Today, I went to the Anne Frank House. Hard to believe that eight people lived in that cramped space for two years. I read her book when I was young, and I liked her immediately. It was a very sobering experience. It took place in the neighborhood I'm staying in.
I took a canal cruise afterwards. The water must have soothed me because I returned to my hotel and took an hour nap. My vacation is making me tired. LOL! There were some really nice shots to be taken. I can't wait to see my pictures.
Then I went to the Amsterdam History Museum. Afterwards, just walked around. Today, is my last day touring. There is a point in my vacations when I am horribly homesick. This happened very early this vacation. Now that it's over, I wouldn't mind another day or two to just chill and walk around.
The weather on my trip started off bad - really bad. It got better and my last day here is absolutely perfect. No rain. Mild fall weather. Beautiful! To think I wanted to come home early. Yes, the rain has ended and the future doesn't look as bleak as it did.
I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but I went to Dam Square yesterday. It was pretty chaotic with people and rides. It's where the city started in 1250.
I got reminded of the Acts of Mercy through the art I saw. It's a good reminder to get over myself already.
- Giving food, drink, and clothing to the needy
- Sheltering the homeless
- Caring for the Sick
- Visiting those in prison
- Burying the dead
Anyway, in 24 hours, I will be home bound! Pray for me.
XOXO
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Amsterdam 2/Haarlam
Today has been full of activity!
I got up and somehow ended up at Central Station on my way to Haarlam. Not sure how. LOL. Actually, I decided to do a test run to the Central Station to see how long it would take me to get there by tram.
In Haarlam, I went to Grote Kerk Church. The original church burned in a fire in 1328. The church standing was built over a 150-year period (1390 to 1540). It's quite beautiful. The ceilings are high and the space seems quite gigantic.
I also went to the Frans Hals Museum. There were some interesting pieces in there. It was actually refreshing to be there because I could actually study the works in peace. The museums yesterday were so crowded and congested. It was actually frustrating at times. So there were a lot of pieces that were showing the poor and peasants drunk or acting of pocket. They were reminders to the rich to be somber. It was a contrast to some of the works I saw yesterday that tried to show the struggles the poor faced. The hunger, the lack of shelter, the sadness, etc. There were also some pieces about the vanity of life and no matter how young you are death is coming. Life is fleeting. When I was there I kept wondering if it would be vain to have a large portrait of myself painted. LOL. With technology, I don't have to worry about people "remembering" me.
I walked around the city, which is def more quiet and then took the train back to Amsterdam. I went to the Red Light District because there were two places I wanted to go to there. There was Old Church (Oude Kerk). Construction began in the 1300s and lasted 300 years. I also wanted to go to the Amstelkring Museum, which is where Our Lord in the Attic was. Between 1578 and 1795 Catholics were not allowed to openly have worship services. The church was built in a townhouse and Catholics could worship there in secret.
I had to walk in the Red Light District to see all this. I'm not easily shocked. I smelled pot, yes, but I also smell it downtown Seattle while waiting for my bus. Yeah, there were sex shops. The thing that bothered me the most was how the women were "displayed"." They were in these narrow alleyways and in windows. Some windows were shut so I assumed the person was with a customer. It was very sad, actually. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I also went to the New Church, which is 600 years old and 100 years younger than the old church mentioned above.
Tomorrow is my last day of sightseeing. Saturday morning, I head to the airport for my 1:50 p.m. flight home. I need to go to the Anne Frank House. I might take in a canal cruise, which should be lovely!
I got up and somehow ended up at Central Station on my way to Haarlam. Not sure how. LOL. Actually, I decided to do a test run to the Central Station to see how long it would take me to get there by tram.
In Haarlam, I went to Grote Kerk Church. The original church burned in a fire in 1328. The church standing was built over a 150-year period (1390 to 1540). It's quite beautiful. The ceilings are high and the space seems quite gigantic.
I also went to the Frans Hals Museum. There were some interesting pieces in there. It was actually refreshing to be there because I could actually study the works in peace. The museums yesterday were so crowded and congested. It was actually frustrating at times. So there were a lot of pieces that were showing the poor and peasants drunk or acting of pocket. They were reminders to the rich to be somber. It was a contrast to some of the works I saw yesterday that tried to show the struggles the poor faced. The hunger, the lack of shelter, the sadness, etc. There were also some pieces about the vanity of life and no matter how young you are death is coming. Life is fleeting. When I was there I kept wondering if it would be vain to have a large portrait of myself painted. LOL. With technology, I don't have to worry about people "remembering" me.
I walked around the city, which is def more quiet and then took the train back to Amsterdam. I went to the Red Light District because there were two places I wanted to go to there. There was Old Church (Oude Kerk). Construction began in the 1300s and lasted 300 years. I also wanted to go to the Amstelkring Museum, which is where Our Lord in the Attic was. Between 1578 and 1795 Catholics were not allowed to openly have worship services. The church was built in a townhouse and Catholics could worship there in secret.
I had to walk in the Red Light District to see all this. I'm not easily shocked. I smelled pot, yes, but I also smell it downtown Seattle while waiting for my bus. Yeah, there were sex shops. The thing that bothered me the most was how the women were "displayed"." They were in these narrow alleyways and in windows. Some windows were shut so I assumed the person was with a customer. It was very sad, actually. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I also went to the New Church, which is 600 years old and 100 years younger than the old church mentioned above.
Tomorrow is my last day of sightseeing. Saturday morning, I head to the airport for my 1:50 p.m. flight home. I need to go to the Anne Frank House. I might take in a canal cruise, which should be lovely!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Amsterdam
Yesterday morning, I left Brugge behind and took the train to Amsterdam. The question of Brussels was settled for me as the train went through Antwerp again! So Brussels next trip!
I got to my hotel and settled in. I went for a walk to figure out where I was in location to the places I planned on visiting today. Had to scout out the area! I am staying in the Jordaan district, which is so picture perfect. I love Amsterdam. It's right up there with Dublin. If it wasn't for my plan to meet some nice Irish boy, import him into the U.S., send him to A.A., and marry him, I might just like Amsterdam better. LOL.
Got up this morning and hit the pavement. My hotel is close enough to walk to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh so I took off that way. I overshot the museum to go to the De Pijp District. It was cool. There are a few streets that are basically an open air market. Lot's of people and tables of things ranging from clothes to meat to seafood to nuts to cheese.
Then off to the Rijksmuseum which covered everyone from Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer, and Steen. There is a square called Museumplein that I walked through before going to the Van Gogh. There were some Monets and Manets and artists who inspired him as well as his works.
I had three or four more museums I intended to see, but now not so sure. Will def see Anne Frank House. It's actually very near where I am saying. Like three or four minutes away. The others may have to wait until the next time.
I also walked through Vondelpark, which is Amsterdam's central park. I basically spent around an hour just taking it all in. It's beautiful. The leaves are fall colors and quite picture perfect.
My final stop today was Leidseplein which has cafes and restaurants. I can imagine it brimming over on a summer day.
I had intended to visit Haarlam Friday. I still have a day of site seeing tomorrow. I may just sleep in on Friday and spend my last day walking around exploring the different canals. The pictures may or may not all look like they are the same street but they are different.
It's very peaceful here. The fall weather isn't so bad. Still some rain, but I think I'm getting used to it!
I got to my hotel and settled in. I went for a walk to figure out where I was in location to the places I planned on visiting today. Had to scout out the area! I am staying in the Jordaan district, which is so picture perfect. I love Amsterdam. It's right up there with Dublin. If it wasn't for my plan to meet some nice Irish boy, import him into the U.S., send him to A.A., and marry him, I might just like Amsterdam better. LOL.
Got up this morning and hit the pavement. My hotel is close enough to walk to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh so I took off that way. I overshot the museum to go to the De Pijp District. It was cool. There are a few streets that are basically an open air market. Lot's of people and tables of things ranging from clothes to meat to seafood to nuts to cheese.
Then off to the Rijksmuseum which covered everyone from Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer, and Steen. There is a square called Museumplein that I walked through before going to the Van Gogh. There were some Monets and Manets and artists who inspired him as well as his works.
I had three or four more museums I intended to see, but now not so sure. Will def see Anne Frank House. It's actually very near where I am saying. Like three or four minutes away. The others may have to wait until the next time.
