October 26, 2021 
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Iโm not good in the sun but Sarah comes alive in the scorching hot weather. So i sloshed on my sun cream as it was already 36 degrees outside (ouch) Iโve also bought myself a โTactical Sun Hatโ to try and keep myself cooler in the sun and provide a little shade with the wide rimโฆIt worked really well but i was still dripping like a candle in a Salvador Dali painting! ๐คฃ ย
View our full day in Corinth
February 10, 2021 2 Comments
โ๏ธ #38 The Blind Sightseers “Escape The Lockdown” With Distant Memories: “Itea, Greece”๐ฌ๐ท(2017)
Hi friends and welcome to Day 38 of this monumental, inconceivable and definitely memorable blind sightseers tour….!ย
Good morning friends! (ฮฮฑฮปฮทฮผฮญฯฮฑ ฯฮฏฮปฮฟฮน)ย ๐ ย
Letโs see where the โBlind Sightseersโ are going today… ย
ย Youโll visit the glorious mountain setting for this monastery with outstanding Byzantine mosaics. Osias Loukas (Holy Luke) settled here in the early 10th.century and the church was built over his grave around 963 AD. It is the earliest extant domed-octagon church, and is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
On the dockโฆ๐ณ ย
The Thomson excursion team didnโt disappoint again and were waiting for us as we stepped off the ship. The kind man (sorry forgot his name) walked us to the correct coach as they have booked us the front 2 seats again. He also climbed aboard and said โIโm coming on this tour too and i can keep an eye on you both so you donโt get lost or have any disastersโ. โFantasticโ i said to Sarah as it makes us less stressed knowing there is one of the excursion team (and not just the local guide) on the trip with us.
On the coach…๐
โWowโฆThere are loads of goats in a field. Steve if you could see youโd really like this, lol!โ ๐คฃ ย
Yay weโve arrived…
As the monastery was set in the hills there was not much to see as we stepped off the coach. The guide then led us to the top of the steps that circled round and down to the monastery.
โSteve we have lots of long steps going down, iโll let you know when the next one is approachingโ Thank you my loveโ i said stepping down the first step. Sarah continued โStep down nowโฆthen 1, 2 , 3 flat steps and then step downโ I obviously have to slow down because if i slip or fall just once i could twist or snap my ankle (especially with my weight, lol). โ1,2, step down, 1, 2, 3 step downโ isnโt my wife amazing?!ย
There must have been about 2,000 steps as it took ages, but we wer’nt last and the Thomson man walked with us all of the way, i told you he was a kind man! ๐
At the bottom of the steps…ย
Reaching the bottom of the steps without tripping or slipping once (thanks to my amazing guide Sarah) there was a small cafe, shop, monastery and a museum. โWow youโd neve guess all of this was here when looking from the topโ i said whilst looking at this beautiful place. ๐ฒ ย
The guide said we have about 10 minutes before we can go inside the church. It was lovely in the courtyard and looking over the valley down below.
As i was taking the 2 photos above i knew i couldnโt get the whole landscape in 1 photoโฆBut i know someone who can!!!ย
โข๏ธ HEALTH WARNING…Youโve guessed itโฆA stupendously sublime Sarah panorama.
Then as we were looking out (arm around each other) soaking up the hot sun, the Thompson man walked up behind us and asked if weโd like a photo together? โWow yes pleaseโ. Another photo of me and Sarah iโll cherishโฆ๐ ย
The church…๐
The guide said we had to wait for the monks to disappear as they donโt want to be around us, so they have to leave and not be seen. โThatโs evangelismโ i said as the guide was passing Sarah an ankle length skirt. โYou have to put this on if you want to go insideโ.
As we walked inside the church it was a lot cooler (i was thankful for that) and it also had a peaceful atmosphere. The knowledgable guide told us all about the architectureย of the church and the golden mosaics of the saints and apostles. I didnโt start a discussion on the Iconoclastic ControversiesโฆI just enjoyed listening to the guide whilst Sarah captured a couple of photos. ๐ย
ย Back in the courtyard…
There was a little shop where you can buy local honey, olive oil and some other lovely souvenirs. Sarah bought some honey (we thought it would be good for hypoโs) and olive oil for us to try on salads (Oopps, i accidentally said saladsโฆI meant steak, lol) when we get home. ๐คฃ ย
The queue was pretty long in the shop so unfortunately we didnโt have time to have a proper Greek coffee in the cafe. We met back up with the group and headed towards the mighty steps.
