Went diving today...spent all last night waking up checking the time....my alarm hasn't exactly behaved as its supposed to since the new sim...actually cooperated this morning, so perhaps it's figured itself out...too bad I'm about to change countries, tee hee. We were up at 8 for breakfast and at the dive boat by 9:15ish. After our last dive (blue lipped shiver fest) I got 5.5mil, a shorty and a hood. (the dive masters were all wearing the same, and booties- don't judge!) first dive was a sunken cargo ship, 18meters deep at the lowest point. It's believed it was the Turkish equivalent of a "coyote boat" no name, or any identifying numbers were anywhere on the wreck. Everyone who was on the boat was thankfully found alive. The runners (much like on the Mexico/America border)get paid a lot of money to get people past immigration into Greece. If they're about to be caught, to avoid prosecution, they'll sink the boat and the coast guard is required to come get everyone and bring them to Greece...which is what happened to the cargo ship we saw today. It's split in 3 sections, and you can see where it plowed into the ocean floor. The second dive was amphora (pottery used to transport water and food on boats BC era) as the (wood) boat itself has (dur of course) rotted...and for some unbeknown reason, seeing antiquities above ground is perfectly allowed, encouraged, filmed, and often not even an entry fee...apparently, underwater, as soon as the Greek government knows about it...it's sanctioned off, and no one's allowed near...yeah, I don't get it either. Lots of really big pieces, also saw an octopus, sadly he (she?) wasn't in the mood to come play. Was a great dive day, water was warmer than Crete, I only had 8kilos of weight, it rained on Kos, but not on us (and had stopped by the time we returned- awesome) walked along the beach, grabbed some food, and continued into old town. Saw the tree where it is believed Hippocrates used to teach. (how friggin cool is that?!?) tree is HUGE, and it looks like a few of it's umm "grandkids" have also taken root. There's a kind of "jungle gym" built up around the tree to support it, apparently pruning a +/- 2,500 year old tree that represents so much is no bueno. No clue what a "plane" tree is, but that's what the Hippocrates tree is called, (miss green thumb aka mom didn't know either, neener) need me some shipping travel mojo sent my way from everyone please, fingers crossed, hail Mary, throw salt over your shoulder...whatever your good luck dance is, if ya could do your jig tonight, we could really use it! Send thoughts of seeing our wine: boxed, shipped and merrily on its way to San Francisco by midmorning (Greek time!) Tuesday May 31, please and thank you. Got myself a bottle of retsina tonight...not gonna lie, a bit frightened by the idea of pine flavored wine...but when in Greece and such. It's currently chilling, I'm thinking cold pine needles will go down better than room temp...and likely even better after cocktail #...I'll have mom take a picture of my face as I drink it so you may giggle ay my ventures into the world of Andrew Zimmerman...okay let's face it, booze, yeah, this is way more like Bourdain. ;)
(Irish toast, with the Greek "cheers" [to your health] added to the end)
May the light always find you on a dreary day.
When you need to be home, may you find your way.
May you always have courage to take a chance
And never find frogs in your underpants.
Yasas
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
May 29, 2011 Easy breezy travel day.
Least stressful travel day to date...fingers crossed, we're not yet at the destination. Ferry ticket, €20.50 car was picked up at the ferry port, just left the key and called the company. No permission needed to load the wine. Big big ferry, it's like a mini cruise ship, even has sleeping rooms. Thankfully, Kos is the first stop (we think) Athens being the final destination. Had another day to explore as the ferry didn't leave till 17:00. We found the bee museum, sadly as it is Sunday it was closed, (bummer) drove toward old town (also the port) saw a brown sign (these equal antiquities FYI) took a detour, found the remains of a temple to Apollo an amphitheater, a Hellenic home, a cave system...and something called funerary crypts with couches, yes I found them, nope I can't really give ya more info....they were fenced off, but a bit overgrown by weeds...it's a bit crazy, Americans are seen as garish as we build everything on such a large scale...yet the ancients, put us to shame (maybe not on the height, but definitely on the size...excluding Vegas.) we got back to old town, found a square, a few ancient churches dedicated to the virgin of such n such...honestly, I have no clue what a "burgh" is...must get a definition. A bit quirky, here we are snapping pictures of the ruins, meanwhile behind us, a lady is hanging her laundry...we see: interesting piece of history, she sees: my back yard.
Okay, I must ask, is it common practice in Europe to leave ones room key with the front desk when you go out for the evening?....I must admit my Nancy Drew conspiracy theory brain was in high gear last night....as previously mentioned the last hotel only had WiFi in the common areas...so I was downstairs booking our hotel, doing some banking and such...it was 11pm(ish) and pairs of women keep coming by and dropping off a room key, I mean, I've heard of late check out...but, uhhh...WHAT!? Then a couple of girls come through and get a room key, no luggage...at 11:30, and I vaguely remember noticing this going on the first night I was down using the Internet. (and only women, either single, or a pair...) Like I said Nancy Drew nose up in arms, this kitty must find out what the hay is going on (honestly thinking ummm drugs? Hookers?...) anywho, go upstairs, grab mom, make her come down and watch the front desk action (while having a cocktail and loading pictures onto facebook) not to disappoint it happens again, so now were both wondering, umm WHAT!...thankfully about 10 minutes later a family of 3 comes in and requests their room key...so clearly, we're the freaks (I guess??) because we take our key with us? Whadda I know, it would never occur to me to leave my key with the front desk. First, I like to pretend my stuff is all nice and locked safely away, (yeah yeah we all know the staff has access, but somehow with me having the key....) second, I wouldn't want to bother the desk person, you already checked me in...no need to bug you for a key every time I leave. So if anyone out there reading this has more insight I'm all ears...hope everyone is wonderful! I'm off to Kos, the birthplace of modern medicine. More on Hippocrates to come. Yup, now at the hotel, was a €6.00 cab ride. Easiest travel date so far, yay!!! And just book a 2 tank dive for tomorrow, get to see a wreck, and some ancient pottery that is believed to be from a pre B.C. wreck (wooden boat is of course no more...so) oh, and yes, they take a bit more time, but to date on chill and ease factor bluestar line, heart ya mucho!!!
Quotes:
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain
“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Okay, I must ask, is it common practice in Europe to leave ones room key with the front desk when you go out for the evening?....I must admit my Nancy Drew conspiracy theory brain was in high gear last night....as previously mentioned the last hotel only had WiFi in the common areas...so I was downstairs booking our hotel, doing some banking and such...it was 11pm(ish) and pairs of women keep coming by and dropping off a room key, I mean, I've heard of late check out...but, uhhh...WHAT!? Then a couple of girls come through and get a room key, no luggage...at 11:30, and I vaguely remember noticing this going on the first night I was down using the Internet. (and only women, either single, or a pair...) Like I said Nancy Drew nose up in arms, this kitty must find out what the hay is going on (honestly thinking ummm drugs? Hookers?...) anywho, go upstairs, grab mom, make her come down and watch the front desk action (while having a cocktail and loading pictures onto facebook) not to disappoint it happens again, so now were both wondering, umm WHAT!...thankfully about 10 minutes later a family of 3 comes in and requests their room key...so clearly, we're the freaks (I guess??) because we take our key with us? Whadda I know, it would never occur to me to leave my key with the front desk. First, I like to pretend my stuff is all nice and locked safely away, (yeah yeah we all know the staff has access, but somehow with me having the key....) second, I wouldn't want to bother the desk person, you already checked me in...no need to bug you for a key every time I leave. So if anyone out there reading this has more insight I'm all ears...hope everyone is wonderful! I'm off to Kos, the birthplace of modern medicine. More on Hippocrates to come. Yup, now at the hotel, was a €6.00 cab ride. Easiest travel date so far, yay!!! And just book a 2 tank dive for tomorrow, get to see a wreck, and some ancient pottery that is believed to be from a pre B.C. wreck (wooden boat is of course no more...so) oh, and yes, they take a bit more time, but to date on chill and ease factor bluestar line, heart ya mucho!!!
Quotes:
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain
“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Saturday May 28th aka sometimes a water closet is a highlight of your day
Would you like your beer for here or to go? Yup, I love Greece (on this front, Vegas also gets a shout out!) oh, forgot to do a write up on fishie feetsies in Crete. Hee hee, so so cool! It tickles, was glad I had a beer with me! I'm officially now part of at least 2 peoples holiday photos. If you're able, do a salt scrub prior, get as much of that old skin gone as you can. :) Dr. Fish, seriously looking into this as a business option back in the states.
