When I reflect on truly memorable moments in my life, and skip cliches such as graduations and weddings (not my own), I have to admit that the list is rather short. I'll never forget my first opera - Romeo et Juliette in 1998 with David Miller singing Romeo, I'll always smile and remember the day I met the young lady who is now my fiancee, and I can't think of getting the phone call inviting me to join the POC without feeling a little foolish; I actually dropped the phone. This morning the list grew a bit. At 5:30 am I woke and went from my Cabin aboard the Corinthian II to the observation deck and watched the Coast of Napoli, lit only by a picturesque lighthouse, fade into the darkness as we set on our way past the isle of Capri and the Amalfi coast on our way to Agripoli.

We were served breakfast al fresco as the coasts rolled by and cameras flashed as if it was the Diamond Horseshoe Gala. I had the pleasure of meeting many new guests this morning, all of whom seem very eager for our first concert of Italian arias, duets and folk songs tomorrow evening. As if the view was not a delight enough, Deborah, James and I spent the early morning jogging around the deck of the ship with sea spray blowing into our faces.

We spent today at Agripoli touring Pasteum, which has temples built by the Ancient Greeks in honor of Poseidon and Athena in 450 BC and an accompanying museum. Of particular interest was a tomb that was opened in the 1970s. Inside the tomb were several vases sealed with wax. When the vases were opened they revealed 2000 year old honey that had been perfectly preserved. Honey was placed in the tomb as a memorial symbol of life everlasting.

On another note, the luggage of seven guests, including me, arrived today after a few days of cat and mouse with the air line.

Tonight we had a lovely dinner party and cocktail hour and are on our way to Palermo where we will spend the day tomorrow. Check back soon for more details and, if I can find a USB cable, some pictures too!

Dean Kokanos