Mediterranean Cruise *

FEBRUARY 14, 2010

Here we are walking a long bridge to get to the cruise ship.

The boys have no idea that we are going on a cruise, as we

kept it a complete secret and have told them that we are in

Barcelona to do some paperwork for our passports.

They patiently and silently tag along, as they always do!

A photo stop at the half way high point of the bridge.

The boys still have no idea that they are about to embark,

but by this time they are admiring the ships and asking if

someday we can go on a cruise. "Yes, someday boys, someday!".

Look at the coy smiles on the girls faces, they have held the

secret for 2 months, and are able to contain their

excitement so as not to give it away.

Almost there, still walking and following Mom...

but still no clue!
Even as we waited in a long line to check in, they were
still non the wiser, as they thought it was the paperwork line-up.
It was not until we were actually walking throught the gangplank
when they asked "why are we getting on the ship"....
SURPRIZE & EXCITEMENT ERUPTED!

There she is, the Norwegian Jade, what a beauty!
Patiently awaiting our first port.

Our ports of call after Barcelona are Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Malta, then back to Spain...

two glorious weeks.

Mediterranean Cruise **

Kids patiently waiting at port for the shore excursion to begin. It is soooo bright on the Med!

Our favourite spot at the stern of the boat, having breakfast.
A little basketball. Quinn goes up for the shot
but is stripped of the ball by Mom!
Nice hair...she is windy on deck
but the exercise track is fantastic.

Mediterranean Criuse ***

In a hurry to meet her siblings in the pool. The boys chatting on the slide,

they have all the time in the world.

3 hours later, here they are still in the pool!

Kaz comes up for air.
The gang ready for the pool after yet another
hot tub session.

Two pools and five hot tubs, they could not get enough!

FEBRUARY - SPAIN (Barcelona)

We have only time for one sightseeing outing,

it must be La Sagrada Familia.

Goudi's masterpiece and still not finished after

more than 100 years in the works...

projected to be finished in 2040

I guess we go back to see it when it is finished.

FEBRUARY - ITALY *

Vatican City...

lets do some planning as there is so much to see in the Vatican. The Vatican's central piazza, St. Peter's Square.

Beautiful shiny cobblestone and pillers with statues

surround the entire courtyard to the Vatican.

We thought there were lots of people,

but apparently this is nothing.
Typically one cannot see the cobblestone in high season

for the amount of people waiting to get in.

This courtyard is easily one city block in diameter.
Imagine, this courtyard completly fills with the faithful
when the Pope delivers services.

Note that 25m Obelisk was brought to Rome by Caligula from Egypt

FEBRUARY - ITALY **

In front of St. Peter's Basilica,

Italy's biggest, richest and most spectacular church.

FEBRUARY - ITALY ***

Vatican Museums

One of the world's greatest art collections.

Who's this guy with Zayn?

Look way up, who says Egyptian men were short 5000 years ago

The first of many beautiful ceiling paintings.
After 3 hour of exploring just the highlights, we finished
at the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo in the early 1500's
I'm sure you recognize this famous piece!

FEBRUARY - GREECE *

On our way up to the Acropolis.

Walking through the ancient marketplace of early Athens

We walked through many ruins...past the Tower of the Winds

from 1st century BC.

Past many interesting homes....
and through streets flying the national flag....

up alleyways....

FEBRUARY - GREECE **

Now we have made it to the top,

and there are many rules to follow, and yes they

are carved in stone, so don't break any!

At the Acropolis...the Erechtheion and its six maidens

A columned wall of one of the temples.
A closeup view of the Parthenon.
The structure that epitomises the glory of ancient Greece.

Another side of the Parthenon which was completed in 438 BC

FEBRUARY - GREECE ***

Again the Parthenon in it's unsurpassed grace and harmony. To achieve its perfect straight form, the columns are narrower at

the top and the bases curve upward slightly at the ends.

Above the columns are the remains of a Doric frieze partly

destroyed by Venetian shelling in 1687

Quinn pondering her surroundings near the Beule Gate,
a Roman arch added to the Acropolis in 3rd century AD
A refreshing warm wind overlooking a theatre
just south of the Acropolis.

FEBRUARY - GREECE ****

Athens:

Changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The traditionally costumed guards change every hour on the hour.

Eyes front boys!
Kaz moves away when he realized the statue was alive.

FEBRUARY - GREECE *****

The girls check out the local dresses hanging on the streets. They boys check out the local candy.

And, of course a stop at the "Hard Rock" to pick up a T'
Kaz's face has the same graffiti markings as the ones along the walkway.

One last site to see before leaving Greece.