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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
Written by in Greece, Logistics, Mom 2 Comments
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  
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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.  
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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

Written by in Friends!, Mom, What the Erf? 2 Comments
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.
Written by in Greece, Mom 3 Comments
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.
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February 7, 2013

Nafplio

Day two and three of the Peloponnese – Driving, exploring, hiking, picnicing, and lots of picture taking. Great campsites too!
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February 5, 2013

Peloponnese

So, the ferry people decided to strike for another 48 hours. Amazing little story of how God protected us once again. I tried booking cheap, non-refundable tickets from the Santorini Island to Italy 3 times, but it wouldn’t work. That is because we weren’t going to Santorini afterall. We’ve rented a car and we’re on our way to see a different side of Greece! Rebekah is navigating very well despite that it is all Greek to her. We’re making our way around the Peloponnese, camping along the way.
Written by in Greece, Logistics, Mom 1 Comment
February 2, 2013

How To Go on a Date in Athens

First, run out and grab 2 gyros for the kids from a stand around the corner. Leave them in the hotel room with a laptop and those 2 gyros. Then you leave hand in hand and stroll down the tiny marble streets that cascade down from the Acropolis. Cafes are everywhere, literally falling down the steps. Look for the one that has the most people laughing and talking loudly (in Greek). Sit down under a heat lamp and join the party. It may take 15-20 minutes for a waiter to show up. When the beer still doesn’t arrive, wait for the next waitress. Order a very dark beer and plate of Dakos. Dakos is barley bread soaked in olive oil and topped with finely chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, more olive oil, olives, oregano, and capers. Split that since there will be more food to try. Enjoy the mood and lights. It’s probably colder by now so ask your hubby and then waitress if you can move inside by the fire. Next, order a spaghetti dish with white sauce, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese and an aptly named jug of wine. Sit by the fire for 1.5 to 2 hours and eat very slowly. By the time you leave at 11:15 you’ll see that EVERY last table and chair is full of happy Greeks. You’ve picked the right place! Before returning to the hotel, make sure you take a walk to enjoy the view of the Parthenon and other relics lit up like light bulbs. Whatever you do, don’t be in a hurry!
Written by in Greece, Logistics, Mom 4 Comments
February 2, 2013

Busted!

I was taking a picture of Levi standing in between 2 pillars on the Acropolis (with his Kendama in hand) when out of the blue a lady in a suit whistled and yelled at me to stop. “Not allowed. Be respectful!” I hadn’t gotten the memo. In Greece one is not allowed to pose with statues and pillars. Busted!  A few hours later we were walking along in Ancient Agora and, like any one with tired legs, both Jeb and Levi sit themselves down on blocks of stone. Uh oh. They were the bottoms of columns. Whistle again. This guy was bit nicer about it and gave the thumbs up as soon as they jumped up. Busted again! After walking through these amazing places, however, and seeing the damage done by invaders and thieves (including governments), it is no wonder they are so protective. I would be too! Note to future travelers to Greece: It is also illegal (with seriously huge fines) to pick anything up and take it away. Hands off, people!
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