Camera

Since our Harmony cruise my camera has not been working quite right. It had a brief encounter with a Lemon Drop Martini and things have never been quite the same! I checked into getting it cleaned but sadly Sony charges a minimum of $300 to even look at it. Camera shops are obligated to send it to Sony as well. SO - I can get a new camera for less than that, which is what I did. I just hate choosing. I  want "simple" with a point and  shoot but I also want major zooming capabilities and a good pixel count. Of course there isn't much time left to get a camera, figure it out, and be confident in shooting pictures since we leave soon. I compared Costco and Amazon and went with a Cannon this time. I've had Cannon cameras in the past and was very happy with them. Even though this last Sony came so highly rated it wasn't that special to me. Anyway, same day purchase and delivery from Amazon, what more could I want? Cons - The SD cards are small. When it came I was surprised how large the camera was. It won't be fitting in my purse like I usually plan on. Maybe John will carry it for me! Pros - It comes with an extra battery, which I usually buy separately. I have other SD, larger capacity, cards to use. It also has other accessories which, I may or may not use. It is easy to handle and operate while fitting nicely in the hand. I really like the SD adapter, which accommodates both the regular size and the mini. I will keep that in my travel laptop case (no card reader on that laptop). Anyway, all set in the camera department now! 

Athens Info

We will have discretionary time in Athens, so just in case we want to "do" something I bought a Athens Pocket Guide Book from Rick Steves. I actually bought it on Amazon to save the cost of shipping and it was .01 less expensive! (wow) We have used his books multiple times, not just when we took his Best of Europe 21 Days Tour in 2009. We learned things on that trip that have made travel much more interesting and enjoyable. In addition, it completely revolutionized how we pack. I think he is quite the travel guru, though I don't have anything in common with his political beliefs. In fact, I "unfriended" his Facebook travel page when it became annoying... anyway... back to my point. His books are practical, easy to use, help you travel like a local, and generally save time and money. We do have a full day trip scheduled for Corinth but we just might be energetic enough to venture out on some of our free days. So, now we are set.

Our Documents

We got our package today! It is always exciting to get something delivered  - This was no exception. We got our final paperwork, a couple of tote bags, luggage tags, and of course name tag lanyards. I don't really like wearing those but I will. At least they are green (my favorite color). I might take one of the tote bags just so we feel more like "part of the group" when we are with them. They are actually too small to be a "personal item" and too big to be a "purse" in my opinion, cute though. I didn't take the Ya'lla nylon bag we got and then wished I had it for outings. 

A Surprise

I didn't realize we were getting anything else from Go Ahead but I got an email today saying we are getting a package. A "Go Kit" for our trip. I am feeling excited to see what is coming! Hopefully some cultural information so we don't make a faux pas in Greece. 

Our Hotels

The St. George Lycabettus Hotel: There’s no better place to experience all that Athens has to offer than from our 5 star boutique hotel in the center of the city. Nestled against the pine-forested slopes of Lycabettus Hill, the St George Lycabettus affords breath-taking panoramic views over Athens to the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf beyond. Guests are also perfectly positioned right in the pulsing heart of Athens, just steps away from Kolonaki’s alluring shops, museums, galleries and eateries. Family-run since its inception, the St George Lycabettus Hotel is regarded as a landmark of Greek hospitality, with its intuitive service and sleek, newly renovated rooms. We invite you to stay with us on your next visit to Greece!

Athens - I hope there are really views like this!

San Antonio Summerland Mykonos Hotel: Welcome to the San Antonio Summerland, a sea view 4 stars vacations resort. Our hotel is built in a big land of 14000 sq m, located 1800 meters/1,11 miles north west from Mykonos town center when driving or 1 km/0,6 of a mile walking through a classic Mykonian path. San Antonio Summerland overlooks the new port of Mykonos and the sea.

Mykonos - I feel ready for that scene!

The 4-star Santorini Palace is centrally located in Fira, Santorini’s capital, within walking distance from the breathtaking Caldera and restaurants. It features a free-form pool and a fitness centre with a hot tub and sauna. All air-conditioned rooms open to a balcony overlooking the well-tended garden or the Aegean Sea. Facilities include a satellite TV and minibar. Each private bathroom is fitted with a rainfall shower or a bathtub and hairdryer. Guests at Santorini Palace can start their day with a buffet breakfast. The restaurant serves international dishes during dinner times. Refreshing drinks and light meals are prepared at the snack bar by the pool.

Santorini

We welcome you to The Galaxy Hotel: This is the ideal city hotel for exploring Heraklion! Our prime location, in between the city’s historical sites and the beating heart of the downtown center, allows our guests to fully experience the essence of Cretan culture, while enjoying the luxurious comfort of our serene environment. Heraklion’s attractions, gastronomy, nightlife and local habits are all within your grasp!

Heraklion, Crete, Greece

After this we will return to our initial hotel in Athens for the remainder of our stay in Greece. 

Weather

I hope the weather averages hold true for our trip. Neither of us do well in the heat, we totally lose stamina and energy. Looks like it will be 60-70F and that would be perfect!!!

Other Details

Today I finalized our tour itinerary as far as Go Ahead Tours. I will post our itinerary just before we depart. We don't get the names of our hotels until March 15. There were a few insignificant changes and a new optional tour was added. We booked that tour, Mykonos Cooking Class and Lunch. While John doesn't cook he really enjoys the atmosphere of a cooking class. There were a few minutes change on our flights, which we booked separately, as well. I am working on a private day trip excursion to Corinth for part of our extra time at the end of the tour. We opted not to change our flights but just book the extra hotel nights in Athens after the Istanbul part was cancelled. 

Just...