Kerkira, Corfu (Greece)

With Nicky... [I believe this was the day we saw the Greek funeral - complete with casket leaning against the church. We had lunch at a little wayside restaurant - I had a "Greek salad" and the man brought us Cokes that looked like the top had been popped back on after a previous use...]

Kerkira, Corfu (Greece)

Beautiful view of Albanian coast across from the port of Corfu... Got off the Ship very early this morning - Nicky met me at the pier again. Turns out, she had an interesting week since I saw her last. She spent a little longer in Rome (22nd) and also visited Florence, Sorrento and Naples (23rd and 24th). When she and Autumn finally got on the train to Brindisi to catch the ferry to Corfu (25th), they were very tired... They ended up sleeping through the stop on the island and ended up on mainland Greece! They "sweet-talked" their way back to Corfu somehow and beat us here... Rented a car early and explored the island. Had a good dinner at Restaurant "Estiatorio AEGLI"... Staying in the Corfu Holiday Palace...

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Livorno, Tuscany (Italy)

[departed Livorno - rest of day at sea]

Livorno, Tuscany (Italy)

Last day with Nicky... Had to go back to the Ship... Met several friends and rode the train back to Livorno with everyone. Nicky said goodbye at the pier...

Roma [Rome], Latium (Italy)

Spent the day at the Vatican Museum today... Saw Sistine Chapel... Walked around the city, including the Forum, until well after dark. Dinner at Ristorante (Cinese) "Al Paradiso" - yes, it was Chinese! Funny to try to order food in Italian...

Roma [Rome], Latium (Italy)

With Nicky...

Roma [Rome], Latium (Italy)

With Nicky...

Roma [Rome], Latium (Italy)

We took the train with Angie and Gerald up to Rome. It was a nice trip and we enjoyed the scenery. It is good to be with Nicky - it has been over three months. We found a nice hotel right near the Vatican... [spent time walking around nearby, including in St. Peter's Square]

Firenze [Florence], Tuscany (Italy)

Got off the Ship around 0600 - Nicky met me at the pier (she got here on the 12th). We had planned to stay in Livorno for a day, but my Boss cancelled my leave - Nicky and I won't be able to stay together for the entire time she is in the country... Still, after some food, we hurried over to the train station and headed up to Pisa. It was a beautiful day and we had a chance to visit the Leaning Tower - it was everything I had always hoped it would be.  We heard that Dad and Beth were in the city, so we took the train over to Firenze (Florence). When we checked at their hotel, they said that the group was out until 1900. We decided to see the sights of the city, including the 700 stair climb to the top of the Dom (Cathedral). We found Dad and Beth in the Piazza just after sunset. Beth ran screaming towards Nicky - they had no idea that we would see them. We had dinner with them and their group. I think Dad will come to meet us later in Rome. Went back to our hotel in Livorno very late...

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[somber night at sea]

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Haifa (Israel)

[departed Haifa - rest of day at sea]

Haifa (Israel)

[port call]