The Travelers and Some History

April 29- May 16

1996

Lifeboat drill on our first cruise

Our first cruise together 

We stand before the Spinx

Camel ride from Cairo

Debbie poses at the Pyramids

Our first honeymoon, in 1996, was a 12-day magnificent cruise that left Venice, toured the Eastern half of the ancient sea including stops in Egypt and Israel, Turkey, Rhodes, Crete, Athens, Olympia, and more. It was special for sure. We have been back five times since then, and now we are about to embark on what will most likely be my last twos cruises. Cancer cannot stop me from enjoying one last fling in this historic and romantic part of the world. Debbie and I have booked two back-to-back cruises – to the East, and then to the West – ready to return once again to the beautifully blue Mediterranean Sea and its wonderful ports of call.

                      18 years later: October 27-November 10

Middle daughter Becky and boyfriend Justin

This time we have some special passengers who will be joining us. Our staging area will be Rome; returning to the apartment we rented and enjoyed in May 2012 with Michael, my oldest son, his wife Michelle, and grandchildren Matt and Megan. This time we will await the arrival of Debbie’s parents, Ray and Monica Parker, followed by our daughter Becca and her boyfriend Justin, and Debbie’s brother Brian, and his lovely wife Angela. It will be tight but we will include a private tour of Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, and as many sights in Rome that we can manage before departing for the port city Civitavecchia.

Debbie's Mom and Dad with Ollie

            

This will be cruise #41 and #42 for Debbie and me. We have accomplished our goal of seeing the world before checking out. We have traveled to the top of the planet into the Arctic, and sailing around the southern most point of South America to the bottom, to Alaska five times, up and down the West and East Coasts of the United States several times, along the Mexican Riviera, to the Baltic Sea, China, Japan, and many parts of the Caribbean. However, when pressed, we usually respond to questions about our favorite destination, with “They all are special, it is a beautiful planet, but when push comes to shove, we love the Mediterranean and all it has to offer. It is a fitting place to experience once again. The Bucket List gets shorter and shorter.

Brother Brian and Sister-in-law Angela

The Prelude

            Chewy will stay at a world-class pet resort south of Jefferson City, the Honey Creek Pet Resort. Our two other daughters, Jessica and Christina, and son-in-law Andrew, along with our new four-month old grandchild “Oliver,” will remain in Columbia, while our two oldest boys, wives, and four other grandchildren, Mike, Michelle, Matt, and Megan; and Bradley, Carol, Emily and Abbey, will remain in Springfield, Missouri. It would be a hoot to have everyone in tow, but all those left behind and others enjoying this account will have to experience it vicariously. Unfortunately, you are stuck with my record of it. You can be sure that much of it will be embellished, words will be misspelled, perceptions will differ, and syntax and sentences will not always measure up to the King’s language. Nevertheless I promise to make it interesting and when it is not, you can enjoy all the photographs posted by Debbie.

Preparations on the Eve……

Medicine and supplies for the journey-not needed 18 yrs ago!

Getting prepared for a European adventure on which we are about to embark, is quite an undertaking. Preparing my medication package is even more complicated than packing for all kinds of weather. I have meds that manage my heart and blood pressure, thin my blood, control my pain, some uppers, antibiotics, constipation relief, acid reflex relief, instant pain relief, protection from nausea, arthritis control, and gum to leave a good taste in my mouth. And then there are the bandages, gauze, paper tape, petroleum jelly, and other aids to respond to any expected bleedings (from my new and expensive drug Xarelto, now a daily pill to prevent further blood clots).

Thank God for technology. If I would have to carry my reading resources, like in the old days, the cost of overweight luggage would be exponential. Fortunately my iPad is loaded with iBooks, and the weight is only a pound or so. The collection for this excursion includes the following topics, titles, and authors: zen No Death, No Fear (Thich Nhat Hanh), philosopy The Perennial Philosophy (Huxley per Frederico), history and literature Julius Caesar (William Shakespeare), and when in Greece, Memorable Thoughts of Socrates (Xenophon). When this gets too heavy, I have Steven King's new book (Doctor Sleep), Vericona Roth's new book (Allegiant), and E L James sexy book (Fifty Shades Darker). To summarize, I can move from deep meaning to history, from horror to sex, and when wanting to really escape, science fiction (Allegiant). I think I am prepared.

As for technology and electronics, the devices that have changed all of our lives, I have a special carry/roll-on brief case. In addition to such things as binoculars, playing cards, a hardback book on zen (as if I didn’t have enough to read), a copy of The Week, and all those medications and bandages mentioned above, it will store my laptop computer, iPad, iPhone, and all the chargers that are required to keep them running. Oh yeah, there is also a charger for my electronic toothbrush. Actually, when I think about it, this bag that I will carry onto the plane and have with me at all times is all that I need. If the checked luggage is lost, I can always buy clothes.