Glenn’s Greek Trip
9/7/26 Early Monday Morning 7:12 am Local Time, Miami/Rome/Athens
The trip to the Atlanta Airport went smoothly, thanks to Manny and his wife, Cheryl. True to his word, he showed up at my house at 5 am for the 7:30 am Atlanta airport check in. However, we did not go to the airport as I had expected.
Instead, Manny took me to his house where he offered me tea, assuring me we would not be late.
True to his word, the traffic at 6 am was light due to the weekend. I was totally out of my element as I hate cell phones, but Manny told me to stick with Cheryl and I would be fine.
We navigated some logistics which required finding the right password code among the many papers I had printed and brought along. After some attempts using the guess and check method, the right numbers were finally found and the machine spit out an infernal bar code at me that made me feel like a walking stack of groceries. Nonetheless, the first obstacle was done.
It seemed like the Atlanta airport had more black folks than one usually sees. I was hoping I would not be treated to a “Carnival Cruise” moment. Fortunately, that did not happen, this time. (I did witness an incident in Chicago on the way back however, which I will get to later. -Future Glenn)
I was asked to check my bag for the flight to Miami then Rome as I was told they had run out of space on the overhead compartment. I crossed my fingers and hoped my clothes would be in Rome when I arrived.
The flight down to Miami went okay. I paid extra for window seats on the short flights and aisle seats on the long ones. I was reminded of our cross country trip as kids to see the California cousins on a 747, which was reasonably new at the time. I leaned my head into the bulkhead and watched the countryside pass by below, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. The group gathered in the food court to wait the 6 hours for the flight to Rome.
Pizza was a whopping $15 a slice so I opted for a double whopper with bacon, fries and a drink for $18.
The flight to Rome was delayed for 2 hours, so we wound up leaving at 9 pm instead of 7 pm. I hoped that would not make things difficult for catching our connecting flight to Athens from Rome. The weather in Miami Saturday night (on September 5th) was lousy. Rain and heat lightning all through the night. I watched through the window for the frequency of birds and did not see too many. They had probably taken down their quota of planes for the month already like cops issuing traffic citations. I was glad I had spent some extra money to have my seat moved forward as I got to load on the plane with group 4 instead of getting held back with the plebes. It did not cost too much, either.
The flight itself to Rome was not good at all. I did not sleep overnight and grew tired of feeling like a can of Sherman Williams paint that could not escape unwanted agitation. Sorry, Cousin Mark. =/ Also, I think I did not like the feeling of not having control over my fate. A car one can pull over and step to the side of the road. A plane will not do that. I suppose Paul may have had equal misgivings when traveling by ship.
Further, they made us close all the windows which further increased my alarm. What if a UFO showed up outside the window to blow us all into smithereens after the captains of the aircraft made rude gestures at it? They were Italians after all. Yeah, yeah, I know. My second poorly stated comment about national origin or what have you. Well, I am old. I am out of my mind. And therefore, I get a pass to not be politically correct. I wonder if Italian salad dressing is also aggressive towards non-Italian ingredients.
Finally, the flight landed and we scrambled to get what luggage we still had and make the connecting flight to Athens. We picked up our things and made it to the gate with 15 minutes to spare.
I noticed on my ticket that I was in group 2 this time and was prompted to get into a different line alongside the first-class people in group 1. I looked over and made eye contact with Pastor Ebb and jutted my lower jaw out while offering in my best Harvard style Thurston Howell III voice, “I’ll be over here with Thurston and Lovey if you need me.” Then I was prompted to go and made it onto the flight early so I could sit down. Haha! =) Totally worth it to use the Gilligan’s Island impersonation.
The trip to Athens went well as I had a window seat again. I was surprised by the mountainous terrain all about. It was very much like the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey game with steep hills all over the mainland and the islands.
Went out to dinner last night with a group and was actually surprised when the waiter actually stormed away from the table when asked to do individual checks. He was infuriated that he was actually being asked to do a little extra work. Our tour coordinator smoothed over some ruffled feathers and after a long wait, we finally got to order.
I got the “Greek Tacos” and they were surprisingly good, for about 20 Euros, which is a little expensive.
Also, something disgusting I discovered. Toilet paper does not go into the toilet, believe it or not. You have to maneuver it out after using it, LOOK AT IT, and then deposit it into these cutsie little bins, soiled. Regretfully, I had to fish out the t.p. more than once. It has the texture of paper towels from home.
I got the converter up and working so I was able to charge the cell phone overnight without blowing things up. Looking forward to getting on the ship.
Natural pomegranate, olive and banana trees growing outside the hotel. I was not terribly impressed with the quality, but I had opportunity to compare with other places.
9/7/26 Monday late afternoon 4:55 pm Athens docks
I’m a little bit exhausted. The guys at the security checkpoint at the dock just passed me along when I smiled at them. But I learned at the ship I had to do a “check in” back at the docks and get a pass card. So I walked back, got in line, got the card, and was able to get on board the ship after being scanned like a piece of fruit. “Beep.” “Welcome board sir.” Thankfully, they allowed me to keep my luggage on board the ship so I dad not have to haul it back and forth again. I guess that is why they call it luggage, because you have to lug it all over the place.
Luckily for me, my cabin was just one level up from the entrance level, so I walked up one flight of stairs and found it. Just like at the hotel, I have to insert the pass card into a slot in the wall (and leave it there) in order for anything electrical to work. I have already locked myself out of my room once and had to go to the help desk for assistance. Hopefully I will not forget it again.
The ship is shifting to and fro, but in a slow manner, not like the airplane. It is like a slow roller coaster. It is better than the airplane which left me a bit frantic.
