November 1: 🚢Pergamum (Dikili, Turkey)
Shore Excursion: Pergamum, Acropolis & Asclepion
Giddyup horsey
That alarm did not miss us this morning and it was persistent for a 6 am call because we were "hosting" the Melbourne Cup breakfast in our suite. Well, I use the term "breakfast" loosely because there was absolutely no food - just champagne and thanks to forward thinking by @LoRi we actually had that tinge of orange juice to justify the early morning popping of the cork as a " healthy breakfast starter" because they had thought to order it from Room Service.
Strung up the 50 cent clearance Aussie decorations over the doorway, unfurled the Aussie boxing kangaroo, set up the sweep, displayed the prize pool, fastened the fascinators, secured the bow ties and tuned in to ABC radio.
The lucky dip sweep saw us each with 6 horses (too bad too sad if you drew one of the scratchings) and we charged the glasses and were ready. Was actually interesting following the race "old school" huddled around the radio rather than watching on the big screen. Mind you we didn't do much huddling because we needed to give ourselves plenty of room to ride our selections home. There were enough changes in the lead to keep the sweep ticket holders entertained - we kept the balcony closed and whooped and hollered as our horse's names were called. After all, there were Caramello Koalas, Cherry Ripes, Mint Balls, Pineapple Lumps and a packet of Chicken Twisties up for grabs - it was high stakes on the Explorer.
Summing up - both suites enjoyed a share of the prize pool but @Mac was only interested in that wooden spoon packet of Twisties. Lucky for him, he took out last place and celebrated big time. And for the record - the sweep organiser just happened to be the winner with horse number 1, Gold Trip in her stable.
The joke is on you
We decided to keep our Aussie spirit going by wearing our hats and ties to breakfast. Got to share a little bit of Aussie culture with a few interested fellow travellers (one even asked if @Mac was still wearing his costume from the Halloween Party last night) and some fellow Aussies who had missed the cup called over for some result updates. Don't mind saying that @Loraine and I left the men in the restaurant and made our way back to get ready for the excursions. The men had expressed their "concerns" at being left alone wearing their bow ties - thought they might "stand out" in the crowd just a little too much for their comfort zone. "You' ll be right" we reassured them.
On the way back, we ran into two fellow Aussie ladies (we had met them yesterday) and they conveniently and willingly became our co-conspirators in piling on some "challenge of the comfort zone" for the men. They had some very choice and funny suggestions for the bow tie wearers when they found them upstairs (because it is Aussie humour - not quite able to share the details - but the men got a laugh at their own expense) and to top it off, @Mac and @Richard were approached by another couple and we hadn't even lined them up!
When we compared notes later - we did confess about "the sting" and we all got another laugh out of the sparkly $2 shop bow ties.
And the great news from breakfast, was that after discussion with @Morne the Manager of La Veranda, @Richard has managed to gain us access to the only jar of Vegemite on board. Apparently one of the Aussie passengers had pre-ordered it. We dipped in - but as a scarce treasure - its use was carefully supervised and its return closely monitored.
A Coffee Connection
Post breakfast saw us back in the suites getting organised for the day - had about 90 minutes before we had to be ready - so the three coffee drinkers made their way for a virgin run in the Coffee Connection - it seems like it is the place to be mid morning when the Explorer is making its way into a new port because it was packed. But they did find a good spot, ordered a coffee and because enough is never enough they sampled the donuts and the cronuts.
Bath tub challenge - part 2
Meanwhile - back in the suite - I thought it was time to face my fears and put my toe back in the water! Definitely did a thorough reconnaissance of the bath - assessed its depth and width - inspected the placement of the handrails and the width of the ledge for leverage. After deep contemplation and deliberation - the decision was made - I was up for the challenge. Thoroughly enjoyed the froth and bubble and the relaxing heat. Yesterday seemed like a distant memory as I effortlessly managed the exit strategy. What a difference a day makes - and a deeper wider bath. I know I will be a regular.
Exploring Pergamum
The shore excursion today really hit the mark for us - we all love that opportunity to explore and to learn. Our guide @Mel did an extraordinary job in condensing some 2000 years of history into manageable chunks that helped us understand what we were seeing and unknowingly challenged us to read and learn more.
Started by assembling in the Constellation Theatre and then waiting for our number to be called to hop on board the tender vessel for the short smooth ride across the harbour. Boarded the very comfortable bus (complete with Turkish carpet runners on the stairs and in the passage way) and enjoyed a very comfortable ride through the beeping, honking and lane changing traffic of Dikili and then on the highway to the archaeological sites.
The 40 minute drive was filled with @Mel's commentary - insights were shared on the farming land we passed (Mediterranean climate - a fertile farming area - lined with olive groves, cotton, fig trees, lentil and chickpeas, pine forests), the history of conquest from the Greeks, to Romans and to the Ottomans.
First stop was at the base of the UNESCO world heritage listed Acropolis at Pergamum. A short 3 minute cable ride had us at the top walking amongst the ruins. @Mel brought the history back to life - stories of conquest and the importance of the fortress walls we could see tumbling around us - of parchment and the ruins of the Ancient world's second largest library which held 200 000 volumes. We stood on the edge of the 10 000 seat amphitheatre carved into the wall of the Acropolis and stood in the remnants of the temples of Trajan and Dionysus, the Altar of Zeus and the sanctuary of Demeter.
