming home.


Unfortunately political events down under have alienated me from most other passengers who seem to be rusted-on conservatives. Most seem to be crowing over Rudd’s demise as well as whingeing over Gillard’s accession. I felt impelled to tell one group – gloating loudly – to keep their bigoted, greedy, racist views to themselves to which they responded – “so you’d rather have Stalin?” I responded that they would be looking for Stalin too after a year of Tony Abbott.

I am now in a personal fix – whether to stick up for my principles, or subside into the ooze of greed and bigotry or just give up. Suddenly all my options appear to be on the table.

Athens – the white trash of Europe?

Yesterday I went ashore in Athens which we were visiting in advance of our normal schedule due to a national strike planned for the original date. I was very pleasantly surprised. I’d been joking around the ship
that I might buy Athens seeing as it is going so cheep! Quite the contrary – bustling, clean, vibrant and interesting compared with our stops in Asia and Port Said. The Acropolis was brilliant, except I lost my group and ended up wandering around for half an hour after they left – in the end getting onto one of the other tour buses. Athens itself was interesting and the Plaka - a traditional shopping area – very interesting with good outdoor eating too – a place to revisit.

approach to Acropolis

The Acropolis

ancient and modern Greeks

Athens from the Acropolis

more Athens

Museum of Antiquities

Then overnight we sailed to the Turkish port of Kusadasi for our tour of Ephesus. The port was delightful – many outdoor cafes around the waterfront – modern clean and attractive – another place to spend more time in.

Ephesus itself was overwhelming. A 1 kilometre walk through the ruins of this huge city (of 500,000 in its heyday) – Rome’s eastern capital. It was the home of St Paul, St John and is said to be the resting place of the Virgin Mary. Problem with these places is that one could spend weeks there, whereas we had 2 hours but at least long enough to feel the place in a very deep way – even though 3000 others are there with you!

approach to Ephesus

Ephesus doorway

Main street - Ephesus

amazing 25000 seat stadium

the donor was a big black labrador

Now we are headed for Istanbul, threading between the Turkish and Greek Islands. I would love to come back here again.

I have taken heaps of photos – far too many for the blog – so just a few to provide a taste of the visits.