The roads over here are quite narrow. I keep waiting for James Bond to come shooting around a corner with evil enemies in pursuit. Our bus driver was all over the place on the way to the docks. Also, gas/petrol is over $8 a gallon here, so no wonder people want to drive smaller cars.
My cabin on board has an actual proper desk and chair for me to sit down and write with so I am thankful for that.
Two things I have noticed about the Greek countryside. One is they build their electric current scaffolds/towers on the sides of mountains. That has to take a lot of effort. The other is that solar panels and windmills appear to be much more numerous here than in the states.
I feel I lucked out getting a 4th floor room as there will be less to-and-froing than folks on the upper decks experience. Also, I am well underneath any bars or music that goes on into the night, so a double bonus for me.
I thought about reserving a table at the specialty restaurant, Grillseekers, but decided against it. I can always get a nice steak back n the states, and it will not cost me an arm and a leg. Besides, I can get all-you-can-eat gyros on the pool deck, with tzatziki sauce and veggies, so how can you ask for more than that?
I went to the gift shop today and plan to go back. I am glad I brought extra Euros. The ship staff tried to sell me on all the extras on board, but stopped when I told them I do not drink. Worp-worp. That is the Price is Right failure sound. We are supposed to disembark at Myconos tonight, I believe.
9/7/26 Monday evening, Myconos
I just had an amazing day in Myconos. Well, two and a half hours, actually. We went out by boat tender (a shuttle boat) to downtown Myconos. There were lots of things to see. I wore my floppy hat. At one point it got tossed by strong winds and people around me tried to chase it down, but it was too elusive. I managed to step on it and used the chin fastener after that. I found the magnets I was looking for after that. 6 Euros a piece in the ship store, one Euro each on shore. Which goes to show what a rip off the ship store was. I struck up a conversation with a young lady at a place called Myconian Corner. She taught me how to say “Crete” properly. I told her how I loved the Greek people; how they are kind when one says hello and thank you. And she was kind to me, too.
So I went out a ways onto the semi circular strip around the small harbor, and just spent some time relaxing in the wind which was wonderful. William and Amanda, a couple from our group asked me to take some pictures of them in the sunset, which I was happy to do, and they returned the favor.
On my way back to the ship I decided to head back to the shop where I had gotten many magnets and ask if I could take a selfie with the young lady and she agreed, so that was nice. She took a picture with an old man from America just to be kind.
I stopped by a mini monastery that had icons on the walls. It had a round roof and blue paint inside and out. Took a picture there.
One other thing I discovered today. Smoking is still a big thing in Europe, which is smelly. I have an early morning tomorrow as I believe our destination will be Ephesus.
9/8/26 Tuesday early morning, Ephesus
Awoke at 3 am, no alarm clock needed. I washed 2 shirts and two pairs of pants in the sink using the special bar soap detergent I brought along just for this purpose. I also put 3 underwear, 3 undershirts and 3 pairs socks in bag to be washed. Total cost- a whopping 32 Euros which is nearly 40 dollars. There is no self service laundry on board the ship and they charge a lot to do wash and fold service. Wow.
The group is supposed to meet at 8 am for a tour of Ephesus, which is located in modern day Turkey. Pastor Ebb is supposed to give a speech on the church in Ephesus from Paul’s epistle. I read some from the book “The Lord of Psalm 23” which was given to me by my friend Alex Henderson. It is wonderful, to say the least.
We are scheduled to have a Turkish lunch today. Not excited about it considering the Turkish lunches I have had in Atlanta on field trips. Anyone can pour rose tea from three feet up and make a show out of it. We shall see.
9/8/26 Tuesday early afternoon, Ephesus
Hoo boy. What a day. And it is not even over yet. My feet hurt. They are tired and complaining at me. My legs are quite sore. I have been walking all over the uneven terrain of Ephesus. Our guide, a nice lady named Nafia was quite knowledgeable about Turkey. I think however, that she spun some things with an Islamic tilt.
Today we visited the old city of Ephesus where the Apostle Paul preached Christ to many who were screaming at him, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Paul was facing economic (guild trade) opposition, cultural opposition and religious opposition, but God gave the increase. It took a neutral observer who appealed to the crowd to be objective listeners since they were all Roman citizens, and afterwards they allowed Paul to speak uninterrupted. Ephesus was a hub where people traveled and it was by this means that Christianity spread far and wide.
Ebb gave a great speech about the miracles that had to happen for Christianity to continue, but God had it all worked out. I gave Ebb a fist bump after he finished to show him my appreciation. We saw a hill in the distance where Paul was at one time held under house arrest.
Later we went to the tomb of the Apostle John, the same one who wrote the Gospel of John and the Revelation. After the death of Emperor Diocletian, John, who had been exiled to the Island of Patmos, was allowed to leave. He returned to Ephesus and lived his remaining years (90 to 99 years old) there.
John’s grave is there, although it is little more than four pillars set into the ground above flat paving stones. There was a little ribbon with posts denoting that one is not to walk on the area above the grave. There was at one time a rather large complex for John’s disciples after he died. The tour guide said that at one time, Muslims and Christians shared the facility of John’s disciples, although if we examine the history of how Muslims repeatedly treat property and structures of non-Islamic origin (like in Constantinople and Jerusalem,) it is not hard to consider how things might have gone differently than just “sharing.” Turkey seized half the island of Cypress from Greece in 1974, and they are not happy about it. They proposed constructing a mosque on top of the rubble from 9/11, for crying out loud. I have not forgotten that.
I thank God for the faithful lives of John and Paul, who wrote of important spiritual concepts so that we might gain the increase today.
I think I might have made a new friend today at lunch. His name is Viet and he is a retired electrical engineer from California.