I also walked through Vondelpark, which is Amsterdam's central park. I basically spent around an hour just taking it all in. It's beautiful. The leaves are fall colors and quite picture perfect.
My final stop today was Leidseplein which has cafes and restaurants. I can imagine it brimming over on a summer day.
I had intended to visit Haarlam Friday. I still have a day of site seeing tomorrow. I may just sleep in on Friday and spend my last day walking around exploring the different canals. The pictures may or may not all look like they are the same street but they are different.
It's very peaceful here. The fall weather isn't so bad. Still some rain, but I think I'm getting used to it!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Brugge x2
Today, I slept in. It rained hard this morning, but it has been nice and sunny since I've been out with the exception of a small shower. I took a canal cruise which was very nice. I'm glad I did because I noticed some great shots I didn't notice on land. Brugge has been a good place to come and relax! I'm also a lazy American tourist because I love that everyone speaks English. LOL.
I spent most of the day wandering around. Just tried different back streets to see what I could find.
Returned to Our Lady, which may have overtaken St. Coleman's as my favorite church. I'm thinking about going there for mass tonight. We will see.
I ate quite a bit today. No dinner as I'm stuffed. I tried Belgium chocolate from two places. Yum! I tried two samples from each place. They were good. The Belgium waffle was good too. I understand that Belgians eat theirs plain, but I had chocolate on mine. Def, not the breakfast waffle I imagined. Finally, did try Belgium fries. Try this at home kids. It's basically fries with mayonnaise. LOL. The only thing I didn't try is mussels. They are okay, but I'm not a huge fan, and would rather spend the euros on something else.
Nothing much to report today. Basically have just been wandering around and taking pictures. I'll head home early and organize and read and hit the sack early.
Tomorrow, I catch the train to Amsterdam. Jury is still out on whether I decide to stop in Brussels. At this point, I'm indifferent!
Hard to believe a week ago I was in Greece. I was either in Mykonos or close to being there. Hard to believe in a week, I'll be home. Greece seems so far away. Then again, so does home. Time normally goes by so fast, but I'm not sure it has this trip. It's neither good nor bad. Just interesting.
Okay. I can't run the spell check on this one. Forgive any misspelling. I'll correct them later!
I miss you!
I spent most of the day wandering around. Just tried different back streets to see what I could find.
Returned to Our Lady, which may have overtaken St. Coleman's as my favorite church. I'm thinking about going there for mass tonight. We will see.
I ate quite a bit today. No dinner as I'm stuffed. I tried Belgium chocolate from two places. Yum! I tried two samples from each place. They were good. The Belgium waffle was good too. I understand that Belgians eat theirs plain, but I had chocolate on mine. Def, not the breakfast waffle I imagined. Finally, did try Belgium fries. Try this at home kids. It's basically fries with mayonnaise. LOL. The only thing I didn't try is mussels. They are okay, but I'm not a huge fan, and would rather spend the euros on something else.
Nothing much to report today. Basically have just been wandering around and taking pictures. I'll head home early and organize and read and hit the sack early.
Tomorrow, I catch the train to Amsterdam. Jury is still out on whether I decide to stop in Brussels. At this point, I'm indifferent!
Hard to believe a week ago I was in Greece. I was either in Mykonos or close to being there. Hard to believe in a week, I'll be home. Greece seems so far away. Then again, so does home. Time normally goes by so fast, but I'm not sure it has this trip. It's neither good nor bad. Just interesting.
Okay. I can't run the spell check on this one. Forgive any misspelling. I'll correct them later!
I miss you!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Brugge
I woke up very early Saturday morning, and headed for the airport. I went to bed gang buster early, but couldn't sleep very well. I was concerned about not waking up. I again had serious thoughts of canceling the rest of the vacation. I have no idea what my dilemma is, but I pressed on, and here I am in Brugge!
I took the train from Amsterdam here. My train was through Antwerp. I decided to walk around the city for a minute so I basically walked around the area surrounding the station. The station itself was very beautiful! Amazing.
Arrived in Brugge and located by bed and breakfast. I rested and got organized, and I then decided to walk around so I would have some idea of where I was going to be going today. I ended up in Market Square and visited the Church of Our Lady. There was a group practicing for the Eucharist service, and I sat and listened. I decided to stay for mass. Then headed home.
I went to bed early and slept 12 hours. Guess I was tired!
Got up and had breakfast and then off.
Today I've done quite a lot of walking! I went back to Market Square and back to the Church of our Lady, which I find so peaceful! I was going to climb the steps the Bell Tower, but part of the view is blocked because of work. For 366 steps, I want a full view. LOL. I walked around Burg Square. I visited the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The relic, which is believed to be the Blood of Christ, was available, and people had a chance to touch it and pray. The Groeninge Museum is exhibiting some modern art. I'm not a fan. I went to the Memling Museum, which has some impressive pieces. They also had some displays of the modern art, which again I don't really like. Case in point the HUGE inflated "balloon" of a naked man. Really? I spent a lot of time in the Minnewater Park. Very beautiful and peaceful. Also visited the Begijnhot, which is where Benedictine nuns live.
It pours rain at intervals and then the sun shines very brightly. It's actually warm when the sun is out. It makes for a nice, fall day. Now the rain and hail, did I mention it hailed, not so much! Actually with the hail melting, it actually looks like snow.
Tonight, I'm going to reread my guidebook to make sure I didn't miss anything. I'm indifferent towards the chocolates, fries, and waffles now. We will see how I feel tomorrow. Then it's do it now or wait for the next trip. LOL.
I'm not sure if I will blog tomorrow. If not, I leave here Tuesday for Amsterdam for four nights.
I took the train from Amsterdam here. My train was through Antwerp. I decided to walk around the city for a minute so I basically walked around the area surrounding the station. The station itself was very beautiful! Amazing.
Arrived in Brugge and located by bed and breakfast. I rested and got organized, and I then decided to walk around so I would have some idea of where I was going to be going today. I ended up in Market Square and visited the Church of Our Lady. There was a group practicing for the Eucharist service, and I sat and listened. I decided to stay for mass. Then headed home.
I went to bed early and slept 12 hours. Guess I was tired!
Got up and had breakfast and then off.
Today I've done quite a lot of walking! I went back to Market Square and back to the Church of our Lady, which I find so peaceful! I was going to climb the steps the Bell Tower, but part of the view is blocked because of work. For 366 steps, I want a full view. LOL. I walked around Burg Square. I visited the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The relic, which is believed to be the Blood of Christ, was available, and people had a chance to touch it and pray. The Groeninge Museum is exhibiting some modern art. I'm not a fan. I went to the Memling Museum, which has some impressive pieces. They also had some displays of the modern art, which again I don't really like. Case in point the HUGE inflated "balloon" of a naked man. Really? I spent a lot of time in the Minnewater Park. Very beautiful and peaceful. Also visited the Begijnhot, which is where Benedictine nuns live.
It pours rain at intervals and then the sun shines very brightly. It's actually warm when the sun is out. It makes for a nice, fall day. Now the rain and hail, did I mention it hailed, not so much! Actually with the hail melting, it actually looks like snow.
Tonight, I'm going to reread my guidebook to make sure I didn't miss anything. I'm indifferent towards the chocolates, fries, and waffles now. We will see how I feel tomorrow. Then it's do it now or wait for the next trip. LOL.
I'm not sure if I will blog tomorrow. If not, I leave here Tuesday for Amsterdam for four nights.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Santorini
I forgot to mention one story from Rhodes. I was walking around and restaurant workers were trying to entice me and everyone else into their restaurants. So, this one guy asks me where I was from. I said Seattle. He said, ah Seattle! In Africa? I was like, um no USA. LOL.
Yesterday morning, we arrived in Crete at 7:30. The departure was 11:00. So, what happened was, I intended to get up at 8:00 then 9:00...long story short, I missed Crete. Bummed, but a sister was tired! I already plan on coming back to Greece, so it's all good. LOL.
I feel I should mention that it has been raining a lot, but when the sun clears for a few, it's very nice and warm. So, in Rhodes, after the rain, it was gorgeous ;).