I am much better walking up steps as the step casts a shadow and i can just make out the contrast and figure out where the steps areโฆAnd itโs much easier to fall upwards than fall down and keep rolling head over heals until youโre left in a crumpled, crushed and broken mess at the bottomโฆLeft to exsanguinate as your life slowly slipps away, one blood drop at a time!ย ๐ค
Returning to the dock..๐ณ ย
The coach dropped us back right near the dock and as the excursion was only a short oneโฆWe had time to explore a little of the town, yay!ย
Oh did i mention it was burning hot?!ย โ๏ธ ย
I know for most of you (and especially Sarah) that 36ยฐ isnโt that hotโฆBut for me who wears cargo shorts all year round (even through the winter) it is burning. โ๏ธ ย
We started walking and noticed their wasnโt many people around, as not many places were open. So we turned back and headed up the other street. We found a huge cafe/restaurant and headed inside. The place was empty but we could hear a coffee machine and some pots in the back rattling. โIโm not sure where we can order from? And iโm not sure if this place is open?โ Sarah said whilst trying to find anyone at all. We walked back outside and Sarah said โThere is a woman serving coffee to those people right over there (on the dock overlooking the sea about 100 metres away) but itโs much too far to be part of this cafeโ.
We walked around a little further and made sure there were no other shops in the area, then we headed back to the dock to get a table and wait for the barista. โ She did walk all the way back to the cafe weโd just been in to get the coffeesโฆWow iโd collapse of heat exhaustion. ๐คย
WowโฆThis was the view we had from our table! We had plenty of time to just chill (burn) and relax and just soak in the view. Sarah and i love being beside the sea either like this or on a beach, as we live in a super green area near trees, village greens and conservation areasโฆSo we love having holidays with sea and sand! ๐ โ๏ธย
Yesterday we had our first โFredo Cappuccinoโ in the cafe in Corinth, so when the barista placed 2 of them down in front of us we both grinned. ๐ โWowโ we both said โthis is the best one so farโ i said whilst trying not to drink it all in one go! We had about 2 hours before we needed to get back onto the ship, so we ordered 2 more fredo ย cappuccinos. After a while i asked to order 1 more for me and the barista said โNo youโve had 2 already and youโre not having a 3rdโ i thought she was joking until i tried asking again! ๐ญ ย
After the amazing coffees we decided to have a quick walk up and down the empty dock before heading back on board.ย
ย Back on the ship..๐ณ
We had time to refresh and change out of our sweaty clothes and make our way out on deck for a couple more shots before we leave the port. ย
WowโฆAfter another stunning Sarah panorama, i thought iโd show you my new t-shirtโฆItโs archangel Michael fighting the war in heaven fromย Revelation 12:7-9ย (for the record…I donโtย worship God through the use of icons, statues, mosaics or my t-shirt. There is oneย mediator between man and GodโฆThe Lord Jesus Christ).
We had a lovely evening meal again and when we returned to our cabinโฆYay a fantastic towel elephant! ๐ ๐ ย
Wow what another interesting, beautiful and ย scorching day, i hope you enjoyed it as much as us?! See you tomorrow for the day Sarah has been waiting patiently for! ๐ โ๏ธ ย
Our Routeโฆ..๐ณ ย
On Sunday evening we travel to Katakolon, Greece. Weโll arrive on Monday morning having travelled 109 nautical miles at an average of 9 knots.ย
Hope youโve enjoyed the adventure todayโฆLet me know your favourite part?! ๐ค Weโll meet tomorrowโฆSame timeโฆSame place for another adventure!ย ๐ย ย
๐ย Join us:
February 9, 2021 5 Comments
โ๏ธ #37 The Blind Sightseers “Escape The Lockdown” With Distant Memories: “Corinth, Greece”๐ฌ๐ท(2017)
ย Hiย friends and welcome to Day 37 of this monumental, inconceivable and definitely memorable blind sightseers tour….!