One last thing from this morning. Before we got to the library of Heraklion, which was one of the seven wonders of the world, Nafia the guide was talking about the Medusa, as a sculpture of her head was at the top of these arches. I replied saying, “I dated her once,” and the guide laughed and said “I am sorry.”
9/8/26 Tuesday 10 pm, Patmos
I hardly know where to start. I am told we walked over 6 miles today. We landed in Patmos, where the Apostle John was exiled after they could not kill him after dropping him into boiling oil. It is said that after this, people (and perhaps Caesar) were afraid of him.
The first place we went was the Chapel of St. John’s monastery at the top of the island. Some places they allowed pictures, others they did not. They drove us close to the top but the rest of the way was absolutely punishing. There were giant ramps and many, many steps. Finally, we reached the top where there were many paintings and icons. Inside there were lots of old, old bibles; 2 feet tall by 1.5 feet wide and 5 or 6 inches thick by my estimate. They were of course, illuminated (accompanied by ornate pictures) and beautiful.
There were paintings of John and his assistant/helper/understudy Polycarp of Smyrna. In many of the paintings, it was explained to us, John had a bulbous head, that is to say there were parts of his forehead that bulged out, due to the fact that he taught himself to read and write. Jason was our tour guide for Patmos and he did an amazing job. He explained to me that he had been guiding tours for 25 years. I cannot imagine climbing those steps every week for that amount of time. Amazing and I greatly admire him for his dedication. I kept myself from calling him “Jason and the Argonauts,” as I am sure he has heard that many times already.
It must have been backbreaking to haul all the stone up to the top of the hill to build the monastery. We were told that the crenelations (the square slots on top of castle walls) were built to fool enemy ships into thinking that the castle held military troops instead of monks.
I purchased an icon of St. John there for a friend, who likes that sort of thing.
More on the Cave of Revelation or the Cave of the Apocalypse tomorrow.
9/9/26 Wednesday early morning, Patmos (writing of yesterday’s events, continued)
According to Jason our guide, the cave was discovered by John’s apprentice on this steep hill. From the outside, it just appeared as a boulder, but there was a thin opening on the side. Inside the crack it opened up into the cave. It was irregular in slope except for the floor which was reasonably flat. There were three long depressions in the floor where fresh water dripped down and pooled below. There were no stalactites on the ceiling on this island which was severely lacking in fresh water. The ceiling slopes down along one side, shaped like a large wave high on the right-hand side and tapering down on the left. The back end of the cave is squared off and reasonably perpendicular to the floor. The ceilings and walls had an irregular texture, like very large stone goosebumps. There was a two foot square stone pillar built floor to ceiling to protect against infrequent earthquakes.
The atmosphere inside the cave felt a little unearthly, to be honest. Jesus stood here. It was like shadows of the past had a weight, a presence which was indescribable. Present, but indiscernible. Valid and absolutely real, but without a means of presenting properly in words. This may just be my feelings or impressions of the place, but I will stand by them.
It was here that an old Apostle John turned around to see Jesus, face to face, who told him to write down a letter to the churches of the things which he was to be shown. Amazing.
There are outer structures which support a museum and a small shop. Ebb spoke to us again after Jason gave us an inside the cave discussion of the biblical and historical importance of the Cave of the Apocalypse. That was amazing too. It was a great, great experience.
I am sitting now in the buffet on board ship, the Celestyal Discovery, overlooking the docks and the bay. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and a slice of melon and pineapple. The chilled prunes were tasty.
I need to go back to my room and take my daily meds. Today in Rhodes there are no planned activities, so I am glad to take the day off. The day after tomorrow is disembarkation day, so we shall see if I can squeeze everything inside my luggage or if I have to throw some clothes away and leave them behind.
A couple of take aways this morning. Foreign language folks, except for Asians, seem rude whenever it comes to lines or taking turns of any sort. They cut in front of you as if you do not exist. It is becoming old, fast. I have half a mind to get out my teacher’s voice and tell them to go to the end of the line, unless they want to eat with me for silent lunch. Unfortunately for me and the entire world, I have no such authority on this ship. Ah, well.
Secondly, the servings of coffee, the teeny tiny cups, the glasses for water, apple juice, etc. are all much smaller than I am used to in the states. Many services are extra charge. A small glass of orange juice costs an extra 4 Euros or 5 bucks, which is ridiculous.
One last thing. I have discovered that I am the Archie Bunker of cell phones. “What the hell is the matter with this stupid machine?” I want 5 cents every time someone says that. I regret not being able to get international calling, but do not want to be charged $1000 upon my return.
PS Another last thing from yesterday. According to the monks at the Monastery of St. John, the skull of the Apostle Thomas was stolen from its pagan owners in India and transported back to Patmos. I saw a container which had a grate and was protected behind glass. I have no idea if this story is true, but the guide says it has been documented over many years and never disproven. it is interesting.
9/9/26 Wednesday noon, Rhodes
I had an amazing morning. Took a 10-15 minute walk to the Rhodes market, spotting a gray Greek naval vessel casting off from the docks. There was a medium caliber gun on the foredeck and some tubes for rocket launchers on the port side towards the stern. I took a picture of it.
I deeply regretted not getting the Myconos little blue painted jars, so I purchased some different ones here. I also got some coasters also, for Amy and Dwight.
I was talking with the guy who ran the souvenir shop about how nice Greeks were, and telling him I loved them. When I asked how much for three jars, he said 24 Euros. I got out two twenty Euro notes, and he said to put one away. “For you, twenty.” So lovely. So, I went back later, called him friend and asked for a selfie, which he granted. I am glad I went in the morning as I understand later in the day the streets became quite crowded.
