Au Revoir (french); Tot ziens (flemish); Sayonara and Aloha L.A! ______________________________


Hi everyone!

As most of you know, Ray has accepted a 2-year assignment with Toyota's European Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. For those of you who do not know, Belgium is located next to France, Germany and the Netherlands. The home of NATO and the European Union, it is considered the "gateway to Europe" with its easy access to many European countries. (Hint, hint--good excuse to come and visit!)

Ray started his new position in February, 2008. The girls and I arrived here in late March. We are living just outside the city of Brussels in the commune of Tervuren, Belgium.

Although we are sad to temporarily leave our family and friends, we are excited for this adventure. What an opportunity to leave our tiny box and experience life outside of America!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

"Welcome Aboard M/V Cristal, June 26, 2009"

Today's Greek word of the day: "Kalos Orisate" which means "Welcome!"

The Shinozaki and Ng families arrived in Athens after a three and a half hour flight from Brussels. After a brief excursion to see the Acropolis, we took cabs to Athen's Port of Piraeus, to board our home for the next 7-days: Louis Cruise Lines' M/V Cristal.


Check-in was painless, after which we hopped onto a shuttle bus to take us to the ship. So far, easy-peasy... The ship's photographer took this shot of us as we boarded the ship for the first time.


First on the agenda was to check out our cabin and then head straight to lunch (which was being served until the the ship left port...) After lunch, we went to the upper deck to say bon-voyage to Athens as the ship sailed towards our first port-of call.

As we got underway, we all attended the required safety life-boat drill. Afterwards, the girls went down for a nap before dinner so that they could stay up late for the evening's entertainment.


Dinner was in the formal dining room "La Scala". The girls are having a fabulous time cruising, especially since their friend DN is traveling with us.


And it was on this day, we started to realize how popular the girls were becoming aboard the cruise ship. Especially with the staff...


After a hearty dinner, we all went up to the upper open decks to take in the first of many beautiful sunsets... Also, we needed to try and walk off the first of many big meals. Aaaaah, the joys of cruising!



Later that evening, we headed down to the Metropolitan Show Lounge to watch a musical showcase of the songs from Mamma Mia (which happens to be one of the girls' favorites!!!) Naturally, our girls (especially PS) just LOVED it!! They still both love the sound-track/movie, although DS won't easily admit it. (As I am writing this, you should see her dancing and singing her heart out while watching Mama Mia again!)


After this very long day, we immediately turned in after the show, as the Cristal sailed on to our next port of call: Istanbul, Turkey...
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