Tag Archives: Ashdod

Ashdod 5th, Haifa 6th and Kusadasi 8th April

It’s been hectic these past few days, hence the lack of a post.  After our transit of the Suez Canal, we spent a day slow-steaming for the port of Ashdod, Israel, timing our arrival for 6 in the morning.  A beautiful sunrise greeted us as we sailed into the harbour.

2015-04-08_0005 2015-04-08_0007

 

Approach to Ashdod

Approach to Ashdod

Ashdodapproach

The harbour

 I, unfortunately did not manage to go ashore, the reason being that, every Grand World voyage, we have our CEO and President visit and today was their arrival, hence it being ‘hectic’.

 

Onwards then, to Haifa.  Here guests can visit Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Masada, to name but a few and many left us in Ashdod, rejoining in Haifa, having done all this and more.

My ‘roving reporter’, Karen went on a tour to Bethlehem, however, having taken my camera, she found that the battery was flat after a few photos; my fault, I always carry a spare, however neglected to give it to her, duh……………… 🙄 

She did however manage some of the surroundings during her drive and some of the Church of the Nativity.

2015-04-08_0008

2015-04-08_0002 2015-04-08_0003 2015-04-08_0009 2015-04-08_0010 2015-04-08_0011 2015-04-08_0012 2015-04-08_0013 2015-04-08_0014 2015-04-08_0015

Another day at sea and Kusadasi, Turkey.  We are expecting a storm in the Aegean Sea and I was fortunate that the wind, although strong, has not increased to its expected 50 knots, we’ll get that tonight, on our way towards Piraeus.  Docking was straightforward and everyone is ashore, enjoying the great (cheap) prices in the shops.

This evening, as part of our President’s and CEO’s visit, all guests are invited to a splendid function at Ephesus, the  ancient city near by.  We are to be treated to an orchestral recital in the amphitheatre, normally used only twice a year and then only for very special occasions.  I will be taking camera (and battery) and, weather permitting, (not having to spend too long on the Bridge), I will post.

My apologies for the brevity of the post today, optimistically, I will have time after Piraeus.

Kusadasi from the Bridge

Kusadasi from the Bridge

The old fort in the town

The old fort in the town

2015-04-08_0016

To starboard, the fort which guarded the old city.

To starboard, the fort which guarded the old city.

2015-04-08_0020

The view to the north

The view to the north