Good morning friends! (ฮฮฑฮปฮทฮผฮญฯฮฑ ฯฮฏฮปฮฟฮน)๐ ย
I love the fact that weโve just sailed to Corinth on the โSpiritโ and weโre now going on a trip along the Corinth canal, then to walk around ancient Corinth in the historic footsteps of the Apostle Paul. To say i was excited is an understatement! ๐ ๐ฒ ย
But firstโฆโ๏ธ ย
Iโm not good in the sun but Sarah comes alive in the scorching hot weather. So i sloshed on my sun cream as it was already 36 degrees outside (ouch) Iโve also bought myself a โTactical Sun Hatโ to try and keep myself cooler in the sun and provide a little shade with the wide rimโฆIt worked really well but i was still dripping like a candle in a Salvador Dali painting! ๐คฃ ย
Corinth canal…
Get ready to be impressed. The Corinth Canal marries up the Gulf of Corinth in the northwest with the Saronic Gulf in the southeast. Itโs 3.9 miles long and its width varies from 69 feet at the bottom to 82 feet at the water’s surface. Before it was built, ships sailing between the Aegean and the Adriatic Sea had to circumnavigate the Peloponnese, adding another 185 miles to their journey. On this fascinating tour youโll drive to Isthmia, around 1 hr’s drive, where a boat will be waiting to whisk you off. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as you sail through this famous canal. Along the way, your guide will tell you interesting facts about the way it was built.
ย We stepped of the air conditioned coach and just as i said โArgghh now thatโs hotโ Sarah said โWow thatโs better, it was freezing on that coachโ we followed the group to the boat. โ๏ธ ย
After Sarah excellently guided me onto the boat, we took our seats. The whole trip was just stunning and we were blown away by the walls of the canal and the sheer size of it. The guide was telling us all about the history etc over the loud speakers (my fave part as i canโt see the scenery until i get home and really zoom in for a blurry look). I do listen and hear Sarahโs detailed descriptions of the landscapes and any other points of interest. I also take in the other people around me and their reactions too.ย
ย The Peloponnese…
โข๏ธ HEALTH WARNING… ย
Now for a blistering Sarah panorama! ย
After doing a 180ห turn we headed back down the canal, fantastic! ๐ ย ย
ย Ancient Corinth…
You’ll now take a short drive to ancient Corinth, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ruins of the “Agora” marketplace as well as the Temples of Apollo and Aphrodite.
We shot off the coach and followed the guide closely from the front, the path was all uphill and did i mention it was scorching hot?!ย โ๏ธ I kept saying to Sarahย โWow the Apostle Paul actually came here!โ and after about the 10th timeโฆWeโd reached the top.
After a brief history lesson all about the temples and the culture as it was back in the day, we headed along another hot dusty path and ended up at the Synagogue. โWowโ i said โPaul wouldโve visited this actual Synagogue several timesโฆItโs simply amazing that iโm standing in biblical historyโ.ย
Upon leaving the synagogue the guide stopped and pointed to an ancient hebrew marking on the wall. Sarah quickly took a photo of it to share. I continued โWow, Paul may have walked under this very arch, wow!โ ๐ฒ
The Agora…
Moving further down and heading towards the agora, the sound of the cicadas were deafening, they were almost drowning out the voice of the guideโฆIt sounded like i was walking around with a massive bee hive stuck on my head but less sticky and much less painful! ๐คฃ ย
โWowโฆthe beema ย seatโ i said whilst trying to get excited but actually about to collapse due to heat exhaustion. โThe agora! This is where the Apostle Paul wouldโve been making tents..No way!โ i kept going โDid you know Paul stayed in Corinth for about 18 months and he wouldโve have frequently visited and worked around here!โ Sarah replied โYes i know Steve itโs incredible, but weโre getting left behind as you keep stopping and making wow noises, lol!โ ๐คฃ ย
โSarah could you take some photos of me in the Agora and in front of the beema seat? Iโd love to have a photo as a keep sakeโฆOh and have i mentioned that the Apostle Paul wouldโve been around here?!โ. Sarah puts up with a lot! ๐คฃ ย ย
The cicadas were still singing their thunderous lament as we walked deeper into the Agora. The guide stopped to show us the ruins and described how it would have looked and what would be happening back in classical times. ย
ย And then…
โข๏ธ HEALTH WARNING…ย
Just when you thought it couldnโt get any betterโฆSarah managed to fit the whole place in one monumental panorama! ย
