May 13, 2009
Since I wrote last I have received some WONDERFUL news. I emailed the home office and asked to have my contract shortened. I’m supposed to be here until July 28. They are working everyone more than they ever have and my time off the ship during the day is about half of what its been in the past. And I’ve been doing this for long enough as it is. I’m burned out and it’s time to come home. I wasn’t sure what they would say since I’ve already complained to them about changing things up on me. But I got an excited response from them that said, “Sure.” But I got what I wanted, so I am a happy camper.
I’ve had the pleasure of going on two shore excursions since the last time I wrote. One in the port of Naples, Italy where I visited the ruins of Pompeii and one today, in Katakalon, Greece where I got to visit the site of the original Olympics.
Naples is the 3rd largest city in Italy, right behind Rome and Milan. The entire city was built on the lava from Mt. Vesuvias. From Naples we drove about 30 mintues to reach the old city of Pompeii. When we got in and walked around with the guide it felt like a pretty big city. Much larger than I expected it to be. The guide said it was 600 acres and about 2 miles around the outside walls. Now all the information I’m going to give you is what I remember from the guide, he, or my rewording could very possibly be wrong. Here’s what I remember. The city was originally built by the Greeks, until it was destroyed by a massive earthquake in AD 62. It was rebuilt by the Romans, but was having a bad two decades because shortly after it was put back together Mt. Vesuvias erupted, in AD 79 and covered the city in 20 feet of ash. There were approximately 20,000 people living in the city at the time and over 5,000 were killed. There are casts of bodies that were found. One was of a pregnant woman caught in the ash. Although many people died the city is still in pretty good shape since it was only the ash the covered the city. No lava came Pompeii’s way. Unlike Herculaneum, another city near Naples and Pompeii, that was covered in 60 feet of lava and less of it remains.
The guide pointed out that they know Mt. Vesuvius was active in the past because the entire city of Pompeii was built on lava and the original builders used lava as the main building material in many of the structures. It was easy to see which buildings were rebuilt by the Romans because they used different building materials. Romans used concrete and bricks, so on many of the buildings you could see the lava material on the bottom half and then bricks on the top so it was obvious to see the reconstruction by the Romans. You could also see the ruts that were cut into the cobblestone streets from the chariots they rode around in. It was a long day of walking and lots of ruins, I was knackered by the end but glad to have gotten off the ship and seen some of the sights!
Today we were in Katakalon, Greece. There isn’t much in Katakalon, the only reason we stop at the port is to visit Olympia. So visit I did. Here’s the history — I feel like I’m writing a report, but I’m sure I’ll be glad I wrote about it someday when I look back on all this. Our guide was FULL of information and told us about all the history and stories of this god and that god. Unfortunately I can’t remember all that. Here’s what I do remember. What they call the very first Olympic games was held in 776 BC. The games branched from regular chariot races that were held, but the leader at the time wanted the activities to be open to everyone. Only the wealthy were able to afford chariots and a horse team, so by turning the races into foot races they were opened up to every common man. Women were not allowed to enter the races, or even the stadium, and the penalty was death. The games were dedicated to Zeus and on the grounds is a huge temple built to honor Zeus. Inside was a 40 foot seated statue of him made of marble and gold which was one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. But it disappeared somewhere along the way. Nearby is the long flat field they call the stadium. In the time of the games the field was decribed as being 1 stadium long. A stadium is 600 feet or 192 meters. The unit of measurement later became the name and meaning we know it as now. The first year of the Olympics they only had a 1 stadium foot race. The next year they added a 2 stadium race, the year after a 24 stadium race. Along with other competitions like discus, short and long jump, chariot races and the pankration, which he described as something like UFC fighting.
We wandered around the site and looked at all the ruins. Some of them have been stacked back up with recreations added to make it easier to imagine. This was done for the Athens Olympics in 2004. Zeus’ temple seemed like the largest with huge columns. The base of a column has a diameter of about 9 feet. The other large temple on the site was the one for Hera, Zeus’ wife. The women weren’t allowed in the mens games, but apparently they held games for women only (spectators included) in the years the men weren’t having one. Outside of the temples were many concrete and marble pedestals. Our guide, Criton, explained that these were to hold gifts and statues meant to be offerings to Zeus and Hera by wealthy people. In the time of the Greeks they left them out in the streets unguarded, because no person would be crazy enough to steal from the gods. So they were not stolen. However, when the Romans moved in they had no fear of the gods so the city was looted and all the offerings disappeared. However many of the pedestals still remain. You can tell what it held by the shape of the top. There is a concave hold for big marble pieces and for bronze statues there are two holes shaped like feet. After the tour ended we had some time to wander around and take pictures. I took the opportunity to break out my gorilla pod and shoot myself running the stadium. I won.
Afterwards we went to Hotel Europa for some Greek food and Zorba dancing. I thought it was going to be a show, but turned into a more participatory experience, so me and Paul (cast member I know from another ship) got involved and danced around yelling “opa”. It was a lot of fun. Greek food is so basic, but oh so good. We ate feta cheese, tomatoes, and carrots, with tzaziki sauce and meatballs and delicious bread. MMMM good.
The weather here has officially turned warm, on the verge of hot. I wore shorts and a tank top this morning and my tan is coming along nicely. Since I found out my contract is going to be shortened my mood has improved immensely just knowing the end is near. I only have four more cruises including this one. So it makes me realize I need to get out there and see things even though I don’t have much time.
In other news, I am looking for a job. A real one. I have started looking online and am finding that what I want to do is called a ______ Coordinator. Event, Program, Office, etc. Job descriptions sound something like this, “This position is ideal for an organized, detail oriented person who is responsible for the planning, organizing, implementation and evaluation of social, recreational and community relations programs.” Or “Identify, coordinate and manage promtions and events”. Anything in event or office planning and organization sounds interesting and would be compatible with what I’ve been doing lately. So keep your ears open. And forward me anything you think I might be interested in. I’ve already sent some resumes out. Let me know if you know someone and I’ll send you a resume to pass on. You guys are the best resources I have and I need a real job if I’m going to move (and stay for a while) home. I’ll also be looking for something part time right away as soon as I get home, like Stabucks or waitressing, that will bring in some money while I look for a job that I really want. So if you have a lead for me there and know someone that could help too. I’ll be home June 18th, so I’m looking to start something partime by the beginning of July. And full time as soon as I can find something I’ll love! Or at least like.
