Greek Isle of Katakolon

Yesterday was spent in the town of Katakolon on the Greek mainland. The big attraction for most tourists is the ruins of Olympus but having just toured Pompeii last week and having seen the site of the early Olympic games at Rome, we had no appetite for the hour-long bus ride and the three-hour inspection of the hot, dry, dusty ruins there. Other options offered a choice of nearby beaches, but that was not inviting to us either. Instead we took a leisurely stroll (nice change from our usual pace) through the three, yes, three simple streets that comprised the town. We splurged on a square of freshly made baklava purchased at small bakery. Deadly is all I can say. It was simply sweet, but not as dry as most baklava we've had in the past, even at fine Greek restaurants at home. It had only a few layers of butter-soaked fillo which was then filled with a mountain of chopped, honey-laden nuts and topped by a few more crisp, yet chewy layers of fillo. The honey literally pooled out onto the plate. Almost breathtaking! Truly decadent.

We shopped for souveniers and chatted with the shopkeepers who fortunately all spoke English with ease. Finally, we had a long relaxing lunch at a local taverna built on the wharf at water's edge. Mission accomplished! We shared a cold beer, grilled octopus and moussaka. Ohhhh, I feel a dinner party in the making back home -- we want to share this experience!! We also bought a small bottle of Ouzo, so everyone at the party must take a little shot! We may get crazy and dance, but let's not break the plates!

During the evening last night we took in a production on the ship called Elements. It was a first class show with very imaginative dance, music, sets, aerial performers and magic . . and on cruise ship!. We found that it really delivered . . . for cruise entertainment. I think it could be a good draw in Las Vegas.

Today is the best . . . our favorite of all the days onboard ship. It consists simply of sailing the sea back to Venice. Time to read, listen to great live music, write a blog update, say goodbye to great people we've met and get some more sun--just what need!! We have never been so dark-skinned.

Speaking of people, you know . . . in all reality, we all are very much alike and have a great deal in common regardless of where we are born and brought up. We have learned that we all love our families, seek the best for them, try to be productive, get along with others and hope to enjoy ourselves a bit before it's all over.

Traveling to Florence tmorrow.