Okay, back to today! When staying at a hotel with a buffet breakfast, it is advisable to refrain from sleeping in. Surprisingly, I really wasn't hungry till 5ish. We drove up to butterfly valley, walked about 1.5 kilometers (1 way up hill) saw lots of waterfalls, some river crabs....butterflies, 0. Got to the sign that said monastery 100meters ahead, the black cloud that had been gathering above us was rather vocal at this point, so we figured a covered area, was very good planning...after a pit stop. (pleas see post heading) butterflies! Not a TON, but double digits worth-yay...and we only discovered them because we went by the restroom. Ha! One landed on mom, and I got it to crawl up on my finger. I passed sir flutterby off to a 10 year old, kid was thrilled. (cute) had a plate of Greek doughnuts at the monastery, they were quite nice, drizzled with honey and sesame seeds. Headed back down the trail. (so happy I parked at the bottom!) going uphill fresh and new, and headed back via down hill, yay....the rain wasn't too bad, was still 22 degrees today, and a lot less muggy. After walking through the valley and back, we drove to the golden beach, and on to Lindo. Lindo was very cute, reminiscent of Mykonos town. At the top of the hill is (what's left of) the headquarters of the knights of St. John, within the walls is what remains of a temple to Athena Lindia. Sadly, we weren't able to walk within the hodgepodge of times merging together, as the gates closed at 2:40pm (random.) had a Greek plate for lunch: moussaka, stuffed tomato, a meatball, and 2 dolmadas, yum! Found the ancient theater, and made our way back to the car...I managed to get myself where I intended to go all day long, woo who to me! Even saw a few bonus items including a very cool monastery dedicated to a St. Nektarios http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readings/nektarios/nektarios.shtml made it back to the hotel in time for sunset, and booked our ferry tickets to Kos. Another reason I <3 Greece, you can change the drop off location of your rental car, no extra € involved, umm awesome.
Quotes:
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
″A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi
Okay, back to today! When staying at a hotel with a buffet breakfast, it is advisable to refrain from sleeping in. Surprisingly, I really wasn't hungry till 5ish. We drove up to butterfly valley, walked about 1.5 kilometers (1 way up hill) saw lots of waterfalls, some river crabs....butterflies, 0. Got to the sign that said monastery 100meters ahead, the black cloud that had been gathering above us was rather vocal at this point, so we figured a covered area, was very good planning...after a pit stop. (pleas see post heading) butterflies! Not a TON, but double digits worth-yay...and we only discovered them because we went by the restroom. Ha! One landed on mom, and I got it to crawl up on my finger. I passed sir flutterby off to a 10 year old, kid was thrilled. (cute) had a plate of Greek doughnuts at the monastery, they were quite nice, drizzled with honey and sesame seeds. Headed back down the trail. (so happy I parked at the bottom!) going uphill fresh and new, and headed back via down hill, yay....the rain wasn't too bad, was still 22 degrees today, and a lot less muggy. After walking through the valley and back, we drove to the golden beach, and on to Lindo. Lindo was very cute, reminiscent of Mykonos town. At the top of the hill is (what's left of) the headquarters of the knights of St. John, within the walls is what remains of a temple to Athena Lindia. Sadly, we weren't able to walk within the hodgepodge of times merging together, as the gates closed at 2:40pm (random.) had a Greek plate for lunch: moussaka, stuffed tomato, a meatball, and 2 dolmadas, yum! Found the ancient theater, and made our way back to the car...I managed to get myself where I intended to go all day long, woo who to me! Even saw a few bonus items including a very cool monastery dedicated to a St. Nektarios http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readings/nektarios/nektarios.shtml made it back to the hotel in time for sunset, and booked our ferry tickets to Kos. Another reason I <3 Greece, you can change the drop off location of your rental car, no extra € involved, umm awesome.
Quotes:
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
″A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi
Friday, May 27, 2011
Happy 3 day weekend Friday America
Walked around Rhodos old town today. Saw the old pier where colossus (one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient world) once stood, an earthquake took the statue out awhile ago. There are now 2 columns with a deer on each column, not clear of the symbolism there, I shall google it and get back to you. I did however wonder, why 7 wonders, seems a bit of a random number...apparently, I'm not the only one who's wondered this, and yes I did google this question, (funny, google has really taken over the term "looked up" or "researched") anyway answer is: http://www.new7wonders.com/file/download/mediendb/1/id/16635/
Walked for 6 hours today, I love you reefs! Was rather muggy out, and it's really warming up! Must have been at least 22 out today. Lots of really cool things in old town, a church of St. Francis of Assisi (yes San Francisco, he is who our city is named for) saw the knights of Saint John castle, the Grand Masters gate, a few mosques, a few byzantine churches, lots of shops, old roads, among other things. Lots of fountains. Plenty of gazebos, made of cement...which was unexpected...) On our way to old town, we passed a diving platform, pretty cool, someone built a 3 tier dive platform out in the ocean. Favorite sign of the day: (in front of a taverna) Greek happy hour from 3 -7, buy 1 pay for 2. Haha! (in Crete, a restaurant proclaimed: we are not the best) the sense of humor here is great. Learned about a local saint. (walked by a church dedicated to him, took a picture, and googled it when we got back to the hotel) St Phanourios, and the link: http://www.orthodox.net/recipes/st-phanourios-story-prayer-to-bread-recipes.html saint of lost things...wonder what he'd be in today's world...
Walked by a memorial to the fallen soldiers of WWII (appropriate given this weakened is memorial day in the states)
Tomorrow, plan on driving round the island, kinda hope to find a winery or 2 (they apparently date back to pre BC, friggin' cool!) also hope to find the butterfly valley, some ancient ruins and mayhaps a beach or 2. And if anyone out there knows how to ship wine from Rhodes to the US...I'm seriously considering calling it "olive oil"
The prayer of St. Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Walked for 6 hours today, I love you reefs! Was rather muggy out, and it's really warming up! Must have been at least 22 out today. Lots of really cool things in old town, a church of St. Francis of Assisi (yes San Francisco, he is who our city is named for) saw the knights of Saint John castle, the Grand Masters gate, a few mosques, a few byzantine churches, lots of shops, old roads, among other things. Lots of fountains. Plenty of gazebos, made of cement...which was unexpected...) On our way to old town, we passed a diving platform, pretty cool, someone built a 3 tier dive platform out in the ocean. Favorite sign of the day: (in front of a taverna) Greek happy hour from 3 -7, buy 1 pay for 2. Haha! (in Crete, a restaurant proclaimed: we are not the best) the sense of humor here is great. Learned about a local saint. (walked by a church dedicated to him, took a picture, and googled it when we got back to the hotel) St Phanourios, and the link: http://www.orthodox.net/recipes/st-phanourios-story-prayer-to-bread-recipes.html saint of lost things...wonder what he'd be in today's world...
Walked by a memorial to the fallen soldiers of WWII (appropriate given this weakened is memorial day in the states)
Tomorrow, plan on driving round the island, kinda hope to find a winery or 2 (they apparently date back to pre BC, friggin' cool!) also hope to find the butterfly valley, some ancient ruins and mayhaps a beach or 2. And if anyone out there knows how to ship wine from Rhodes to the US...I'm seriously considering calling it "olive oil"
The prayer of St. Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Travel day May 26, 2011 (no really, I checked, this date is correct)
Got a flight to Rhodes, €69 one way, bit more than a ferry...but they weren't running to Rhodes from Crete today apparently (or were sold out, not clear on the subject) when given the option to ship wine from a wine shop...take said opportunity. A post office is a nightmare wherever you may be. 3 line changes later...the wine went back in the car with us. And barely made it on the plane...we had to ask the pilots permission to bring it on...friggin nuts! I did see a fed ex office here in Rhodes, and apparently they have pre BC wineries on the island...so fingers crossed we'll be shipped by tomorrow!!! Driving was another saga of got close then walked. BTW, the car...we're big time now. Ford festiva baby, pretty sure there's blue tooth, oh yeah! My hamsters have been officially upgraded to something akin to a zoom. (I know this because 60kilometers/hr now lives where 100 lived on the last speed gauge, that and I wasn't singing the little engine that could up the mountain side...) so grateful I learned how to drive on a stick shift!! It's saved some major € renting cars! Got into the airport around 5:30...after numerous failed attempts of finding the hotel on the map(think I've finally got mom convinced to give up map reading, and use it more as a loose reference tool) we were actually able to call the hotel (score!) and were told they were by the water. Parked, gyro, beer...found it! Also went by the aquarium, which is supposedly one of the biggest/best worldwide...unless most of it is underground....uhhh, as long as it's not too much €...I will be checking this apparent optical illusion out. There's a temple for Apollo 3 kilometers from here, on the way to the car, I saw a neon sign through an alley..kinky (no really that's what the sign said) it must be explored....during daylight hours. Our hotel is 3 buildings away from the beach, you can see it from our balcony, schweet. We have a (albeit tiny) tub! I'll be soaking with my knees up to my chest here soon! (I only miss a bath when it's not an option...some sort of Murphy Law, I'm sure...) Internet only works in the main waiting area...bummmer on one hand, but on the other, leads to meeting more interesting people! Headed to bed now, it's 2:30am here.
A few tips I've garnered along the way:
1)You really don't need that much crap, leave that behind, you'll be carrying it the next 2 months, make friends with laundry, wash and dry quickly items. (and if you really need it, buy it cheap
1a) this doesn't apply to your drugs, having claritin in massive quantities, and Naphcon A, has saved my life!! Don't for a second think it will be available or the same version where you're headed, save the heartache, bring it.
2) packing in zip locks = genius idea, no more tearing everything out to find the 1 thing you're looking for, underwear in one bag, shirts in another, beach stuff another- awesome
3) use the old fashioned pinch close zip locks...those stupid zippy thingys, break, friggin annoying!!
4)always always have tissue paper, you never know when it will need to be TP...
5) bringing your old ratty, were about to go to the goodwill clothes, best plan ever. (this only works if you amend the first tip, and actually DO leave stuff as you go) Wear it till it stinks, leave it behind, ahhh bag is now lighter...or you know has room for the stuff you've bought along the way...and the stuff that you were sucking it in to fit into...bring it, by week 3, you'll fit. (walk everywhere if you want this to be true!) I'm sure the locals think I'm nuts, but hell, so does anyone who knows me...so not like that's anything new. I still revel in my crazy, hope you revel in yours too!