On my way back to the ship, I noticed a new military vessel pull up to where the navy ship was before. They were maneuvering to dock with a heavy Hauser rope. Then I spotted the diagonal stripes along the bow along with crossed anchors. It was the Greek Coast Guard, although with blue and white stripes instead of red and blue. So, I put all my things on the ground, took off my hat and glasses, came to attention and gave them a snappy salute. “I served with the US Coast Guard,” I told the crew on deck. I turned around to go back to the ship, and this huge, hairy tanned, muscular guy in uniform was right behind me. I thought for a moment that perhaps I had done something wrong. Then he grinned and reached over, ripped the patch off the shoulder of his uniform, and presented it to me.
I was quite moved and remained so.
When I returned to my room, I realized Dad would have been proud of me for showing the Greek Coast Guardsmen respect. I was not expecting to get emotional today.
9/9/26 Wednesday evening, at sea
I sent three whole sets of clothes to the laundry as they have no self service available. Total cost- $68.00. The clothes I did myself in the sink took 3 days to dry. Glad I brought along extra cash.
The no-toilet-paper-in-the-toilet continues to bug me. Come on, Europe! Inventing toilet paper that dissolves instead of being like Bounty paper towels is not a rocket science level task. It is just disgustamundo.
Okay, enough ranting. I saw Viet at dinner again tonight and we exchanged emails. Also took a selfie with him for which I was thankful.
I got to have Beer and Cheese soup at lunch today which was delicious. Tonight I had lamb and gravy which was very good. I am thinking that anything I have had that is beef is cooked to hockey puck consistency, so I have been more selective. They love to sell overpriced bottled water here and as I sit here writing I have three different sized bottles lined up along the far side of the desk.
I overslept this morning until a whopping 6 am, which was nice. I must have needed it.
I made a realization this morning about our trip coordinator, Mary. She is a Pantser rather than a Plotter when it comes to communication. Which is fine as long as you don’t have to know everything ahead of time. (Pantser vs. Plotter are two styles of writing.) It can be upsetting, though, when one wants to plan ahead of time. I had some Pantser tendencies when I was a teacher.
I finally realized the soap in my shaving cup was covered by a thin plastic wrap. So, I was the one who was deficient for several days in figuring it out, not the soap itself.
9/10/26 Thursday morning, Heraklion
I had a good day yesterday. I got to sit at the “cool kids” table with Pastor Ebb twice. He has the gift of gab and he can be quite funny. Yesterday he was talking about the backbreaking work of moving his collection of books out of the church to his home study. He also sometimes discusses how women cost extra money. I suggested to him that he consider hiring someone to move the books, which made everyone laugh but Ebb. He turned to me and said “Glenn, you are batting for the wrong team. We men need to stick together.” Funny.
Today I believe we are scheduled to visit the Minoan Palace in Crete (Heraklion) and then later we will sail towards an inactive volcano and take a cable car to the top.
Last night I was so thankful for all that God has done for me and brought me through. It’s really rather amazing. I was also thankful for His faithful saints Paul and John, who showed us from their writings and their lives how to be a slave for Christ. That is what I want to be.
I have been spending more time with my traveling companion, The Lord of Psalm 23, which is beautiful. It reframes our considerations about life and places new context on meaning. Every word is gold.
I had a decent breakfast although the eggs Florentine and beef-and-hash patties were cold off the line, so I only had a bite or two of them. I let them know about it in a nice way. One other thing I have noticed: the waiters who clear the tables are as aggressive as vultures waiting to pounce. They are there watching to see if you have finished eating and swoop in to get plates, etc. out of the way. One thing is certain- I will need to go on a diet once I get back. All these meats and gravies and bacon. Oh my! I feel like a bowling pin and look forward to getting back into my normal routine so I can lose this weight.
The sun is rising over the horizon and it looks like an enormous private yacht is docked near us. I will go up to the top deck to get a picture.
9/10/26 Thursday morning, Heraklion 9:20 am
Welp. I am back again. A bit disappointed, I must say. I ask Mary, our tour organizer last night “Where do I have to go? When do I need to be there?” The answer I received “I don’t know.” The Whatsapp communication is proving to be completely useless. So I missed the tour bus this morning. I started to walk past customs all the way down the dock, and when I saw how much further I had to go, I turned around and came back. I gave my poor feet a rest. Additionally, I don’t have to worry about making it back aboard the ship on time, which leaves at 11:30 am sharp. I don’t want to be on you tube chasing after a ship that has already set sail.
My hallway assistant, Conrado, a bald, smiling guy from the Philippines, has been Johnny-on-the-spot for me whenever I have needed. Always leaving whatever he was doing to come and help me. What a guy. This morning he told me that laundry was 35 Euros a bag, rather than the separate way I calculated it at 68 Euros, so he saved me a lot of money! I am thinking about tipping him on the way out even though I am not supposed to. I took a picture with him this morning. If I was Bruce Wayne, I would totally hire him to be my Alfred.
According to the news this morning, a blue haired lady on the BBC is actually endorsing a world rocket authority, and sharing all rocket technology evenly across all countries which would be “fair.” I cannot imagine a more insane proposition whereby many countries would just blow one another up. What would we do then- send in Bobbies to try to persuade them to stop?
I need to get packed tonight and see if everything will fit for Disembarkation Day tomorrow morning.
