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Pinewood Greece AdventurePinewood Greece Adventure
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A 10-day adventure by Bill Read more
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  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 10

    Made it to Amsterdam

    June 10, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    We made it to Amsterdam! We are about to take off for an on time arrival in San Francisco!

    WiFi did not work on the flight out, hopefully it works on this flight. 🙂

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 9

    Last Event: Tavern Kalokerinos

    June 9, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    After our awe-inspiring visit to the Temple of Poseidon, we hopped back onto our private coach, leaving the beautiful Sounio behind, and made our way back to the city of Athens. We checked back into the Hotel London, our home away from home, before heading out to the Athenian shops one last time.

    With our final shopping spree complete, we into a had lunch in the heart of the city. Our afternoon was spent back at the hotel, where we had a few hours to rest and pack. We're scheduled to leave for the airport at the unearthly hour of 2:30am!!!

    Before that, though, there was one final Greek experience awaiting us - a dinner show at the Tavern Kalokerinos in Athens. The night was filled with traditional Greek dancing, local cuisine, and fun. A few of the kids even joined in the fun, busting their moves on the dance floor as the audience cheered!

    It was a perfect wrap to our Greek adventure - steeped in history, enriched by culture, and chock full of unforgettable experiences. As we prepare for our journey home, we take with us memories that will last a lifetime. Opa!    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 9

    The Temple of Poseidon

    June 9, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    As our unforgettable time aboard the Celestyal Olympia drew to a close, we set sail from the stunning island of Santorini, heading for the port of Lavrion. Despite the adventures behind us and the fatigue setting in, we were ready for more. Not a lot more, but a little wouldn’t hurt. 😉

    Our next stop was Sounio, where we were to visit the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Erected in the middle of the 5th century BC, this ancient structure stands proudly on a hilltop, overlooking the bay and commanding awe-inspiring views of the Aegean Sea.

    Even after days filled with exploration and sightseeing, the sight of the Temple of Poseidon, silhouetted against the sea impressed us. It was a reminder of the rich history and mythology of this beautiful country.    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 8

    Santorini

    June 8, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    From Crete, we set sail while relaxing aboard the Celestyal Olympia, our next destination being the iconic island of Santorini. As we approached, I couldn't help but be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of the island, possibly one of the most stunning places I've ever visited.

    Our voyage took us past the caldera of an active volcano that last erupted over 3,600 years ago in 1620 BC, dramatically reshaping the island and creating the stunning, sheer cliffs we see today. Despite a series of volcanic earthquakes in 1950, the island remains a remarkable testament to nature's power and resilience.

    As we sailed in, the sight of whitewashed houses perched precariously on the cliff tops against the blue Aegean was breathtaking, their pristine whiteness contrasting starkly against the deep blue sea, giving an illusion of snow-capped mountains.

    Santorini is famed for its unique black sand beaches, a result of its volcanic history. While we didn't visit any of these beaches, we could see them from afar, a stark contrast to the brilliant white of the cliff-side buildings.

    From the port, we journeyed by tour bus to the town of Oia, situated on the island's northern tip. Known for its charming shops, exquisite restaurants, and spectacular views of cliff houses and blue-domed buildings. It was an experience we will never forget!

    Note: FindPenguins limits a post to 20 pictures and one video. Our FB group has more. 🙂    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 8

    Crete and King Minos

    June 8, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    As we sailed off to dreamland still thinking about karaoke and our fun night if free time, the Celestyal Olympia whisked us away on a moonlit journey across the Aegean Sea to our next destination – Crete, the largest island in Greece, steeped in myth and history.

    Upon waking, we found ourselves in the realm of the fabled labyrinth and its infamous Minotaur. The Minoan Palace, once the majestic seat of King Minos, was our first stop. As we wandered through the ancient ruins, we could almost hear echoes of the past.

    Our guide, shared intriguing details about the island's history. We learned that although there was an actual King Minos, 'Minos' eventually became a title used by all rulers of Crete - an interesting nugget of historical trivia.

    As the morning gave way to afternoon, we ventured from the ancient Minoan Palace into the heart of modern Crete. We had free time to have local snacks and explore shops filled with crafts and souvenirs.

    Back on the Celestyal Olympia, we had a few hours to have lunch, have fun on the ship, or, as I did, nap in a deck chair watching the waves roll by on our way to our next destination!    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 7

    Traganou Beach Time!

    June 7, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    After an enlightening morning exploring historical sites, our afternoon was spent unwinding at the unique Traganou Beach. With its distinct rocky terrain smoothed over time by waves, wind, and sand, it offered a different kind of beach experience.