Quotes:
Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish. -Albert Einstein
A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?-Albert Einstein
Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts. - Albert Einstein
A few tips I've garnered along the way:
1)You really don't need that much crap, leave that behind, you'll be carrying it the next 2 months, make friends with laundry, wash and dry quickly items. (and if you really need it, buy it cheap
1a) this doesn't apply to your drugs, having claritin in massive quantities, and Naphcon A, has saved my life!! Don't for a second think it will be available or the same version where you're headed, save the heartache, bring it.
2) packing in zip locks = genius idea, no more tearing everything out to find the 1 thing you're looking for, underwear in one bag, shirts in another, beach stuff another- awesome
3) use the old fashioned pinch close zip locks...those stupid zippy thingys, break, friggin annoying!!
4)always always have tissue paper, you never know when it will need to be TP...
5) bringing your old ratty, were about to go to the goodwill clothes, best plan ever. (this only works if you amend the first tip, and actually DO leave stuff as you go) Wear it till it stinks, leave it behind, ahhh bag is now lighter...or you know has room for the stuff you've bought along the way...and the stuff that you were sucking it in to fit into...bring it, by week 3, you'll fit. (walk everywhere if you want this to be true!) I'm sure the locals think I'm nuts, but hell, so does anyone who knows me...so not like that's anything new. I still revel in my crazy, hope you revel in yours too!
Quotes:
Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish. -Albert Einstein
A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?-Albert Einstein
Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts. - Albert Einstein
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Dive day!
And it's sunny out! Woo who....well it was sunny and I did woo who...but that frigging water is COLD! I've also discovered my first dive boat with no drinks (water people, water)...ugh, good thing breakfast was included at the hotel. The sea is super salty, and frigging COLD. I've got on a 5mm wetsuit, and am using 10kilos of weight...perspective, in grand cayman, I carried 4.5 kilos. But the dive master has the same amount of weight as me, and yes, my tan's darker. Went through a cavern, so awesome...and um, happy there's no sharks here...glad my first experience in a cave system didn't even include the probability of sayin wuz up to Mr. Sharkie...yeah, I'd have burned some air on that! Not a ton of fish here,(ahem, years of over fishing does take a toll) but some super colorful little guys, a few starfish, and some urchins. Started off sunny, second dive...pretty sure my lips turned blue. Gorgeous cave system...honestly though, I nearly called it, I was swimming faster than the dive master to stay warm, glad I stuck it out, coming up theough a lava tube...friggin awesome.
Soapbox time. You have been warned, so if you read further, thank you, I appreciate it, and again, you have been warned. This goes out to all the "it's not my problem" state of mind people....especially if you like seafood. The lion king had it right peeps...it really is "the circle of life" that shit you throw on the ground, and in the water, the fish eat it...which means you in turn eat it....mmmmm cigarette butts, just the flavor I was looking for in my fish plate. Yes, I saw fish nibbling on a cigarette butt some ass tossed in the water. The Pacific gyro (google it, you need to know) sadly very real, sea life dying from mistaking our plastic crap for food is all sadly very real. You are not immune, you ARE responsible, it is your problem. Take care of this planet...you wouldn't be here without it.
Quotes for today:
when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money. (Cree Proverb)
All things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man, the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports. (Chief Seattle)
Soapbox time. You have been warned, so if you read further, thank you, I appreciate it, and again, you have been warned. This goes out to all the "it's not my problem" state of mind people....especially if you like seafood. The lion king had it right peeps...it really is "the circle of life" that shit you throw on the ground, and in the water, the fish eat it...which means you in turn eat it....mmmmm cigarette butts, just the flavor I was looking for in my fish plate. Yes, I saw fish nibbling on a cigarette butt some ass tossed in the water. The Pacific gyro (google it, you need to know) sadly very real, sea life dying from mistaking our plastic crap for food is all sadly very real. You are not immune, you ARE responsible, it is your problem. Take care of this planet...you wouldn't be here without it.
Quotes for today:
when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money. (Cree Proverb)
All things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man, the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports. (Chief Seattle)
I'm just a big black rain cloud, hovering over Chania town (May 25, 2011)
So much for diving today...headed towards Konosos to see the ancient palace, built by the Minoians 7,000 years BC. And yeah they had running water, and drainage...and took baths more than once a year. It's believed that when Santorini blew, the gasses and ash cloud killed the civilization. What's left is pretty gorgeous. Got to see a very famous painting, dancing with the bulls (moms art history major coming in handy!) it rained a bit...still needed sunglasses but there was enough rain to need to stand under something for a few minutes...then it went away. Found a gyro place and lunch of 2 gyros and 1/2 liter of wine = €9.19, sweet! Headed back to old town (130 kilometers...oyi) there's fruit stands (mostly oranges), and little road side mom and pop cafes (tavernas) and thankfully, lots of gas stations. (they're only open till 9ish, fuel up early!!!). Ate at tamana, and had some of the local booze (retsina, I think?) with the dessert...okay, we all know, I'm no stranger to taking a shot, but DAMN...they claimed it was 40, maybe 45% alcohol...clearly this is some home made jungle juice, I'm telling ya, it could peel paint. Both mom and I were up to get water later!! Food was awesome, and price was great! Here's hoping the weather clears for the dive tomorrow...
Live your own life
"We don't always know what makes us happy. We know, instead, what we think SHOULD. We are baffled and confused when our attempts at happiness fail...We are mute when it comes to naming accurately our own preferences, delights, gifts, talents. The voice of our original self is often muffled, overwhelmed, even strangled, by the voices of other people's expectations. The tongue of the original self is the language of the heart." -- Julia Cameron
"It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. ...I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing." -- Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Live your own life
"We don't always know what makes us happy. We know, instead, what we think SHOULD. We are baffled and confused when our attempts at happiness fail...We are mute when it comes to naming accurately our own preferences, delights, gifts, talents. The voice of our original self is often muffled, overwhelmed, even strangled, by the voices of other people's expectations. The tongue of the original self is the language of the heart." -- Julia Cameron
"It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. ...I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing." -- Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Adjustment...
Oyi, getting back to San Francisco is gonna take a bit of adjustment!! Just going to Crete was culture shock. Traffic circles, scooters, graffiti...loud noisy, doesn't feel like an island. Plus side, water is drinkable agin, yay! Things I'd recommend you face during the day vs at night....renting a car and driving 130 kilometers with a Greek map (read no gps) Greek maps are great for general vicinity, exact location...trust your instincts, or have an address written down that you can point to and repeatedly request assistance with! I was feeling like quite the awesome driver, my little mint blue bubble (I call the cars bubbles, they're kinda cute!) anywhozeyboozie my hamsters were whirring away (pretty sure if you open the hood you'd see a hamster in a wheel, I'm not convinced it's an engine...) at 100 kilometers/hour...yeah it's really not that fast. (look it up if you want to know, 1 woman conversion machine...hopefully joined by others soon!) so drove 2+ hours in the dark, up a brick street in old town (read narrow as all get up) did a 3 point turn....multiple times (damn I miss my back up camera!) hear we were close, turn left at the end of the road (woot! Something past just go straight!) proceeded back where I had just backed out of, turned left, and found (wait for it...) ya ready?...stairs. Yup stairs, I mean I know it's a rental and all...but uh, I reversed about 25 kilometers, nuther 3 point turn. Back down the very narrow, cafe lined road, and out to the fort. Parked, asked for directions again, (was given the same general advise) locked the crap in the car, and hoofed it. Yup, it was about 5 minutes by foot. Woo who to getting to the general vicinity of where we needed to be on hope faith a prayer and a little travel mojo, schweet. Hotel Doge is right smack in old town, and suddenly I feel transported to what I imagine Morocco must look like. Huge 4 poster bed, mosquito netting around it, red and orange bed spread all the wood work (night stand, cabinets, etc) look hand made. The floor is a gorgeous red tile. The shower way more high tech than mine at home. 5 shower heads, yes, five....though you can only use 3 at any one time (of course I had to try them) walked around old town today, as soon as you get to the outskirts: graffiti everywhere (boo hiss.) it was super muggy. Old town is pretty cool, surrounded by a fort, and there are areas where you can see the damage from the bombs dropped in WWII, pretty intense. Lots of cute shops, plenty of tavernas. Was a heck of a drive, but happy we made it, felt a bit more like island life here, no where near as intense as Hiraklio. (like I said....I'm gonna need to ease back into this whole city life thing...)
We were constantly moving to different countries and adjusting to new things. It was such a free feeling. I'm glad I didn't have a traditional upbringing. - River Phoenix
We were constantly moving to different countries and adjusting to new things. It was such a free feeling. I'm glad I didn't have a traditional upbringing. - River Phoenix
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Satur...wait I mean Sunday.
