October 2, 2012

Grand daughter Celia Sandys hosts a “Chasing Churchill” trip aboard ship in the Mediterranean. 
Celia Sandys (center in black) and tour guests
Chasing Churchill 2012 was a smashing success!

After three days on board the exquisite ship and we were asking each other how we were ever going to get unspoiled. Fellow tour members were fabulous; the diversity of personalities gave our group a remarkable camaraderie that enhanced every aspect of our adventures. We learned a lot in a short time and had a ball.

The always gracious and elegant Celia Sandys was a delightful hostess aboard the Crystal Serenity as we followed Sir Winston’s travels to the crossroads of the world and beyond. Eminent historian David Ramsay, son of WWII hero Admiral Bertram Ramsay, added a scintillating dimension to the tour with historical insights and delightful anecdotes punctuated with infectious laughter.

We began with a tour of the Greek capital of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis, then proceeded to the Islands of Mykynos and Samos. Yasas! – – Hello! – – greeted us everywhere as we enjoyed Greek food at harbor side cafes while the sun glistened on the blue jeweled ocean.

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Celia and the lion named “Winston” at YaltaFrom Greece, passage through the Dardanelles was a kaleidoscope of history, from Persian King Xerses to Alexander the Great to the Gallipoli campaign that honed our future hero of WWII. Indeed, the traumatic lessons of the Dardanelles led to the success of D-Day.

The Black Sea provided its own historical portal. At Balaclava we imagined the young Sandhurst officer cadet studying the charge of the Light Brigade, while the spirit of the mature political prophet who himself would be studied permeated the conference rooms at Yalta.

After a tour of the Turkish capital Istanbul, three intrepid tour members journeyed on to see the nine levels of ancient Troy and the beaches of the Gallipoli campaign.

Sir Winston is sure to be smiling at the retracing of his steps. 

Thanks Celia, this trip is going to be difficult to beat in the coming years.