Good Morning Palermo, Sicily

Lots of small fishing boats in the entrance to the harbor. I think they are catching our lunch -:). Yum!

RE: We Just Couldn't Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

I love these... definitely made my day at the office :-)

Jennifer Harrington
Intake Supervisor 
jennifer.harrington@alere.com

Alere Home Monitoring
6465 National Dr, Livermore CA 94550
1-877-262-4669 ext. 7216

-----Original Message-----
From: Diane Follain [mailto:rxconnection@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 5:29 AM
To: Blog-Sabbatical
Cc: Follain Jason; Follain Regina; Follain Bryan; Harrington, Jennifer; Follain Katie; Jonnie
Subject: We Just Couldn't Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Ha! And did we mention...HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN??!!!

Confidentiality Note: This message is intended only for the use of the named recipient(s) and may contain confidential and/or proprietary information. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and delete this message. Any unauthorized use of the information contained in this message is prohibited

Look Out Below!

Who was responsible for stacking these in 420 BC?

We Just Couldn't Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Ha! And did we mention...HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN??!!!

Protest in Front of the Athens National Building

Today Germany is voting whether to and/or how much to bail out the Greeks. The Germans are cautious and want assurances that the money will be well managed. The Greeks are passionate about wanting ALL the money now.

The Erechteion

Better Shot of the Parthenon

Classic Birthday Greetings

Everyone here knows who's birthday it is. And isn't it classic....doesn't everyone get birthday greetings straight from Greece?

Like you are on top of the world - Athens

The Parthenon

Greetings from the Acropolis

Odeon of Herodes Atticas - Athens

Happy Birthday Bryan! From Athens, Greece

Happy Birthday Bryan from Athens, Greece!

Happy 31st birthday Bryan!

Shop Anywhere

It's not everyday you go shopping in the West Bank.

Harbor View in Kusadasi

Arrived in Kusadasi, Turkey this Morning

You can see the reflection of the ships in the window.

Traditional Cemetery in Kusadasi, Turkey

A 'ManIfistation' is Brewing

The Greeks name for a protest. They are rerouting us. We have 3 hours to get back to the ship but there is a little concern whether we will make it. The trip should not tale more than an hour There is also a taxi strike today!

Athena University

Built in 1887

The Erechteion

Muslim Community is Prominent

The Muslims are called to prayers 5 times a day

Hotel was Built in 1618

Plenty of History, Once Again

This is the courtyard entrance to one of the hotels

Good Morning Kusadasi, Turkey!

It is about 6:30am on Wednesday, Sept 28. We have just pulled in to the dock. This is the view from our stateroom. Good morning!

On Our Way to Jerusalem

Olive Trees in Jerusalem

These trees are from as far back as 70 BC

Crazy Crowded!

I wonder if we can fit a few more people

Entering Bethlehem - West Wall

Palestinian Guide

We are required to take on a Palestinian guide to enter Bethlehem. Bethlehem means the bread of life. The birthplace of Jesus

The Church of the Nativity

The oldest church in the world

Calling for Palestinian Recognition

This banner is hanging just outside of the Church of Nativity (birthplace of Jesus) for the world to recognize Palestine as a state in the UN

The Church of Nativity - Bethlehem

The Door

Centuries ago they reduced the size of the door so that people could not travel inside with their animals

Inside the Church of Nativity

Archeological Dig - Rhodes, Greek Isle

Directly at the pier, just outside the ship window is this incredible sight.

The Border on the West Bank

On the way home (back to the ship). Long day

Armed Guards at the West Bank

Armed guards just got on our bus to check passports. No pictures were allowed of them (I wasn't quick enough). But as you can see by the sign we are being allowed back into Jerusalem.

Gate Has Been Opened

They are telling us that there was a mechanical problem. We are also told that that never close the gate so how did they know. It is anyone's guess. You do not question security in this part of the world.

The Gate is Closed! Yikes!

They have closed the gate to the wall that gets us out of Bethlehem (Palestinian ruled) back to Israel! We are currently waiting to see why.

We are just a little nervous. Where is CNN when you need them?

Palestinian Leadership

Proudly displayed in open view so no one forgets

Classic Bethlehem

Catholic Part of the Church

In 1881 the Catholics were ousted from the main church of Nativity so they built on their own church, attached to the original one

Living Quarters of Mary & Joseph

Jesus was born just behind the space where the alter is now

Guides ID

Note the guides ID is from the Palestinian Authority

The Ceiling - Church of Nativity - Bethlehem

Do it Yourself Deliveries

All of the pregnant ladies out there. We should be grateful for the health care available to us. This list of supplies was posted on the counter in the pharmacy in Zimbabwe. We spoke with a local woman who said that there is maybe one small clinic each 300 km. Virtually all the rural births are at home with only the help the family cam provide an no peri-natal care. Not too surprisingly, the infant mortality rate is very high.

Uh Oh, Ouzo

Diane has moved onto ouzo and the day is young. Ah, when in Greece.......

Signing off until tomorrow.

The Sea Was Hard to Resist

Dad in the Aegean Sea. The water is crystal clear and warm since they have more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

Texas Holdem-What???

Shhhh. Don't tell Bryan

Could You Park My Yacht Next to the Ancient Lighthouse, Efcharisto ( please)

Starbuck with Flair

Yup, even here