Yup I've officially lost track of the day, and the date. Yay me. I'm brown as a nut, (and still proud to be nutty) booked our tickets to Crete and got a hotel for 4 nights. Finally figured out how to recharge stuff in the room...and yes, we're now leaving, tee hee. Mayhaps eventually I'll catch up/figure stuff out BEFORE I go...perhaps not. Perhaps that's the meaning of this journey, learn to not only live with but actually come to revel in and enjoy the wonder of not knowing. At it's core, learn to trust. Lost my wallet for a bit today, somehow though, I knew it was lost, not stolen, just put in a pocket (travel gear comes with a ton of hidden compartments) was annoyed while I couldn't find it (mainly because I needed to pay for some stuff before we left) somehow the fear that used to yak over so quickly was much much quieter today...and it all worked out! Was in the back pocket of my bag...duh. Walked down to a black beach near the hotel, and a snack at the local taverna, I picked up trash on the way back to the hotel. Grabbed our tickets in Fira on the way to the port, and I'm currently watching a gorgeous sunset out my window seat while catching up my blog. Someone brought 2 bunnies with them, so friggin cute! They're in a bird cage in the baggage area.Crete should be an adventure...I didn't book us a transfer, (getting bolder!) might get a car at the port, unless they're asking too much. Then we'll call the hotel to find which bus we take....unless mom vetoes and requests a cab. We shall see! Looking forward to the Minoan history and ancient ruin/wreck dives on Crete. Rumor has it Zorba the Greek was filmed here, so should be a gorgeous beach. Sunset is getting very colorful, bye for now.
Alrighty then we landed around 8:45, mom voted for a cab, till we found out it would be €150, one way....we opted for a car. Just got to the hotel (it's 12:10am here) The cell only works for Internet if I'm on a network, 3G isn't an option...based on some loose directions, and a vague idea of where we were headed, I got us within walking distance of the hotel-sweet! (yeah, the number listed in the email, didn't work...not sure if it's a them or a me issue) any who, I'm exhausted...Crete is huge. Doesn't feel anymore like an island than Manhattan feels like an island. G'night for now.
Alrighty then we landed around 8:45, mom voted for a cab, till we found out it would be €150, one way....we opted for a car. Just got to the hotel (it's 12:10am here) The cell only works for Internet if I'm on a network, 3G isn't an option...based on some loose directions, and a vague idea of where we were headed, I got us within walking distance of the hotel-sweet! (yeah, the number listed in the email, didn't work...not sure if it's a them or a me issue) any who, I'm exhausted...Crete is huge. Doesn't feel anymore like an island than Manhattan feels like an island. G'night for now.
Saturday- yes, I'm lost...again, maybe still
Recall how I mentioned I find things when I'm not looking? Today, I found (and even drove through) the center of Fira, yay me. As I'd found Butari accidentally on Thursday, and was shown how to get there on Friday, the whole game plan of:1) Butari, 2) red beach, 3) ancient agretiri, then tbd. Simple...uh huh. Try: found the highest point of the island, found a black beach...drove about in circles for a bit (yes butari was actually at the center of said circle I would discover later) found the red beach (score!) found ancient whatsermerhosie...it's currently closed as a portion collapsed last season. Was starving by this point, so stopped at a little cafe on the beach. The area has this volcanic compressed ash that has been dug into and reinforced creating cave restaurants on the waterfront. The guy who ran the one we ate at, bought his fish fresh (he showed us the catch) made his own wine, and fava bean dip. His brother made the olives (they were awesome, had a faint hint of roses) and the produce was all from either him, or his brother. We had dorado grilled with a bit of lemon juice, the flavors here are so fresh (ahem no monsanto gmo shit) that's really all you need/want. The home made wine, had to have a higher alcohol content than most..a few glasses in, everyone was content. (mumcicle a giggle fest) I was relaxed enough to continue the hunt for the elusive butari...that I'd found 3+ times before mind you. We finally asked for directions, and got an answer that didn't consist of "just go straight" and found our way to the winery! Yay!!! "Just go straight" seems to be the answer de jour when asking for directions. How do I get to....oh very simple, no problem, just go straight, turn left by the first church, right at the corner...(uhhh, that's not exactly "straight") don't even begin to try "straight" in Mykonos, the roads are built through and around the buildings, not the other way around. There are signs on Santorini, they have destinations listed...naming streets doesn't seem to be something anyone has felt the urge to do, but hey people are friendly, and willing to give directions, so I'll take it! There was a group of 5 girls from San Francisco at Butari, believe it or not, no I didn't actually know any of them. (see I don't actually know the whole city...yet) went to mail home the wine but the postoffice was closed, bummer. Saw our last Santorini sunset (for now) talk about rapture, it was gorgeous! Happy the worlds still spinning, and we're all still living, let's take care of each other and our planet and keep it that way awhile, kay?
Remember: "be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
Remember: "be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
Friday May 20th
Today, because I was only somewhat looking for it...I found Fira, at least the outskirts of the area...still managed to miss the main square, rumored to be the quickest way to/from Oia...in my opinion all roads eventually lead to an end of the island...not like I'm in a particular hurry to get anywhere. Walked about Fira, super crowded due to a few cruise ships being in port. Apparently during high season, they get upwards of 15/day. (thankfully not all at once) frigging nuts! It was crowded enough with the 2 thank ya very little. Tons of churches here, (picture any movie you've seen from Greece: round, white, blue domed top, times every 150 feet or so) a few vary in color scheme, sizes range from something that looks about big enough for a confessional to a congregation of I'd guess about 200(ish) all very picturesque. The roads make more sense on the caldera than they do in Mykonos...but (in my opinion) no where near as fun, as you actually need to be staying on a cliff property to get down any further than about 30 feet below the rim, unless you're on the stairs, donkey, or tram to the port. No getting lost on the caldera...boo. The streets here are mostly marble, so should you decide to visit...have good tread on your shoes, it's slllliiick, and that's dry, can't imagine if it were wet! Looked like there were some cool clubs in Fira...think I got my dancing out (for now) in Mykonos...maybe the next island, or you know, when I actually find what I'm looking for...when I'm looking for it. Walked about Oia for awhile too, funny place Oia, every time think "I'm at the end" I find there's more even further out. Mom was clearly over it, so after getting out to what appeared to be an old fort of some sort, we headed back to the hotel to get our car to the sailboat. Good thing we got there early, because the driver was early too. He drove us around the island, showed us how to get to the red beach, and the winery we wanted to visit (Butari) and then picked up a newlywed couple (Holly & David from England) and headed to the pier. America I am annoyed with you! I blame our stupid stubborn clinging to an archaic measuring system for me missing the flipping hot springs. For heavens sake, science uses Celsius as does the rest of the planet, what the ever living hay is the problem???! Grr! I'm staging a one woman conversion campaign from now on, language barriers are enough of a hurdle, can we at least speak numbers?!?! Moving forward, you will get the temperature in Celsius, measurement in meters, and weight in kilos thank you very much. And yes, I'm buying myself kitchen supplies while I'm here!
Anywho, the sunset was gorgeous, the food and wine spectacular, all in all, another fabulous island day. :)
Anywho, the sunset was gorgeous, the food and wine spectacular, all in all, another fabulous island day. :)
Santorini wine tasting
There was a thunderstorm on Santorini today...and only thunder (with a little lightening and a grand total of at most 8 raindrops thrown in) was the blackest cloud I've seen in sometime...but somehow, it was still bright enough to need sunglasses, maybe Apollo really was born here, sure seems to be the lightest place I've ever been.
Delayed the sailing trip till tomorrow...instead we walked to the local winery (btw, I checked, there's officially 20 on the island) side note: I also researched the Mykonos pelican death myth...and (thank goodness) it seems to be just that: a nutso story...if you really feel the urge to disgust yourself, you can google it.
The wine was pretty good, the whites much more so than the reds. We shared the patio with 3 other American groups and a cat who became my best friend when I had a ham and cheese plate.
The German Shepard at Abyssanto villa (where we're staying) is great, he loves to chase shadows, cracks me up. His owner has informed me the dog now stays with me more than him...I apparently have a fuzzy road boyfriend, he even sleeps outside our door. The villa is quite cute 7 little apartments total, all with a beautiful view of sunset point at the beach and a great porch...also a great price, €45/night, including breakfast and wifi. Nice. We rented a car (little red bubble as I affectionately called it) yes, I did actually need my international drivers permit thank you very much. We were going to walk around Fira (the capital) and center of the island....but uhhh, somehow I missed it....twice. Yeah, I don't know either, 14kilometers long, and I skipped the center bit (aka capital) multiple times. Got skillz baby.
Anywho, I did manage to find Santo wines, and talk about amazing views!!! For €19.40 we got 12 wines (about a 1/2 glass pour each) cheese, tomato spread and bread. Stayed for the sunset, gorgeous again! And went back toward Fira to check out the nightlife...(please see above, yes I missed it once more) sooo...as we were a few vinos in by this point...and I am better at finding stuff when I'm not looking for it...we found the hotel(go straight, well kinda, turn right before the end of the island- more on this later!) I played shadow chase with the dog for awhile and called it a night.
Today's quote:
"There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. If one fully understands the present moment, there will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue."
-- Hagakure
Delayed the sailing trip till tomorrow...instead we walked to the local winery (btw, I checked, there's officially 20 on the island) side note: I also researched the Mykonos pelican death myth...and (thank goodness) it seems to be just that: a nutso story...if you really feel the urge to disgust yourself, you can google it.
The wine was pretty good, the whites much more so than the reds. We shared the patio with 3 other American groups and a cat who became my best friend when I had a ham and cheese plate.
