Turkey, Patmos, Crete and Santorini

Hey Everyone,

It was so sad to leave Mykonos because the island was just so perfect but we really couldn't complain since we were boarding a cruise ship for the next three nights going to other islands off the coast of Greece.

Farrell was a little nervous getting on the boat since she tends to get sea sick pretty easily but really she had no choice and did a good job of holding down all her food. We got onto the ship around 6pm and were going to be leaving Mykonos around 10pm. We got to our room and dropped off all the stuff we had been carrying around. Once we found the room we both looked at each other because we thought there was no way that all of our stuff and our own selves were going to fit into this room. It was pretty small. We met up with the group on the top deck for some drinks and karaoke. It was a good time and then Farrell and Dan decided to get some fresh air and enjoy the stars as the boat cruised along. It was a gorgeous night!

The next morning we got up really early since we were going on an excursion to Turkey. We left early with our group and got on a coach to travel to Kusadasi a city in Turkey. In Kusadasi is the ancient site of Ephesus. We had a guided tour through the site and ended amongst some cool Turkish shops. The Turkish people are pretty aggressive in getting you to come into their shops and buy some stuff. We had good time with it though. We picked out some great stuff and really enjoyed Turkey. It is a pretty sweat country and a place we would both like to spend more time at later on.

We got back on our cruise ship around 11am and then the boat took off for a new destination. For the afternoon the boat docked at Patmos a famous greek island in the Aegean sea. This island Patmos is where St. John was exiled to and spent most of his time in a cave and is the site where he wrote the book of Revelations. Farrell and Dan got in a cab and went to the famous grotto where St. John lived. It was really cool site and we got some good pictures. Then we went to the monestary at the top of the island. This place of worship for the early Christians was built on this island as a castle for protection since a lot of them were being persecuted at the time. We really enjoyed the sites and had a nice time on the island. After the monestary we got some crepes and relaxed by the port. We boarded the ship again and had a nice dinner with some friends. We set sail for Crete that night.

Upon arriving at Crete Dan and Farrell got in a cab with these three other americans to see the ancient palace of Knossos. We walked around this site for a few hours and then through the town for a bit. It was a Sunday and so it was really quite and nothing was open except for this site. Again we hopped back on the boat and relaxed for a few hours as we sailed onto Santorini.

We have so much to say about Santorini because it was a really awesome island. We first got in a sweet pirate boat once we docked to heat out to a volcanic island just past Santorini. We hiked for about an hour with our excursion group to the top of the Volcano. It was unbelievable to look out off the top and see Santorini and the rest of the sea. Santonrini is also volcanic and all the buildings are built on the cliffs. After the hike we got back in our pirate boat and headed for a hot water springs and a dip in the sea. We had a great swim and enjoyed the hot water springs. Then we headed back to the main land of Santorini. We took a coach up an got dropped off in the main part. Farrell and Dan got some awesome Gyros. The best ones that they have had ever!!! Then we bought some local wine since Santorini is big on its vineyards. The wine was bottled right in front of us which was cool. After getting the wine Farrell and Dan got on two donkeys to make their way down. Dan had the baby donkey and Farrell the huge one. As soon as Dan got on his baby donkey it started to take off and almost pulled Farrell along too. Then it stopped thankfully. Farrell's donkey lead the way down the island and enjoyed smelling other donkey's butts too. As we safely got down we could not stop laughing at how funny it was. The pictures also came out great.

Down at the port we got onto the ship for our last time. That night we headed back to Athens where we have been spending the last two days.

It truly has been a crazy adventure for the two of us. We are so happy to have been able to get to these places but are also so excited to come home and see everyone. We love you all so much!!

Lots of Love,

Farrell and Dan