Venice Sucks.

Venice the supposed romantic capital of Italy...NOT. This is perhaps the worst city in all of Italy.  I mean if you' ve seen one creek, you've seen them all.  The Venetians are also the most arrogant of all people, guys you live on a man made island that's sinking.  Besides St. Marks square, and of course those river rafts  floating on that green water, can anyone name something  about Venice? NO.  There is absolutely no reason to come to this place.
The food is overpriced and horrible.   Florian cafe, in St.Marks square  do not go there.  You pay an extra 6 euro to have the privilege to listen to a high school quartet try and play a scale.  And whatever you do, do not order food. You will get two pieces of soggy toast with some kind of spread  left from the crusades, topped with turkey breast straight from the supermarket.   The sandwich at some time was microwaved (the sogginess). But now serves cold, nothing better than cold melted cheese, right?
The Doges palace as any ancient building has some beautiful works of art. But honestly, more spectacular buildings can be found elsewhere.   St.Marks byzantine church is beautiful.  If you can get past the arrogant bastards who think they are guarding all of antiquity. Not worth the lines to get in.
But see for yourself.
Enjoy.

Rhodes, Greece

Today we are on the Isle of Rhodes, home of the ancient wonder the #Collossus. We decided to hit the beach and forego and excursions. 84 degrees and a cool breeze blowin. Now this is what a vacation is about. Relaxing beautiful beaches. Clear blue ocean. Rocky beaches though. It makes walking a little hard. The water is a perfect temperature. 
Trying to get past all of the hawkers though.  Very annoying. Just ignore them and they usually go away, but make sure you leave nothing available to grab. 
Lots of middle ages boobs walking around too.  Not quite as many as Mykonos, but still a few.  a true international festival on the beach.  Come early, get an unberella.

#mykonos

This is what you do in Mykonos in the afternoon

ARSENIS TAVERN ATHENS. We picked up a cab outside the terminal,first we were going to the #Acropolis, then talking to the cab driver he offered to drive us around for 30euro an hour and give us a guides tour. About half what it would cost on a full tour group. Clean cab private tour and he took us to this place. Do it again Best food in Athens and cheap

http://www.arsenistavern.gr/

Holy Moly look at that food

A little sampling of food we had at #arsenis tavern in #athens. What a feast. We ate like pigs for 40euro. 

#Athens

Some pics from the Acropolis 

Dover Sole and Lobster

Amalfi coast

A few more shots of the amalfi coast

#Malta#bluegrotto

A day on Malta.

I had studied and read about Malta all my life. I never thought that I would be able to see this small island. Such a historic place. Check one off the bucket list. This is the Blue Grotto. 

#Amalfi coast and #Pompeii

Just a few pics from Amalfi and Pompeii

Had the best guide, funny and very informative.

Ch Castera Medoc and Tokaji

Jus fantastic wines everyone should try

Day 3 and away we go.....

Started early today. Buffet breakfast, franks and beans again hummmm. Then on to the Church of St Paul. The second largest church in Rome.  What an astounding beautiful church.  Thia is where the "body" of St Paul is buried.  The many archeological digs going on around the church lead to discoveries all the time.  This was my favorite of our time in Rome, more so than Vatican and St Peters.
Our next stop was at the Church of the Bishop of Rome, the Lateran, which I always thought was the Pope, but evidently not.  Anyway another beautiful piece of architecture. It amazes me that such detailed work was carried out so many years ago.  The icons, the sarcophigi, the heads of St John and St Peter (yep that is what is encased in the gold busts on top).  This church also houses remains of many Popes.
Then on to the Church of the Manger. Pieces of wood thought to be from the manger where Christ was born are kept here. Again an outstanding example of architecture and beauty. The obelisk in front is one of 2 actual Roman.
Before leaving the city for the day we went to the the plaza of three fountains. We watched a scene from an Italian movie being made, ho hum.  The fountain of the 4 rivers was made famous in the movie The DaVinci code.  I so need to rent this movie again to see all the sights I visited.  We also enjoyed some wonderful natural water that flows in the plaza. Rome water is the best in the world naturally cold and fresh.  A slice of Pizza in plza Forno and off to the ship. 
Tonight we sail to Naples.
Enjoy.