The German Shepard at Abyssanto villa (where we're staying) is great, he loves to chase shadows, cracks me up. His owner has informed me the dog now stays with me more than him...I apparently have a fuzzy road boyfriend, he even sleeps outside our door. The villa is quite cute 7 little apartments total, all with a beautiful view of sunset point at the beach and a great porch...also a great price, €45/night, including breakfast and wifi. Nice. We rented a car (little red bubble as I affectionately called it) yes, I did actually need my international drivers permit thank you very much. We were going to walk around Fira (the capital) and center of the island....but uhhh, somehow I missed it....twice. Yeah, I don't know either, 14kilometers long, and I skipped the center bit (aka capital) multiple times. Got skillz baby.
Anywho, I did manage to find Santo wines, and talk about amazing views!!! For €19.40 we got 12 wines (about a 1/2 glass pour each) cheese, tomato spread and bread. Stayed for the sunset, gorgeous again! And went back toward Fira to check out the nightlife...(please see above, yes I missed it once more) sooo...as we were a few vinos in by this point...and I am better at finding stuff when I'm not looking for it...we found the hotel(go straight, well kinda, turn right before the end of the island- more on this later!) I played shadow chase with the dog for awhile and called it a night.
Today's quote:
"There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. If one fully understands the present moment, there will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue."
-- Hagakure
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday
Full moon party was fun. I have no idea how the club came to be...the way they boarded things up, it looked NOTHING like it did when we were sunbathing on the beach. Sadly, getting to the beach wasn't an option for the party (boo.) music was decent, at least it was house music!!
Funny thing when you travel, suddenly you're no longer your name, you're where you live. Instead of nice to meet you, I'm Piper...it's you speak English, where are you from? names come later...if at all, you refer to someone as "Dubai" or "Vancouver" or ya know: San Francisco.
The ferry into Santorini while a quicker journey, nowhere near as social as the blueline. Everyone had an assigned seat (something like a train or a greyhound type thing) there was a small snack area with overpriced food/drinks...(read what you'd find in a road side store in the middle of nowhere) the Blueline has multiple decks, you can sit outside, there are multiple food options, and you get some vendors who come onboard at the second port (from Athens to Mykonos) and sell you snacks/boxed chocolate among other things. We stopped at a total of 3 ports (same as from Athens to Mykonos) however, you couldn't really see the ports as everyone's in the hull of the ship...granted there's also a business class which may have better views/more going on...but apples to apples (ahem economy class both trips) blueline, slower...also, more of a social fun journey.
Santorini has AMAZING views! Most gorgeous sunsets, pictures can't begin to do them justice...the paintings you see where the sun has rays of light shooting out....here, the sun really does that as it's setting. Tonight, it was a gorgeous red as it went through a cloud, it looked like the patch on the back of the (original) karate kids gi. You definitely need a motorized vehicle to get around. Mykonos is small enough you can use the bus system to get where you want to go....here, it would take too long. While the island is larger than Mykonos, the feel is more rural/laid back. There's at least 5 wineries (yeah yeah you "we have Napa valley" snits) it actually is quite a few given the total size of the island is likely about the size of all of Napa. The streets roll up early here....in Mykonos you watch the sunset around 8:15, take a nap until 10 (or grab coffee) then head to the bars/clubs at 12:30am - 6ish. (and the shops are all open too) Sleep till 10am head to the beach: repeat. Here, you eat dinner, maybe grab an after dinner drink....and everything is pretty much closed...you have less protection from the wind, so it's also a bit chillier...and on the face of where the volcano blew...more treacherous, specially after a few oyzo (or insert drink of choice here) seems we get to an island and just as we learn the lay of the land and the weather really starts to heat up, we're off to the next...my tan is no worse for wear, getting darker by the day!
Looking forward to the sunset cruise (where we'll see the red/black and white beaches, as well as go to the volcanic hot springs) some more wine tasting and checking out the town that was buried by the volcano exploding.
Quote of the day:“ We live in a world of theophanies. Holiness comes wrapped in the ordinary. There are burning bushes all around you. Every tree is full of angels. Hidden beauty is waiting in every crumb. Life wants to lead you from crumbs to angels, but this can happen only if you are willing to unwrap the ordinary by staying with it long enough to harvest its treasure.” -- Macrina Wiederkehr
Funny thing when you travel, suddenly you're no longer your name, you're where you live. Instead of nice to meet you, I'm Piper...it's you speak English, where are you from? names come later...if at all, you refer to someone as "Dubai" or "Vancouver" or ya know: San Francisco.
The ferry into Santorini while a quicker journey, nowhere near as social as the blueline. Everyone had an assigned seat (something like a train or a greyhound type thing) there was a small snack area with overpriced food/drinks...(read what you'd find in a road side store in the middle of nowhere) the Blueline has multiple decks, you can sit outside, there are multiple food options, and you get some vendors who come onboard at the second port (from Athens to Mykonos) and sell you snacks/boxed chocolate among other things. We stopped at a total of 3 ports (same as from Athens to Mykonos) however, you couldn't really see the ports as everyone's in the hull of the ship...granted there's also a business class which may have better views/more going on...but apples to apples (ahem economy class both trips) blueline, slower...also, more of a social fun journey.
Santorini has AMAZING views! Most gorgeous sunsets, pictures can't begin to do them justice...the paintings you see where the sun has rays of light shooting out....here, the sun really does that as it's setting. Tonight, it was a gorgeous red as it went through a cloud, it looked like the patch on the back of the (original) karate kids gi. You definitely need a motorized vehicle to get around. Mykonos is small enough you can use the bus system to get where you want to go....here, it would take too long. While the island is larger than Mykonos, the feel is more rural/laid back. There's at least 5 wineries (yeah yeah you "we have Napa valley" snits) it actually is quite a few given the total size of the island is likely about the size of all of Napa. The streets roll up early here....in Mykonos you watch the sunset around 8:15, take a nap until 10 (or grab coffee) then head to the bars/clubs at 12:30am - 6ish. (and the shops are all open too) Sleep till 10am head to the beach: repeat. Here, you eat dinner, maybe grab an after dinner drink....and everything is pretty much closed...you have less protection from the wind, so it's also a bit chillier...and on the face of where the volcano blew...more treacherous, specially after a few oyzo (or insert drink of choice here) seems we get to an island and just as we learn the lay of the land and the weather really starts to heat up, we're off to the next...my tan is no worse for wear, getting darker by the day!
Looking forward to the sunset cruise (where we'll see the red/black and white beaches, as well as go to the volcanic hot springs) some more wine tasting and checking out the town that was buried by the volcano exploding.
Quote of the day:“ We live in a world of theophanies. Holiness comes wrapped in the ordinary. There are burning bushes all around you. Every tree is full of angels. Hidden beauty is waiting in every crumb. Life wants to lead you from crumbs to angels, but this can happen only if you are willing to unwrap the ordinary by staying with it long enough to harvest its treasure.” -- Macrina Wiederkehr
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tuesday May 17th
I pet Pedro! (the pelican) he's pretty soft. It's rather hilarious, he meanders down the roads and has a little procession in his wake, every now and again, someone gets brave and scurries around him to snap a picture. (many did this after I pet his head) There's a tortoise in the garden of the guest house, seems he's only around during the day, I believe he may be the cleaning persons pet. 4 or so cats hang around here, 1 followed us in the room today. The office has a thing of cat food for them. There's the cutest dwarf rabbit ever in front of one of the shops. Another shop keeper has birds. All the animals (even the local horse) are very friendly, nothing like the feral strays of the US...though when they figure out you don't have food...they loose interest quickly...unless you're petting them, that may keep them entertained for 3 minutes. The cats seem to be communal Mykonos pets, everyone seems to take care of them, and they wander about until someone pays attention, the other animals (other than the pelicans) seem to have owners the way we view an owner in the US...maybe we should take a page from the Greeks philosophy, sure would save a lot of euthanized animals...and per my prior posting, they had drainage right, if we'd payed attention back then, no plague...perhaps we should pay attention now.
I'm apparently getting darker than I see myself today I was mistaken for an Italiano by a 70+ year old Italian man (sweet!) 2 days ago, a Spaniard....not to worry, I've already made mumsicle promise if I begin to look like Magda (something about Mary) I'm to be given an umbrella hat and 150+ SPF immediately. Trying life with a hat and no sunglasses, yes, this is Piper, and it's true, the sunglasses have been in the room all day, I'm not even twitchy. Using a heck of a lot more allergy eyedrops, and coming in from the sun is a free (very odd) yellow light show...hoping this will lead to a bit less of a raccoon face, though I'm not sure why I care as sunglasses are pretty much welded to my head.
Thank you Marion Woodman, ("If we fail to nourish our souls, they wither, and without soul, life ceases to have meaning.... The creative process shrivels in the absence of continual dialogue with the soul. And creativity is what makes life worth living."-- Marion Woodman) I'm getting into the swing of relaxation, 90+ minute breakfast today, no second cup of coffee or even a postcard required...people watching, that's friggin' priceless!
I now wander semi not lost through the streets, yes I am impressed with myself on this front. I even manage to find stuff sorta kinda on purpose....I can always find my way back to a destination at this point, even though I'm sure I'm taking a convoluted way most times (I see it as a free work out, burn those calories so I can drink 'em later!) and now that I've semi figured myself out...time to see a new island...after the party of course. (happy full moon everyone!) and pretty friggin' cool, I saw the legendary birthplace of the Goddess of the Moon (Artemis) just a few days ago, and tonight (albiet a very modern) gathering to celebrate her presence. History lives, when you look for it.
Today's aspiration: know you so you can be you, and always always remember you are loved.