9/10/26 Thursday afternoon, Santorini Island about 3 pm
It started out inauspiciously. We had to wait on deck 9 with the other groups until we were called down to the boarding platform to be shuttled over to the sky high island cities of Santorini and Oi. People from other groups started departing before they were called. Pretty soon it seemed we were the only ones left on deck 9. In fact, we were. So, our tour guide decided to lead us down. It was a horrid crowd on deck 3, with people standing, pushing, shoving and being generally rude to get in front of others (much like it seems it might be on the way to hell? Lord, have mercy!) We waited for the better part of an hour before they called for us to board. My legs were so tired that I went over to some stairs and plopped down even though I was further away from the departure point. Finally we were off and across the water to the docks. The Euro crowd stood up before we arrived and started jostling and queuing. I said out loud “Don’t you realize the boat is still in motion?” No effect at all.
Once we landed, it seems like the same people were at it once again and were cutting in front of everyone to get in line for the cable car ride up the mountain. This time, I did not mind as much as these folks were seemingly (to me) lining up for an extra quick helping of the dubious ride of death and being turned into human hamburger on the lingering, swaying, hanging, precipice invoking insane sky hook cable car of madness. Never again. Jouncing around on a suspect wire suspended over a vertical ravine of rocks and death? Fuhgetabout it.
We finally arrived after a harrowing ride and did more walking uphill, where we were met by our hired vans and taken on the 45 minute drive to the City of Oi proper, where I got to eat a very late lunch on the roof of an open-air restaurant, which was spectacular. Everyone split up to go to different destinations, which was fine.
The weather was spectacular and I was able to purchase some placemats with beautiful pictures on them. Then, it was time to walk back to where the vans dropped us off. I was able to find the inclined sidewalk with the concrete barricade that identified the drop off point. We were to meet the vans at 8pm sharp, as planned. I was the first to arrive. People began to trickle in until we were all aboard the buses… almost. It turns out that one couple was late, however, they were told a different time to meet. Further, when I checked the meet up time on the papers I had previously printed out, it said the time to meet back up with the vans was 8:30 pm.
The trip back to the cable cars of doom took over half an hour with traffic. Mary, our trip coordinator, to her credit paid for all of us in advance from her own money so we could hustle our way back to the shuttle boats. Celestial Discovery, for their part, could have left us behind but they did not, to our benefit.
Then there was a failure of a different kind. Everyone got back to the ship late at night, and everyone piled into the buffet dining room at the same time. Holy Middle School Cafeteria, Batman! I got a plate, but there was no table at all to sit at. None. I went to the cafeteria guy who was wearing a white officer’s uniform, and told him my predicament. He told me “Come with me,” and I followed him. We went out straight past the “No Food or Drink Beyond This Point” sign and into the bar area where he seated me at an empty table. I have to admit, the kitchen did an outstanding job keeping the food hot and available on the serving bays. Soon, many of the other diners who could not find a place to sit was joining the tables around me. I wonder if they have had other incidences like this where everyone was trying to get served at the same time.
When I mentioned the people who were cutting, Ramona said that the rudeness was cultural, and that it was not a sign of being spiritually destitute. I hope so.
One last thing. I noticed when I checked out that one of my deposits with the ship was not counted right. I deposited 90 dollars in American dollars (including a 50 dollar bill) and another 20 Euro bill. That should have been a deposit of over 90 Euros. When I checked my deposit slip later, it said only 55 Euros were counted. That is also what it said on my statement with the ship. So buyer beware. I counted myself lucky that I was only ripped off some money. It could have been much worse. They charged me a 20 Euro port tax fee after I had cleared my account, so that was a little disappointing. I did not mind paying the tax, just the fact that they charged us after asking us to clear our accounts.
9/11/26 Friday afternoon
Overall, I am very happy with the experience on the cruise. I met up with the others for an early breakfast and some coffee, and we debarked from “The Love Boat” with our wallets mostly intact. We clambered on board the bus for a two hour ride to downtown Athens. When we pulled up to the hotel the Holiday Suites, I was expecting a Holiday Inn. Instead, I got an actual suite with three separate rooms, wooden joined, polished floors, high ceilings and modern expensive accents. Amazing.
Jason showed up again. He was the guide that took us into the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos. He continues to be very good. I am glad he is with us again.
Had lunch in downtown Athens which was very nice. They love charging for bottled mineral water. Down to 250 Euros out of a starting 800. 20 Euro meals will not last long at this rate, so I need to be more careful with my spending. Four more days.
9/11/26 Friday late evening
A difficult day today with seven grueling miles by foot over uneven sidewalks and pavements. This morning we visited the oldest church in Athens, St. Paul’s, which is currently run by the Anglican church. It had beautiful, tall stained glass windows, which I took pictures of. Later we visited St. Phillips Coptic Orthodox church. I took pictures of the outside. We went to a changing of the guard at noon, which was sweltering. Chicken fingers for lunch.
When we got back, I took a 30 minute nap. Thankfully, the staff had cards already in the slots in the rooms, so they were pre-air conditioned for us upon our arrival back at the hotel. The relief!
Then at 5 pm I woke again for the next event, going to Mars Hill where Paul spoke to the men of Athens from the top of this large 100 yard outcropping, where people met to talk and debate. We went by Metro, my favorite mode of transportation after sky hook. Can you tell I am not a city mouse? More strangers, more sweating, more walking and standing. The sermon when we got there was very good from Acts 17, where Paul addressed the men of Athens. They were thinkers. Beatnik-style self-aggrandized movers and shakers who had three responses to the gospel: 1. You are crazy, get lost. 2. Interesting, tell me more. 3. I want to be a Christian. The very same three responses are still heard today by people.
I did not ascend Mars hill as it was chock full of people standing shoulder to shoulder, as I have developed a profound distaste to European jostling.