At this point i was so exhausted, head and shoulders stooped forward and my mouth was dry and frothing. I managed a slow shuffle back to the air conditioned coach. Sarah said โOh itโs freezing on here!ย
It still blows me away when i think of this excursion to ancient Corinth and how we were actually there. ๐ฒ
Back at the shipโฆ๐ณ ย
After freshening up back in the cabin, we still had a few hours before the ship left port. Weโve found that if the excursion leaves us with a few hours to spare we can use the ship as the starting reference and go and explore the town nearest to the dock (any further and weโll get lost). This makes for a full day as we can go on the excursion around the island and then visit local shops and markets around the dock areaโฆYay! ๐ย
WowโฆDid i mention it was hot! โ๏ธ ๐ฐ
โYayโฆSteve a beach!โ Sarah shouts as we step out of the dock, she continues โNo way, holidays donโt start until iโve put my feet on the sandโฆCome on!โ I was just about to protest (as iโd left my beach shoes in the cabin) when Sarah dragged (i mean guided) me onto the powdery sand.ย
The boiling hot sun, the powdery white sand and the gentle touch of the sea rolling over Sarahโs feet educed a wonderful smile. ๐ ย
My new Microfibre towel…
We were now wet, frazzled and covered in sand and we walked for a while before we found a bench under a large tree. โYesโฆHere you goโ is said as i unclipped my new microfibre hand towel from my carabiner loop on my BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) shorts. I bought this little towel just before this cruise as i wanted to be more prepared as we learn a little more what we need from each holidayโฆAnd this time it worked beautifully! ๐ ย
After a while we were both sand free, dry and ready for a cold drink. We walked down a few streets then Sarah said โSteve, i think this looks like a cafe? I wonder if they do iced coffees?โ โI hope soโ i said feeling like a pulsing nuclear reactor.ย
They did the best iced coffee (Freddo Cappuccino) and even a sugar free one for Sarah…ย
As we were sitting outside drinking our amazing coffeesโฆThe man weโd met at the Captains table last night walked past and said hello. โWowโ i said to Sarah after a brief chat with the man, โWeโre even making friends and itโs only the first day off the shipโ.ย
Sadly itโs now time to return back to the shipโฆ
As we were walking towards the ship and the dock was emptyโฆWe stopped for a few photos…ย
Then…
As we were taking lots of photos, another nice person from our ship walked up behind us and asked if weโd like a photo together?! โOh yes please that would be so kind of youโ i said as i passed her my phone. ๐ ย
Back on shipโฆ๐ณย
Weโd had a fantastic day and had lots to talk about with ย the people sat around our table at the evening meal. Itโs lovely to hear other peoples stories from what they had done throughout the day, and to hear the adventures from the other excursions.
FinallyโฆJust when you think the day is over, we have another fantastic folded creature.
Our Routeโฆ..๐ณ ย
On Saturday evening Thomson Spirit sails to Itea, Greece. To arrive on Sunday morning having travelled 59 nautical miles at an average speed of 6 knots.
Hope youโve enjoyed the adventure todayโฆLet me know your favourite part?! ๐ค Weโll meet tomorrowโฆSame timeโฆSame place for another adventure!ย ๐ย
โฌ ย Previous Dayย ๐ดย Next Dayย ย โก
๐ย Join us:
May 16, 2020 0 Comments
Good morning friends! (ฮฮฑฮปฮทฮผฮญฯฮฑ ฯฮฏฮปฮฟฮน)ย ๐ ย
Letโs see where the โBlind Sightseersโ are going today… ย
ย Youโll visit the glorious mountain setting for this monastery with outstanding Byzantine mosaics. Osias Loukas (Holy Luke) settled here in the early 10th.century and the church was built over his grave around 963 AD. It is the earliest extant domed-octagon church, and is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
On the dock…
The Thomson excursion team didnโt disappoint again and were waiting for us as we stepped off the ship. The kind man (sorry forgot his name) walked us to the correct coach as they have booked us the front 2 seats again. He also climbed aboard and said โIโm coming on this tour too and i can keep an eye on you both so you donโt get lost or have any disastersโ. โFantasticโ i said to Sarah as it makes us less stressed knowing there is one of the excursion team (and not just the local guide) on the trip with us.
On the coach…
โWowโฆThere are loads of goats in a field. Steve if you could see youโd really like this, lol!โ ๐คฃ ย
Yay weโve arrived…
As the monastery was set in the hills there was not much to see as we stepped off the coach. The guide then led us to the top of the steps that circled round and down to the monastery.