I'm apparently getting darker than I see myself today I was mistaken for an Italiano by a 70+ year old Italian man (sweet!) 2 days ago, a Spaniard....not to worry, I've already made mumsicle promise if I begin to look like Magda (something about Mary) I'm to be given an umbrella hat and 150+ SPF immediately. Trying life with a hat and no sunglasses, yes, this is Piper, and it's true, the sunglasses have been in the room all day, I'm not even twitchy. Using a heck of a lot more allergy eyedrops, and coming in from the sun is a free (very odd) yellow light show...hoping this will lead to a bit less of a raccoon face, though I'm not sure why I care as sunglasses are pretty much welded to my head.
Thank you Marion Woodman, ("If we fail to nourish our souls, they wither, and without soul, life ceases to have meaning.... The creative process shrivels in the absence of continual dialogue with the soul. And creativity is what makes life worth living."-- Marion Woodman) I'm getting into the swing of relaxation, 90+ minute breakfast today, no second cup of coffee or even a postcard required...people watching, that's friggin' priceless!
I now wander semi not lost through the streets, yes I am impressed with myself on this front. I even manage to find stuff sorta kinda on purpose....I can always find my way back to a destination at this point, even though I'm sure I'm taking a convoluted way most times (I see it as a free work out, burn those calories so I can drink 'em later!) and now that I've semi figured myself out...time to see a new island...after the party of course. (happy full moon everyone!) and pretty friggin' cool, I saw the legendary birthplace of the Goddess of the Moon (Artemis) just a few days ago, and tonight (albiet a very modern) gathering to celebrate her presence. History lives, when you look for it.
Today's aspiration: know you so you can be you, and always always remember you are loved.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Mykonos Monday
I'm actually settling into this whole "relaxing" thing....admittedly, my foot still twitches while sitting still...but it's a much slower tempo, and I took a full 90+ minutes to eat breakfast, unlike the US, no one minds a table that lingers... It's the norm, you tend to get odd looks when you're in and out quickly, not when you sit....it's taken a bit of getting used to, but, I am getting there!! (not having a particular place I need to be at a given time certainly helps in this endeavor =] ) that, two frappes (yes, they wired me...even made my hands shaky, but they were yumalicious!) and I filled out a few postcards...(hope you get them! The mailbox said something about international to Europe...I took it with a grain of salt, mostly because I have yet to see a post office, figure it'll get to you...eventually) booked another night so now I'm officially here through the full moon party....booking another night consisted of seeing our curator driving up the hill on his scooter, and a hand shake mid street. (adore the level of trust/life on a hand shake way of being!)
Met a jeweler today, his window had "Boca Raton" in the display...I giggled out loud, which led to a conversation about South Beach, the club scene, food..among other topics. Funny guy...though he's Greek by lineage, he's proud of his New York roots, and claims America as his country...see, the all the world doesn't hate us after all!
After a bit of prompting I convinced the madre to try a new restaurant, she's content to be "a regular" at a place she likes...I figure if I'm here I want to experience as much as possible with the time I have...glad I won out, liked the food way more today than yesterday!
Ate dinner for the first time since being in Greece...maybe I'll adjust to the time change after all....maybe. The sunset was clouded over (boo) still a gorgeous red peaking through the cloud cover. Really excited to see the famous Santorini sunsets!
Tickets booked for the ferry to Santorini, still looking into the hotel options...there are so many to choose from!! I feel a bit overwhelmed, if you've been before and have at the least a town recommendation..HELP.
Full moon (party) Tuesday =]
Met a jeweler today, his window had "Boca Raton" in the display...I giggled out loud, which led to a conversation about South Beach, the club scene, food..among other topics. Funny guy...though he's Greek by lineage, he's proud of his New York roots, and claims America as his country...see, the all the world doesn't hate us after all!
After a bit of prompting I convinced the madre to try a new restaurant, she's content to be "a regular" at a place she likes...I figure if I'm here I want to experience as much as possible with the time I have...glad I won out, liked the food way more today than yesterday!
Ate dinner for the first time since being in Greece...maybe I'll adjust to the time change after all....maybe. The sunset was clouded over (boo) still a gorgeous red peaking through the cloud cover. Really excited to see the famous Santorini sunsets!
Tickets booked for the ferry to Santorini, still looking into the hotel options...there are so many to choose from!! I feel a bit overwhelmed, if you've been before and have at the least a town recommendation..HELP.
Full moon (party) Tuesday =]
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday funday Mykonos style-
Made it over to paradise beach today...I'm still apparently up way too early by island standards...who knew. There was one bus at 7am- no I wasn't out the door and up for that, though we were out the door by 8:15ish. Saw the next bus to paradise wasn't until 10am (then ran every hour until 6) we decided to get breakfast before we left for a few reasons, 1) to kill time 2) having never been to this part of the island...no idea what would/wouldn't be over there...best call ever! The breakfast place was still opening up when we sat down, (refer back to Mykonos apparently = late risers) by 9:30am, decided to grab a cab as opposed to walking through the (closed) shops waiting for the bus to come. Breakfast in Mykonos = thank frigging goodness we did that, we'd have been starving till about noon in paradise. Paradise consists of a beach about the size of baker beach, and the sand's about as course. There are 3 bars/clubs that are connected to each other, (they have different lounge chairs, so you can tell which one you're currently in!) there's a small take out area that does gyros, chicken fingers a few salads and the like....and that's it. There's a supermarket up the hill (looked like it would take about 30 minutes to get to it...and we're talking a tiny winding road that a bus-full size bus- flies down) a campground, and a mini mart kiosk at the bus station....glad I ate in Mykonos town! Met some really cool people: a few girls from New York who are currently studying in New Castle (outside of London) a woman who lives on the island year round and 2 of her friends, and 3 cousins who are here for the season to make some money and then intend to travel after the seasons over. (see I'm not the only one!!!) found the dive shop: there's a wreck about 30 minutes away that's supposed to be a pretty cool dive....but the water, while it's a gorgeous crystal clear blue....is about as warm as San Francisco, so yes, I'm still debating the dive. I did actually get in the water yesterday, admittedly after several attempts where I got in about mid leg...by 2ish, I'd had enough beers (Mythos) and was hot enough in the sun that I swam for about a minute. (literally, was likely only in the ocean for about a minute) allergies got the better of me (leave it to me to be allergic to something on a beach- honestly, WTF!?!) plans to go out last night were foiled by sleep...in the long run, likely a good thing as I've been averaging about 2.5 hours a night since arriving. Think I'll save another day in paradise until the full moon party...who needs the empty calories from the beers consumed to stave off boredom? (I don't do sunbathing well....) though my tan lines are reaping the benefits, yay and mission accomplished there! (I'm down to SPF 8) spent the whole day (10am - 5pm) in the sun, only slightly red where the suits didn't match up, here's to (finally) having a summer tan...and I'll be getting back to SF just in time to keep it till October=P
Yes, there were a few naked peeps...but as per the norm, it wasn't naked anyone wanted to see on the dude front- oh el de...the topless girls, well at least one guy was snapping pictures...so guess the dudes were happy...of the 100ish people on the beach only 1 naked and 2 topless, rather mundane...but the seasons (according to the locals) just getting started. I believe I was likely the only gal who refrained from the (apparently requisite) "sexy beach pic" perhaps at the full moon party, but don't hold your breath boys. Heard a disturbing rendition of how the first pelican met its demise...I'll research it a bit before I put anyone else through the pain of the images that require a few shots to erase...)
Hope everyone's having fun out there!
Yes, there were a few naked peeps...but as per the norm, it wasn't naked anyone wanted to see on the dude front- oh el de...the topless girls, well at least one guy was snapping pictures...so guess the dudes were happy...of the 100ish people on the beach only 1 naked and 2 topless, rather mundane...but the seasons (according to the locals) just getting started. I believe I was likely the only gal who refrained from the (apparently requisite) "sexy beach pic" perhaps at the full moon party, but don't hold your breath boys. Heard a disturbing rendition of how the first pelican met its demise...I'll research it a bit before I put anyone else through the pain of the images that require a few shots to erase...)
Hope everyone's having fun out there!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Saturday May 14
Went to Delos today...couldn't help but think....if only the English had paid attention...the entire black plague would have been avoided. The island is, according to legend, the birth place of Apollo (God of the light/sun) and his twin sister Artemis (Goddess of the hunt/moon). This 5kilometer by 1.5meter island sustained a population of 30,000+/- people. (there was even a hotel!) They had a filtering cistern system (made of limestone) that purified the rain water, and drainage that sent all the waste (human) out to sea...and this was 7 centuries before Christ was born...7 centuries...yet somehow the dark ages still came to be. Wow-and not in a good way. (yes English ancestors, this means you....) Lots of lizards live on the islands, and a few cats as well....there's actually cats all over Mykonos. They're all very sweet and seem well fed, but don't really appear to "belong" to anyone in particular.
I'm adding a link on info for Delos as frankly the island is so rich in history....I'm sure there are books on it (2,500 BC to 2011...to much for these fingers to type!) the museum on the island is definitely worth the time to look around. The mosaics are gorgeous. They were the floors of the homes/shops: pretty, easy to clean, and (depending on your wealth) could be created from scraps....the ancients had it all over us with our shag rugs...they super win here.
http://www.ancient-wisdom.co.uk/greecedelos.htm (info on Delos)
Saw the Mykonos pelicans today! They're friggin HUGE, and apparently eat a lot of krill as they're also pink...seems to care less about people as I nearly touched one (it was sleeping, and I felt surprising a sleeping animal with a beak as big as my forearm was likely bad planning...) the islands are certainly warming up (yay!) and now that I've figured out the heat, and have a "curtain" to get some sleep...beach mission to be continued (and hopefully accomplished) tomorrow! Weird, I've been gone a week now...honestly doesn't seem that long. I'll take that as a great thing, and to mean this trip, is exactly where I need to be.
