• Sonia Gelman
  • Boris Gelman

European Cruise 2025

A 60-day adventure by Sonia & Boris Read more
  • Trip start
    October 1, 2025

    Two Days to New Adventure.

    September 29 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    We are ready! Leaving October 1st for another adventure.

  • To JFK

    October 1 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Today we are flying to JFK for overnight stay.
    Our friend and neighbor, Diane, drove us
    Today we flew to JFK for an overnight stay.
    Our friend and neighbor, Diane, kindly drove us to the airport—big thanks to her.

    We boarded on time, and our Delta flight was smooth. We even landed at JFK about ten minutes early. Because of the massive reconstruction happening at the airport, we had to take a bus to the designated Uber and taxi pickup area. With lots of luggage and a wheelchair, it wasn’t the most convenient process.

    I had booked a hotel only a mile from the airport, but getting there still took about 30 minutes. Once we finally arrived, we settled into our room, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and headed to bed.
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  • Boarding Flight to Rome

    October 2 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 59 °F

    This morning we got up at 7:00 AM and walked to the nearest convenience store, hoping to find something for breakfast. No luck—the place was a dump, and there was nothing else around. We headed back to the hotel, bought some very overpriced yogurt, and decided to wait until we got to the airport for a proper meal.

    We checked out at noon and took the shuttle back to JFK. After checking in, we made our way to the Lufthansa lounge and finally relaxed a bit.
    We boarded on time, and this will be our first time flying with ITA Airways.
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  • Rome

    October 3 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    We landed in Rome earlier than expected, feeling victorious—until we entered the “Driver Sign Forest.” There must have been a thousand people waving signs with names, and naturally ours was nowhere to be seen. After wandering around like contestants in a scavenger hunt, we finally located our driver. Victory!
    …until we saw the car. Let’s just say it was optimistically sized for our suitcases and a wheelchair. But after some impressive Tetris skills, a little pushing, and possibly violating one or two laws of physics, everything fit.

    The drive to the hotel took an hour because Rome’s traffic was clearly trying to win an award for “Most Chaotic.” We checked in, but our room wasn’t ready—of course—so off we went to the National Gallery near Piazza Barberini. A “simple” 2 km walk with a wheelchair, which in Rome means cobblestones, hills, and surprise potholes. But we made it and felt like champions.

    The museum itself was worth the trek: mostly 16th-century art, with appearances by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael—basically the Renaissance A-team.

    Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Piazza Barberini before returning to the hotel for a well-earned hour of collapsing. Revived, we took another stroll to the Borghese Gardens because apparently we enjoy testing our legs’ endurance.

    We wrapped up the day with dinner at Hosteria PO, which was a delicious and well-deserved reward for surviving Rome’s traffic, cobblestones, and our own ambition.
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  • Salerno, Italy

    October 5 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 61 °F

    After a solid night’s sleep, we woke up to a day that could best be described as fifty shades of gloomy. Rain, gray skies, and that special kind of dampness that whispers, “Maybe don’t go to the Amalfi Coast today.” Since we’ve already been to Amalfi and Naples—and because we value staying at least partially dry—we decided to stick to Salerno.

    By 9:00 AM we were bravely geared up and ready to face the elements.
    Our first stop: the Church of St. George, a beautiful Baroque gem with stunning frescoes and impossibly detailed decoration. Hard to believe it began as a monastic settlement back in the 9th century—those monks really knew how to pick a spot.

    Only three minutes (and several raindrops) away was our second stop: the Salerno Cathedral. Founded in 1076, it’s the main church of the city and absolutely impressive. The highlight, of course, is the Crypt, which holds the remains of Saint Matthew—yes, that Saint Matthew. Not exactly your everyday neighborhood attraction.

    By the time we finished, we had achieved peak sogginess and decided it was time to retreat back to the ship before moss started growing on us. We had lunch onboard, dried out a bit, and then—because I apparently like to live dangerously—I went for another walk in town. And came back wet. Again.

    We wrapped up the day with a lovely dinner at the Polo Grill, where at least the food was dry, warm, and completely unaffected by the weather.
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  • Palermo, Sicily

    October 6 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    The weather promised to be perfect—sunny skies and no rain in sight—as we set out for our third visit to Palermo. By 9:00 AM we were off the ship and making our way toward one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Teatro Massimo.

