Skinny's Update! I'm on a Mediterranean cruise!

Greetings from the Ruby Princess!

Ahhh! I am enjoying myself with Bluestocking88 and her family. We spent four lovely days in Venice. We stayed in a little convent at night and enjoyed the city during the day. I toured St. Mark’s Basilica, the tomb of St. Mark the evangelist, the Doge’s Palace, rode in a gondola, toured Murano and enjoyed a busy morning at the Rialto market looking at all the fresh seafood and produce. We ate plenty of gelato and pizza—and I took lots of pictures. I really wanted a carnival mask as a souvenir, but we couldn’t find one in my size so blue and her daughter has agreed to help me make one when we return to Washington. The canals were lovely, and I very much wanted to dive in and go for a swim—but blue insisted it was too dirty to swim in and I didn’t want to offend my hostess so early in our trip.

Venice was so romantic I missed my beau, but must admit I struck up a conversation with the gondolier’s pole and he was very friendly—but a bit grubby after being in that muddy water all day. I loved the sunshine, friendly people, and beautiful scenery.

After Venice, we boarded a cruise ship and spent three days at sea. Well we were supposed to visit Athens one of those days but I’m afraid someone upset Poseidon and he blew so hard we couldn’t get through the wind to harbor safely. So I consoled myself swimming in the pool, taking tea with blue and the children, and resting.

Today we were able to port in Kusadasi, Turkey. I was able to walk through the ancient city of Ephesus—a beautiful place but with very little wood to be found anywhere. We also visited what is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary as well as St. John’s Basilica where St. John the apostle is believed to be buried. It was a lovely day and blue and her children kept me safe from the Anatolian shepherds wandering around town that kept eyeing me as some kind of toy. It was rather hot today, so I was carrying my hat and as we hurried through security I’m afraid I dropped it and didn’t realize it. Blue was frantic and worried she’d have to make me another but it turns out her scamp of a boy picked it up and quietly slipped it in his pocket. He saved my hat and worried his mother all in moment’s time. While swimming this afternoon he admitted my hat was safe, so I don’t have a care in the world. I can now say I have been to Asia-which is very exciting to me.

Tomorrow we will visit Istanbul, Turkey. I understand we’ll have lunch at the Ciragan Palace where I heard a rumor there will be a baklava buffet for me to sample. I’ll also visit Topkapi Palace with a tour of the sultan’s harem, St. Sophia’s, the Blue Mosque, and then we’ll go shopping at the Grand Bazaar.

I must say, blue’s children are taking excellent care of me—they are sure I go on all outings and are happy to hold my hand as we travel around. I have lots of pictures, but the internet is very slow and expensive. I will upload my pictures when I get back to Washington—but for now do know that I am safe and having a wonderful time. I think I may be the most traveled spurtle in the world by now!

I’ll update again soon—

Love, Skinny