โSteve we have lots of long steps going down, iโll let you know when the next one is approachingโ Thank you my loveโ i said stepping down the first step. Sarah continued โStep down nowโฆthen 1, 2 , 3 flat steps and then step downโ I obviously have to slow down because if i slip or fall just once i could twist or snap my ankle (especially with my weight, lol). โ1,2, step down, 1, 2, 3 step downโ isnโt my wife amazing?!ย
There must have been about 2,000 steps as it took ages, but we wer’nt last and the Thomson man walked with us all of the way, i told you he was a kind man! ๐
At the bottom of the steps…ย
Reaching the bottom of the steps without tripping or slipping once (thanks to my amazing guide Sarah) there was a small cafe, shop, monastery and a museum. โWow youโd neve guess all of this was here when looking from the topโ i said whilst looking at this beautiful place.
The guide said we have about 10 minutes before we can go inside the church. It was lovely in the courtyard and looking over the valley down below.
As i was taking the 2 photos above i knew i couldnโt get the whole landscape in 1 photoโฆBut i know someone who can!!!ย
Youโve guessed itโฆA stupendously sublime Sarah panorama.
Then as we were looking out (arm around each other) soaking up the hot sun, the Thompson man walked up behind us and asked if weโd like a photo together? โWow yes pleaseโ. Another photo of me and Sarah iโll cherish…
The church…
The guide said we had to wait for the monks to disappear as they donโt want to be around us, so they have to leave and not be seen. โThatโs evangelismโ i said as the guide was passing Sarah an ankle length skirt. โYou have to put this on if you want to go insideโ.
As we walked inside the church it was a lot cooler (i was thankful for that) and it also had a peaceful atmosphere. The knowledgable guide told us all about the architectureย of the church and the golden mosaics of the saints and apostles. I didnโt start a discussion on the Iconoclastic ControversiesโฆI just enjoyed listening to the guide whilst Sarah captured a couple of photos. ๐ย
ย Back in the courtyard…
There was a little shop where you can buy local honey, olive oil and some other lovely souvenirs. Sarah bought some honey (we thought it would be good for hypoโs) and olive oil for us to try on salads (Oopps, i accidentally said saladsโฆI meant steak, lol) when we get home.
The queue was pretty long in the shop so unfortunately we didnโt have time to have a proper Greek coffee in the cafe. We met back up with the group and headed towards the mighty steps.
I am much better walking up steps as the step casts a shadow and i can just make out the contrast and figure out where the steps areโฆAnd itโs much easier to fall upwards than fall down and keep rolling head over heals until youโre left in a crumpled, crushed and broken mess at the bottomโฆLeft to exsanguinate as your life slowly slipps away, one blood drop at a time!ย ๐ค
Returning to the dock..
The coach dropped us back right near the dock and as the excursion was only a short oneโฆWe had time to explore a little of the town, yay!ย
Oh did i mention it was burning hot?!ย โ๏ธ ย
I know for most of you (and especially Sarah) that 36ยฐ isnโt that hotโฆBut for me who wears cargo shorts all year round (even through the winter) it is burning. โ๏ธ ย
We started walking and noticed their wasnโt many people around, as not many places were open. So we turned back and headed up the other street. We found a huge cafe/restaurant and headed inside. The place was empty but we could hear a coffee machine and some pots in the back rattling. โIโm not sure where we can order from? And iโm not sure if this place is open?โ Sarah said whilst trying to find anyone at all. We walked back outside and Sarah said โThere is a woman serving coffee to those people right over there (on the dock overlooking the sea about 100 metres away) but itโs much too far to be part of this cafeโ.
We walked around a little further and made sure there were no other shops in the area, then we headed back to the dock to get a table and wait for the barista. โ She did walk all the way back to the cafe weโd just been in to get the coffeesโฆWow iโd collapse of heat exhaustion. ๐คย
WowโฆThis was the view we had from our table! We had plenty of time to just chill (burn) and relax and just soak in the view. Sarah and i love being beside the sea either like this or on a beach, as we live in a super green area near trees, village greens and conservation areasโฆSo we love having holidays with sea and sand! ๐ โ๏ธย
Yesterday we had our first โFredo Cappuccinoโ in the cafe in Corinth, so when the barista placed 2 of them down in front of us we both grinned. ๐ โWowโ we both said โthis is the best one so farโ i said whilst trying not to drink it all in one go! We had about 2 hours before we needed to get back onto the ship, so we ordered 2 more fredo ย cappuccinos. After a while i asked to order 1 more for me and the barista said โNo youโve had 2 already and youโre not having a 3rdโ i thought she was joking until i tried asking again! ๐ข
After the amazing coffees we decided to have a quick walk up and down the empty dock before heading back on board.ย
ย Back on the ship..