    This grand opera house, the largest in Italy and the third largest in Europe, rises proudly at the edge of Palermo’s historic center. I had booked us on the 10:00 AM tour, giving us time to admire the massive steps and impressive façade before stepping inside. Built shortly after the unification of Italy, the theatre is a masterpiece of architecture and culture—perhaps best known to movie lovers for its dramatic appearance in The Godfather Part III.

    From there, we wandered a short distance to the bustling Capo Street Market. Dating all the way back to 1310, and only renovated once since 1782, the market feels like a living slice of Palermo’s past. The narrow lanes overflow with colorful produce, fragrant spices, sizzling street food, and the rhythmic calls of vendors. It’s chaotic, vibrant, and absolutely unforgettable.

    Leaving the market, our path took us through a mix of shabby alleys and crumbling old buildings—only to emerge unexpectedly into lush gardens adorned with a magnificent statue of Saint Rosalia, Palermo’s beloved patron saint. Just beyond stood the Cathedral of Maria SS. Assunta, a breathtaking sight with its blend of architectural styles and imposing exterior. Sadly, the rooftop and crypt were closed, so we admired it from the outside.

    Our next stops were the beautiful Fountain of Shame and Quattro Canti, two of Palermo’s most photographed spots. By this point hunger was catching up with us, and the search for lunch began.

    I found a well-rated restaurant, but it required climbing stairs—not an option today. The second choice seemed promising, but we discovered the street was closed just as we were about to arrive. So we continued wandering until we came across a comfortable outdoor spot under a tent. We sat down just in time—our food had barely arrived when an unexpected rain shower rolled in. So much for the forecast! We waited it out, enjoying the sound of the rain hitting the canvas overhead, and once it eased, we slowly made our way back to the cruise terminal.

    The evening wrapped up perfectly with dinner among friends and a concert on board—an easy, happy ending to a full day of exploring this endlessly fascinating city.
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  • Valetta, Malta

    October 7 in Malta ⋅ 🌬 70 °F

    Our last visit to Malta was exactly three years ago, when we spent a full day touring the island from end to end. Today, we chose a slower pace—just a simple wander through the capital city of Valletta, taking in the atmosphere without a strict agenda.

    Our ship docked across the harbour from Valletta, so we took the city-run ferry to cross over. The ride was short, only about ten minutes, but wonderfully pleasant with clear views of the fortified skyline.

    Once we arrived, we began strolling toward the escalator that leads up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, but eventually decided to save our energy and take a taxi instead. Within a few minutes we were stepping into the gardens. The view from the upper terrace was absolutely breathtaking—sweeping vistas over the Grand Harbour under perfect weather. Even with plenty of tourists and locals around, the space felt peaceful and refreshing.

    From there, we continued exploring the city. Navigating Valletta with a wheelchair proved challenging: many streets slope steeply, and some offer stairs in place of sidewalks. We slowly made our way toward the harbour and stopped for lunch, enjoying the break before continuing on. But soon we reached a street with a long, steep flight of stairs. That was our cue—I called an Uber, and I’m very glad I did.

    We returned to the ferry and by 3:00 PM were back on the ship. A little rest, a refreshing shower, and dinner at Toscana wrapped up our relaxed day in Malta.
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  • Marmaris, Turkey

    October 10 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Our first stop in Turkey on this cruise.
    I booked highly rated 6 hours boat tour. Really did not know what to expect.
    We took first shuttle to the center of the town and then it was only 5 min walk to the meeting place. At 9:03AM mini bus came, picked us up and drove us for 30min to place called Datca. We boarded the boat and realized that all tourists speak some king of language we do not understand. Then all announcements were in Russian. We then talked to one man and they were all from Moldova. That explains it.

    The tour was 6 hours in the water. We stopped four times to swim and walk on the shore. It was very nice, there were no other boats around only very loud passengers on our boat.

    We got back on the shore at 4:00 PM and after 30 min ride the driver dropped us off at the shuttle stop. We missed shuttle by 30 seconds. The last shuttle came 30 minutes later and we were the last two people boarding the ship.

    Quick shower and then wine testing. After which dinner with General Manager of Marina, Laurence Barasse and few other passengers.
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  • Antalya, Turkey

    October 11 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    For today we booked a private tour just for two of us. With the help of WhatsApp we found our driver/tour guide.

    Antalya, Ancient Greek city Attalia, located in southwest Turkey. It was found as a sea port in 2nd century BCE. It was a Roman city before it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century.

    Our first stop was upper Duden Waterfalls.

