We're taking a trip back in time, once again, to summer 2013. To catch some of you up, I am hoping to touch on each city/port that I visited while working aboard the Disney Magic of Disney Cruise Line. We have a ways to go. Browse backwards if you'd like to see where we've visited so far!
The near future is shaping up to be pretty exciting and filled with more travel, so Disney Cruise Line posts may be a bit more mixed in with real life. For instance, my trip to Turkey a couple of months ago was worth interrupting the flow.
Piazza Del Plebiscito
During the time I lived in Italy from 2010-2011, I had visited and vacationed in Napoli more than once. I was very excited to return to the birthplace of pizza and the city of impeccable café (espresso). A trip to Gino Sorbillo was a must, even though it was quite a trek from the ship, especially in the summer heat of Southern Italy. Frankie, Kristine and Diego joined, and none of us were disappointed. We each ordered a whole pizza to ourselves, as is the Italian way. We didn't have any trouble consuming the whole thing either.
"Naples Day" was sometimes spent on the ship, merely because of the sweltering summer heat. I enjoyed getting off here, but everyone needs to take a day to sleep in the sun up on deck once in a while....with lots of sunscreen and a giant sunhat, of course.
I spy a flag for Mickey and a flag for Italy up on deck.
Galleria Umberto
Spanish Minnie ready for the Minnie, Oh Minnie! dinning enhancement
Never has so much time gone by in my entire life that I have not seen my other half. In fact, it was one year to date that I entered Turkey in 2013--during my "dry dock" break from the Disney Magic. Strange coincidence. I cannot really say more about my visit than that the time we spent together was wonderful. We, of course, had our "sister moments," where life's frustrations got in the way, but all in all, it was so refreshing to be us!
Bus ride to Foça
We caught the last of the summer beach days on the way to Foça (said fo-cha). It was a bit cold and windy, but Victoria, her roommates and I still enjoyed it! Falling asleep in the hay-like reeds may not have been the best choice for Victoria, who is allergic to hay. Lesson learned. We finished off the afternoon playing Spades at a local cafe. We were not out of place next to the table of old ladies who were playing their Turkish version of Bridge, or whatever it was.
Beach day with Kaylee and Julianna
EFES
Or as we call it, Ephesus. Victoria suggested we visit this famous city of ruins, full of Biblical history, since I had still never been after multiple trips to Izmir. It is definitely at the top of the charts with the ruins of the Roman Forum. There were so many breathtaking views and structures, the most prominent of these, the Library, which happens to be pictured in...every one of these photos. But I promise, there are so many amazing sites like the vast amphitheaters and detailed mosaic floors.
Pamukkale
One of the Unesco World Heritage Sites, this place was mind blowing! Pamukkale means "cotton palace," in Turkish. The reason is obvious when you see it. The source of all these cotton-looking rocks are natural hot springs that leave the white mineral deposits. These have built up over the years, creating a vision that is so confusing to the senses. It looks like snow and ice, but it is, in fact, hard rock and warm water.
Soaking in the hotsprings
In addition, this area is also the site of the ruins of Hierapolis. Once again, more breathtaking views, history and mysterious remains of a society who once inhabited the place. There simply was not enough time to see everything there was to offer.
A glimpse of the ruins of Hierapolis
Victoria and I took an extended bus ride--which Victoria was very excited for me to experience "for the first time"--and spent the night at a bed and breakfast, local hotel. The trip to Pamukkale was definitely the major highlight of my visit. I think a big part of it was that Victoria was away from home as well, so it really felt like a mini getaway for both of us.
Brick-o-chocolate
Although we had our excursions out of the city, we spent a good amount of time in Izmir as well. Lots of cafe time, dinner by the bay, shopping at the bazar, concerts, margarita and game nights at home, movies, crafts, and so many more things!
Turkish Breakfast
And a wonderful time was had by all!
A free local concert, complete with classical music and lots of dancing and, of course, sunflower seeds. Such a fun cultural event!
During the time I lived in Italy from 2010-2011, I had visited and vacationed in Napoli more than once. I was very excited to return to the birthplace of pizza and the city of impeccable café (espresso). A trip to Gino Sorbillo was a must, even though it was quite a trek from the ship, especially in the summer heat of Southern Italy. Frankie, Kristine and Diego joined, and none of us were disappointed. We each ordered a whole pizza to ourselves, as is the Italian way. We didn't have any trouble consuming the whole thing either.