I was a bit trepidacious getting going, having no job, and just up and leaving for a few months...though exciting..also took a bit of planning, and a leap of faith that this world leads you just where you need to go.
Remember: smile because it happened...and sometimes, smile because it's over, in the end...everything does just that- ends.
I'm adding a link on info for Delos as frankly the island is so rich in history....I'm sure there are books on it (2,500 BC to 2011...to much for these fingers to type!) the museum on the island is definitely worth the time to look around. The mosaics are gorgeous. They were the floors of the homes/shops: pretty, easy to clean, and (depending on your wealth) could be created from scraps....the ancients had it all over us with our shag rugs...they super win here.
http://www.ancient-wisdom.co.uk/greecedelos.htm (info on Delos)
Saw the Mykonos pelicans today! They're friggin HUGE, and apparently eat a lot of krill as they're also pink...seems to care less about people as I nearly touched one (it was sleeping, and I felt surprising a sleeping animal with a beak as big as my forearm was likely bad planning...) the islands are certainly warming up (yay!) and now that I've figured out the heat, and have a "curtain" to get some sleep...beach mission to be continued (and hopefully accomplished) tomorrow! Weird, I've been gone a week now...honestly doesn't seem that long. I'll take that as a great thing, and to mean this trip, is exactly where I need to be.
I was a bit trepidacious getting going, having no job, and just up and leaving for a few months...though exciting..also took a bit of planning, and a leap of faith that this world leads you just where you need to go.
Remember: smile because it happened...and sometimes, smile because it's over, in the end...everything does just that- ends.
Friday
Didn't make it to the beaches, was rather windy last night...and by the time we got back from Scandinavia Club (4am) sleep was the only thing on our minds...unfortunately, this meant no one figured out or turned on the heat...sleep and cold, don't mix. Finally got out of the guest house (which is solar powered btw- awesome!) around noon. Got some, I guess "brunch" by this point in the day...went and booked our trip to Delos and lost our way though the streets of Mykonos town. Saw Basil a guy we met on the ferry who runs tour groups...I think I may need to switch career paths (again!) sounds like a great gig! (I digress) anyway we grabbed a beer and got some useful tips, as well as some further info on the death in Athens. It wasn't police brutality after all...a man was taking his wife to the doctor, and while she was mid contraction, some muggers came to relieve him of his wallet, and sadly, he was stabbed and killed during the robbery...I didn't say this was any less awful, just accurate. I've created a "ghetto curtain" as the sheer yellow window coverings, while pretty, do about 0 at 6am...my clubbing days and working nights have come in handy, I can make myself a bat cave anywhere! ;)
Rent (compared to SF) is super cheap. Apparently to get a studio here for the season (May - September) runs around €3,000...that's cheaper than the TL (tenderloin aka don't go there after dark area of SF!) spent a great day getting to know people. Today was a look back and smile day for sure. Here's to more of those types of days through the journey.
Rent (compared to SF) is super cheap. Apparently to get a studio here for the season (May - September) runs around €3,000...that's cheaper than the TL (tenderloin aka don't go there after dark area of SF!) spent a great day getting to know people. Today was a look back and smile day for sure. Here's to more of those types of days through the journey.
Friday, May 13, 2011
I LOVE this island!!!
Lunch for 2 with wine was less than €20, and it was real Greek food...none of this processed baloney looking weirdness on white bread. The guest house we're in has a great view, wifi, a kitchenette and is €40/night.
Walking in town you can never tell if you're in someones back yard, a hotel, or a shopping area...you just have to follow the people and the music. I'm guessing I'll figure it out in a day or so...for now, I giggle at myself as I go past the same bar 3 times...(yes, I honestly did that!) what can I say, the whitewash with blue shutters, while adorable...not so helpful from a landmark perspective. (you walk up the cobblestone street to the fifth white house with blue shutters, light blue, not dark blue...oh right, since you put it THAT way...clear as, um white paint=p) there are places where you can touch the walls on both sides of the street, so while nothing seems to be bigger than at most 3 stories...the maze of unnamed streets (I have yet to see a street sign in Greek or otherwise) is more challenging than navigating the 1 way streets of SF a first time. Found the bar I was looking for last night....accidentally, hope to find it again tonight. The city's like a giant game of hide n seek...you never know what's around the next corner. From Hermes (yes really) to someones laundry, oops a dead end, a cafe...oh crap, which way? Again I love it! It feels safe here, the people are super friendly. Greek food!!! (there was more starbucks than Greek food in Athens I'm sad to report) found out an interesting fact about the tagging in Athens, apparently it's mostly college kids, while you're in college you're somewhat above the law, and won't get charged...weird huh?
The ferry ride took about 5 hours we stopped (briefly) in 2 other ports on the way over, which was actually kinda cool, doubt I'd ever have seen them otherwise...and they looked nowhere near as awesome as Mykonos. =] so for those of you wondering when I'll be taking the time to send postcards and whatnot: a gals gotta have something to fill the time while mumsicle sleeps (I blog) and while tanning and ferry hopping (y'all get postcards n such) so, if you haven't yet...I need an address if you want a something from the road! =]
oh, and I feel like I'm really traveling again, on top of a plethora of local food...(can we say YAY!) you can't drink the water from the taps on the islands...yup: I'm travelin' now!!
Today is figure out the bus system and check out paradise beach!
Walking in town you can never tell if you're in someones back yard, a hotel, or a shopping area...you just have to follow the people and the music. I'm guessing I'll figure it out in a day or so...for now, I giggle at myself as I go past the same bar 3 times...(yes, I honestly did that!) what can I say, the whitewash with blue shutters, while adorable...not so helpful from a landmark perspective. (you walk up the cobblestone street to the fifth white house with blue shutters, light blue, not dark blue...oh right, since you put it THAT way...clear as, um white paint=p) there are places where you can touch the walls on both sides of the street, so while nothing seems to be bigger than at most 3 stories...the maze of unnamed streets (I have yet to see a street sign in Greek or otherwise) is more challenging than navigating the 1 way streets of SF a first time. Found the bar I was looking for last night....accidentally, hope to find it again tonight. The city's like a giant game of hide n seek...you never know what's around the next corner. From Hermes (yes really) to someones laundry, oops a dead end, a cafe...oh crap, which way? Again I love it! It feels safe here, the people are super friendly. Greek food!!! (there was more starbucks than Greek food in Athens I'm sad to report) found out an interesting fact about the tagging in Athens, apparently it's mostly college kids, while you're in college you're somewhat above the law, and won't get charged...weird huh?
The ferry ride took about 5 hours we stopped (briefly) in 2 other ports on the way over, which was actually kinda cool, doubt I'd ever have seen them otherwise...and they looked nowhere near as awesome as Mykonos. =] so for those of you wondering when I'll be taking the time to send postcards and whatnot: a gals gotta have something to fill the time while mumsicle sleeps (I blog) and while tanning and ferry hopping (y'all get postcards n such) so, if you haven't yet...I need an address if you want a something from the road! =]
oh, and I feel like I'm really traveling again, on top of a plethora of local food...(can we say YAY!) you can't drink the water from the taps on the islands...yup: I'm travelin' now!!
Today is figure out the bus system and check out paradise beach!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Warning-sap central...5/11/11
Not much happenin'. In Gylfada another day. Athens had protests, some tear gas, and sad to hear and report at least one person was killed via police brutality ....was happy to be 11 miles from the protestors.
My kitty friend found me by the pool, and slept under my chair again. Figured out my phone all by my little lonesome- 2 points!
Lots of time for reflection today. At first the names seems a bit kitsch...until I remember, Socrates, Plato and the like lived here. Even more mind blowing than that (to me) if they were alive today, they'd be able to converse with any local. Actually take that in...a man born 470 years before Christ, reads and writes the same language as a person born in 2011 that's two thousand. Four hundred and eighty years...What other culture has that level of continuity? Yes, Egyptians as a race are still around, but the BC writings need to be interpreted....not so with Greek, the language, writing, and many of the structures have survived...astounding. When I actually pause and consider, the feeling of awe and respect is mesmerizing.
Speaking of the structures, the sheer size is mind boggling, the ancient library was easily the size of a city block, made of rock and marble....no power tools to be had. And the detail put into the pillars etc...takes a minute to remember and reflect just how incredible the living history of athens really is. I'm beyond impressed, I'm grateful and privileged to be here.
In other world news, a moment of quiet for those in Japan who two months ago (can't believe it's already been two months) were devastated by earthquake and the following tsunami. May you continue to heal and regrow/group.
Thought of the day: everyone who comes to us is with purpose, sometimes the lesson is in the letting go.
My kitty friend found me by the pool, and slept under my chair again. Figured out my phone all by my little lonesome- 2 points!