We went through Pickpocket Row and Pickpocket Square earlier today with no issues. I sat on the steps of an ice cream shop to give my feet and legs a rest. Unfortunately, our group got split up because some people left Mars Hill by a different route than how they got in. I stayed behind at the entrance as I was told. I guess not everyone got the message.
Fortunately, everyone made it back safely. We stopped on the way back for dinner. I got a Greek salad with bottled water. Even the coke bottles are completely miniature sized here. Like, not even a cupful of fluid, if that.
I have decided against going to the Corinth Museum tomorrow. There will no doubt be a lot of lifting up Corinth, how great it was in the past, how great it is and how great it will be. I am more interested in biblical Corinth and applications to our lives today, not historical grandeur. Time to take pills and go to bed.
9/12/26 Early Saturday morning
I slept pretty hard last night. Alarm went off at 5 am and because I did not get up and cross the room to turn it off, I went back to sleep. Today will be a day of recovery for my legs, I hope. I ate breakfast this morning with Tom and Ramona which was nice. They are good folks. I then went over to Mary’s table and Jason the guide joined us. I got to give him the note I had written for him, encouraging him to get into the word to increase his faith. He was surprised when I told him that I had never ridden “the Metro” before. Marta here in Atlanta does not count, hehe. I thanked him for guiding us on the ins and outs of getting around in the big city. He has been guiding tours and walking all day for 25 years. Amazing.
I inquired yesterday about purchasing one of the terrycloth robes from the room and was told I could buy one for 70 Euros. I went back this morning to the desk clerk and made an offer of 60 Euros for it. The guy on duty said he would check with the manager and see. Looks like I will have to leave some clothes behind in order to fit everything into the suitcase. A pair of pants which is wearing thin and an undershirt, perhaps.
Danged CNN, the Communist News Network is the only English channel they have available here. They are literally celebrating black skin color which is just distasteful. No wonder Europeans hate the US and Trump. While we were walking on the sidewalks yesterday, I heard someone say, “Oh, look. It’s the Americans.”
I have been in abject fear of being out somewhere and suddenly having to use the bathroom. Thankfully, that has not happened. I have moderated my meds purposefully, cutting my metformin in half, omitting Vascepa which causes me to pee frequently, and omitting Ozempic (which slows my digestive tract) completely as well. I will resume my normal med schedule when I return.
The Houthis have taken possession of the island which overlooks the entrance to the Red Sea and CNN is practically celebrating. Because that will cause oil to spike more and hurt Trump in the process. Unbelievable.
9/12/26 Saturday 3:40 pm
Had a wonderful lunch at a place called Agora Select. Got another Greek salad, this time with Sour cream or clotted cream. I’m tired of filling up with carbs, meats and gravies on board ship and looking forward to getting back into my routine at home. Tom and Ramona saw me there at the restaurant and Tom jabbed me from behind. I thought it might have been another moment of Euro-aggression, but it was Tom laughing at me and inviting me to join them for lunch, which was great! I have learned from them that Tom and Cathy, two elderly members of our church have Covid, so need to pray for them.
I think that lunch will tide me over for dinner. Tonight is “free night,” so I will celebrate by not walking and staying off my feet in this wonderful room. Reading some of Alex’s “The LORD of Psalm 23.”
9/13/26 Sunday morning 5:00 am
Sitting here at the table taking my pills and watching the original “Bubble Boy” movie with John Travolta from the early 1980s. I cannot get the Seinfeld version out of my head. “Take your blouse off !!!” LOL!
Last night we all went out to eat. We wound up going back to Agora Select where I had Greek Salad for lunch. This time I had meatballs with tomato sauce and fried potatoes, which was yummy. I regret stuffing myself silly, but it was real good.
Ebb and Jason got into a philosophical discussion about meaning and purpose. At one point, Ebb turned aside and I said to Jason, “I can answer your questions” (about why everone needs Jesus.) So I said, “It is written, the shedding of blood is required for the remission of sins. That’s why.” Then I began talking about how atheists disregard the second law of thermodynamics. Well, Ebb kinda gave me a talking to, and I felt bad because I felt like perhaps I had stepped on his toes somehow, in his conversation with Jason.
I wrote Jason a note this morning encouraging him to ask questions about meaning, purpose and God’s love, and to ask these questions of God. He would answer.
Now it is nature shows on TV. It is kind of sad, it seems to me. Replacing God with nature, with a pursuit of possessions, status, power or money. They are all empty goals, and devoid of merit. They do not have eternal value. It is nearly 6 am, so I will have to write more later.
9/13/26 Sunday evening 7:37 pm
A good day and a bad day. I got to see Jason our guide in Greece one last time and he gave me a smile and a fist bump. After a trip to the airport, we departed to Rome. The plane debarked a ways away from the airport proper, and sent buses to pick us up. I had to use the restroom badly and thankfully was able to hold it long enough to get to a toilet in the airport proper. It was a miracle that I did not embarrass myself in front of the entire church group and have to go the rest of the day commando. So I count being able to hold it long enough as a blessing. Thank You, Lord.
Then some bad news. William and I arrived at the hotel that had been reserved for us, a four star place called Hotel Bolivar in downtown Rome. Unfortunately, the guy said there were electrical problems in our rooms, and as it was Sunday, they could not get technicians in to repair it. Therefore, they were going to get us a taxi and ship us over to the sister hotel, Princessa Isabella, for one night until our rooms could be fixed. Yeah, something needed to be fixed, all right. So instead of upgrading our rooms, we were bustled into another cab and sent way the hell across to the other side of Rome, an even greater distance from where the others were all together and could communicate with each other about schedules, etc.
The reason they had booked this hotel was supposedly that we would all be together. “It is okay. You will see. We send you to sister hotel. Within walking distance. We pay for cab.” So, William and I had to walk to meet up with the others.
