Pen and Ink

Mainely autumn.

For a number of years, I made an annual trip to Ogunquit, Maine, with a group of my Boston friends. We take over the Moon Over Maine guesthouse and just hang out for the weekend.

It started in 2001 when Mike and I were still together. For a couple of years, John and Cary went with me. Andy hasn't yet experienced this fun, relaxing weekend.

We didn't get to go last year as our Mediterranean cruise took priority. I was hoping to go this year, but with leaving my job and starting the new businesses, finances have me nervous. (That, and outrageous airfares to Boston.)

Regardless, my my mind travels to Ogunquit this mid-September weekend. Here are some photo reflections from 2007 and 2008.

And finally, my favorite shop:

    

Panama whites.

 

 

Knock out.

While being unabashedly gay, I am, from time-to-time, knocked out by a a beautiful woman.  It happened recently when I met our tour guide on Santorini in the Greek Isles. 

You may not be able to tell it from this picture, but this woman, probably late 30s or early 40s, was just gorgeous.  And a gracious tour guide as well.

Spectacular.

I fell in love with a village on the island of Santorini.  Pronounced "Ia," Oia is the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorni.  It is situated on top of an impressive cliff with spectacular view over the volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni and the island of Thirassia. 

It is a traditional village with charming houses along narrow streets, blue domed churches, sun-bathed verandas.  Of course there are plenty of tourist shops, but there are lovely taverns, cafe's and galleries. 

We only had about an hour here -- one of the downsides of visiting places while on a cruise. I could have spent days here photographing, soaking up the sun, and just relishing in the quiet mood of the place.

I'm definitely going back.

 

 

Back to Rome

Our vacation finishes with two days in Rome.  We're staying near the Trevi Fountain and splurged by hiring a private tour guide for a seven-hour walking tour of all the historic sites, the Vatican, the piazzas and fountains...the works.

 

[This is the end of these silly pre-vacation posts that I created. I'll be back with new posts about the actual vacation starting September 11.]

Last dance.

Today's the last day of the cruise. We hit Naples today and a cruise along the Amalfi Coast and a visit to Pompeii and Salerno are on the agenda.

Dames at sea.

We're back at sea today.  Tonight is the night when Atlantis has their surprise guest star.  Last year it was the incomparable Chita Rivera.  No clue who it will be there year.  After is the White Party. 

 

[They'll be wearing white tonight. And so will we. What I won't be doing is blogging. New posts start again next week sometime.]

Do it like the Greeks.

Today we begin three days in the Greek Isles.  Rhodes, Mykonos and Santorini. I hear it's stunningly beautiful.

Happy birthday to me.

It's Monday and we've got another day at sea.  Today I will indulge in a massage, resting by the pool with a book, and likely dinner with the entire gang for a celebration.  It's my birthday!  The evening's activity will be an 80s party.  So thoughtful of Atlantis to plan a party with my favorite music on my birthday, don't you think?

[All these boys are gathered for my birthday party.  Not likely.  But we're celebrating anyway.  And I'm not really blogging this on my birthday.]

At sea.

We're all settled into our routine aboard the Atlantis Mediterranean cruise and headed our way to Egypt.  But first, there are two days at sea.  Surrounded by this...

 

[I don't know who these boys are and I didn't take this picture. I didn't even write this post on Sunday, because I'm not blogging while I'm away.  Enjoy the eye candy anyway.]