May 8th was an "at sea" day which gave everyone a chance to catch up on things like sleep, emails, laundry (not me), etc. Later in the day, as we headed to Thessaloniki, we went by Mount Athos. On the side of the mountain are hundreds of monasteries. It was quite a site and the captain slowed and then turned the engines off so we could drift quietly along the shoreline out of respect for the religious orders here. He did mention that there are no females allowed in any of the communities, including female cats. Later at dinner, the British woman sitting beside me remarked how it would be challenging to prevent female birds and insects from being there! If you look closely at the photos, you can make out some of the small communities up and down the hillside and along the shoreline.
The following day, we were docked in Kavala. This is one of two ports I had never heard of. I had signed up for an excursion which would take me to the Nestos River and the town of Xanthi. The former was described as one of Greece's most significant watersheds and the latter as "the town of a thousand colours". Well, for me at least, that was not a description of reality. The river Nestos flows from the Rila Mountains of Bulgaria into the Aegean Sea near Thassos. The watershed is home to diverse animal and avian communities. So, we exited our bus and started walking along a pathway along the river. At times it was steep (no railing or fence between you and the drop to the river), narrow and slippery. It didn't take me long to realize that this river is very similar to numerous ones near my home. So, I turned around and headed back. Nothing special. Our next stop was Xanthi which, apparently is know for stunning architecture and rich history. Well, I guess I am blessed that I have seen so many beautiful towns and villages all over Europe and, believe me, there was nothing special about it. In fact, it was ordinary and where those "thousand colours" are was lost on me. The buildings were the standard ones of brick, stone, plaster and such. It was an excursion that was a total waste of time and money!
The next day we were docked in Thessaloniki. I had booked a 3 hour bus tour purporting to show the highlights of the city. We started going along the seafront, seeing the White Tower (not white) and going by a statue of Alexander the Great. From there, we drove through the city of 1 million people of which 100,000 are university students because of the several universities here. At several times, we could see the ancient city walls before we headed up a hill where we could get sweeping views of the city. It was lovely. From there, we were taken to a hotel in the middle of the Seih Sou Forest where we had refreshments (coffee, juice, tea with cookies and cake). However, it was in the middle of nowhere, had no views, and we were there for over an hour. So, basically, our 3 hour tour was really only 2 hours. Again, it was disappointing and a waste of money. 
One of the signature highlights on each Azamara cruise is an event they call "Azamazing Experience". Last year, with the effects of COVID still being felt, they brought the talent onboard to present their show. It was in Israel. I have to say it was a bit underwhelming. So, this year, when we were told the event would be in a theater in Thessaloniki, my expectation were pretty low. However, I have to say, it was fabulous! It involved a full orchestra with a choir and was called Alexander Macedonia. The program was spectacular and the music very moving. It was a very special evening without a doubt!! The following two videos, in spite of the photography, will provide some idea of how wonderful it was. Just before the concert, when Captain Michael was making opening remarks, he announced the weather is not cooperating and, because of that, we are now not going to be going to Mykonos. The winds are such that it would be unsafe to take tenders into the port. I chose this cruise for four reasons: Istanbul (check), Bulgaria (cancelled), Romania (cancelled) and now Mykonos (cancelled). It has been a bit of a disappointment; however, I do appreciate one cannot control the elements - or the actions of a warlike nation (Russia). Guess I will just have to make sure Mykonos stays on the list for another time.
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