Day 17, May 27: Two nights before flight from Santorini to Turkey we experienced a strange “Red Rain”. The whole island was dusted heavily with a reddish fine dirt which came with the night’s rain. It reported was dust from Africa mixed into the rain.

Pilots took a few hours to attempt cleaning this dirt off of the airplanes.  Despite the efforts…we took off with dirty airplanes and actually hoped for some clean rain clouds to help wash them.  Destination: Corlu, Turkey…about 2 hour drive to Istanbul. We could not get a “slot time” at the main airport (Ataturk) unless we arrived at 0430  (am!!).

Day 18, May 28:

Turkey actually has many agricultural fields and the country is self-sustaining in regards to food.

Istanbul is a fascinating city which is home to empires and the crossroads of two continents. Turkey’s complex beauty is borne of history – layer upon layer of history. Hittites, Hellenists, Romans, Byzantines, Selcuk Turks and Ottomans all left their mark on this geographically strategic land – and the result is magical.

Our Hotel: Cirigan Palace on the Bosphorus–is a beautiful setting!

Santorini, Greece is a Volcanic Island with well-known magnificence and its truly unique characteristics; it combines an array of spectacular features that cannot be found anywhere else. The traditional villages of the island, built on tall cliffs, offer a breathtaking view of golden sunsets over the submerged volcano. Santorini combines colorful sandy and rocky beaches, wonderful archaeological sites, traditional Cycladic architecture, and the impressive Caldera and volcanic area.

Hotel: Kirini Suites & Spa

What a fantastic day!

Today’s flight was in question due to strong crosswinds expected at our destination.  Aviation weather predicted a direct crosswind of 20 Knots–the TBM’s limitation is 20 K direct crosswind component.  One runway: 16 – 34 with winds 250 @ 20 K with potential gusts exceeding that.  Our directors with weather advisement continued to keep  us posted…..to go or not to go?  At last it appeared there could be a decrease of wind by the time of our arrival and a visual approach may be expected.  The alternate (should wind be too strong) was decided to be Nikos Kazantzakis on the island of Crete (Sitia) where winds were less.  We will go!!

Interestingly, our route 375 NM over the Mediterrean Sea brought us as close as 210 N.Miles from Benghazi!

Landing with a 16 knot, 250 degrees crosswind on Runway 34 worked out very well. Crab into the wind, left aileron continue on landing…steer with rudder control on the ground.  Basics!

Our half-day city tour included a visit to Valletta, the capital city, built in 1565 by the Knights of St. John. Our tour started with a visit to the Upper Barakka Gardens where we enjoyed the views overlooking the stunning fortified Grand Harbour. Then we toured the Grand Masters Palace, the old seat of the order of St. John and today used as home to the parliament.

We were privileged to have an entree into the 16th cenury palace of a noble Maltese family: Casa Rocca Piccola, Valetta. This is the home of the 9th Marques and Marchioness de Piro: Frances (Barroness of Budach) and Marques de Piro. Marques personally guided our tour through the important rooms sharing family stories and highlighting portraits and furniture. While enjoying their company in the courtyard we also met KiKu the parrot. We were intrigued by the network of underground tunnels (tunnels cut out of  the rock over the 400 year history.) These tunnels were used as bomb shelters during the Italian and Nazi air bombardment in 1941-42.

 

Our guided tour in the morning proved interesting as we learned more of the history and the conquests of the Knights of St. John.  The afternoon Tom and I enjoyed exploring Valletta’s steep streets and discovering interesting styles of the Maltese people.

The Maltese Cross has new meaning to us: it is the insignia of the Knights of St. John. The Maltese Cross symbol is also on aviation approach charts and specifically identifies the FAF (final approach fix).

 

Venice is just four minutes by private launch from San Marco, on the tip of Giudecca Island, the Cipriani hotel commands unrivalled views of the lagoon and Doge’s Palace. Steeped in Venetian style, it is known for interiors decorated in exquisite local artefacts, classic cuisine with an innovative twist and the most fabulous swimming pool in the city! Since Peggie and George spent several weeks over 15 years vacationing at the Cipriani, it was a time of re-connecting with their spirit and we are certain they are pleased that Tom and Diann finally made it to the “Chip”!

Day 12: Our half day tour began with a boat tour as we explored the Grand Canal as well as some of the city’s smaller canals. We enjoyed the demonstration of Venician glass blowing, looked at 8 rooms of amazing products (including chandeliers) and a few of us made a purchase.

  

Next was St. Mark’s Cathedral — the highlight of our tour.  Our guide detailed the history and building of this magnificent cathedral.  Although it was a day of study rain, Tom and I made it our “sampling” of Venice–shopping followed by lunch at the famous Harry’s Bar.

Leaving Venice: we climbed throught 27,300 feet before breaking out of the clouds — fortunately it was smooth air and no ice. Tour flight was 2 hours 25 minutes which took us over the middle of Sicily.

We captured several great views today….looking over the Mediterranean Sea–there were VERY choppy seas visible.  At 30,000 all clear until desending through clouds into Venice.

Weather was not so great, but we touched down at Venice Marco Polo Airport perfectly!  Today we spoke to Spanish, French and Italian air traffic controllers. Decidedly, the French were the easiest to understand. (BTW: English is the international language for controllers. They use English once you check-in speaking English).  Italian air traffic controllers kept us at 18,000 feet until 20 NM before the final approach fix, runway 04 R. (This is often too high and too close for a smooth approach). Finally, they asked if we were able to make the 3,000 feet IAF (initial approach fix) requirement . We did it!!   15,000 feet in 20 miles using 10% power and a decent of 3,200 feet per minute.  Our TBM’s propeller behaves like a 4X8 sheet of plywood when slowed to near flight idle! (Do not try this is a Cessna Mustang!)

Weather was not so great, but we touched down at Venice Marco Polo Airport perfectly!

Later we were concerned about the afternoon hail storm which involved BB sized hail. All were releaved as there was no damage to our aircraft!

Ana, our exchange student-daughter from 2005-6 school year, now lives in Palma de Mallorca.  She took the ferry to Ibiza for a 9 hour visit with us!! How wonderful to have this treasured time with Ana.  Many USM friends will recall her as the atractive, athletic, fun Spanish girl who is an excellent hockey player.

Ana has continued her hockey career: playing on the Spanish National Ice Hockey and the Spanish Roller Hockey teams.  She is currently studying for a career in physical therapy while working as a Manager of companies facebook websites –creating and updating. She is clearly a very bright and curious learner.

Ana’s family lives in Castellon and spend summer, on the beach of Alcosebbre, Spain.

         

  

While many others tour Paris with a half-day city tour of the Eiffle Tower, Trocadero, St. Germain de pres, Notre Dame, Le Marais this morning Tom and I relaxed at the Plaza Athenee downloading photos (reliving our Trans-Atlantic Crossing).  Outside our hotel is the prestigious Avenue Montaigne as well as the Champs Elysees which is great for shopping.

Tom and I took the Metro towards the Basilica Sacr’e Coeur de Montmartre. We walked MANY blocks to and from the beautiful Basilica.

This evening’s Les Bateaux Parisian dinner cruise was fantastic!