I love Santorini. The weather was fantastic and made for a lovely sunset. That would be a great spot to have a vacation home. To borrow a line from my friend Dreeny, "A message to the one." Well my message is that I want to honeymoon in Greece. Actually, I had always wanted to save Greece for my honeymoon. I keep seeing all these gorgeous rings so I feel like marrying myself. LOLLOL.
I rode this crazy cable car ride up to the top, which reminded me of the crazy cable car ride in Singapore. This one was much shorter! I rode it with the couple from California, Steve and Sarah. We parted ways, then I found them and we hung out some more.
When it was time to head back, the line to return to the ship via cable car was SO long. Luckily our tour guide, Vassiliki, had told us to find her and she would help us. When we found her, she told us to relax some more. We would be okay. So the friends from Australia, Margaret and Linday, were there as well. We ended up entering through the exit and bypassing the line. It was so fun and the six of us rode down together (each car holds six people). I had mentioned I hate stuff like that so we all kept screaming and Steve was shaking the car. It was the funniest three minutes ever.
Then us minus Vassiliki had dinner and that was fun too!
So got up and checked out. Bit of a mishap as I lost my sneakers! Long story, but they are gone. Note to Stephanie: If you are reading this, it is the pair I bought from Brooks Sports during their friends and family discount!
Anyway, traffic in Athens was so bad. The Turkish Prime Minister is here and traffic was a mess! Driving in Athens reminds me of driving in India. Not sure of the system, but the locals seem to know what they are doing. Craziest driving outside of Bangalore. The motor bikes make their were to the front and people don't obey traffic lights. They don't obey the police directing traffic either. It's organized confusion! I thought people were in a hurry just because the morning traffic job but discovered it's just crazy here.
Athens feels so huge, dense, and hectic.
When we finally got to our hotel, our rooms weren't ready. I had tea with the couple from Australia, Helen and Steve. We were going to take the shuttle to the city center with Margaret and Linday, but it was full so we walked. I went to the Acropolis with Helen and Steve and I am so excited to have gone there!
We parted ways, and I took some pictures and went in search of some new sneakers. I found a pair so that's all good.
Now, I am going to find some food and then organize and go to bed early.
My flight to Amsterdam leaves at 6:35 a.m. My wake up call is at 2:50. Lawd help! I will take the train from Amsterdam to Brugge. You may wonder why I'm not flying directly to Belgium? When I booked the ticket, I had planned on making Amsterdam my home base and taking day trips. Belgium was added on later and the change fee and new ticket price was more than just taking the train. It all works out. I might stop in Brussels on the way to Brugge. Depends on how tired and motivated I am!
Miss You!
P.S. Congrats to my friend and sister, Desiree (and Jason) on the safe arrival of Maxwell "Max" Herbert Anderson on October 19. Another nephew!
Yesterday morning, we arrived in Crete at 7:30. The departure was 11:00. So, what happened was, I intended to get up at 8:00 then 9:00...long story short, I missed Crete. Bummed, but a sister was tired! I already plan on coming back to Greece, so it's all good. LOL.
I feel I should mention that it has been raining a lot, but when the sun clears for a few, it's very nice and warm. So, in Rhodes, after the rain, it was gorgeous ;).
I love Santorini. The weather was fantastic and made for a lovely sunset. That would be a great spot to have a vacation home. To borrow a line from my friend Dreeny, "A message to the one." Well my message is that I want to honeymoon in Greece. Actually, I had always wanted to save Greece for my honeymoon. I keep seeing all these gorgeous rings so I feel like marrying myself. LOLLOL.
I rode this crazy cable car ride up to the top, which reminded me of the crazy cable car ride in Singapore. This one was much shorter! I rode it with the couple from California, Steve and Sarah. We parted ways, then I found them and we hung out some more.
When it was time to head back, the line to return to the ship via cable car was SO long. Luckily our tour guide, Vassiliki, had told us to find her and she would help us. When we found her, she told us to relax some more. We would be okay. So the friends from Australia, Margaret and Linday, were there as well. We ended up entering through the exit and bypassing the line. It was so fun and the six of us rode down together (each car holds six people). I had mentioned I hate stuff like that so we all kept screaming and Steve was shaking the car. It was the funniest three minutes ever.
Then us minus Vassiliki had dinner and that was fun too!
So got up and checked out. Bit of a mishap as I lost my sneakers! Long story, but they are gone. Note to Stephanie: If you are reading this, it is the pair I bought from Brooks Sports during their friends and family discount!
Anyway, traffic in Athens was so bad. The Turkish Prime Minister is here and traffic was a mess! Driving in Athens reminds me of driving in India. Not sure of the system, but the locals seem to know what they are doing. Craziest driving outside of Bangalore. The motor bikes make their were to the front and people don't obey traffic lights. They don't obey the police directing traffic either. It's organized confusion! I thought people were in a hurry just because the morning traffic job but discovered it's just crazy here.
Athens feels so huge, dense, and hectic.
When we finally got to our hotel, our rooms weren't ready. I had tea with the couple from Australia, Helen and Steve. We were going to take the shuttle to the city center with Margaret and Linday, but it was full so we walked. I went to the Acropolis with Helen and Steve and I am so excited to have gone there!
We parted ways, and I took some pictures and went in search of some new sneakers. I found a pair so that's all good.
Now, I am going to find some food and then organize and go to bed early.
My flight to Amsterdam leaves at 6:35 a.m. My wake up call is at 2:50. Lawd help! I will take the train from Amsterdam to Brugge. You may wonder why I'm not flying directly to Belgium? When I booked the ticket, I had planned on making Amsterdam my home base and taking day trips. Belgium was added on later and the change fee and new ticket price was more than just taking the train. It all works out. I might stop in Brussels on the way to Brugge. Depends on how tired and motivated I am!
Miss You!
P.S. Congrats to my friend and sister, Desiree (and Jason) on the safe arrival of Maxwell "Max" Herbert Anderson on October 19. Another nephew!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Rhodes
I visited Rhodes today. Last night, I kept waking up, but I kept going back to sleep! So I decided to sleep in. I missed breakfast and was going to go back for lunch but decided today would be my weekly fast day.
I basically have been walking around all day. Again, it poured. I was soaked. I keep praying I don't get sick. I've been down poured on too many times this trip. My shoes are still wet from Monday.
I felt like a peeping tom because I would look into each house when the doors were open. Normally an older woman sitting doing something. I am so curious about the lives of the people in the countries I visit. I saw clothes drying outside, and when you are seeing some one's underwear and clothes, you wonder who are they? What is their name? What is their age? Do they have a family? What do they do? Are they happy? I heard a couple arguing when I was walking. I don't know Greek, but I can hear anger.
This place is pretty old are some homes in the old city seem really cramped. I can't imagine families living there together without being cramped! This from a single woman who likes her space.
I saw the Knights of St. John Castle that was built during the crusades. The wall surrounding the city is pretty formidable and reminded me of Wales. I saw the spot were the Colossus of Rhodes once was.
I've been thinking maybe I can sell some stories of my travels to Essence or Oprah. Like have a section about traveling by yourself. I could either use an angle as a single, black woman or just a single woman, which could open up my options. Another angle would be traveling to smaller places and getting in the heads of locals. Like people who have lived there all their lives. Do they travel? When they were growing up, did they ever want to leave? That sort of thing.
I also visited a mosque. I realized that I have no idea how a Muslim service is ran or what anything means. I know some of the movements but not what the movements mean.
Well, tomorrow is the last stop on the cruise. Then back to Athens. Then off to Belgium.
Oh. I bought these wash clothes from REI, apparently wash clothes are considered a personal item. Anyway, there are two in package for $2. I am a believer. They dry fast, and they can be washed! They are the truth.
I basically have been walking around all day. Again, it poured. I was soaked. I keep praying I don't get sick. I've been down poured on too many times this trip. My shoes are still wet from Monday.
I felt like a peeping tom because I would look into each house when the doors were open. Normally an older woman sitting doing something. I am so curious about the lives of the people in the countries I visit. I saw clothes drying outside, and when you are seeing some one's underwear and clothes, you wonder who are they? What is their name? What is their age? Do they have a family? What do they do? Are they happy? I heard a couple arguing when I was walking. I don't know Greek, but I can hear anger.
