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February 15, 2013

Money

It is interesting how the tour books suggest that one should travel to modern countries first and ease themselves into the 3rd world. The culture shock could kill you. The Butlers are finding that the best way to do it is start in super cheap, and underdeveloped places like Thailand and then ease ourselves into the money-sucking ones. The shock has been non-fatal. For those who are interested in how we are doing since arriving in the Eurozone…  30-50 euros for food, about 50-60 euros for a hotel with free camping whenever possible, 10-20 euros for entrance fees, 20 euros for a car (when rented) equals/averages about 125 euro a day for all 4 of us. Not bad, but we have just left Greece and arrived in Milan so we’ll see how we fare as we go north. Thankfully we will get to do some more couch surfing at some point. P1060298 Travel Tip:  This is a good way to send packs onto airlines. It keeps your straps all tucked away and safe in a neat bundle. P1060300 We had to catch a shuttle bus from the airport outside of Milan to the Central Train Station where we were then able to walk to our hotel.
February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Not much to say except that we hope you have a great day with the people you love. We took these photos today while we wandered around – relaxing. Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14, 2013

The Loop

We made it all the way around. We’re back in Athens in time for our flight and it’s a lucky thing too. Greece is split into north and south and the farmers all live smack dab across the middle. When they decide to go on strike, they block ALL the roads between the two until their demands are met. It causes a real problem. Seriously, farmers striking!?  Against God who sends them rain and sunshine? Anyway, we had been noticing literally thousands of tractors parked in lines beside the roads in towns. We assumed they were making some sort of protest or demonstration. We had no idea that if we hadn’t decide to keep driving yesterday for an extra, unexpected 4 hours that we could’ve been royally stuck. We’ll spend the extra day in Athens relaxing. Pfhew! P1060259-001
February 13, 2013

Meteora Café

Here we sit all tapping away on our devices. It is hard to concentrate with the LOUD Greek music playing and the 6 old guys talking over the music. I think the stories they are telling are supposed to be funny. Hey, the wi-fi works and the coffee is good. We’ve been camping the last 2 nights and plan on going back to last night’s spot by the river for a 3rd night. Hotel tomorrow since we all really need showers!  Camping also isn’t conducive to posting daily on our blog, which is why you get them in spurts. P1060207  
February 13, 2013

Monasteries in Meteora

The Metéora (Greek: Μετέωρα, lit. “middle of the sky”, “suspended in the air” or “in the heavens above” — etymologically related to “Meteorite”) is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos.The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars, at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios River and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. The Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We are super glad we drove the extra miles to get here. We got to see ancient, delicate tapestries, religious manuscripts, artwork, and intricate frescos from the 10th century and maybe even older.  You won’t see any of it here since photography and video are strictly forbidden (of course). We didn’t see any monks, or at least not any that looked the part. Until the roads, bridges, and staircases were built, the only access was by rope and basket/nets. It is said that these monasteries, and the monks who lived here, held safe all of Greek culture, Orthodox Christianity, and the cohesive nature of the whole universe through the Dark Ages. They are very proud of it and it shows in their art and statements of faith. On another note, it was cold today, but a bit of hiking did the trick. In all seriousness, the rocks, which would be interesting enough on their own, provided a place for incredibly dedicated men to work a miracle of sorts and add to the beauty of this place at the same time. We are truly thankful. We were able to visit the Great Meteoro and Agia Triada.  
February 13, 2013

Speed Stacking

Speaking of Olympics, check out these kids. My nephews and niece have it going on. I vote that speed stacking should be an event. What do you think?  
February 13, 2013

The Garaways

I can’t believe it has taken me so long to post this!

My awesome brother, Isaac, and his family hosted us in Israel for a bunch of weeks and then let us raid their fridge and pop in for the occasional dinner and late nights of visiting thereafter. Isaac works as head engineer at a high tech start-up so secret that we’d have to kill you if we told you what he does exactly. Frosien, his AMAZING wife runs a tight ship. She multi-tasks and accomplishes more than anyone I’ve ever met – no kidding – and is raising 4 kids at the same time. Noam, Rinah, Asjer, and Shalev are so stinking fun and cute. They speak 3 languages fluently and keep them straight to boot. We wish they lived closer! P1050918

February 13, 2013

Olympia- Day 5 and 6

It’s officially decided. I will never compete in the Olympics! After having toured ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics, and seeing that it was fraught with idol and god worship and such, I just couldn’t do it and plus it was confusing. The signs pointed the wrong way in the entire town so we drove in circles, the description plaques were on the backwards side of each area, there were guys with whistles and umbrellas, and we just could not figure out the start or finish. It was so confusing.
February 7, 2013

Kalamata… Olives?

Day 4 – It rained most of the day today so we drove and drove. Olive trees, wild seas, abandoned castles, old churches, sleepy villages. It was beautiful! In fact, some of the most beautiful driving we’ve ever done. Now we’re settled into a hotel for the night, all cozy and tight.
February 7, 2013

Nafplio

Day two and three of the Peloponnese – Driving, exploring, hiking, picnicing, and lots of picture taking. Great campsites too!