Jerusalem, Israel

Aloha Everyone,

Our day began with getting a PCR Covid test given by an Israeli medical team who came on board. We were then asked to go on shore to be interviewed by Israeli Immigration. No interview so it was speedy. We were given Israeli Border passes which we must carry along with our original passport, original vaccination card and cruise cards.

All passengers and crews must be cleared before anyone is allowed to disembark. 2:00 pm came and went, then 2:30 pm and so on. At 5:00 pm, we decided to cancel our planned tour for the day. “No one has COVID” clearance came at 5:30 pm.

Aloha -- Cathi

Cairo, Egypt

Aloha Everyone,

We made it to the African Continent! Saw the Giza pyramids and Sphinx; walked inside the latter and crossed the River Niles. Fantastic day!

J.J. and I joined Ross and his wife, Florence from Birmingham, England to organize our own excursion. Ross, a retired British Airlines pilot had been stationed in Cairo. We relied on Ross’ familiarity with Egypt.

The Pyramids of Giza stood timeless in the midst of dust and pollution. Hordes of tourists everywhere. Overall, a very memorable and adventurous day lasting 7 hours on the road. If on a tour bus, the trip would have been 13 hours. We were grateful for having an air-conditioned minivan. The flexibility of selecting our own destinations and stops, and saving more than 50% in costs compared to the ship’s organized tour were extra.

Would we want to return to Egypt for further exploration? Absolutely!

Aloha -- Cathi

Boarded Azamara Pursuit

Aloha Everyone,

Excitement of departure day combined with the feeling of anxiety getting our antigen tests prior to boarding. Due to holiday, there was only one immigration officer to stamp passports. All ended well. This is our first cruise on Azamara. 

The ship has a maximum capacity of 704, but we are sailing with 460 passengers. The two of us have been upgraded from an ocean view unit to a balcony room.

The sea has been extremely calm. The ship is sailing south to Egypt. We definitely would want to see the Pyramids and Sphinx and possibly, the archaeological museum in Egypt.

Azamara Pursuit is an older ship refitted about 7 years ago. Linens and pillows are of luxury hotel quality. Food served in dining room and buffet style are also more interesting, prepared per individual request with higher care and excellent service. Of course, that could be attributed to the small number of passengers.

Attended a destination presentation on Egypt. So much to see, so much to learn.

Aloha -- Cathi

Never Get Tired of Greek Food

Aloha Everyone,

All Greek Salad are not alike. Some put cubed tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and green pepper topped with a generous block of Feta Cheese and EVO. Others mix cabbage, spinach and spring greens with a bit of walnuts and baked Feta cheese. They always come with EVO.

Here are some of the sumptuous Greek food the two of us have enjoyed over our 2 weeks stay. We have repeated several restaurants mainly due to the quality of food, but other times because they open early for tourists. Consider dining out twice a day times even 12 days would mean 24 meals. Some servers greeted us “welcome back” and if we prefer to sit at “our table.”

Aloha -- Cathi

Vignette of Our Life in Athens

Aloha Everyone,

Our two weeks stay in Athens is coming to an end. Athens, as with any major metropolis, is busy and chaotic. Touristic areas such as Plaka have aggressive vendors and restaurant barkers literally blocking your way to entice you to take a seat in their establishment.

J.J. and I enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life. Getting my hair done in a salon nearby where my operator, Katrina, took an hour to trim my hair. I am thrilled what she did with my hair. We normally go to Supercuts where the usual time talent on haircuts is 20 minutes.

A bag of laundry separated by light and dark were picked up from our hotel and returned within 8 hours. The charge of €18 is reasonable.

Aloha -- Cathi