August 2013

The story of this month-long sea-based journey from the Black Sea to the Western Mediterranean is written as three distinct travelblogues. This is the index to the stories. Links will be added and activated as each story is posted.

The first part is about Istanbul and the Black Sea on the MV Aegean Odyssey during which we will learn of the history, art and culture  of the countries bordering on the Black Sea.

Then follows a four night cruise in the Western Mediterranean on Costa Luminosa.

A brief stay in Venice and then we embark on the Italian Dreams cruise on Crystal Serenity through the Adriatic, Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas to Monaco.

Three Ships: Aegean Odyssey, Costa Luminosa, Crystal Serenity.
Seven Seas: Black Sea and the sub-divisions of the Mediterranean including the Sea of Marmara, the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian, Ligurian and Balearic Seas.

With a mid-morning flight to the US, as always I got myself to Vancouver International Airport with lots of time spare before boarding. Not wanting to succumb to the awful snack choices on board, I usually treat myself to a light meal at one of the restaurants. My favorite is Vino Volo, although I go for the appetizer plates rather than the nice wine selection but today I really wanted a breakfast omelette.

Hungry after a couple of intense hours of boot camp, we walked up to Mainland Street's restaurant row for supper but did not get very far. My dinner companion confessed that since his last visit here he had been craving for a repeat meal of the sushi burger at Hub Restaurant. So that's where we went.  The Sushi burger consists of sesame crusted albacore tune loin with a wasabi soy mayonnaise, cucumber avocado, lettuce  and a soy chili dip. There is a choice of side house or Caesar salad or fries.