    Then the tour guide drove us to the jewelry store size of huge supermarket. I politely went in, used the bathroom and walked out. Thus he understood, we are not interested in shopping. There were no more stores after that.

    Our next stop was lower Duden Waterfall, which was beautiful. We enjoyed a little hike there.

    After waterfall we asked to take us to some simple restaurant for a lunch. The lunch was plentiful and delicious.

    After lunch we drove to the old part of the city and took an hour long stroll thru the old town. We saw mosque dating back to 1250, Ottoman mansions, old town wall and the “Hadrian Gate” a marble portal of three identical arches that was build to commemorate a visit by the emperor Herman in 130 CE. Also lots of stores selling local handicrafts, copperware, jewelry, leather goods and carpets.

    We returned to our ship by 3:30PM. In the evening, we had light dinner in Terrace cafe and went to see a show.
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  • Santorini, Greece

    October 13 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    This is our second time in Santorini and will be one more time on this cruise.
    There are three huge ships in Santorini, so the line for cable car would be very long. We decided to make it a sea day and enjoy an empty ship.
    We took tender boat to the land, walked a little and took it back to the ship.
    The rest of the day we spent by the pool, gym and eating.
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  • Izmir, Turkey

    October 14 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    It was a fun day spent with friends. Thanks to Erin and Mui, who picked us up from the cruise ship terminal and being the best tour local tour guides.
    After strolling along plesant sea side promenade and visiting Atatürk Müzesi museum. The father of the modern Turkish nation, Gazi Mustafa Kemal, also known as Ataturk - father of the Turkish people - and the city of Izmir have very strong ties. This is where he launched his war of liberation after the first World War. This is also where he met his wife who was born and raised in Izmir.

    Then we settled for a real breakfast. Everything was delicious and plentiful.

    After breakfast, we continued walking toward Konak Square to see İzmir Clock tower. It is considered as the main landmark of the city.
    Also we saw small 18 century mosque located on the same square.

    Then we took a light rail to go to a park. The weather was gorgeous and we decided that park is a better option than museum.

    We visited small contemporary museum in the park.

    Unfortunately, it was time to go back on the ship. We said goodbye till next time we meet somewhere in the world.
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  • Istanbul, Turkey, Day One

    October 15 in Turkey ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    For today I booked cultural and food walking tour in Istanbul. Before our arrival at 1:00 PM, I contacted a tour operator about roads conditions. He told me that the cultural part involves steps and hills, but the food portion is flat. I am not interested enough about food to go on this tour. We canceled it and decided to go on our own.

    Just to get out of the port, we had to walk over a mile. After we finally got out of the port , we turned right toward Dolmabahce Palace. Another mile and a half walk was pretty flat.

    The palace's strategic location along the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of the strait.

    Dolmabahce Palace played a vital role in the transition from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey. It was the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, passed away. It is a fusion of Ottoman and European architectural styles, as well as the pivotal role it played in Turkish history.

    The gardens surrounding palace are beautiful, unfortunately the palace itself was not excess able for Boris. The elevator did not working, so they suggested to come next year.

    I went to see inside the magnificent Cristal staircase and breathtaking Crystal Chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall. Pictures are not allowed. While I was inside, Boris was enjoying the gardens.

    After visiting the Palace, we decided to take Bosphorus cruise. It was an enjoyable 90 min journey. After the cruise, we walked back to our ship and enjoyed a quiet dinner.
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  • Istanbul, Turkey. Day 2

    October 16 in Turkey ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Today, we met with James and Shelly for our whole day private tour in Istanbul. Our tour guide Oyku, met us and we walked to a light rail to go to The Hippodrome of Constantinople. It was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a square in Istanbul, Turkey, known as Sultanahmet Square.
    After extended exploration on what is what, we slowly walked to the Blue mosque.

    Built between 1609 and 1617, it is a major tourist attraction and an iconic monument of Islamic architecture.

    After spending some time there, we walked to Hagia Sophia. Well, by now the line to this place was very long. Instead we walked to
    Topkapı Palace.

    Topkapı Palace is a historic museum and former imperial palace in Istanbul, that served as the main residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Built in the 15th century, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring lavish courtyards, pavilions, the famous Harem, and a rich collection of artifacts.

    There is a lot of walking in this museum with lots of steps, but Boris was a trooper and managed to keep up with us. By the time we finished with the museum, we were hungry and cold. We stopped at the restaurant and had lunch and the best of all hot tea.

