Rhodes Greece

Our first stop in Greece took us 47km from Rhodes. Lindos is a Greek vacation spot and is so crowded in the summer that you can hardly move. Like Bend Oregon, Lindos has 300+ days of sunshine so we enjoyed a sunny and warm trip up the coast of one of Greece's prettiest islands. We visited the 4th Century BC Temple of Athena, a Byzantine Church and the fortifications of the Knights. These ruins overlook St Paul's Bay where the Apostle is believed to have landed.

Cyprus Part 2

We had some fun laughing in the face of death. Paphos boasts an extensive burial site from the 3rd century BC.

Limassol Cyprus

Limossol is Cyprus' largest resort and a great place to shop. I got some beautiful linens there. However, Al and I traveled by bus to the town of Paphos about 1 1/2 hours out of the city. We passed the place where Aphrodite was "born" and saw some awesome coastlines. The city of Paphos is know for it's castle guarding the harbor and the well preserved mosaics in the ruins of ancient buildings.

Egypt

Egypt was an experience I will not soon forget. To see the Sphynx and the Pyramids was a dream come true. Spending the afternoon in the Cairo Museum was amazing. The very near death experience on the highway in the Sahara, the piles of garbage everywhere and the vicious traffic made us glad that we weren't staying in Cairo.

Mdina Malta

This darling little village made primarily of yellow limestone was charming and beautiful. Al and I loved exploring the narrow streets and beautiful St Paul's Cathedral.

Malta Part 2 - St Johns Co-Cathedral

This church was supposed to be a very plain and simple place of worship. Legend has it that the French delgation of the Knights of St John did a little decorating in their chapel. Not wanting to be outdone, the other 7 delagations began to decorate and you'll see the results. Anything that looks like gold is the real deal...and not gold plated.

Malta

Valetta Malta is an ancient walled city that was built by the Knights of St John in 1530. Founded during the Crusades, the Knights of St John protected Christian pilgrams traveling to and from the Holy Land. The Classical and Baroque styles of architecture are a wonder to see.

The Cruise

We left Barcelona and headed toward Africa and the Middle East. We had a lovely stateroom and enjoyed many hours on the balcony. Coffee in the morning, tea and cookies in the afternoon and a glass of wine in the evening. So so relaxing.

Barcelona Part 3

Barcelona boasts a world renowned architect, Antoni Gaudi. He designed this gigantic cathedral in the early 1900's that is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. It will probably never be finished and I don't think there has ever been a mass inside. But it is an breathtaking non the less. Pictures don't begin to do it justice.

Barcelona Part 2

It was warm and sunny the entire time we were in Barcelona so we enjoyed the beach and shopping and sightseeing.