This place is pretty old are some homes in the old city seem really cramped. I can't imagine families living there together without being cramped! This from a single woman who likes her space.
I saw the Knights of St. John Castle that was built during the crusades. The wall surrounding the city is pretty formidable and reminded me of Wales. I saw the spot were the Colossus of Rhodes once was.
I've been thinking maybe I can sell some stories of my travels to Essence or Oprah. Like have a section about traveling by yourself. I could either use an angle as a single, black woman or just a single woman, which could open up my options. Another angle would be traveling to smaller places and getting in the heads of locals. Like people who have lived there all their lives. Do they travel? When they were growing up, did they ever want to leave? That sort of thing.
I also visited a mosque. I realized that I have no idea how a Muslim service is ran or what anything means. I know some of the movements but not what the movements mean.
Well, tomorrow is the last stop on the cruise. Then back to Athens. Then off to Belgium.
Oh. I bought these wash clothes from REI, apparently wash clothes are considered a personal item. Anyway, there are two in package for $2. I am a believer. They dry fast, and they can be washed! They are the truth.
Patmos
2500 people live in Patmos. It is pretty rocky. I wonder how it would be to live there. How many of the people growing up there leave? I imagine with the cruise ships coming it could be fun for to be a teenager there.
The cruise ship offered an excursion for 49 euros to see the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse. I saw it all for 10.50 euro.
I was determined to walk to the monastery, but discovered a bus for 1.50 euro. The further up the hill the bus went the more I realized I would have been passed out somewhere along the way if I had tried to walk. It was at the top! The monastery was founded in 1088. Again, think of the people who have lived an walked there throughout the ages.
The monastery was pretty cool. It was built 900 years ago. Throughout the ages, monks have been attracted to come there. It had a museum that had a lot of artifacts. There were books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, textiles, and jewelry. There was a really cool crown with precious stones created for one of the church patriarchs. There were some cool crosses and some were made of wood. There were some cool paintings of the Archangel Michael. Some of the books dated back to the 6th Century!!! One of the pieces of jewelry was a chest cross donated by Catherine II, Empress of Russia.
The Cave, also called St. John's Grotto was pretty intense for me. They have a spot marked where he is believed to have slept. Another where he prayed. There is also the crack in the rock made by the voice of God. I sat in there for a while. There was a mean faced monk who kept mean mugging me and coughing. I may have overstayed my welcome with him. LOL! In the museum, there was a nice monk who talked with me about some of the artifacts.
John was pretty old when he died. I heard 90, but I'm not sure if that is true. Keep in mind that most people lived to be 45-50. He was banished to Patmos in 95 AD. He stayed there for two years. It was here that he heard a voice like a trumpet commanding him to write a book to send to the seven churches. Tradition tells that he wrote it in the cave I visited.
There are times when I think of the Bible, and I'm like really. Then there are times when I am acutely aware of my beliefs. I am acutely aware of how important and sacred they are to me. Going to that cave symbolizes a lot to me. It meant a lot. It reinforced my belief that I need to go to Israel and soon.
There was a group of Korean tourists who came when I was there. I was watching them and they keep touching things and praying. I kept marveling about how many people I have met this trip who share my faith. It's actually pretty cool to see.
I was waiting for four o' clock tea the day before the Ephesus/Patmos calls, and there was a group doing Bible Study there in preparation for their trip to Ephesus. The leader was talking about Paul. They sang hymnals afterward. I felt honored to have witnessed that.
It's actually refreshing to be in a country where people respect religion, and I mean relationship with God. There are somethings that are sacred and should be treated with respect.
The cruise ship offered an excursion for 49 euros to see the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse. I saw it all for 10.50 euro.
I was determined to walk to the monastery, but discovered a bus for 1.50 euro. The further up the hill the bus went the more I realized I would have been passed out somewhere along the way if I had tried to walk. It was at the top! The monastery was founded in 1088. Again, think of the people who have lived an walked there throughout the ages.
The monastery was pretty cool. It was built 900 years ago. Throughout the ages, monks have been attracted to come there. It had a museum that had a lot of artifacts. There were books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, textiles, and jewelry. There was a really cool crown with precious stones created for one of the church patriarchs. There were some cool crosses and some were made of wood. There were some cool paintings of the Archangel Michael. Some of the books dated back to the 6th Century!!! One of the pieces of jewelry was a chest cross donated by Catherine II, Empress of Russia.
The Cave, also called St. John's Grotto was pretty intense for me. They have a spot marked where he is believed to have slept. Another where he prayed. There is also the crack in the rock made by the voice of God. I sat in there for a while. There was a mean faced monk who kept mean mugging me and coughing. I may have overstayed my welcome with him. LOL! In the museum, there was a nice monk who talked with me about some of the artifacts.
John was pretty old when he died. I heard 90, but I'm not sure if that is true. Keep in mind that most people lived to be 45-50. He was banished to Patmos in 95 AD. He stayed there for two years. It was here that he heard a voice like a trumpet commanding him to write a book to send to the seven churches. Tradition tells that he wrote it in the cave I visited.
There are times when I think of the Bible, and I'm like really. Then there are times when I am acutely aware of my beliefs. I am acutely aware of how important and sacred they are to me. Going to that cave symbolizes a lot to me. It meant a lot. It reinforced my belief that I need to go to Israel and soon.
There was a group of Korean tourists who came when I was there. I was watching them and they keep touching things and praying. I kept marveling about how many people I have met this trip who share my faith. It's actually pretty cool to see.
I was waiting for four o' clock tea the day before the Ephesus/Patmos calls, and there was a group doing Bible Study there in preparation for their trip to Ephesus. The leader was talking about Paul. They sang hymnals afterward. I felt honored to have witnessed that.
It's actually refreshing to be in a country where people respect religion, and I mean relationship with God. There are somethings that are sacred and should be treated with respect.
Turkey (Ephesus)
So, Tuesday, I had a 5:45 a.m. wake up call. Again, went to bed but woke up in the middle of the night so was up when my call came.
We stopped in Kusadasi, Turkey. The country is trying to join the EU so many EU citizens are buying property there since it's still cheap. A lot of the area is new. It's being built up quite quickly.
So the highlight of today was going to Ephesus (and Patmos). Talk about being in love. I consider today to be the climax of this portion of my trip. Ephesus and Patmos in one day. Really. Wow. How can I be so lucky?!
The original settlement of Ephesus is believed to have been a tribe of Amazon-like women who lived there 3000 BC. The 2nd settlement was Greek. The final settlement was founded by a general of Alexander the Great. They are still unearthing portions of the old city. Ephesus was the second largest city (population of 250K) in the ancient times and one of the largest ports. It was built where the Kucuk Menderes River reached the sea. They loss their connection to the sea, which is when the city declined.
John is believed to have brought Mary, mother of Jesus here. There is the House of the Virgin Mary where she is said to have lived and been buried. I read somewhere that the Vatican recognizes it as a pilgrimage place. John died in Ephesus.
It was raining hard through a lot of the tour, but still worth it.
The highlight of the tour was the Great Theatre of Ephesus. It was built 3rd century BC and restored many times. In the first century AD, it was expanded by the Romans to sit 24K. This would have been an important social spot as plays and concerts and such were performed here. This is where Paul preached during one of his missions here. It was so exciting to see.
Also saw Library of Celsius, which was completed in 135 AD. the older things are the more excited I am about them. I try imagine the life of the people who used it and also the people who have since seen it and journeyed to it. It's like the Forum in Rome. How many people have journeyed there and how many feet have trodden? Too many to count! What was/are their lives like?
Saw a lot more but getting tired and too much to write about!
The end of the "excursion" was being taken to a government run store and shown rugs and jewelry. I actually chatted with one of the men because he lived in Edmonds and comes to Seattle quite a bit to sale carpets. The couple from St. Louis looked at a carpet that was first $6000 then $3800 then $1100. Still expensive! And Rick Steve's does not have these types of "excursions." Had to throw that end.
After I escaped, i just walked around. I didn't have time to venture far so I was still pretty much trapped in the tourist part avoiding summons to come into stores and people trying to sell me perfume.
Oh, I forgot to mention this, but in Mykonos when it first started raining, it came out of nowhere. This guy selling umbrellas also came out of nowhere. It was so funny. I was like dang, where did he come from.
