Chapter 33 Summary

Since Greece is not an option for the travelers, Twain does his best to describe a ship's view account of what they will not get to see. First, he describes Greece as desolate, without a trace of vegetation. He explains the nonproductive leadership role of King Otho, who spent all the tax money on luxuries. They pass Troy — or rather, where Troy used to be. They pass the tombs of Ajax and Hecuba. Finally, they dock at Golden Horn (Turkey). Up until now, the passengers aboard the Quaker City would flock to the patio to see any new land. But as Twain says, "They are well over that."

From the ship, Constantinople is a beautiful sight. On land, however, it's not. The streets are crowded with vendors and beggars. The vendors set up their stands in boxes or closets or whatever suits...