Cruisin2012: Corfu!

Corfu is connected to the history of Greece since it's Greek name (Korkyra) is related to Poseidon and Asopos (Greek River). According to the myth, Poseidon fell in love with Korkyra, daughter of Asopus and a river nymph Metope. There are 7 islands that make up Corfu. Skatos is where Mama Mia was filed. Aegean, Cretan and Ionian Sea surround Corfu. Venetians came to Corfu 400 years ago and there are many Venetian words in Corfu dialect. The Achilleion Palace was built in 1891 for Empress Elizabeth of Austria who had a long history of drama in her life. Her husband was a cheater, she had an evil mother in law, her daughter died, her father was assassinated, her sister died, her only son died, so she came to Corfu for less drama. It would have made a good television show. She stayed 7 years in the palace and her daughter sold the palace to a German Kaiser. The palace was a military hospital in WWI and WWII. Elizabeth named her palace in honor of her favorite Greek hero, Achilles and any literary influences were seen in the palace by sculptures or art. On a side note, ginger beer and kumquats are very popular here, but we did not taste either of those. I "ran" down the shopping streets and picked up a magnet and wooden gun carved out of olive wood for Alex. Alex's cruise purchases included a Turkish knife, Greek knife and now a Corfu gun. (theme?)