We had time to refresh and change out of our sweaty clothes and make our way out on deck for a couple more shots before we leave the port. ย
WowโฆAfter another stunning Sarah panorama, i thought iโd show you my new t-shirtโฆItโs archangel Michael fighting the war in heaven from Revelation 12:7-9ย (for the record…I donโtย worship God through the use of icons, statues, mosaics or my t-shirt. There is oneย mediator between man and GodโฆThe Lord Jesus Christ).
We had a lovely evening meal again and when we returned to our cabinโฆYay a fantastic towel elephant! ๐ ๐ ย
Wow what another interesting, beautiful and ย scorching day, i hope you enjoyed it as much as us?! See you tomorrow for the day Sarah has been waiting patiently for! ๐ โ๏ธ ย
To be continued…ย
Our Routeโฆ..
On Sunday evening we travel to Katakolon, Greece. Weโll arrive on Monday morning having travelled 109 nautical miles at an average of 9 knots.
โฌ ย Previous Dayย ๐ด Next Dayย ย โก
โ๏ธย Start From #1ย ๐ Or join the adventure at:
May 15, 2020 2 Comments
Good morning friends! (ฮฮฑฮปฮทฮผฮญฯฮฑ ฯฮฏฮปฮฟฮน)๐ ย
I love the fact that weโve just sailed to Corinth on the โSpiritโ and weโre now going on a trip along the Corinth canal, then to walk around ancient Corinth in the historic footsteps of the Apostle Paul. To say i was excited is an understatement! ๐ย
But firstโฆโ๏ธ ย
Iโm not good in the sun but Sarah comes alive in the scorching hot weather. So i sloshed on my sun cream as it was already 36 degrees outside (ouch) Iโve also bought myself a โTactical Sun Hatโ to try and keep myself cooler in the sun and provide a little shade with the wide rimโฆIt worked really well but i was still dripping like a candle in a Salvador Dali painting! ๐คฃ ย
Corinth canal…
Get ready to be impressed. The Corinth Canal marries up the Gulf of Corinth in the northwest with the Saronic Gulf in the southeast. Itโs 3.9 miles long and its width varies from 69 feet at the bottom to 82 feet at the water’s surface. Before it was built, ships sailing between the Aegean and the Adriatic Sea had to circumnavigate the Peloponnese, adding another 185 miles to their journey. On this fascinating tour youโll drive to Isthmia, around 1 hr’s drive, where a boat will be waiting to whisk you off. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as you sail through this famous canal. Along the way, your guide will tell you interesting facts about the way it was built.
ย We stepped of the air conditioned coach and just as i said โArgghh now thatโs hotโ Sarah said โWow thatโs better, it was freezing on that coachโ we followed the group to the boat.
After Sarah excellently guided me onto the boat, we took our seats. The whole trip was just stunning and we were blown away by the walls of the canal and the sheer size of it. The guide was telling us all about the history etc over the loud speakers (my fave part as i canโt see the scenery until i get home and really zoom in for a blurry look). I do listen and hear Sarahโs detailed descriptions of the landscapes and any other points of interest. I also take in the other people around me and their reactions too.ย
ย The Peloponnese…
Now for a blistering Sarah panorama! ย
After doing a 180ห turn we headed back down the canal, fantastic! ๐ ย ย
ย Ancient Corinth…
You’ll now take a short drive to ancient Corinth, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ruins of the “Agora” marketplace as well as the Temples of Apollo and Aphrodite.
We shot off the coach and followed the guide closely from the front, the path was all uphill and did i mention it was scorching hot?!ย โ๏ธ I kept saying to Sarahย โWow the Apostle Paul actually came here!โ and after about the 10th timeโฆWeโd reached the top.