Re-joined the bus for the short ride to Asclepion, built in honour of the Greek god of medicine. This ancient healing centre was a mecca for medicine - an ancient healing centre where people came to be cured of their ailments. Baths and thermal springs central to relaxation and healing for the clients of old. The mystery of the site was unravelled with lots of stories shared by @Mel - we just have to research Marcus the Hypochondriac and Galem (check spelling??) the physician. But the favourite was @Mel's stories in the "healing tunnels" where "psychological" healing was administered. Fascinating to hear the importance of well being, mind power, positive thoughts and fun - all of these ingredients were combined as "just the medicine" to fix your troubles.
As always - just a taster - and all too soon we were back on board ready for the 40 minute return journey. This was a very special time as well as we got to strike up conversations with some new Regent family members sitting in adjoining seats. Shared stories with a Canadian couple whose son and wife now live in Brisbane (how bizarre - was an eerie connection - feel we have done a @Mindy-Ian trade) and the American couple in front. The gentleman here was a physician with the Flying Doctor service based in Broken Hill - oh did he have some stories to tell. So that meant we were back at port in a heart beat.
Back on Board
Straight to drinks! Got lots of new cocktails to try but added a Hugo, a Margarita, a Long Island Ice Tea and a Grasshopper to the selections this afternoon - that is one each not one of each for the group members. Need to get ourselves into a better routine - because we missed the Afternoon Tea in the Meridian Lounge, the Speaker Series by @Professor Isbouts about our next port Ephesus and Antalya AND the sail away from the Infinity pool. To be fair - we were just too knackered. Need to get the highlighter out tonight and make some serious "serious" choices.
Oh la la - a French connection
Showers and a spruce up and we headed for Compass Rose for dinner but were greeted at reception with an offer to take our little foursome up to Chartreuses or Prime7. "Why not" we unanimously agreed and were welcomed for our first experience in the speciality French restaurant. Again, so beautifully presented - tables sparkling with gold crusted plates, glassware and silverware all begging to be used. Staff were welcoming and attentive and so ready to engage in banter and very keen to make sure that we understood the details of the menu and the wine selections.
Have to mention the "seats" in the dining areas so far. I know it seems inconsequential - but they are all so comfortable. They are sumptuous, fabric covered, curved cup chairs with arm rests - and, here's the big thing, they are "lady" friendly - not so deep that you have to sit on the edge of your seat - but a Goldilocks "just right" sort of fit that feels like you are comfortably cupped and supported - you can reach the floor AND sit back and relax if you want to. Being a "shorty" I often have to request a cushion for the back of the chair so I can be comfortable - in some places because the chairs are so low even have to have one to sit on so I don't look like a muppet with my chin on the table. Not here - definitely "just right." When you try it (I hope you do) you will get what I mean.
Menu selections were very tempting - too many choices that got our tick but after lots of reassurances that we would get "another look" at the menu later in the cruise we eventually narrowed down our choices - and between us we managed to bring together escargot (@Mac was very happy - a fav), scallops, soups of lobster bisque and mushroom, and delightfully different tastes and aromas with sole, lamb, chicken, lobster and scallops and plenty of shared sides.
I had shared my "choice" dilemma - couldn't decide between the lobster and the scallops. How about this? When the meal was served, my mouth watering lobster was presented - and it was accompanied by an additional plate that had a "taster" of scallops - very much appreciated.
Dessert was and coffee to follow "of course" - after all we had "skipped lunch" - @Mac's mousse selection won the presentation award but all crossed the line in a dead heat in the taste department.
@Loraine makes sure that we keep our brain active by challenging us with the daily puzzles at dinner. Confessing this evening was not our best performance - missed two clues in the crossword AND didn't get a clean sheet on the Mensa puzzle - will have to check the answers tomorrow and see if we can improve.
Belly laughs at the show
Rounded out the evening with comedian @Martin Beaumont in the Constellation Theatre for the 9.30 show. Again, we missed the first few minutes and found seats on the upper level of the theatre. Very surprised at how packed the show is - not quite wall to wall like last night - but still a very good crowd. Headlined as "Around the world in eighty laughs" @Martin was a quick fire, stand-up comedian with the first part of the show focussing on family and wife humour and the second part saw him taking a crack at all the nationalities on board. The Aussies got a mention - for their penchant for a drink and fondness for the bar - and who were we to argue today! Enjoyed the show and rated it a roaring (with laughter) success as we found ourselves chuckling along.
Still managed to take a "wrong turn" as we exited the lifts to find "home" - but only a very small two steps in the wrong direction. Of course @Mary Joy had been on hand to make final adjustments to the room including leaving the chocolate on the pillow. Absolutely no way we could even consider fitting that tiny little morsel in after our first encounter with Chartreuse so it was a quick set of the alarm and time to top up on the zzzzzs. If anyone suffers from insomnia - can I recommend cruising as the perfect cure - no need to count sheep here.
PS Overheard @Drew, the Cruise Director, giving some ladies a demo of the swipe panel on the toilet entry door today. Had to laugh.
PPS @Loraine seems to be the one to have the toilet stories this trip. At the Acropolis, was presented with the choice of a drop toilet or a western toilet, without a toilet seat and with a door that didn't close (no little white panel on the wall here - although she did check :) .) Chose the no seat-open door option and did the undress + swat the door, sit and balance precariously + swat the door, do your thing + swat the door combo. And seemed to be managing well but did notice that the whole sitting thing was accompanied by a very very fine spray of water that was projecting horizontally under the lip of the seat and across the bowl. This did create its very own disconcerting little sprinkler effect to the flow of things that @Loraine had no time to think about because she had to concentrate on the door swatting. Keep 'em coming @Loraine - we're loving it.
Weather: 26 with clear blue skies and glassy smooth sea for the tender boat transfer
Steps: 13 868
#RegentSevenSeasExplorer #RegentSevenSeas #RegentCruise
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