We're Cruising!

After two nights in Rome, we boarded the Celebrity Equinox cruise ship on Monday. We have been really looking forward to this part of the trip because it means 11 nights in the same bed, our own room, hanging our wrinkled clothing, time to fill up on shampoo supplies, access to a blow dryer, a break from maps and public transit, a wide variety of vegetables, etc! When we went to the lunch buffet and were blown away by the variety... we were both grinning and pointing out exciting foods (like tomatoes, peppers, pineapple, etc... we have tried to eat healthy meals but veggies haven't been the easiest to come across in European restaurants).

 

This whole trip is such a gift from God and this cruise feels like the ultimate cherry on top. We are humbled in thankfulness as we don't deserve any of this but continue to seek and praise Him.

We have limited access to internet while on the boat so although we are still able to blog, we probably won't be able to post as many pictures (I have to load pictures to our Blogsy App when online). Anyways, here is our cruise itinerary:

• Monday - Rome
• Tuesday - at sea
• Wednesday - Santorini, Greece
• Thursday - at sea
• Friday - Istanbul, Turkey
• Saturday - Istanbul, Turkey
• Sunday - Ephesus, Turkey
• Monday - Mykonos, Greece
• Tuesday - Athens, Greece
• Wednesday - at sea
• Thursday - Naples
• Friday - Rome

Unreal! We are enjoying every bit... this sure is a trip of a lifetime! Hope to post Santorini pictures soon (thats where we will go today) but here are some pictures from formal night... we felt very underdressed next to tuxedos and stilettos because Andy was wearing his black running shoes and I was wearing flip flops... ha!

 

- Julia

 

Colosseum

Ever since I did a grade 6 project on the Colosseum it has been the one historical site that I have wanted to see the most. So it was an amazing and powerful experience going to the site of many gladiator fights, animal hunts, and shed blood to entertain the masses of ancient Rome. What struck me was the enormous size of the Colosseum considering the age of the structure - it was built around 80 AD, making it by far the oldest site we have seen so far. 40-70,000 was the capacity of the place. It was also interesting to hear that free citizens often fought as gladiators in search of wealth and fame.

 

We took the guided tour, which was very informative. It was very sad to learn about how gladiators and animals were paradoxically paraded around and cheered for by the same people who cheered for their bloody death hours later. We have seen some sites of the most despicable acts of humanity in history on this trip. Like the holocaust, there has been nothing quite like the gladiatorial games since ancient Rome, but there are some things, such as violent sports, that aren't as dissimilar as we'd like to believe.

 

We also saw the Roman Forum and former site of the Emperor's palace. It struck mjust how much the Emperors built for themselves, relying almost fully on slaves for the building. There seemed to be no regard for how much their luxury cost others.

 

- Andy

 

P.S. Pizza in Italy is the best! (haha, yes, it is Julia adding a note about food)

 

 

Friends in Rome

We arrived in Rome on Satuday and met up with our good friends from FV/Hamilton, Taylor and Leanne!! This was SUCH a treat because I had been feeling a bit homesick so hugging a piece of home was nice. We had a fantastic night in Rome together and kept reminding ourselves how ridiculous I was to be hanging out across the world! Taylor and Leanne are always fun to spend time with so we shared much conversation and laughter.

When we first arrived, we went for pizza and then walked around the Colosseum and Roman Forum with the Field family. The Fields have been to these sites many times, so they enjoyed acting like our personal tour guides and we enjoyed soaking it up! It was VERY hot in the afternoon so Karen (Taylor's Mom) decided all of the ladies should have parasols... it made quite a difference!

 

After walking around ancient ruins for a good two hours, we were tired and our feet were dirty! I can understand why servants would wash people's feet in Bible times. Walking on the dusty paths made not only our feet dirty, but up to our knees practically! Jesus' demonstration of serving his disciples by washing their feet would have been so personal, humbling and full of sacrificial love.

 

We cleaned up and got ready for dinner. Before meeting up with the rest of the Field's, we played some euchre on Taylor and Leanne's balcony (that had an awesome view of the Colosseum!) and then took some pictures at the Spanish Steps. Dinner was very Italian, very delicious and a very generous treat from Bryan and Karen. After dinner, we saw the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain all lit up! After walking home, we had round two of gelato. The strawberry was the BEST I have ever had.

 

 

Next morning, we woke up fairly early and went to the Colosseum. The passes we had purchased the day before we're still good for the next day. Taylor and Leanne were able to join us for an hour or so inside and then had to leave for their cruise. Andy will write more about the Colosseum in another post but her are some pictures of our final moments with these wonderful friends!

 

 

Happy cruising with family! We loved our time with you both (and your family). Thank you for including us and for your generosity! See you in the Hammer.

 

- Julia