    Our guide, Mariana, shared that locals often prefer these rocky beaches over the sandy ones, a fascinating insight into Greek beach culture. As we navigated the smooth stones and dipped our toes into the clear waters, we noticed the sea was a few degrees warmer than our previous beach visit - a pleasant surprise!

    The warm, tranquil waters, combined with the rustic charm of the rocky shoreline, made for a memorable afternoon. Whether we were swimming or just soaking up the Grecian sun, this beach time offered a perfect balance to our morning of historical exploration.

    Our day of exploration and relaxation on Rhodes culminated in a delightful dinner, after which the kids got a well-deserved extra bout of free time. The night took a tuneful turn as many of them decided to take on karaoke, showcasing their hidden talents and providing plenty of laughs and cheers for the rest of us! The camaraderie and joy during the karaoke session were truly heartwarming. It was a perfect ending to our day.

    Karaoke videos in the FB group!    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 7

    Rhodes Calls!

    June 7, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    As dawn broke, we found the Celestyal Olympia approaching the spectacular island of Rhodes.

    Our day in Rhodes began with a tour through the remnants of the Medieval era. The island, also known as the 'Island of the Knights', was a portal to the past with its cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and the Palace of the Grand Master. Exploring this grand palace gave us an incredible insight into the historical grandeur of this island. I wondered, as we walked around, what the Knights of St. John would have thought of the castle today, filled with shopping stalls and vendors.

    In the afternoon, we ventured to the ancient Lindos Acropolis. The archaeological site, perched high above the sea, was a testament to the island's rich history, with the stunning views of the Aegean Sea adding a perfect backdrop. The ancient Temple of Athena provided a beautiful contrast to the modern city below.

    It is sad there is nothing left of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Ancient Wonders of the World. We did see the site where it once stood from the deck of the ship.    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 6

    The Island of Patmos

    June 6, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    After waving goodbye to Kuşadası, we enjoyed a few hours aboard the Celestyal Olympia. Lunch, poolside fun, games, and some well-earned napping were on the agenda as we cruised the Aegean Sea towards our next stop, the serene Island of Patmos. Located a little over 200 miles southeast of Athens, it is yet another gorgeous seaside village.

    Patmos is famously known as the home of the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse. In Christianity, it's believed the Book of Revelation was written in the cave.

    We spent a relaxed evening in the small port village. Shopping at local boutiques, indulging in handmade ice cream, and enjoying a refreshing swim or some stone skipping made for a delightful end to our day.    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 6

    Turkey and the Asian Continent

    June 6, 2023 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Hello from a new continent! Today's journey took us to the port city of Kuşadası, marking our foray into Asia! Nestled along the Aegean Sea, Kuşadası welcomed us with its captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. That being said, the kids were more enamored by the “Genuine Fake” watches, bags and other items that were sold. 🤣

    From Kuşadası, we ventured to the ancient city of Ephesus, a remarkable site dating back to the 10th century BC. Walking through Ephesus felt like stepping back in time. Its impressive structures, many still remarkably intact, gave us a glimpse into the rich history and grandeur of ancient civilizations. We also saw the marble carving of Nike, Greek goddess of victory, that inspired the Nike company name and its iconic swoosh logo. Although the library (3rd largest at the time) and the 25,000 seat stadium were supposed to be the marquee attractions, the 2,000+ year old marble toilets may have won the day!

    Note: FindPenguins limits a post to 20 pictures and one video. Our FB group has more. 🙂    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece Adventure
    Day 5

    Ahoy! Full Seam Ahead for Mykonos!

    June 5, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 70 °F

    Now that we are in the cruise, I am behind in posting. The Internet connection is not great. 🤷🏻‍♂️

    All aboard! Today we embarked on a new chapter of our Greek adventure, swapping dry land for the waves of the Aegean Sea! We hopped onto the magnificent cruise ship, the Celestyal Olympia, in Athens, and set sail for the iconic island of Mykonos. On the ship, the kids loved having the freedom of the lunch buffet. 🙂

    As we approached Mykonos, the sight of whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and windmills dotting the landscape was breathtaking.!!! On landing, we embarked on a tour around the charming town and vibrant waterfront, immersing ourselves in the island’s culture.

    From the narrow winding streets filled with vibrant shops to the charming seaside cafes, every corner of Mykonos exuded an irresistible charm. The island's beauty, coupled with its bustling vibe, made for a perfect day of exploration.

    Note: FindPenguins limits a post to 20 pictures and one video. Our FB group has more. 🙂    Read more

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