Mediterranean Adventure

Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know we're all fine. Today we visited Pompeii, Italy today and as for par, it rained.

I haven't had good connectivity since we left Israel, so I am sorry I haven't had a chance to Blog much. Israel for the most part was a horrible visit and it's unfortunate because I was really looking forward to it. The first day's tour was fine, but the second day to Jerusalem was a wash (both figuratively and literary). The bus driver got lost going to pick us up, so he left us outside for over and hour and we were soaked, we ended up getting behind in the schedule so we ended up sprinting thru the rest of tour, so we never got to appreciate the sites, and the morning was a complete fiasco - the tour company acted as though they didn't know what sites were available. Long story short, even with the sprint thru Israel to see "important sites", I have no want to go back.

Now Egypt on the other hand was AMAZING!! I could not believe how well we were treated and safe we were! Armed Police Caravan Escorts, personal body guards in suits with kevlar and UZIs (for Alyssa!!), and priorities made for us everywhere, Jared and I agree that we want to revisit again someday. The laser show, crawling around the inside of the pyramid, and looking at all of the antiquities, was worth the price of the tours!! I even saw a whirling durbish! That was crazy!!

Unfortunately, I have been battling a horrible stomach problem since Egypt. It feels like acid build-up and only goes away if I eat, or drink something very cold. I am concerned that I may have drank a bad bottle of water. I at first thought it was sea sickness, but I had horrible pains today while in Port. I swear this entire trip either I was plagued by horrible allergies or this! Crazy!!

Alyssa had a "Sick Bay" visit yesterday, but she wasn't sick - she and Jared were playing roughly and she hurt her wrist. Ship's Doctor said that it was a minor sprain and she was back to her "hurricane"-like self after her nap. She played up the pain to Jared who already felt terrible, and of course milked her injury to get HUGE deserts and attention by the wait staff in the dining rooms.

Alyssa is looking forward to getting off the boat tomorrow. I honestly think that she and I are the only ones looking forward to heading home. You don't know how well you have it until you leave and see how others live. Having to drink only bottled water because your water is filthy, or being concerned your food is contaminated, is not a way to live. I can not wait to drink my Mt. Pleasant Tap Water and eat a SAFE meal for less than $10 (LaHa here I come!!).

Like I mentioned, tomorrow we disembark and head back to Rome for our last tours in the city. We will meet the guide at the hotel for our tour of the Vatican and then spend Friday relaxing and doing the city on our own.

BTW, to answer the Family Blogger about Granny's Tree in Israel - NO, we did not go to the Hadassa Forest. It's a long story that we will tell once we get back.

I have enjoyed reading your comments via Facebook and the Blog! Keep 'em coming!

Take care!
Cherrel.

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Hey Everyone!

Well, we just left the antiquities museum and are now sitting at the pyramids and Spinx waiting for the laser show to begin. Our allergies are better and hopefully we're all on the mend.

It was amazing to see King Tut and all of the other Royalty's belongings. Jared was like a kid in the candy store and he was running around trying to see as much as he could in the very short amount of time we had.

I guess it's my fault that we are here without our good camera, though I feel the blame should be shared between the two of us. Jared's Dad has his and he has been taking photos like crazy!

It is odd for me to be sitting here at night listening to overhead speakers blare Muslim Prayers and looking at the dark shadows of the pyramids. We have been treated wonderfully and I am looking forward to our two hour Nile Dinner Cruise tonight around the city.

Well, the show should begin soon and Alyssa is getting excited! Hope everyone is doing well!!

Cherrel.
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We are currently on a bus to Giza, Egypt where we're spending the night.

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The words escape me and I am soaked. Will update everyone later.
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Made it to Turkey this morning and I think that we're on getting better now. Today is my first morning without Benedryl but I have it close at hand.

We are presently on the way to the sites here in Kusadasi. I just realized that my elbows aren't covered... Oops!
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Let the gluttony begin!!
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Yeeeeeeeeeeeah, we thought it was complicated getting our bags to the "nice" train, but lugging all 12 bags to the furthest platform and then making sure none of our bags "walk" off the train is posing to be an adventure.... Jared and I are "sitting guard" watching our luggage.
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Yesterday's sightseeing was amazing. To walk and see all of that (in the rain) was almost sensory overload and I think we all needed a break. Jim and June took Alyssa for dinner while Jared and I meet up with a friend of mine from H.S., Lindy Beers. After an evening of talking and catching up, it energized me for the next leg of the trip, the cruise!

We will travel by train to the Port a little later this morning and embark on Celebrity Equinox for our Ancient Empires Cruise.

I must admit that the world is such a small place! I still can not believe it took traveling half a world away to see someone that I haven't seen since 1992 and lives in my own country!

Jared is telling me that I need to close for now - we need to pack our stuff that we unpacked and order our car to the train station!

Have a great day and stay dry!
Cherrel.
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"I am Caesar!"
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Good Morning!

The weather has greatly changed overnight. We are Rome bound on the Express Train and as always, was an interesting adventure loading the train with all 12 bags + Alyssa. A very nice Italian Gentleman switched seats with us so the five of us could sit together.

It's quite warm but rainy. Looks like we're expecting up to 2-inches of rain so we'll probably just hangout in the hotel and see if my friend Lindy calls later for dinner.

Dinner was very good last night. Even Chinese food tastes better in Florence!

We had to exchange some Dollars yesterday into Euros. We got a better rate than we had anticipated, so we were quite pleased.

Yesterday, in San Gimignano, Jared and I experienced a first: I was kicked out of a Butcher Shop for having long hair and I wasn't even near the food! We didn't argue, we just left.

Also, we visited Tenuta Torciano a vineyard where we had a very nice lunch and tasting. It was very cool to learn how to properly hold, swirl, and appreciate wines. Jared and I not only bought award winning reds and whites, but the most incredible truffle oil and balsamic vinegar ever created. What a wonderful experience and memory!!

Lastly, I conquered a fear of mine - heights. Jared, Alyssa, and I climbed to the top of this tall midevil bell tower. WHY, I will never know, but I was rewarded with amazing photos of the Tuscan Countryside that I will try and post tonight. (Climbing down an old, rickety ladder did not impress me much, but the photos are amazing.)

That pretty much wraps up yesterday. I am going to work on the photos now.

Have a good day!!
Cherrel.
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We just passed a World War II Cemetery for American Soldiers on the way to Siena. Our guide/driver said there are approximately 4000 of our own buried there.

Be sure to Thank a Vet today!

RIP Gentlemen.
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Here is Jared posing in front of the Dolomites (Italian Alps) on Saturday, 17 OCT 2009.

For your viewing pleasure!

Here I am posing in front of a river in Amsterdam!

The De Medici Palace that was later purchased by the Cosimo Family.

The original home for "David". He stood outside of this building for nearly 300 years.

This palace was later made famous by Mussolini, as the balcony was where he did all of his speeches.

I see you left us one bottle of vino in Firenze...

A 3,500 euro ($5,300 U.S. Dollar), 1964 bottle of Brunello!

Come on Sean.... We thought you were a real aficionado of fine vinos! :)

Pastor David and Julie:

This candle is for you! We walked into Duomo Firenze and the first thing that Alyssa saw were all of the prayer candles. The moment that Jared explained to Alyssa that people light candles to pray for others, she immediately stated that she wanted to light a candle for Pastor Dave and Julie.

Here is the candle that Alyssa lit for you guys!

:)