    We left a wheelchair at the restaurant and walked to Hagia Sofia. First floor is a mosque, the second floor is a museum. It was build in year 360 and the size and architecture is extremely impressive. Till 1453 it was a church, then to 1935 it was a mosque. From 1935 to 2020 it was a museum. Then mosque again.

    After Hagia Sophia, we walked to Basilica Cistern. It is a large, ancient underground water reservoir built in the 6th century during the Byzantine era under Emperor Justinian I. This massive structure, known in “Sunken Palace," was built to supply water to the Byzantine palaces and is supported by 336 marble columns, some featuring Medusa heads. Today, it is a major tourist attraction known for its historical significance, engineering marvel, and atmospheric lighting. It is so impressive, that out of all sites we seen in Istanbul it takes first prize.

    We returned to the ship via light rail. All of us were exhausted after a long day. In the evening, we had dinner with two other couples.
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  • Istanbul, Turkey. Day 3

    October 17 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    We got so tired yesterday, we are taking easy today.
    Yesterday our tour guide suggested us to visit Taksim Square. This Square is only a little over a mile from the port, but it’s the hill with streets at 45 degrees. We took a taxi and in a few minutes were at the Square.

    We walked few streets, did window shopping and came back on the ship around 1:00PM.

    Goodbye Istanbul!
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  • Dikili (Pergamon), Turkey

    October 18 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Today is a tender port. We managed to get on the fist tender and were on the shore at 9:30 AM instead of 10:00 AM. Our tour guide arrived in a few minutes and we had an early start.
    Dikili is a small seaside town, not touristy. The biggest attraction is Pergamom.

    First stop was only 20min away. The Asclepieion of Pergamon was an a healing temple, built in honour of the gods Asclepius and Hygieia, located west of the Pergamon hill.

    It was one of the most important hospitals during second century. In the IV century it closed. Some of the healing methods invented in this period are still used today.

    There were lots of walking and standing in this place and Boris was able to keep up with the group.

    Our second stop was 10 min drive to Acropolis of Pergamon. It located 30km inland from the sea and rises over 300 m high .

    The settlement in the region dates back to as far as the Neolithic Age.

    The place is incredible, it had the largest library after the Library of Alexandria, one of the steepest theatre building of the ancient times with 80 rows of seats and capacity of 10,000 spectators. It has Temple of Trajan, city water systems build in the 2nd century, Temple of Athena build in 4th century, The Altar of Zeus and many other temples that is hard to remember.

    The walk up and down in on huge boulders and steps was over an hour. Boris did not go, instead he was enjoying pomegranate juice.

    After this stop our group voted not to go to a restaurant for a lunch, but returned back to the ship. Everybody was tired after a long walk.

    The weather was great and we enjoyed relaxing afternoon on the deck by the pool.
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  • Bodrum, Turkey

    October 19 in Turkey ⋅ 🌧 66 °F

    Today we had a lazy day. By 10:00AM we walked short distances to the boat that took us on the local cruise with few stops to swim. On the boat we met another couple from our ship and they happen to live in Colorado.

    We topped at two places to swim. One was in a warm springs and another one in an open sea. The second one was wonderful, but a little cold.

    By 5:30PM we returned back to the shore and planned to go for a walk, but the rain prevented us from doing it. Back on the ship for usual routine.
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  • Kusadasi, Turkey

    October 20 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    We have been in Kusadasi in 2023 and visited Ephesus at that time. For today, we booked a private tour for 4 to Pamukkale.

    Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle," is a natural site in southwestern Turkey famous for its white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, with ruins like a well-preserved theater and necropolis.

    The drive one way was 2.5 hours. In Greco-Roman city we hired a golf cart to take us around. That safe us a lot of walking and time.

    After visiting city, it’s only a short buggy ride to Pamukkale. I went into the water, but the surface was extremely slippery and I decided not to risk to go any further. I probably walked not mor then 10meters.
    After that we visited small, but very good archeological museum.

    By now it was 1:00PM and we drove to a restaurant for lunch. Cannot say it was very good.

    Upon returning to the port, we went for a walk to see all the genuine fake they sell.