We stopped in Kusadasi, Turkey. The country is trying to join the EU so many EU citizens are buying property there since it's still cheap. A lot of the area is new. It's being built up quite quickly.
So the highlight of today was going to Ephesus (and Patmos). Talk about being in love. I consider today to be the climax of this portion of my trip. Ephesus and Patmos in one day. Really. Wow. How can I be so lucky?!
The original settlement of Ephesus is believed to have been a tribe of Amazon-like women who lived there 3000 BC. The 2nd settlement was Greek. The final settlement was founded by a general of Alexander the Great. They are still unearthing portions of the old city. Ephesus was the second largest city (population of 250K) in the ancient times and one of the largest ports. It was built where the Kucuk Menderes River reached the sea. They loss their connection to the sea, which is when the city declined.
John is believed to have brought Mary, mother of Jesus here. There is the House of the Virgin Mary where she is said to have lived and been buried. I read somewhere that the Vatican recognizes it as a pilgrimage place. John died in Ephesus.
It was raining hard through a lot of the tour, but still worth it.
The highlight of the tour was the Great Theatre of Ephesus. It was built 3rd century BC and restored many times. In the first century AD, it was expanded by the Romans to sit 24K. This would have been an important social spot as plays and concerts and such were performed here. This is where Paul preached during one of his missions here. It was so exciting to see.
Also saw Library of Celsius, which was completed in 135 AD. the older things are the more excited I am about them. I try imagine the life of the people who used it and also the people who have since seen it and journeyed to it. It's like the Forum in Rome. How many people have journeyed there and how many feet have trodden? Too many to count! What was/are their lives like?
Saw a lot more but getting tired and too much to write about!
The end of the "excursion" was being taken to a government run store and shown rugs and jewelry. I actually chatted with one of the men because he lived in Edmonds and comes to Seattle quite a bit to sale carpets. The couple from St. Louis looked at a carpet that was first $6000 then $3800 then $1100. Still expensive! And Rick Steve's does not have these types of "excursions." Had to throw that end.
After I escaped, i just walked around. I didn't have time to venture far so I was still pretty much trapped in the tourist part avoiding summons to come into stores and people trying to sell me perfume.
Oh, I forgot to mention this, but in Mykonos when it first started raining, it came out of nowhere. This guy selling umbrellas also came out of nowhere. It was so funny. I was like dang, where did he come from.
Cruise Ship/Mykonos
I went to bed at 7:30, and I woke up around 12 and so when my 6 o'clock wake up call came, I had been up for some time.
To test out my fellow travelers, I sat a big table, but no one joined me. LOL. Sometimes I wouldn't mind the company.
We left the hotel around 7 a.m. to go to our cruise ship.
We finally departed, and I missed the departure from Athens picture because of the lifeboat drill. Their are many excursions, which add up. I had to remember I was on vacation, and I had a budget to keep so I just signed up for the Ephesus one. I felt somewhat pressured, but when I realized that most of them involved getting up at six, I was like, um no. I'm on vacation. I need to rest. I will come back again! Plus with cruising, not enough time at each port. I know, I'm on my soapbox about non-Rick Steve tours and cruising. Pray for me.
I took a three hour nap, and I missed lunch. Just couldn't get up.
I did get up to meet our group, and we did a walking tour of Mykonos together. The city is basically a maze. I enjoyed wandering in it. It started pouring like torrential rain. I was very soaked and wet. I almost went back to the ship several times, but kept pressing my way through.
It's pretty cramped, and they have a gossip square for "constructive observations." Old grandmothers used to sit and watch their neighbors and report what they saw. This is pre KOMO, ABC, and CNN. LOL! You can basically see and hear everything about your neighbors. Hard to imagine whole families living together under one roof but still true today in some parts of the world. Just not my reality. I love and need my privacy. Wow. How could parents be intimate living like that. I am such a prude. LOL
Mykonos was primarily a fishing town and quite poor. During the 50s it became trendy and attracted the jet set so it became popular because people stopped there en route to Delos, which is where Apollo and Artemis are "revered to have been born." Now, it's a hot tourist spot. There are over 400 churches on the island. Mothers and wives used to pledge to God that they would build a church if their loved ones came back from fishing safely. So, they honored their pledge by building a church. After a while, people started building them as a way to show they were well to do.
I read that the population for Mykonos Town is around 6000 but then the cruise ships come. I keep wondering about people's life who actually live there. This now applies to Patmos and Rhodes as well. It's tough having to rely on tourism. I imagine the world recession made their lives miserable!
There is an area called Little Venice, which I don't really see why they call it that, but that's just my opinion. There are windmills that were once used for grinding wheat and barley. They were pretty cool.
I could imagine coming back and having a good time there before going somewhere to actually rest. LOL
The mascot there is a pelican named Petros. He got left behind by a group of migrating pelicans. Poor guy. I think I got a shot of him. Then again, I don't remember if I ever had a clean shot or not. Hmmm. I guess I will find out.
I just enjoyed walking around, despite the rain. I realize that I like to wander aimlessly. Sometimes I come across dark, unbeaten places and I realize I am traveling alone and may want to go back to the familiar path, but I like walking from areas where the tourist are and seeing where the locals live. I got some good shots.
Then I went to bed, and woke up in the middle of night again and was up when my 5:45 wake up call came. Sigh!
To test out my fellow travelers, I sat a big table, but no one joined me. LOL. Sometimes I wouldn't mind the company.
We left the hotel around 7 a.m. to go to our cruise ship.
We finally departed, and I missed the departure from Athens picture because of the lifeboat drill. Their are many excursions, which add up. I had to remember I was on vacation, and I had a budget to keep so I just signed up for the Ephesus one. I felt somewhat pressured, but when I realized that most of them involved getting up at six, I was like, um no. I'm on vacation. I need to rest. I will come back again! Plus with cruising, not enough time at each port. I know, I'm on my soapbox about non-Rick Steve tours and cruising. Pray for me.
I took a three hour nap, and I missed lunch. Just couldn't get up.
I did get up to meet our group, and we did a walking tour of Mykonos together. The city is basically a maze. I enjoyed wandering in it. It started pouring like torrential rain. I was very soaked and wet. I almost went back to the ship several times, but kept pressing my way through.
It's pretty cramped, and they have a gossip square for "constructive observations." Old grandmothers used to sit and watch their neighbors and report what they saw. This is pre KOMO, ABC, and CNN. LOL! You can basically see and hear everything about your neighbors. Hard to imagine whole families living together under one roof but still true today in some parts of the world. Just not my reality. I love and need my privacy. Wow. How could parents be intimate living like that. I am such a prude. LOL
Mykonos was primarily a fishing town and quite poor. During the 50s it became trendy and attracted the jet set so it became popular because people stopped there en route to Delos, which is where Apollo and Artemis are "revered to have been born." Now, it's a hot tourist spot. There are over 400 churches on the island. Mothers and wives used to pledge to God that they would build a church if their loved ones came back from fishing safely. So, they honored their pledge by building a church. After a while, people started building them as a way to show they were well to do.
I read that the population for Mykonos Town is around 6000 but then the cruise ships come. I keep wondering about people's life who actually live there. This now applies to Patmos and Rhodes as well. It's tough having to rely on tourism. I imagine the world recession made their lives miserable!
There is an area called Little Venice, which I don't really see why they call it that, but that's just my opinion. There are windmills that were once used for grinding wheat and barley. They were pretty cool.
I could imagine coming back and having a good time there before going somewhere to actually rest. LOL
The mascot there is a pelican named Petros. He got left behind by a group of migrating pelicans. Poor guy. I think I got a shot of him. Then again, I don't remember if I ever had a clean shot or not. Hmmm. I guess I will find out.
I just enjoyed walking around, despite the rain. I realize that I like to wander aimlessly. Sometimes I come across dark, unbeaten places and I realize I am traveling alone and may want to go back to the familiar path, but I like walking from areas where the tourist are and seeing where the locals live. I got some good shots.
Then I went to bed, and woke up in the middle of night again and was up when my 5:45 wake up call came. Sigh!
Athens
When I arrived in Athens, I went in search of the Globus rep. I didn't see her right away. I started to panic, but I was pretty sure I was in the right place so I just chilled and kept watching for someone. Before a mental breakdown, I saw the Globus sign! So, I waited for the rest of the people who would be riding to me.
