More of Italy... heck yeah!

Ready to set sail on the Celebrity Equinox, eat way too much at the buffet, and see some more of Italy. 

Loving the deck and the sunset.

Sicily was exactly what you would think if you were thinking of an island that was the birthplace of the mafia. The streets were quiet and covered with graffiti, it was hot, and every car that passed us looked capable of involvement in a drive by. And so, we walked quickly, paid full price, and then got back on the boat. The place we were walking to was a monastery and memorial for soldiers that had lost their lives in WWI and WWII. The roads were meandering, and we could not seem to get to it, until finally,

We get there.

Outside there is a huge bell, and a view of the town and the cruise ship.

Us, walking around the streets of Sicily.  If you ever decide to move to Italy, one thing I would say is, please make sure that your stuff looks good as it is dripping dry, because stuff is hanging everywhere, and no one is very bashful about having their undies just flapping.

Love this car.  The kids are in the picture for perspective. 

This gorgeous building is deserted.  All the shops are closed, and there was no one around.   And so while our time in Sicily was brief, I would like to go back and get some Sicilian style pizza.  someday.

Yup, it is definitely time for a new camera.  See that black wishbone thing on the left side, that is a flaw in our lens, and it is in every picture from here on out.  A couple of times the date will be upside down and on top of the picture because I thought it would be a good idea to flip the camera and get the wishbone in the water, or in the rocks or something, of course forgetting about the date... yes, I am not that bright....
So here is the Acropolis in Athens, as viewed from another hill across town that has a tiny church on it.

Us, and Athens.

On the climb, Pooks found this cute turtle.

This lady was NOT happy that we were here, she was trying to clean the slates of the church.

Next stop of the day, the Acropolis.  Can you believe that this is a SLOW day???  This place was mobbed.  I would have hated to be there when it was busy!

These are some spare parts they had lying around.

This place is Zeus' Temple.  The funny thing about Greece, they have so much historical stuff, it's like, let's wait until this stuff all falls down, THEN we'll fix it.

These fierce looking guys are guards of the Parliament Building.  When you see protests on CNN in
Athens about the austerity measures, it is happening in this square, with these guys keeping everyone under control. 
And yes, those are big pom-poms on their shoes.

Our next stop was the location of the first public latrines.  I know, who wants to go to Disney when you can see this stuff???  Right???  So, according to the big sign, this rectangular building has an oblong lobby and a rectangular hall, with a bench with round holes around all four sides.  Hmmmmm......  

Who needs to go? 

Last stop of the day was a shopping area, where we picked up the ouzo for our party in NH, and some evil eye jewelry to keep us safe.

We also had to try some good Greek beer. 

And of course some baklava, from one of the most famous bakeries in Athens.  Founded in 1920 this baklava was fantastic.

AND it comes in this cute little box with a ribbon.  Who could resist?  Not us!