Europe - Italy & Mediterranean Cruise
14 October - 3 November : Cruise Control
MILAN - CINQUE TERRE - LA SPEZIA - PISA - FIUMICINO - ATHENS - NAFPLION - KATAKOLON - ALEXANDRIA (CAIRO) - IRAKLION - SANTORINI - MYKONOS - IZMIR (EPHESUS) - ISTANBUL
Hi Family and Friends
Our Italian getaway and Mediterranean cruise is just around the corner. Below is a briefing of where we plan to go and a bit about what we plan to do while there. Changes and more to come. Enjoy!
14 - 16 October : Buongiorno Milano
Everyone knows we like to maximize our travels to the fullest so naturally when we decided to take a Mediterranean cruise, we figured why not tack on a few places nearby that we've been dying to visit as well. Our last trip to Italy did not allow us enough time to see Milan so that was an easy decision. While here, we've booked tickets to see The Last Supper. Currently, I've been Bertlitzing my way through the Italian language and cannot wait!
Sleeping: Hotel Berna
16 - 19 October : Cinque Terre - La Spezia - Pisa
We hitted up the French Riviera a few years back, so this time we're coasting it down the Italian Riviera. We'll be staying in Monterosso Al Mare, one of the 5 villages in Cinque Terre and will visit the other villages during our 2.5 day stay; Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. On our last day, we'll take the 1hr train ride to Pisa and spend half the day site seeing.
Sleeping: Manuel's Guesthouse
19 October : Fiumicino
Fiumicino is our layover on our way to Athens. Shopping at Parco Leonardo Shopping Centre-- one of the country's largest shopping mall conveniently located just minutes from the airport.
19 - 21 October : Athens
We'll arrive extremely late on the 19th, so technically will only have 1.5 days in Athens to see all major attractions and do some serious Athenian dining and shopping.
Sleeping: Art Hotel
Cruise Begins : Depart Athens
22 October : Nafplion
Skipping out on the hour bus ride to Mycenae, we opted to stay in town to climb the 800- plus steps to the top of the Palamidi fortress followed by a boat ride over to the Bourtzi fortress.
23 October : Katakolon
We'll train out to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics, and spend half the day checking out the ruins before heading back to Katakolon.
24 October : At Sea
25 - 26 October : Alexandria (Cairo)
Found a great 2 day tour with Memphis Tours to give us an authentic and thorough insite of all things Cairo including the Pyramids of Giza, shopping at the Bazaar, the Egyptian museum and much more. Best of all, we saved more than half compared to the cruise's shore excursion package.
Sleeping: Sofitel Le Sphinx Cairo
27 October : At Sea
28 October : Iraklion
Oci Day! We're taking the bus to the Palace of Knossos to learn a little history of the Minoan civilization; said to have been the first European civilization. We're also going to spend some time snorkeling before heading back to the ship.
29 October : Santorini
Riding buggies to Oia Village and Amoudi Bay. Spending the day sight seeing before heading back to Fira for a romantic sunset dinner.
30 October : Mykonos
Renting some mopeds and cruising Mykonos in style. Probably spend most of the day sunbathing, drinking, and dancing at Psarou and Paradise Beach and then capping it off with some souvenir shopping in and around town.
31 October : Izmir (Ephesus)
Booked a half day private tour with Nur & Ekol Travel for Ancient Ephesus and Terrace House.
1 - 3 November : Istanbul
Ending our 3 week fantasy vacation in "the coolest city in the world"-- Istanbul! The only city in the world to straddle Europe and Asia; truly where East meets West.
Sleeping: Maywood Hotel
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Tickets: Airline- booked through Vayama- www.vayama.com- for the entire trip. 12- day cruise booked through our travel agent with Norwegian Cruise Line. Train ticket from Milan to Monterosso Al Mare booked through Trenitalia.
Websites: We're using Tripit- www.tripit- to plan our day to day itinerary. Tripadvisor, Frommer's and Cruise Critics are great websites to read up on other traveler's suggestion and tips.
Books & Language: Berlitz Language Learning- Italian and Langenscheidt's Universal Phrasebook- Italian. Mediterranean By Cruise Ship by Anne Vipond.