I discovered we were making two stops. One stop was for the people doing a three-day cruise and the next for the people who were going to do the four-day, which I am on. I met some really cool people who were doing the three-day. There were from Minnesota and part of a Lutheran church group. They were very nice, and I know I would have had a good time with them. I'm glad to have crossed their paths in this journey of life.
So, I checked in and found a cash machine. Then, I walked around my neighborhood, which is nice. Then I did the blog saying I was safe. After that, I met with my group. We had a briefing and made introductions. There are four couples and a pair of friends traveling together for a total of eleven. I now know this about the couples:
The friends traveling are from Australia. One of them is very well traveled and a teacher, and they were in Italy before Greece.
One of the couples are boyfriend/girlfriend, and they are from St. Louis. They flew through Atlanta and his luggage went missing. They actually just got it today.
One couple is from California. They are on a two and half month vacation. She quit her job, and he is taking time off unpaid. They drove across the U.S. for 2 1/2 weeks. Then, they went to Italy, now Greece. After Greece, they head back to the U.S. and will drive back across the county on their return. They are going to start a family soon.
Another couple is from Australia. They are both professors. She in law and he in philosophy. They are celebrating their 30th anniversary! They are both very smart and well traveled.
The final couple is from Wisconsin. He is a retired Methodist preacher and she is a pediatric nurse. We had a long talk about the times and we are not quite sure what God is doing, but something is about to happen. It's getting "dark" but that is when the light will shine all the brighter. I actually felt very comforted by our conversation.
Our tour guide is interesting. She can be very nice, and she can be short with people, which I find funny. It could be cultural, but you can tell when she doesn't like what she is hearing. No one has come out and called her rude, but people keep saying she isn't helpful. LOL
After the meeting, I went to bed. This was around 7:30.
I discovered we were making two stops. One stop was for the people doing a three-day cruise and the next for the people who were going to do the four-day, which I am on. I met some really cool people who were doing the three-day. There were from Minnesota and part of a Lutheran church group. They were very nice, and I know I would have had a good time with them. I'm glad to have crossed their paths in this journey of life.
So, I checked in and found a cash machine. Then, I walked around my neighborhood, which is nice. Then I did the blog saying I was safe. After that, I met with my group. We had a briefing and made introductions. There are four couples and a pair of friends traveling together for a total of eleven. I now know this about the couples:
The friends traveling are from Australia. One of them is very well traveled and a teacher, and they were in Italy before Greece.
One of the couples are boyfriend/girlfriend, and they are from St. Louis. They flew through Atlanta and his luggage went missing. They actually just got it today.
One couple is from California. They are on a two and half month vacation. She quit her job, and he is taking time off unpaid. They drove across the U.S. for 2 1/2 weeks. Then, they went to Italy, now Greece. After Greece, they head back to the U.S. and will drive back across the county on their return. They are going to start a family soon.
Another couple is from Australia. They are both professors. She in law and he in philosophy. They are celebrating their 30th anniversary! They are both very smart and well traveled.
The final couple is from Wisconsin. He is a retired Methodist preacher and she is a pediatric nurse. We had a long talk about the times and we are not quite sure what God is doing, but something is about to happen. It's getting "dark" but that is when the light will shine all the brighter. I actually felt very comforted by our conversation.
Our tour guide is interesting. She can be very nice, and she can be short with people, which I find funny. It could be cultural, but you can tell when she doesn't like what she is hearing. No one has come out and called her rude, but people keep saying she isn't helpful. LOL
After the meeting, I went to bed. This was around 7:30.
Mind Dump
I feel like I have left so much out, so I will simply start at the beginning. The following blogs will be by city.
A warning that this will be a mix of own personal feelings and what I've been doing. Unless you don't mind getting trapped in the maze that is my mind, you may want to skim! Another warning is that I may repeat what I have already said as I don't remember what I have written.
Pre-Trip
I believe that I mentioned I spent the week before getting ready. Errands to Target and REI. I also spent hours looking for skirts to take with no luck. Did all the beauty stuff to look my best :). I remember mentioning how stressed I was because I hadn't checked into my Amsterdam - Athens segment. I wasn't sure how close or far my gates were. Long story short, I made it.
Planning this trip was stressful too. I originally was going to travel with a friend, but she wasn't able to make it. I had been going through different scenarios in my head. I originally really wanted to go to Egypt and Israel but my budget wasn't there this year. I also thought Spain, Morocco, and Portugal.
I've mentioned I love Rick Steves. Some of the other tour companies have all these add in costs that make their trips hard to budget for. Tips, excursions (which are normally things you would want to do). A good example is that on this tour a visit to the Acropolis is a 65 euro optional excursion. Sorry, don't most people who come to Athens want to go there? So shouldn't that just be a part of the tour? Basically, I feel that they are paying for your place to stay, but you are paying for what you want do and figuring out how to get there on your own. It's my own personally soap box, I know this.
I may have mentioned I seriously considering canceling the whole trip. I was very doom and gloom in my mind, but it had less to do with the trip and more to do with my own current internal struggle. Human beings are amazing. We have the capacity to do great things. As we struggle with our own short comings and our our insecurities, we can prevent ourselves from doing great things. I am very aware that I am my own worse enemy. Once I decide on something, it happens. Period. It's only when I go back and forth and hem and haw that nothing gets done. It's also when I let my own fears and insecurities hinder me that I sit in my mess and suffer. So, I had to battle myself to even get on the airplane and come here. The night before I left, I was up part of the night thinking about why I shouldn't go.
My sister Cathy drives me crazy. She voices a lot of her internal struggles, and I get upset, and I am like get over it. Meanwhile, I suffer in silence over my own demons. I'm ready to face them head on. Why suffer in silence? As I hear people talk, I realize when it comes down to it, we have more in common and all are struggling with something. It's actually comforting to know we are dealing.
The message spoke by my pastor before I left was about a shift. I spend a lot of time focusing on what I don't have. What I haven't done. I should focus on what I have and what I have done and what I can do and will do with the right planning and attitude.
A warning that this will be a mix of own personal feelings and what I've been doing. Unless you don't mind getting trapped in the maze that is my mind, you may want to skim! Another warning is that I may repeat what I have already said as I don't remember what I have written.
Pre-Trip
I believe that I mentioned I spent the week before getting ready. Errands to Target and REI. I also spent hours looking for skirts to take with no luck. Did all the beauty stuff to look my best :). I remember mentioning how stressed I was because I hadn't checked into my Amsterdam - Athens segment. I wasn't sure how close or far my gates were. Long story short, I made it.
Planning this trip was stressful too. I originally was going to travel with a friend, but she wasn't able to make it. I had been going through different scenarios in my head. I originally really wanted to go to Egypt and Israel but my budget wasn't there this year. I also thought Spain, Morocco, and Portugal.
I've mentioned I love Rick Steves. Some of the other tour companies have all these add in costs that make their trips hard to budget for. Tips, excursions (which are normally things you would want to do). A good example is that on this tour a visit to the Acropolis is a 65 euro optional excursion. Sorry, don't most people who come to Athens want to go there? So shouldn't that just be a part of the tour? Basically, I feel that they are paying for your place to stay, but you are paying for what you want do and figuring out how to get there on your own. It's my own personally soap box, I know this.
I may have mentioned I seriously considering canceling the whole trip. I was very doom and gloom in my mind, but it had less to do with the trip and more to do with my own current internal struggle. Human beings are amazing. We have the capacity to do great things. As we struggle with our own short comings and our our insecurities, we can prevent ourselves from doing great things. I am very aware that I am my own worse enemy. Once I decide on something, it happens. Period. It's only when I go back and forth and hem and haw that nothing gets done. It's also when I let my own fears and insecurities hinder me that I sit in my mess and suffer. So, I had to battle myself to even get on the airplane and come here. The night before I left, I was up part of the night thinking about why I shouldn't go.
My sister Cathy drives me crazy. She voices a lot of her internal struggles, and I get upset, and I am like get over it. Meanwhile, I suffer in silence over my own demons. I'm ready to face them head on. Why suffer in silence? As I hear people talk, I realize when it comes down to it, we have more in common and all are struggling with something. It's actually comforting to know we are dealing.
