Palermo not Messina

Due to the landslides in Messina, the captain decided it was safer for us to go to Palermo instead.
The weather here is beautiful and I'm tempted to stay on the beautiful beach for a while. Unfortunately, the ship sails at 4:00 p.m.
We had a lovely tour of the city and then out into the country for a look at their resort area. Our guide said that the water is now too cold for the tourists - it's only about 72 degrees! Sounds warm enough for me!
Did some shopping in town, but we are back on the ship and thinking about packing for our departure in the morning. It has been fun, but I'm ready to get back home.

Athens

Saturday, October 3

We were concerned when we weren't able to book a tour for Athens (the only one that mom could go on was full), but the ship's tour director was able to fit us in at the last minute.

Our other concern was the weather - this is the first day that it has rained - but it cleared up just as we were getting on the us.

Saw the Olympic Stadium with its 69,000 marble seats. After the Olympic torch is lit at the ancient Olympic site it is first brought to this stadium before going off to the host country.

Then it was off to the Acropolis. Of course, we couldn't get up to the Parthenon, but the view from below was nice.

Next up - a day at sea and then Messina.