Gear: Nikon D90, Canon PowerShot SD940, Fujifilm Quick Snap Waterproof
San Diego
G's Birthday Weekend in SD
Trippin'.
San Diego is the melting pot of all things California; blessed with miles of sandy beaches and a climate that is generally pleasant all year round. The Gaslamp neighborhood boast both old world charm and friendly (southern) hospitality. It's a hodgepodge of diversity, culture, and of course, food. Best of all, as big as this city may be, life here is pretty laid back; not as hectic and chaotic as in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Truly the perfect getaway-- the perfect city.
Amtrak tickets in hand, we took the almost 3hr ride from Los Angeles to San Diego to meet up with some of G's buddies, all ready to wreak havoc, for what is bound to be a weekend to remember. And we were not disappointed. I now see why those who move to San Diego stay in San Diego. This city has it all-- charming downtown quarter, amazing restaurants, bars and clubs, and a relaxing stretch of beach for the perfect nap and suntan. And the nicest people, perhaps not in the country, but definitely in California. We had a typical weekend getaway that encompassed daytime lazying at the beach, late night bar hopping and clubbing and a whole lot of eating.
Sleeping: Sheraton at Symphony Hall. All rooms are suite with living room and sofa bed. Just a few short blocks from the Gaslamp Quarter. Definitely walkable. Perfect for groups!
Eating: South Beach Bar at Ocean Beach, 5059 Newport Ave #104, tel: 619 226 4577, go for happy hour-- best Baja fish tacos ever! Phil's BBQ is also a must on any trip to San Diego.
Activity: Bar/ club hop the Gaslamp. Tip-- try the turn and walk away method if you're told there is a cover. You might get called back and bypass it all.
More Photos.
View full gallery here.
Los Angeles
Palm @ The Grove
Trippin.'
Los Angeles is one global metropolis, packed with a thousand cultures and a clash of customs. Truly the epicenter of mayhems and extremes. But, if you want full access to the world all within walking distance, LA is the place for you.
The perfect antidote for unemployment's inevitable mind numbing bores is to get out of town! We're scheduled to be in San Diego for the weekend, but not before a quick trip to LA for G's work. Naturally, I tagged along with him. Partly so that we can go to San Diego together right after LA, but mostly to see Michelle Branch perform at The Grove.
LA is a frustrating city to be in, what with all the traffic and non protected left turns enough to drive one nuts. But what it lacks in congested insanity, it more than makes up in food. From the infamous Pink's Hot Dogs to Diddy Riese's ice cream sandwiches, but th
Pink's Hot Dogs-- the Ozzy, Chili Cheese and Onion Rings!
In search of the world's best tacos
Only in LA would we chase down a taco truck in an attempt to satisfy our curiosity, and our taste buds. We never made it to one in time but you know G-- he didn't give up. Tip-- 3pm is when they wrap up and go, however, food runs out far in advance so aim for no later than 2pm. On our last night we met up with some friends at the Alibi Room where they serve Korean tacos, quesadilla and sliders and let me tell you, it was worth all the trouble chasing a truck around town during our 3 days stay. If you've never had one, you're in for a surprise; not your typical Mexican tacos, though maybe only in appearance, the taste is worldly another. When I tell you it's the best taco you'll ever have-- not just Korean style, but ever-- I'm as serious as LA traffic.
Alibi Room, 12236 Washington Blvd, tel: 310 390 9300
Ranting note-- I hate LA and their waiting in line for food! No matter where you go, or what time of the day it is, there is a ridiculous waiting line. Stupid lines cost me my chance at having what my friend claims to be the best Ramen noodles ever! Just shy of 1000 Yelp reviews, leave extra time, about an hour, at any time on any day, for Daikokuya. And let me know how it turns out.
Sleeping: Renaissance in Hollywood- When a tourist? Just behind the Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame. A short drive to Rodeo Dr and Robertson Blvd and other major attractions. Right off the 101.
Eating: Griddle Cafe, 7916 Sunset Blvd, tel: 323 874 0377, order the "single" portioned control, over sized Banana Nana and Mom's French Toast. And ask for a side of Nutella. More than enough for two.
A Must: Seek out a Kogi Korean BBQ taco truck and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. If you happen to miss one, all is not lost-- Alibi room.
More Photos.
View full gallery here.
