All aboard for Agropoli. . . . . . .and a visit to Paestum

May 3-4, 2017 - The first afternoon and evening on a new ship is always exciting. 

Some of us had already had brief exchanges with other passengers (who later

 became friends on board) at the meet up at Gatwick airport. We all flew to Naples

 together on British Airways and were then taken by coach to the port where the

MS Island Sky awaited in brilliant sunshine.

After meeting up with the remainder of our group of eleven friends with hugs and

 quick catch ups - a brief look around the awesome and spacious cabin where the bags

 have been delivered quickly for later unpacking, and meeting our delightful attendant

 Ana Lisa who was truly a gem the entire trip. . . .afternoon tea was served. This was a

 British ship so no holds barred at teatime, or any other meal actually!

This was followed by the mandatory safety drill for all guests in the lounge, on a ship
 this size you actually get to see just about everyone before you sail. . . . . . . the

 happy 114 passengers, and the fabulous crew of 80 smiling faces who, in no

 time flat, seem to know you as Ms. Mary, Mr. Bob etc. and always address you 
by name.

A Welcome Aboard Briefing introduced us to our fantastic Cruise Director Brenda,

 and her Assistant Reba, both of whom we came to know well and had such fun with
over the upcoming ten days.

At 6 PM we were ready for the sail away, followed by a quick unpack. Wonderful to

 have a huge closet with tons of hangers, room to move about, these are the things
 that count on a ship. A freshen up, and then off to dinner and a restful night at sea.

The small port of Agropoli was the convenient location for the first morning

 excursion to Paestum - go here for more details.
Founded by the Greeks in 600BC and dedicated to Poseidon,
the god of the sea, this ancient site, and the famous paintings in the adjoining
 museum, are the only examples of Greek architecture in Italy and are considered 
better preserved than the Parthenon in Athens. Walking through the amazing ruins
 enables one to see the best example of Greek culture outside Greece.

We were taken ashore by local tender boat and the quayside was bustling as

 the fishermen prepared their nets and small boats for the day ahead. . . . . . . on 

the bluest water and in warm sunshine.

The museum at Paestum contained some wonderful art. . . . . . . . it would require

an entire day to view all and read the story behind every piece found at the

ancient site.

Amphora ~ 510 BC

Returning to the ship, the blue water was calm and we enjoyed lunch on the deck,

 followed by a restful afternoon at sea after walking the ruins in hot sunshine.

 Heading across the Strait of Messina - 152 nautical miles to Messina, our first 

port in Sicily. Later the Captain's Cocktail Reception and Welcome Dinner 

was enjoyed by all - we were definitely a lively group!

Downtown into Outer Space!

Well, total weekend relaxation didn't quite happen after all, especially Saturday, when suddenly my day became full of wonderful hours, including outdoors and walking around downtown in sunshine and warm temperatures - so different from the previous weekend of snow and ice. We headed into town after reading in the newspaper there were exciting things happening at the Museum of Natural Sciences, namely, Astronomy Days, and it would be a chance to meet a real astronaut! We were ready and out the door for this one. . . . . .along with everyone else and their children from a 50 mile radius most likely. It was all fun.

Just a small part of huge crowds out enjoying perfect weather on Saturday - the line inside this museum was long for the presentation we went to hear - given by the amazing Christina Hammock Koch, one of NASA's newest astronauts. A North Carolina woman, and graduate of NC State University, she is one of just eight most recent trainees - apparently picked from a field of 6,372 applicants! We were absolutely blown away by Christina's hour long presentation, and all she has accomplished. Just learning what the training consists of was an eye-opener - such as piloting the T-8 Supersonic jet plane, learning the Russian language, swimming dressed in complete astronaut gear, and so much more. Because she also spent a year stationed at Palmer Station in Antarctica (which I viewed briefly from the deck of the expedition ship I sailed on in 2013), her stay included an over-Winter where temperatures dropped to -150F (-101C), I was also captivated by stories of her time there, and viewing her videos and slides. Christina's dream now is to be part of the Mars landing planned for the 2030's!

Leaving the museum complex, and yes we do have wonderful museums here, and we should come visit them more often, we headed through town, stopping here (below) to get a few photos of a favorite house nestled in between the huge modern buildings of the State Government complex.

The Heck-Andrews House ~ Built in 1869

Second Empire Style

Needless to say there are many stories and published articles on this historic

 downtown property. This is a favorite recent one of great interest as it shares 

 fabulous interior photos which until now we never were able to view.

 Click here for the story > HECK-ANDREWS House

Owned by the State for the past 30 years, the exterior was restored at a huge cost, 

however, they put the property up for sale not wishing to spend more public money. 

The house apparently sold last week and the new owners will now, hopefully, 

complete the massive job of interior restoration. 

This is a beauty too special to lose to a wrecking ball.

Speaking of houses. . . . . .  .another stop was a favorite garden center located at the old train station downtown - loved the birdhouses, and I need a new one! Already a great display of beautiful pottery - these brilliant blue ones are gorgeous. Gardening is still a favorite hobby but unfortunately getting more difficult with my back problem. Filling lovely pots raised on a table is much easier than getting down and digging in the dirt - know what I mean?

Last but not least by any means - there were plenty of very pretty blooming

 Spring flowers on offer. We are in for a run of Spring-like days here - temps. 

reaching 71F today. Hello and welcome to February.

~~~~~~~~~~oh, and as for Sunday, I did relax a bit by staying away from the laptop - cooking, going through family photos, and later watching some TV, including that really surprising episode of Downton Abbey!  Anyone watching Mercy Street? If so what are your thoughts on that show. We're finding it interesting from a historical point of view, but rather gruesome seeing how archaic medical facilities and treatment options were during the American Civil War.

Capital moments, and the CANVASPOP print winner. . . . . . . . . .

Besides visiting Loi Thai at his beautiful shop Tone on Tone during our recent 

Washington weekend, Bob and I took time to drive around the city where we share 

so many memories from the sixties.

My different view of the Washington Monument 

The White House

'The Friendship Archway', entrance to Washington's 'Chinatown'

Coffee tastes the same in any language!

After a cold, snowy Winter, trees stretch their arms awaiting fresh green coats

Smithsonian Museum and Washington Monument

Whizzing by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial

 The United States Capitol ~ currently undergoing a massive face lift to the dome

Lincoln Memorial - Abe's awesome statue is inside 

St. Matthew's Cathedral where fifty years ago we said "I do".

National Museum of Women in the Arts - One I must visit next time

Built in 1888, the historic SunTrust Building.

Owned now by the Spanish Zara fashion chain 

I lived in this apartment building for a while in the '60's when I first came to the USA.

It's an older building, art deco style and quite lovely. The interior had been completely 

renovated so my place was brand new - rent $100 monthly!

Top floor, three left side windows comprised my 'efficiency apartment'.

My windows to a new to me world, and big city living. . . . . . 

quite a change from my home in a small English seaside town.

Hope you enjoy the views and, if you've never visited, I suggest  you

go soon - it's still a wonderful city .

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