greece | Adventuring into Retirement

18 June 2024

We were at sea all day today. We were both feeling under the weather so spent most of the day resting. In the evening we went to the ‘elegant evening’ dinner and then to the theatre to see an excellent magic show. Dinner was quite special this evening. I had a brie starter and the Earl had lobster bisque. We both had Duck l’orange for mains and dessert was chocolate ice cream for him and After 8 mint chocolate cake mousse for me.

19 June 2024

This morning we made an early start. The ship docked at 07:00 and we disembarked at 7:30 to join Bus 4 to Olympia. Lollz and Sasha were with us but Lisa and Dominika were on Bus 5.

Driving through the countryside reminded us of the Western Cape. The climate is similar and so much of the vegetation is familiar. Our guide told us they mainly farm potatoes, tomatoes, and watermelons but also some corn and, of course, olives, and grapes for winemaking.

The guided tour of Olympia was about an hour and our guide gave us very interesting information about the ruins.

The ancient stadium at Olympia hosted the Olympic Games. Spectators sat on the slopes, while stone seats were reserved for judges. The stadium’s course was 200 yards long. It could accommodate 40,000 spectators. Only men were allowed to compete. To prevent women from secretly entering, the athletes competed naked.

It was very hot today and we were grateful for the many trees that provided shade. By the time the tour was over the Earl and I were both feeling poorly. We were allowed a few minutes to use the facilities and get a drink/snack before being taken to the village for 40 minutes of free time. Earl and I had an ice cream.

The village was not far and we were told to return to the parking area at 11:10 where the bus would be waiting. We left Earl to rest on a bench in a cool, shady spot. Sasha went off on his own and Lollz and I went to explore the lovely Greek shops. We made a few small purchases and then returned to find Sasha and Earl enjoying a lovely cool drink.

Sasha and Lollz got off the bus at the village of Katakolon but the Earl and I went back to the ship as we both desperately needed a nap.

It is now nearly six o’clock and we feel quite refreshed. We will go to dinner and the theatre tonight.

Saturday, 15 June 2024

Yesterday we reported to housekeeping that a small section of the carpet near the entrance to the bathroom was slightly damp. It didn’t bother us but we thought they should know before the situation worsened. They responded immediately and sent somebody to investigate.

Later in the evening, the phone rang and someone from the Guest Service Team thanked me for the report and asked whether I’d like to change cabins. I declined, not wanting to move to a smaller cabin. I said we were satisfied with the cabin but just wanted to alert them that the carpet was wet and that it might become a worse problem if the leak wasn’t found and fixed.

This morning there was a knock on our cabin door. I thought it was the maid needing to start her chores. But no, there stood a waitress with a platter of pastries.

“Room service!” she said.
“But I didn’t order anything” I replied. “It’s complimentary,’ she smiled

Surprised, I took the platter and then opened the card. It was from the guest service team, apologising for the wet carpet and thanking me for reporting it! The pastries were a token of their appreciation! How amazing is that!

We’d already eaten three before I took the photo!

Oh, but those Greek genes run deep! Both Laurie and I are thrilled to have arrived in Greek waters. I woke up this morning and marvelled at the beauty of the Mediterranean as our ship made its way to Corfu Port.

Click on the first photograph to enlarge it then use arrows to view the slide show. Press escape to return to the blog.

The ship only docked at 13:00. We all went into Corfu Town together. The ship offered a bus service for MSC passengers but the return fare was 10 euros per person. One of the servers in the buffet told us that it was not far to walk so we decided that we preferred that option. But we were ushered to a free shuttle to the terminus, and from there we took a bus for 4 Euros per person return. The Earl was relieved as he is not up to a thirty-minute walk at 30 degrees C!

Corfu town is just what you’d expect of a Greek Island. We loved exploring the narrow streets, quart yards, and quaint shops. Of course, it’s touristy but lovely all the same. I did not intend to spend money, but could not resist a pair of Greek Key earrings. All the jewellery was stunning and I wanted to buy more and maybe I will at the next Greek stop.

The girls all wanted to look at the fabulous clothes. The Earl spotted a dress that he said I just had to have. There was a gold one and a turquoise one. He wanted me to have the gold but Lollz was already trying it on. I fancied the turquoise and tried it on and the Earl said that it was stunning – and yes I should get that one instead. So, of course, he bought it for me! Lollz got the gold one. She said we could swap from time to time!

After wandering around for a long while we went to a Greek coffee shop. I ordered Greek coffee which I haven’t had since I was a child. It tasted like home! We ordered dolmades and olives to share. There is nothing to beat Greek snacks!

At four o’clock, Earl and I left the others to continue exploring and took the bus back to the ship. We went to the pool for a swim and had a pina colada before dinner at 06:30. The kids all decided to have a late dinner so they did not rush back from Corfu Town.