Nov 24, 2013           

Dear friends and family.

We are ready for our next exciting trip.  A 10 day cruise to the Mediterranean.  Last minute deals are the best, we couldn't pass that up.  Nov. 27 - Dec 7, 2013.

Rather than going through a travel agency, I decided to try it on my own.  I spent days on the computer and phone, but well worth it.  We may end up in the middle of Kazakhstan, and have to learn to speak Cyrillic.  At the last minute Jennie was able to get replacements for her shifts, so now sisters Immy and Jennie are going with us. Peter was not able to go.  He and his brother Joe are doing home repairs after Superstorm Sandy in New Jersey.  Volunteering through 'World Renew', formerly known as CRWRC.   
Last weekend we visited the faraway kids and grandkids.  Season expressed the desire to go to Italy, just to try the food...I will be happy to fulfill that essential task for you Season.  Niece Carla said "make sure you try the overpriced gelato (ice cream)".  Happy to oblige. We'll post the pictures ladies. (Or take a doggy bag?)    
Getting pretty excited now that the blog is started.  We have no idea how the WiFi will be on the ship, but hope to update once in a while.  There will be a lot of free time when we are at sea.  Sure hoping for calm weather...three days at sea.  Yikes!  The gravol pills will be travelling with us.

We are flying to Rome and will start and end the cruise in Rome, Italy.

The map shows the different ports we will embark and spend the day at.  

Nov. 27 Rome, Italy

Nov. 28 At Sea

Nov. 29 Olympia, Greece

Nov. 30 Piraeus/Athens, Greece

Dec.  1  Izmir, Turkey

Dec.  2  Istanbul, Turkey

Dec.  4  & 5 At Sea

Dec.  6  Naples, Italy

Dec.  7  Rome, Italy  

The Norwegian Jade. 

This is our room with a balcony (before we move in and mess it up).  Even a small sitting area.  Saved another $100. by letting them pick the room for us with a balcony.  Life is good.  The cruise cost is $449.00.  All inclusive, don't know how they can sell it for that.  Guess they expect us to spend a lot in the casino. lol.  

Love to you all and keep your comments coming for the blog book. 

Marcel and Alida