The Isles of Greece: Birthday in Lemnos

DAY FOUR

It’s my birthday today and under our door is a greeting card from the captain and crew. We’re to visit the Greek island of Lemnos today but with strong winds, the captain, a handsome Swedish man, has decided it’s too rough for the tenders to go in, so we are heading to Mount Athos instead to view the Greek monasteries from the ship’s decks. I am impressed with the captain’s concern for our safety and happy to spend a day at sea. There is so much to do on board. I take in a yoga class before breakfast and enjoy two lectures during the day by Dr. David Price on Alexander the Great and the origin of the alphabet.  (I wish I’d paid more attention in high school history classes, but actually I find I’m more attentive and curious at this age so it’s like learning ancient history from a fresh perspective.)

Since it’s my birthday, I buy myself a gift in the boutique and then Brenda and I settle into cozy chairs in the Charleston Lounge with the Canadian, a brief outline of news from home, a book and crossword puzzle from the library. Later, we assemble in the Ambassador Lounge for the Captain’s Cocktail Party, where he greets us with a great sense of humour. “We have a saying on board: Nice passengers, nice weather,” he says pausing, then continues, “I’m just saying…”We all chuckle because it’s been overcast and nippy so far. Somehow the weather doesn’t detract from the scenery and the happy mood on board.

Along with good meals and entertainment, it’s been a perfect, indulgent day.

 

READ MORE THE ISLES OF GREECE

DAY 1 – Istanbul
DAY 2 – Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, St. Sophie and Topkapi Palace
DAY 3 – The Grand Bazaar
DAY 4 – Birthday in  Lemnos
DAY 5 – Mamma Mia, Skiathos
DAY 6 – Izmir, the Birthplace of Homer
DAY 7 –  Pergamon
DAY 8 – Delos and Mykonos, Islands of the Cyclades
DAY 9 – Beautiful Santorini
DAY 10 – The Palace of Knossos, Crete
DAY 11 – 4 Castles in Nauplia
DAY 12 – Journey’s End in Athens

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VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY: THE ISLES OF GREECE
Bonnie Baker-Cowan travelled on a Voyages to Antiquity cruise called The Isles of Greece hosted by Exclusive Tours. Read all about her adventures on board the Aegean Odyssey, a modern, slimmed-down cruise ship (only 350 passengers) making its way from Istanbul to Athens by way of Lemnos, Skiathos, Izmir, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Nauplia, and Piraeus.

Live your own adventure. Cruise to Classical Civilizations on a Voyages to Antiquity cruise and discover the art, history and cultures of the ancient world.
Book today: 1.866.341.1777 or www.exclusivetours.ca