We finally had dinner which was decent, but the price was sticker shock. When it was time to go, I had to ask the waiter 4 times for my check. I felt like I was being held hostage. I ordered a 19 Euro salad, but the cost on the bill wound up being 44 Euros! Later I examined the bill more closely and it winds up that the guy had charged me twice for bottled water (once for me and once for the table) and the price for the water was eight Euros or 10 bucks a bottle.
So, I marched back to the hotel a little angry that the guy had stolen from me. Then I remembered that we should forgive those who sin against us. So, I will try. He (the waiter) is the one who gets hurt by stealing from me, not me. Besides, I should also forgive him because I, myself have been forgiven MUCH.
When I got back to the Hotel Princessa Isabella, I asked the attendant how much breakfast was in the morning, expecting it to be another 20 Euros. He replied that breakfast was free and came with the cost of the room. So there, a wonderful gift already.
When I entered the room this morning (after a hair-raising taxi ride through narrow streets ala James Bond) there were a couple of flies buzzing about because it seems Europeans are enamored with the idea of leaving the window open to save the planet, instead of using air conditioning. There are pictures on the wall of a number of ill-looking individuals. Yes, I took pictures. The English manor faux-pas decorations remind me of Roger Corman and Ed Wood movies.
Tomorrow, William and I go back to the Hotel Bolivar. Let’s hope it is better.
9/14/26 Monday 3:34 am
I awoke of my own accord early this morning as I often do at 3 am. Took a shower, underarm deodorant and Desenex, teeth brushed. No shave this morning. Thankful for another day. I actually found an American NFL network with Germans doing the color commentary. Sounds like Arnold Schwarzenegger exclaiming stuff. VE UN BITTER ZOEN FUST! Not bad entertainment for 3 am, so I will give the Eurosqueeze hotel that much credit.
And another bonus- no cutesy little covered waste bins so I have returned to using toilet paper like a normal human being. Not terribly impressed with these athletes who pose and posture and act like the next best thing since sliced bread. It gets old quickly.
I think I will keep the receipt for 44 Euros from last night for now as a reminder. After the punishing walk back to the room last night up the “5000 steps of Dr. T” (1953 film) I am longing for home. Tomorrow is another cab ride to the airport and two more flights home. Lots of thoughts to share and memories to cherish. By far the best part of the trip has been getting to know my brothers and sisters in Christ at church.
9/14/26 Monday 6:45 am
I am glad today is mostly a “free day” until around 3:30 pm. That way I can moderate how much walking I want to do. The guy at the front desk this morning was able to get me a plastic bag ordinarily used for clothes, but in my case it was for holding The LORD of Psalm 23 and my journaling book. His attitude after giving me the bag was “Fine, American. Now get out of my face.” Interesting. Waiting now to see how decent the pre-paid breakfast is going to be and how it compares to breakfast on the Celestyal Discovery. [sic] My bags are upstairs in the room waiting to be transferred to the Hotel Bolivar. So we shall see.
Got hit with political correctness this morning in the form of a ceiling painting in the form of races from continents above my head. Took a picture.
9/14/26 Monday after breakfast
Welp. I was correct. I would use more appropriate words, but politeness prevents me from being completely honest. The “American coffee” was skunk rear. Literal skunk rear. In tiny cups. The chilled meats were all donkey rear. I had to get some more napkins to get them out of my mouth, sadly. I was concerned I would get ill later in the day if I swallowed the lunch meats. The bacon was literally boiled, which is enough to make any true blooded American cry. The eggs were made from dehydrated powder and suspended in hot water. Holy Gordon Ramsay, Batman! I did have two good items- the banana and the Meuslic cereal. The US Coast Guard Basic Training Camp in Cape May, New Jersey had better food to be honest. SOS with gravy and A1 steak sauce puts this “4 Star hotel” to shame. The breakfast on the Celestyal Discovery was also much better.
I think I have a logistical issue. William and I need to get our clothes washed before the trip home tomorrow. However, I am at the temporary “sister hotel” and I need to get the clothes to the main hotel, the Hotel Bolivar, to ensure they go out in time in the morning so they can be delivered back to the same place before the end of the day.
So, it looks like William and I are going to have to scramble with a taxi to get over there to hand over the clothes in time so they can be done with same day cleaning. I am letting William handle all the negotiations with the clerk as I would probably come off as being aggrieved.
9/14/26 Monday 3:15 pm
Well, Rome is starting to become a massive disappointment. I have been separated from the main group and have no idea as of yet how I am going to get to the airport tomorrow morning. I do not want to miss my flight. I also understand that our trip coordinator will not be going home with us. This alarms me. I had the opportunity to go to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican, but do not want to entertain the idea of going nose to nose and cheek to cheek with coughing, cutting and pushing strangers. I refuse to subject myself to more standing, walking and waiting in the mid-day sun. I want to go home. Where are the people who respect others personal space and who do not rip you off? Who do not dismiss you out of hand?
The GOOD news is that the clothes got washed and returned. I have tomorrow’s pants/shirt/undershirt/underpants/socks rolled up and ready to go. My water bottle was somehow missing from my room so I had to go back downstairs to purchase another one.
Because my plan of getting a picture of myself in front of the Vatican in St. Peter’s Square has gone awry, I stopped by a wax museum and got a picture of myself with the pope. For the low, low price of 50 Euros, you can get a copy of it, even signed by “Da Pope.” Just like they say in Chicago. Honest.