After a brief history lesson all about the temples and the culture as it was back in the day, we headed along another hot dusty path and ended up at the Synagogue. โWowโ i said โPaul wouldโve visited this actual Synagogue several timesโฆItโs simply amazing that iโm standing in biblical historyโ.ย
Upon leaving the synagogue the guide stopped and pointed to an ancient hebrew marking on the wall. Sarah quickly took a photo of it to share. I continued โWow, Paul may have walked under this very arch, wow!โ ๐ฒ
The Agora…
Moving further down and heading towards the agora, the sound of the cicadas were deafening, they were almost drowning out the voice of the guideโฆIt sounded like i was walking around with a massive bee hive stuck on my head but less sticky and much less painful! ๐คฃ ย
โWowโฆthe beema ย seatโ i said whilst trying to get excited but actually about to collapse due to heat exhaustion. โThe agora! This is where the Apostle Paul wouldโve been making tents..No way!โ i kept going โDid you know Paul stayed in Corinth for about 18 months and he wouldโve have frequently visited and worked around here!โ Sarah replied โYes i know Steve itโs incredible, but weโre getting left behind as you keep stopping and making wow noises, lol!โ ๐คฃ ย
โSarah could you take some photos of me in the Agora and in front of the beema seat? Iโd love to have a photo as a keep sakeโฆOh and have i mentioned that the Apostle Paul wouldโve been around here?!โ. Sarah puts up with a lot! ๐คฃ ย ย
The cicadas were still singing their thunderous lament as we walked deeper into the Agora. The guide stopped to show us the ruins and described how it would have looked and what would be happening back in classical times. ย
ย And then…
Just when you thought it couldnโt get any betterโฆSarah managed to fit the whole place in one monumental panorama! ย
At this point i was so exhausted, head and shoulders stooped forward and my mouth was dry and frothing. I managed a slow shuffle back to the air conditioned coach. Sarah said โOh itโs freezing on here!ย
It still blows me away when i think of this excursion to ancient Corinth and how we were actually there. ๐ฒ
Back at the ship…
After freshening up back in the cabin, we still had a few hours before the ship left port. Weโve found that if the excursion leaves us with a few hours to spare we can use the ship as the starting reference and go and explore the town nearest to the dock (any further and weโll get lost). This makes for a full day as we can go on the excursion around the island and then visit local shops and markets around the dock areaโฆYay! ๐ย
WowโฆDid i mention it was hot! โ๏ธ ๐ฐ
โYayโฆSteve a beach!โ Sarah shouts as we step out of the dock, she continues โNo way, holidays donโt start until iโve put my feet on the sandโฆCome on!โ I was just about to protest (as iโd left my beach shoes in the cabin) when Sarah dragged (i mean guided) me onto the powdery sand.ย
The boiling hot sun, the powdery white sand and the gentle touch of the sea rolling over Sarahโs feet educed a wonderful smile. ๐ ย
My new Microfibre towel…
We were now wet, frazzled and covered in sand and we walked for a while before we found a bench under a large tree. โYesโฆHere you goโ is said as i unclipped my new microfibre hand towel from my carabiner loop on my BDU shorts. I bought this little towel just before this cruise as i wanted to be more prepared as we learn a little more what we need from each holidayโฆAnd this time it worked beautifully! ๐ ย
After a while we were both sand free, dry and ready for a cold drink. We walked down a few streets then Sarah said โSteve, i think this looks like a cafe? I wonder if they do iced coffees?โ โI hope soโ i said feeling like a pulsing nuclear reactor.ย
They did the best iced coffee (Freddo Cappuccino) and even a sugar free one for Sarah…ย
As we were sitting outside drinking our amazing coffeesโฆThe man weโd met at the Captains table last night walked past and said hello. โWowโ i said to Sarah after a brief chat with the man, โWeโre even making friends and itโs only the first day off the shipโ.ย
Sadly itโs now time to return back to the shipโฆ
As we were walking towards the ship and the dock was emptyโฆWe stopped for a few photos…ย
Then…
As we were taking lots of photos, another nice person from our ship walked up behind us and asked if weโd like a photo together?! โOh yes please that would be so kind of youโ i said as i passed her my phone. ๐ ย
Back on ship…
Weโd had a fantastic day and had lots to talk about with ย the people sat around our table at the evening meal. Itโs lovely to hear other peoples stories from what they had done throughout the day, and to hear the adventures from the other excursions.
FinallyโฆJust when you think the day is over, we have another fantastic folded creature.
ย Hope youโve enjoyed travelling with us today? Weโll meet you tomorrow ready for our next excursion!
To be continued…ย
Our Routeโฆ..
On Saturday evening Thomson Spirit sails to Itea, Greece. To arrive on Sunday morning having travelled 59 nautical miles at an average speed of 6 knots.
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