The message spoke by my pastor before I left was about a shift. I spend a lot of time focusing on what I don't have. What I haven't done. I should focus on what I have and what I have done and what I can do and will do with the right planning and attitude.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
LTB, Paul, and John Oh My
Today was the most amazing day. I will record a long blog for the record books when I have better rates. Began the morning in Asia in Turkey and finished the day in Europe in Patmos. Both totally amazing! The cave in Patmos was very amazing. I can't explain the feeling. Just awe, but more on that later.
The weather goes from rain to sunshine to rain again. I got soaked last night in Mykonos. I've never been so wet that even my underwear were soaked. I know, I know TMI. The rain that came reminded me of how I expected the monsoons to be in India, but they didn't come when we were there. There was a river running down the streets. I liked Mykonos. The city was designed as a maze to confuse pirates. I enjoyed wandering the backstreets.
I wish we had more time to stay in each port, but as I may or may not have mentioned, I'm over cruising. I need time to linger and wander. I can totally see coming back to Greece and island hopping every two nights. Also totally want to check out Turkey. Was amazed at what I saw. Maybe that is next year?
Anyway I need to sit down and spend like a few logging my notes. I may have a chance tomorrow when we land in Rhodes. We will be at port most of the day, and I saw an Internet cafe on the map. They have to have better rates than the boat.
XOXO
The weather goes from rain to sunshine to rain again. I got soaked last night in Mykonos. I've never been so wet that even my underwear were soaked. I know, I know TMI. The rain that came reminded me of how I expected the monsoons to be in India, but they didn't come when we were there. There was a river running down the streets. I liked Mykonos. The city was designed as a maze to confuse pirates. I enjoyed wandering the backstreets.
I wish we had more time to stay in each port, but as I may or may not have mentioned, I'm over cruising. I need time to linger and wander. I can totally see coming back to Greece and island hopping every two nights. Also totally want to check out Turkey. Was amazed at what I saw. Maybe that is next year?
Anyway I need to sit down and spend like a few logging my notes. I may have a chance tomorrow when we land in Rhodes. We will be at port most of the day, and I saw an Internet cafe on the map. They have to have better rates than the boat.
XOXO
Monday, October 18, 2010
Greek Isle Cruise
This will be short. The Internet is expensive on the ship. 25 cent euro/minute. Gasp. Want to assure you that I am alive and kicking. Will make a large post if I find an Internet cafe or when I return to land on Friday.
Tonight we stop in Mykonos. I missed my shot of us departing Greece because we were doing a blasted life vest drill.
Tomorrow we stop in Turkey and I will visit Ephesus!!! Will see the theater Paul preached at. Looking forward to it. Then we visit the isle of Patmos in the afternoon. Super excited to see the cave John wrote Revelation.
I signed up for one excursion, which is Turkey.
I will give my opinion on non-Rick Steves Tours. I will say that with Rick everything is included. All the admission and all the tips so when you get there you have paid for everything but some meals and your souvenirs. Globus, it starts to add up so their cheap intro cost increases quickly with excursions and tips and tips and tips. It's all good. I planned this trip very quickly so live and learn.
Okay, I must log off now. I tend to not be able to stop typing. I have stuff to say!
Tonight we stop in Mykonos. I missed my shot of us departing Greece because we were doing a blasted life vest drill.
Tomorrow we stop in Turkey and I will visit Ephesus!!! Will see the theater Paul preached at. Looking forward to it. Then we visit the isle of Patmos in the afternoon. Super excited to see the cave John wrote Revelation.
I signed up for one excursion, which is Turkey.
I will give my opinion on non-Rick Steves Tours. I will say that with Rick everything is included. All the admission and all the tips so when you get there you have paid for everything but some meals and your souvenirs. Globus, it starts to add up so their cheap intro cost increases quickly with excursions and tips and tips and tips. It's all good. I planned this trip very quickly so live and learn.
Okay, I must log off now. I tend to not be able to stop typing. I have stuff to say!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
P.S.
People asked me where I am going. LOL. This year, the trip was planned in a month or so. I was scrambling and had so many ideas, most folks have no idea of what I settled on:
Oct 17 - 23: Athens and Greek Isle cruise
October 23 - 26: Brugge (Belgium)
October 26 - 30: Amsterdam
XOXO
Oct 17 - 23: Athens and Greek Isle cruise
October 23 - 26: Brugge (Belgium)
October 26 - 30: Amsterdam
XOXO
The Eagle Has Landed
Hello Family and Friends:
I have arrived safe and sound in Athens!
I am happy to be here.
I did all my pre-trip prep.
Clean the House: check
Do Laundry: check
Get hair done/did: check check
Get brows done: check
And for Candy: Pluck hair on chin/neck. Okay that is a triple check. LOL.
Things fell into place at work. The reports were done. The only missing information was outside of my control.
So the flight from Seattle to Amsterdam was 9 hours. It went by fast. I watched Back Up Plan and Grown Ups. Both made me laugh, and I had to stop myself from busting out. I love to laugh. LOL. I slept some as well. Read a little.
Note to self: While it's cheaper to book trip segments separate, it's also more of a hassle. Some weird rule that I couldn't check into my Amsterdam - Athens ticket in Seattle, which was one more thing to do in a two hour layover. My flight was 30 minutes late leaving, and I was like LAWD NO. I went to the possible worst case scenario of missing my connection and missing my cruise. Note to self: the worst case scenario never happens. I'm comforted that it is human nature to take oneself through unnecessary drama mentally. Something I am working on though.
Oh. The lady sitting next to me on the Seattle - Amsterdam portion worked for a travel magazine and she was on her way to Nairobi for a press junction. I told her about my travel blog and she suggested I submit some articles to travel magazines and see what would happen. Now that I am thinking more clearly, I should have gotten her contact info.
Which brings me to the worst part of travel. Jet lag. I did manage to sleep during both segments. It's currently 4:45 on Sunday and my tour group is meeting at 6:00. For the Greece portion, I am doing a cruise with Globus Travel. We have two days in Athens, one being today. It's too big to see in two days, so I def must come back. I do one want to see the Acropolis. Probably the day before I leave for Belgium.
Athens is large and condensed. There are about 5-6M people here. Word on the street is that there are so many undocumented workers that it's hard to tell.
Anyway, so excited to be here. On the way here, I was looking at some maps and on some maps I was excited to see that I had been to most of the place. Other maps, I was like dang, I haven't been to most of the places. I centered myself and realized that unless I hit the mega millions, or someone wants to invest in my future - I will take donation in increments of $500 - then I will just have to slowly, but surely check places off my list. If I say, go to an average of two places each year over the next 30 or 40 years, I will have seen much of the world, twice over.
Note to self: You have been blessed to travel some. You cannot quit your job, sell your condo, and travel for a year. That is not a good long-term decision. You cannot travel unless you have the money saved. Going into debt to travel is not very smart! Using the equity in your place is not smart either!
Please keep me in your prayers. Praying for fun, safe, smooth traveling. This is a good trip for me. There are things I need to "shift" in mind and get together. Life is too short. And sometimes worry and fear keeps one from stepping out and giving it 100%.
Finally, I will edit when I return. Just wanted to let everyone know I made it safe and sound!
Love You. XOXO
I have arrived safe and sound in Athens!
I am happy to be here.
I did all my pre-trip prep.
Clean the House: check
Do Laundry: check
Get hair done/did: check check
Get brows done: check
And for Candy: Pluck hair on chin/neck. Okay that is a triple check. LOL.
Things fell into place at work. The reports were done. The only missing information was outside of my control.
So the flight from Seattle to Amsterdam was 9 hours. It went by fast. I watched Back Up Plan and Grown Ups. Both made me laugh, and I had to stop myself from busting out. I love to laugh. LOL. I slept some as well. Read a little.
Note to self: While it's cheaper to book trip segments separate, it's also more of a hassle. Some weird rule that I couldn't check into my Amsterdam - Athens ticket in Seattle, which was one more thing to do in a two hour layover. My flight was 30 minutes late leaving, and I was like LAWD NO. I went to the possible worst case scenario of missing my connection and missing my cruise. Note to self: the worst case scenario never happens. I'm comforted that it is human nature to take oneself through unnecessary drama mentally. Something I am working on though.
