Santorini - Greece

May 28 to May 31 - Santorini, Greece

Our airplane was last to arrive becuase a jump for the battery was needed at Malta airport. After arriving to a empty custom, (with no restrooms), and half an hour wait in the sun for taxi, we were dropped off at a road side and cannot see any sign of our hotel.

Called the hotel and a strong guy (later on we know he is also a professional boxer), in all white uniform walked down the stairs along the cliff side and carried all 8 of our duffle bags. He does this all day long. We followed him through steps and small walk ways along the cliff. Finally arrived to an entrance of a white cave. Fortunately, two icy cold sparkle wine awaits us.

Just pass the reception cave, it was like walking into a most peaceful, calming dream. The breathtaking beauty of Aegean sea amazed us with its presence. You dare not to even wisper , as you feel time stands still right here and right now and any sound will wake up this unimaginable dream.

After three flat of steep stairs up and two flat down, we were lead to our all white room in a cave. View with a private jacuzzi. What else can one ask?

Sontorini as we approach.

Oia town church at sunset, Santorini.

Pool side welcome dinner at sunset.

Our room is at the very top behind me to the right.

Entrance of Kirini Resort.

Room.

Belcony.

Walkway also a dinning room at night.

The brightest bluest sky.

Many other resorts and hotels along the cliff side by side.

Renee wearing the dress bought from local store.

Hotel donky. His name is Lemonia. I think he is in training for carrying luggages. (I hope). Very very cute. In the old times, there were a lot of donkies to carry goods and tourists ups and downs of the cliff but now there is a cable car for cruise ships' passengers

Spa in a cave. Nice and cool.

Getting ready for a sail boat ride.

Sunset cruise.

Pilots and their wives.

Jeffrey snorkling along the vocano islands.

Everyday meditation.

Say goodbye to a beautiful dreamy place.

Captain Ying is ready to fly to Istanbul.

And his first officer.

Republic of Malta

May 26 to May 28

Republci of Malta

Malta is the southernmost point of Europe. Just north of Africa. South of Sicily. We were explained that the country was the homes of knights of St. John’s. It has a significant historical position for the war between Ottoman and Christians. Very flat island country. Rich in history and seems to have a good harbor for large yachts. Restaurants and food are excellent. Though a short technical 2 day stop but still enjoyable.

Very flat small island country.


Many cathedrals, historical buildings over 1500 years old.

Boat ride around the harbor.

Outside of Xara Palace which is now an Relais and Chateaux hotel and restaurant. Had a great meal here.

Really a cute place to visit.

View from our room.

Gibraltar Rock and Ibiza Island, Spain

We stopped by Gibraltar for lunch on our way to Ibiza, Spain. I did not know that Gibraltar is a nation now. We had to go through customs. Flying in gave us a nice view of the rock. After out of custom, got a taxi to take the 6 minutes cable ride to top of the rock where local apes welcome us. (Actually, they are known for taking food or shinning items from people, espcially woman and children. Yes, they did. ). I like this picture with the airplane, the rock and Jeffrey. Can be the cover of our photo book.

Ibiza is a vacation spot for Spainsh people, I guess. Thierry, the owner of the tour company has a property here. His parents has been taking them to Ibiza for vacation since the early 70's. Water, the old town, the Spainish food, it has everything. Good shopping for beach dresses and leather goods.

Flyying in.

On top of the rock.

Ibiza, Spain. A restaruant on the beach serving Paella.

Pilots on the boat.

Renee and one of the new friends. Allison.

Walking on sanded bridge in between islands.

Ibiza old town and three tired shoppers.

Old town Ibiza.

Marrakech, Morroco

Marrakech, Morroco

First, see some new followers, Welcome, Wei and Yee-Ping, CH, and Michelle.

We have not heard of Marrakech until this trip. Casablanca usually comes to mind when talk about Morrooco. Marrakech is the third largest city in Morroco and has been the capital of the nation many times in the history. Has been in many Hollywood movies such as “ The Mummy”, …. . Hotel Le Mamounia, is the top choice. Beautiful indeed, and new. Every room is decorated Morrocan style. Food served here is out of this world which can be a problem.

Yves Saint Laurent lived here before he died. The garden of his house now is open to public. We paid a short visit.

Somehow, somewhere, during our shopping at the “Suk” (local market)) which is so big we cannot find our way out without the tour guide., I have got a new Arabian husband and his name is "Laurance". Jeffrey has amused all the staff in the Hotel. Made friends with all the waiters in the restaurant. More importantly, he danced with belly dancers “Morrocan “ style. Every local who looked at him had a grim on their face but we don’t know why. I think, it is nice to amuse the local people once in a while.

Hotel La Mamounia

An old property of the Marrakech governer.

Marrakech street.

Snake Charmer

The suk. Too bad no chance to really buy something. There are many wook works with intricate inlay design. Can be good to make a Mah Jion table.

Now, Jeffrey and Thierry (owner of the Aviation Tour company), trying to scare local people.

Entrance of a Morroco restaurant.

Table setting for before dinner drinks. Everything is beautiful.

Look at Jeffrey's face.

Thierry proposed to hold hands with Jeffrey when wearing the robe as Morrocan men do. I was laughing of control.

Dinner table with Aournd the World good wishes.

Belly dancers.

We are off to Ibiza, Spain tomorrow.