    Back to the ship for a dinner.
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  • Santorini, Greece

    October 21 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    In the morning, we went to the place where the tender boat tickets are distributed. Boris told them we are not on the tour and got two tender tickets. We walked to take a tender boat. Oceania was not using their boat, it was a local boat. We went inside… this boat packed lots of people. Some people were standing. In about 20 min we were on the shore and then we realized, we are not in old port Fira, but somewhere else where buses pick tours up. Surprise! We had 20min somehow to get to the old port to catch our tour boat. We were not the only surprised couple. We grabbed taxi to get us to Fira and in 20min we were on the top. Now we needed to take cable car to go down. Luckily there was no line to go down.
    We came few minutes late, but still on time for our tour. It cost us extra 55euros and lots of frustration.

    We settle in our boat and the first stop was hiking a volcano. I was planning to go, but decided last minute to skip.
    Our second stop was swimming and that was very nice.
    Our last stop was a little island Thirasia.

    Therasia is a small, volcanic Greek island in the Cyclades. There is winding steep stairs road leading to the top of island where village is located. No cars on this island. I estimated it would take me at least an hour to get to the top and another one to come back. We had less than 2 hours to explore this island. Boris and I stayed by the water and enjoyed a yummy gelato.

    In the evening, we had a wonderful dinner at Polo Grill.
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  • Rhodes, Greece

    October 22 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Today we are doing Rhodes on our own.
    Rhodes has more then 10,000 year of history and in 1988, the Medieval City earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

    We left ship shortly after 9:00AM and walked the waterfront toward Liberty (Eleftherias) Gate, one of 11 gates which surround the fortified Old Town.
    Our first stop was Archeological Museum of Rhodes. The museum is located inside 15th century former Knights Hospital. It contains 7000 years of treasures.

    We then walked the Streets of the Knights, where Knights of St John once lived. We ended at the Palace of the Grand Masters. This Gothic Palace was build in the 14th century as an administrative center and residence of the Grand Master, who was in charge of the Knights of St John.

    After walking all over the old town, we ended in the Square of the Jewish Martyrs.
    At the start of the 20th century, 5000 Jews lived in the city. Many left in 1930s and 1673 were deported to Auschwitz during WWII. Only 151 survived the Holocaust.

    There is a black marble Holocaust memorial in the center of the square dedicated to Jews from Rhodes and Kos who lost their lives. Also there is the Sea Horse fountain in the square, which is a replica of an original destroyed during WWII.

    There was a music in the square and Greece tradition of dish breaking.

    Few minutes walk from the square, we found an old synagogue building in 1577. It is the oldest synagogue in Greece. And the last of the six original synagogue still in use.
    We also visited a Jewish Museum located in the same building.

    We walked back to the ship to rest and take shower.
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  • Limassol, Cypress

    October 23 in Cyprus ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Limassol is a seaside resort town with not much to see except beautiful marina that stretches for few miles, some beaches along the promenade, sculpture and few street for shopping.

    We took the shuttle from the ship and in about 20min were at the Marina. We walk along the shore, but the sun was very intense and it was hot. I convinced Boris to wait for me in the shade while I went for a swim in the sea. It was wonderful.

    Then we tried to go inland to walk narrow street, which was practically impossible on a wheelchair. Also, once you go outside the Marine, the buildings are crumbling with lots of graffiti. Not very pretty.

    We walked toward our shuttle to the ship and spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool.
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  • Marmaris, Turkey

    October 24 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    This is our second stop in Marmaris on this cruise. For today, I decided to do something different.
    I searched Google and found the best rated Hamam (Turkish bath) in Marmaris.
    It was about 45 very pleasant walk along the shore with many restaurants, shops and beaches.
    The experience at Hamam was amazing. We had full body scrub, bubble massage and then another 45min of the massage with facial.
    We walked back to the ship, stopped for a pizza. Total walk was 8 miles.
    In the evening, we had a fast dinner and could not wait to go to sleep.
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  • Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    October 25 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    We were the first one off the ship today. We docked at 10:00AM and I booked a walking tour for 11:00AM. We had to take a shuttle out of the port and then another shuttle to the center of the town.
    There was no problem with the first shuttle, but we had to wait for the second one at least 30min. I checked how long it would take us to walk to the town…only 25min. We decided to walk.
    That was not an easy walk, especially when we got close to the center of the city.
    We met our tour guide (it was a free walking tour). She told us there will be lots of stairs on the tour. Not for us.
    We decided to go to Archeological Museum instead. That was the right decision. It is one of the best archaeological museums we have ever been.

    After museum we walked back to the port shuttle. We had a lazy afternoon before going for a dinner with general manager and few other world passengers to Prevee.

    The dinner lasted three hours.
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