Oh. The lady sitting next to me on the Seattle - Amsterdam portion worked for a travel magazine and she was on her way to Nairobi for a press junction. I told her about my travel blog and she suggested I submit some articles to travel magazines and see what would happen. Now that I am thinking more clearly, I should have gotten her contact info.
Which brings me to the worst part of travel. Jet lag. I did manage to sleep during both segments. It's currently 4:45 on Sunday and my tour group is meeting at 6:00. For the Greece portion, I am doing a cruise with Globus Travel. We have two days in Athens, one being today. It's too big to see in two days, so I def must come back. I do one want to see the Acropolis. Probably the day before I leave for Belgium.
Athens is large and condensed. There are about 5-6M people here. Word on the street is that there are so many undocumented workers that it's hard to tell.
Anyway, so excited to be here. On the way here, I was looking at some maps and on some maps I was excited to see that I had been to most of the place. Other maps, I was like dang, I haven't been to most of the places. I centered myself and realized that unless I hit the mega millions, or someone wants to invest in my future - I will take donation in increments of $500 - then I will just have to slowly, but surely check places off my list. If I say, go to an average of two places each year over the next 30 or 40 years, I will have seen much of the world, twice over.
Note to self: You have been blessed to travel some. You cannot quit your job, sell your condo, and travel for a year. That is not a good long-term decision. You cannot travel unless you have the money saved. Going into debt to travel is not very smart! Using the equity in your place is not smart either!
Please keep me in your prayers. Praying for fun, safe, smooth traveling. This is a good trip for me. There are things I need to "shift" in mind and get together. Life is too short. And sometimes worry and fear keeps one from stepping out and giving it 100%.
Finally, I will edit when I return. Just wanted to let everyone know I made it safe and sound!
Love You. XOXO
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Ready or Not!
This blog will once again soon turn into my travel blog. In 48 hours, I will be on my way to Athens!
Although I know the trip is coming up on an intellectual level, I’m not sure it has truly hit me that I’m leaving for a few.
This week has been a blur of running errands and putting stuff to the side. Yesterday, I went to seven stores looking for skirts to take on the trip, but came home empty handed and late. On Monday, I went to Target to get the stuff I was supposed to get last weekend. I ended up going to REI and spending way more than I planned, but hey, I’m investing in my traveling future.
The thing is that I’m not quite sure what to expect on this vacation. Normally, I have some inclination, but this year – nada. I suppose that could be good.
I am looking forward to going to the Island of Patmos and to Ephesus. I’m looking forward to trying some Belgium fries. I am looking forward to just walking aimlessly around Amsterdam.
This work week has flown by so fast. I feel like I blinked and it was over. Hopefully, my vacation won’t go by as fast!
Although I know the trip is coming up on an intellectual level, I’m not sure it has truly hit me that I’m leaving for a few.
This week has been a blur of running errands and putting stuff to the side. Yesterday, I went to seven stores looking for skirts to take on the trip, but came home empty handed and late. On Monday, I went to Target to get the stuff I was supposed to get last weekend. I ended up going to REI and spending way more than I planned, but hey, I’m investing in my traveling future.
The thing is that I’m not quite sure what to expect on this vacation. Normally, I have some inclination, but this year – nada. I suppose that could be good.
I am looking forward to going to the Island of Patmos and to Ephesus. I’m looking forward to trying some Belgium fries. I am looking forward to just walking aimlessly around Amsterdam.
This work week has flown by so fast. I feel like I blinked and it was over. Hopefully, my vacation won’t go by as fast!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Life or Death
This article was written for my Editor's Section of the PCC Scroll (my church newsletter).
As much as it pains me to confess this, I tend to flirt with danger and judge how close to the edge I can get without tumbling over. I am one of those people who like to dally with the slippery slopes Pastor talks about. Our poor Pastor has to deal with me dangling near the edge, occasionally. Pray for him! My most recent near escapade could have landed me in a heap of trouble, but I came to myself just in time.
These escapades normally deal with people and situations that God keeps telling me are finished. These are things that God kept me from even when I didn’t want to be kept from them. The doors I try to reopen are full of unhealthy drama that could send me back at least ten years. The question is how long will I linger and look back, like Lot’s wife, on things or people God keeps telling me are not for me.
I am not even sure where some of my bright ideas come from. Things just occur to me from time to time. As James 1:4 says, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
The “It is finished,” in James is a far cry from the “It is finished,” uttered by Christ on the Cross. I choose to press toward the latter. When faced with the choice of life or death, I choose life.
My goal for this quarter is to heed Paul’s words in Philippians 3:13-14. Paul wrote, “…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
I don’t really mind telling on myself, and I don’t mind God’s chastisement of me. I would rather be honest and end up doing the right thing than hide and continue to attempt to open doors that God has slammed shut.
I am glad that God has His Hand on me, and I am able to come to myself and recognize the behavior. If I leave the wrong doors closed, the right door will open for me, and I will be in a place to walk through it.
In this issue, our theme is around completion and closure. In short, “It is finished.” It is time for us to all realize what is truly finished and truly leave it behind us. There is no point in lingering and wondering about what could have been. It is time to stop wandering in the wilderness and move into our promise. “It is finished.”
As much as it pains me to confess this, I tend to flirt with danger and judge how close to the edge I can get without tumbling over. I am one of those people who like to dally with the slippery slopes Pastor talks about. Our poor Pastor has to deal with me dangling near the edge, occasionally. Pray for him! My most recent near escapade could have landed me in a heap of trouble, but I came to myself just in time.
These escapades normally deal with people and situations that God keeps telling me are finished. These are things that God kept me from even when I didn’t want to be kept from them. The doors I try to reopen are full of unhealthy drama that could send me back at least ten years. The question is how long will I linger and look back, like Lot’s wife, on things or people God keeps telling me are not for me.
I am not even sure where some of my bright ideas come from. Things just occur to me from time to time. As James 1:4 says, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
The “It is finished,” in James is a far cry from the “It is finished,” uttered by Christ on the Cross. I choose to press toward the latter. When faced with the choice of life or death, I choose life.
My goal for this quarter is to heed Paul’s words in Philippians 3:13-14. Paul wrote, “…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
I don’t really mind telling on myself, and I don’t mind God’s chastisement of me. I would rather be honest and end up doing the right thing than hide and continue to attempt to open doors that God has slammed shut.
I am glad that God has His Hand on me, and I am able to come to myself and recognize the behavior. If I leave the wrong doors closed, the right door will open for me, and I will be in a place to walk through it.
In this issue, our theme is around completion and closure. In short, “It is finished.” It is time for us to all realize what is truly finished and truly leave it behind us. There is no point in lingering and wondering about what could have been. It is time to stop wandering in the wilderness and move into our promise. “It is finished.”
Theories
I find conspiracy theories very interesting. Sometimes, the theories are so complex and interwoven that they make my head spin. At some point in time, the theories are more of mass hysteria and paranoia.
While I hate to be the one paranoid, sometimes I feel like there is something going on that I am missing. The secret looks and covert meetings make me feel like there was some secret handshake I missed learning, and now I am not part of the in crowd.
An ex-worker, who by the way un-friend-ed me on Facebook, had this saying along the lines that just because he was paranoid didn’t mean that people weren’t talking about him behind his back.
What I am really talking about is gauging and understanding the signs of the times. I feel like there is an obvious message in the atmosphere that is ringing out in Morris Code. It’s like all the times the Bible says let him who have an ear, hear.
It’s so easy to miss the boat because one is in total oblivion of the season.
While I hate to be the one paranoid, sometimes I feel like there is something going on that I am missing. The secret looks and covert meetings make me feel like there was some secret handshake I missed learning, and now I am not part of the in crowd.
An ex-worker, who by the way un-friend-ed me on Facebook, had this saying along the lines that just because he was paranoid didn’t mean that people weren’t talking about him behind his back.
What I am really talking about is gauging and understanding the signs of the times. I feel like there is an obvious message in the atmosphere that is ringing out in Morris Code. It’s like all the times the Bible says let him who have an ear, hear.
It’s so easy to miss the boat because one is in total oblivion of the season.
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