I walked this morning with William to the Spanish Steps, which were nearby where the others were all staying. Took some pictures which was nice and William actually spotted the others who were part of the crowd. We went to their 4 or 5 bedroom apartment and sat in the air conditioning. Ahh. Then William realized he might not be permitted to go into the Vatican with shorts, so we walked back to Hotel Bolivar, then BACK to the apartment. By this time, I decided not to partake in any more walking, aside from back to the hotel. I was exhausted.
I had a bitter mixed salad at a restaurant next to the hotel, with rolls and water. You guessed it. 20 Euros.
I set aside the paper copies I had printed out ahead of time of my flights. ITA flight A2 628 from Rome to Chicago (11 hours) and then American Airlines flight 2096 from Chicago to Atlanta in about 2 hours, scheduled to land at 7:32 pm. Going to set out my meds for today and tomorrow.
9/14/26 Monday evening 8:00 pm
I hate to say it, but I am about ready to climb the wall. I don’t know how I am going to get to the airport tomorrow. I do not know, what plans, if any, have been made for us to get to the airport in a timely manner. I fear being left behind in this horrible place.
Perhaps this is another instance, or rather, opportunity, for me to trust God. Perhaps I should pray rather than fret. I spent nearly 30 years being able to control my surroundings in the classroom. This feeling of dread and helplessness is very un-nerving to me.
(I understood later that a meeting was called at the other location, both this morning and at 3 pm to cement the travel arrangements to the airport. As I was not there and did not have a working cell phone, I was unaware.)
Eating some leftover stale bread I got for lunch today. I guess it will have to do. (When William arrived after 10 pm, he gave me the details of how the logistics were going to work out. I gave a great sigh of relief!)
9/16/26 Wednesday morning 4:45 am
Wow- no time at all to write yesterday. It was a whirlwind of exhausting travel. I awoke early at 4 am to begin the day, having packed the night before. I went downstairs where William met me at 5:30 am. William suggested and I strongly agreed that we should take a cab to where the others waited in the apartment for the taxi van to arrive and take us to the airport at 6 am sharp. Best $20 I ever spent, instead of lugging around 80 pounds around downtown streets for 30 minutes begging to become a target.
We got to the airport and lined up in the queue at the appointed time. Now, on the airplane, there were two empty seats in front of me. Two people, a helicopter mom and her annoying teenage daughter, moved up from BEHIND me with their luggage to occupy these seats trying to cheat their way forward.
Yes, well cheaters never prosper and soon they were asked to return to their assigned seats. Oh, what a tangled web we weave… you get it. Soon however, I would want them to come back, because taking their place was a couple who insisted on leaning their chairs back all the way, 4 inches from my face, even when they were not sleeping. I did not want to lean back in my chair, so I was stuck like that for the entire flight except when they were eating.
It was a long flight having been on the go for 16 hours. I got my luggage ready and moved past them on debarkation, not feeling any courtesy to waiting for them to go in the slightest.
In Chicago, poor Ebb, our pastor, had to listen to a woman behind him yapping continuously with Carol Channing disease. Yes, she sounded just like Carol Channing. Continuously. Non stop. I think he was a glutton for punishment because I moved.
They changed our gates I think 6 times, moving them around every five minutes or so. It was crazy. Then finally things settled down and we were told these were the correct gates for our flight to Atlanta. After a one hour wait on the ground and another half hour wait in line with other planes. We took off at 6:30 pm instead of the 4:00 pm boarding time on the ticket. I sat near the very front with space in between my self and first class, and with an empty seat to my left and the setting sun through the window to my right. I felt very peaceful and relieved.
I was struck by two things on that flight. The first was *how good* true American coffee really is. Not the bitter, crappy stuff served in a teeny tiny cup with a side serving of some kind of aristocratic Euro-weenie pomp-and-circumstance pretentiousness.
Also in afterthought I considered how Jesus was sitting next to me in the empty seat on the plane home. I was never alone.
The second thing (which really should have been the first) was how GOOD God had been to me on this trip. As I watched the fading sun out the window on the horizon, it burned a brilliant dark pink, while the clouds were outlined in orange. The horizon was layered in orange, yellow, azure blue and deep blue as the sun set. I would not have seen it had the plane not been delayed. Then something else revealed itself. The planet Venus, which was brilliant, revealed itself just in front of the moon as the only visible star in the sky, shortly after sunset. I was reminded of the star in the sky above Bethlehem, and the story of angels appearing to shepherds, foretelling of the Christ child. “And this shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Like as recited by Linus. Still makes me weepy.
A couple of afterthoughts:
1. 1. Thankful to be in a place where I can use tissue paper normally.
2. 2. For people seemingly devoted to ecology, they have no problem with filling billions of plastic water bottles to make a buck.
3. 3. A lesson for myself: Bad communications corrupts good manners, from 1 Corinthians 15. From Paul and the playwright Menander. While I was completely honest in my assessments and thoughts that I wrote to myself, I should complain a little bit less. Sure, it makes me feel a little better in the moment. However, my complaints comprise my own form of having to look at the mess on the toilet paper when I write it down. Not every negative thought needs to be expressed, as is found on the previous 20 pages. So maybe some selective editorializing, both in my thought life and on the written page. Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable… think on these things. Philippians 4:8
4. 4. As for the trip itself, I would do it again, but only once. The cruise was absolutely worth it. Rome, not so much.
5. 5. I asked some folks to pray for me with regards to my bathroom needs, and I narrowly escaped some really bad news on three separate occasions. Very thankful that God answered those prayers, keeping me from becoming absolutely mortified.
6. 6. Many thanks to everyone who made this trip possible. I never would have done it without the coordination of Mary, our trip consultant. Thank you, Mary!
7. 7. Favorite spot: Mykonos at sunset. It was absolutely lovely.
