Friday May 26, 2006
Since we expected to have luggage problems, we were concerned about a tour – we hired a taxi driver to take us and actually had him for 5 hours and took him for lunch even. Saw the Acropolis and dad made it up and down – couldn’t believe how well he did. Saw the museum there and then the Olympic Stadium and the temple of Zeus, and some other stuff too. Had the best prawns ever at lunch with some special fish like a snapper. Greek beer.

Our luggage arrives – an hour before the boat left we got our luggage. So happy about that – we can finally relax and enjoy ourselves now. Stayed up late drank Coronas.

Saturday May 27, 2006
Woke up in Kusadasi Turkey – what a great view as we entered the port. Water color was a beautiful turquoise the surrounding city was very interesting to look at. Talk about jamming a million apartments into one area. No big high rises but the whole city is based on 5-6 story apartments side by side. I don’t think I saw any grass in the city. Had a great breakfast buffet and got off the boat easily and on our tour bus. Drove to Ephesus which has 2000 yr old ruins and a stop at the Virgin Mary’s house where she spent her last days.

Weather was hot – like 95F hot. I think that’s around 32C. Checked out the ruins for a few hours and took a ton of pics and then came back to the boat to drop my dad off as he was exhausted after the tour. I decided to roam the streets on my own. They have a huge marketplace – mostly jewelry, Turkish delight, Turkish rugs, leather. Very aggressive but polite sales people. Too much for me though so started to walk away from there and into the city where the turks hang out. I was on my own but felt safe. I though I found the Holy land in Kusadasi (see photo) – but they didn’t have any slurpees. I then ventured to a restaurant to have a true Mediterranean lunch. The boys at work would be impressed. I had the beef and the rice and potatoes and salad and bread and a Turkish beer and it was all great.

I then went off to the beach and put my feet in the Aegean Sea. As I was doing this, some freaky 8 year old started chasing me around and was trying to push me in the water. I would tell him to please stop and he wouldn’t. Id didn’t know what to do as I didn’t want to offend anyone but then had to yell at him to “go away” which he thankfully did.

Went back to the markets and bought 2 shirts – and Armani and some polo team shirt.20 euros total. They wouldn’t sell knock offs here – duh – they also were selling Mission Impossible III for $10 Euros but I didn’t need it. They come out on DVD early here.

Had another great meal – I sure am eating well – steak 3 days in a row and it get better every meal. Tonight was Mediterranean style. Could have cut my NY with a fork – it melted in your mouth.

I think I’m happy I lost my 21.5 lbs before the trip as I’m on my way back right now but hopefully with all the walking I’m doing, it’s won’t be as bad. Saw a show – comedian/singer – very funny and good. We both enjoyed it. Went to the Casino for the first time and I lost my $40 in about 6 minutes. Maybe tomorrow night will bring luck.

Up too late right now – need to go to bed – fading fast.- pictures aren't uploading - connection way too slow. sigh.