Lots of time for reflection today. At first the names seems a bit kitsch...until I remember, Socrates, Plato and the like lived here. Even more mind blowing than that (to me) if they were alive today, they'd be able to converse with any local. Actually take that in...a man born 470 years before Christ, reads and writes the same language as a person born in 2011 that's two thousand. Four hundred and eighty years...What other culture has that level of continuity? Yes, Egyptians as a race are still around, but the BC writings need to be interpreted....not so with Greek, the language, writing, and many of the structures have survived...astounding. When I actually pause and consider, the feeling of awe and respect is mesmerizing.
Speaking of the structures, the sheer size is mind boggling, the ancient library was easily the size of a city block, made of rock and marble....no power tools to be had. And the detail put into the pillars etc...takes a minute to remember and reflect just how incredible the living history of athens really is. I'm beyond impressed, I'm grateful and privileged to be here.
In other world news, a moment of quiet for those in Japan who two months ago (can't believe it's already been two months) were devastated by earthquake and the following tsunami. May you continue to heal and regrow/group.
Thought of the day: everyone who comes to us is with purpose, sometimes the lesson is in the letting go.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Day three in Greece May 10th
Today was a recover from walking for 9 hours straight day, and map out which islands we'd like to see as to avoid a game of ferry ping pong. That and we're scheduled to check out on Wednesday....well at least we were!
Woke up early (6am) had breakfast, took a nap after, had a second breakfast (apparently I'm turning into a hobbit) though I'm normally asleep before I eat dinner...at least for now. After mom spent some time on our travel book and the BUG website (backpackers ultimate guide- thanks to Derek for showing me that!) I went downstairs while mom napped to book our ferry to Mykonos....or so I thought. Turns out there's a "strike" today. From my American eyed view....seems to be a "one day protest" as flights and ferries are cancelled, but apparently the tram and metro are still running, yeah, I don't get it either. Wound up booking another night here, and now have a 7am ferry into Mykonos on Thursday morning (the strike apparently has a predetermined end day and will only be for today.) Today will be another get those tan lines back day. A shout out to Miami and my time spent there, even though my tan had faded in the SF summer fog, 2+ hours in the sun yesterday, and my tan lines are very prominent, sweet! Made a buddy in the form of a cute black cat while laying poolside. He even hopped up on my chair...he got a bit warm, so decided to nap under my chair. Wonder if I'll see her today?
Walked around Gylfada. Cute area. There's some graffiti here...but nothing like Athens. Not a huge fan of the architecture....everything is extremely square and angular, not a lot of character, it's like the 70's era buildings of the US....but that's all there is. Everyone has a balcony, and many of them appear to have a fruit orchard on said balcony. More power to the green thumb in ya, I certainly couldn't do it.
As anyone who knows me can attest, not much going on yesterday...hence the blog being created...and caught up. =P gave me something to do...I'm not much one to lay around doing nothing...unless I'm ill.
Still haven't figured out my #%*+^ cell phone. I now have a SIM card...but it's locked. What is it with these stupid lock codes for crimminies sake?!! First I had to pay to get the iPhone unlocked, now I've got instructions babbled in Greek to unlock the goofball SIM card....time to make a bilingual friend! Hope to be up and running by days end...we shall see. There's a Lebanese restaurant in the area which I intend to check out. SF I believe Greece has you on this one...I have yet to see a Lebanese restaurant in the city. 10:15 here, 2nd breakfast of the day consumed (coffee and yogurt with honey) time to slather on the sunscreen don a bikini and check out the sister hotel down the road. Sleep well SF.
Woke up early (6am) had breakfast, took a nap after, had a second breakfast (apparently I'm turning into a hobbit) though I'm normally asleep before I eat dinner...at least for now. After mom spent some time on our travel book and the BUG website (backpackers ultimate guide- thanks to Derek for showing me that!) I went downstairs while mom napped to book our ferry to Mykonos....or so I thought. Turns out there's a "strike" today. From my American eyed view....seems to be a "one day protest" as flights and ferries are cancelled, but apparently the tram and metro are still running, yeah, I don't get it either. Wound up booking another night here, and now have a 7am ferry into Mykonos on Thursday morning (the strike apparently has a predetermined end day and will only be for today.) Today will be another get those tan lines back day. A shout out to Miami and my time spent there, even though my tan had faded in the SF summer fog, 2+ hours in the sun yesterday, and my tan lines are very prominent, sweet! Made a buddy in the form of a cute black cat while laying poolside. He even hopped up on my chair...he got a bit warm, so decided to nap under my chair. Wonder if I'll see her today?
Walked around Gylfada. Cute area. There's some graffiti here...but nothing like Athens. Not a huge fan of the architecture....everything is extremely square and angular, not a lot of character, it's like the 70's era buildings of the US....but that's all there is. Everyone has a balcony, and many of them appear to have a fruit orchard on said balcony. More power to the green thumb in ya, I certainly couldn't do it.
As anyone who knows me can attest, not much going on yesterday...hence the blog being created...and caught up. =P gave me something to do...I'm not much one to lay around doing nothing...unless I'm ill.
Still haven't figured out my #%*+^ cell phone. I now have a SIM card...but it's locked. What is it with these stupid lock codes for crimminies sake?!! First I had to pay to get the iPhone unlocked, now I've got instructions babbled in Greek to unlock the goofball SIM card....time to make a bilingual friend! Hope to be up and running by days end...we shall see. There's a Lebanese restaurant in the area which I intend to check out. SF I believe Greece has you on this one...I have yet to see a Lebanese restaurant in the city. 10:15 here, 2nd breakfast of the day consumed (coffee and yogurt with honey) time to slather on the sunscreen don a bikini and check out the sister hotel down the road. Sleep well SF.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The acropolis. AKA 2nd day in Greece
Before we get to the culture....a few travel tips:
When deliriously tired I suggest you spare your exhausted brain cells from the following:
1) figuring out balcony doors...apparently with the handle pointed toward the floor...yes it actually is supposed to open from the top and look (to my American eyes) as if it's coming off the hinges...on a good note, I didn't actually break anything....just looked like a dofus when I asked for an assist the next morning, I can live with that...
2) some toilets with silver buttons on top....need to be pulled, not pushed....this, I managed to break...so even though I'm on the 3rd floor, and the hotel bathrooms are 4 floors down....I used them for the evening...call it self inflicted punishment for being a moron, or me doing my best to be kind to the poor soul who would need to deal with it at some point....seemed to me, midnight wasn't that time.
Woke up early, grabbed breakfast, and headed out to the tram (for the SF peeps, read MUNI...the trains, not the bus) rode that for about 20 stops and transferred to the Metro (read BART) for 2 stops.... Side note, Greece has to be the most trusting laid back country I've ever been in! No custom forms to fill out when I landed, and the metro "gate" is a scanner set up by the stairs, not a turnstile in sight...rumor has it there's an €85 fine if you're caught....I have yet to see anyone writing tickets...another random point of excitement for me, I can drink the water! Given the majority of my travel has been in Mexico, central and south America....this is actually very exciting and liberating for me...oh the little things. =P
So for a €1.40 I was able to travel the 11 miles from the hotel to the acropolis stop on the metro...yes, the name is that captain obvious, thank goodness. As is finding where you're supposed to head when you get out of the station...look up, the pillars, yeah, that's where you're going. I'm in awe I've got to admit. We can't get an electronic device to last a decade, yet, these stand centuries later...and a few of the amphitheaters, are still in use today. The language is older than I can fathom...the Gods, philosophers and empires I loved reading about made all this...and I get to be in it. Awesome. I need to google Greece vs. Incan time periods to see how he global history lines up.
There is grafiti EVERYWHERE...seriously, I feel if I stand still a bit too long, I run the risk of being tagged. Thankfully the ancient Greek structures are fenced off, and remain unscathed...or are quickly cleaned, not sure which is true. Sadly, this isn't the case for the bizantine churches. They're open to the public, and still used for services (again, so cool) they also aren't safe from spray paint...which I find extremely disheartening...murals,tagged, bridges, banks, trees, fountains..you name it, it's spray painted.
Walked through the flea market, and street vendors. Stopped at a sidewalk cafe for a gyro, local beer (mythos) and some Greek yogurt with peaches (yum) met a guy from Algeria who's here looking for work. He's taught himself English via rap songs...so, for those who love the stuff, you can now officially say: it's educational....I guess. Great guy, we're now connected on facebook. I look forward to seeing him using his degree in an amazing career soon.
While we were sitting in a square soaking up some sun waiting for our new friend to come back from getting a sim card.(thanks for the help on that!) mumcicle was propositioned...we think. Couldn't understand a word he was saying (tried both English and Spanish, no dice) but through his, ahem, shall we say "interesting" hand gestures....pretty sure he was suggesting the horizontal hokey pokey with mom....though his white shirt was a shade of grey, he took out a newspaper and laid it on the cement prior to sitting next to mom, and attempting to accomplish...honestly, not really sure what...but I found it funny regardless.
Got back to the hotel around 8:30, and the sun was just beginning to set. I was out within 15 minutes, still fully dressed.
When deliriously tired I suggest you spare your exhausted brain cells from the following:
1) figuring out balcony doors...apparently with the handle pointed toward the floor...yes it actually is supposed to open from the top and look (to my American eyes) as if it's coming off the hinges...on a good note, I didn't actually break anything....just looked like a dofus when I asked for an assist the next morning, I can live with that...
2) some toilets with silver buttons on top....need to be pulled, not pushed....this, I managed to break...so even though I'm on the 3rd floor, and the hotel bathrooms are 4 floors down....I used them for the evening...call it self inflicted punishment for being a moron, or me doing my best to be kind to the poor soul who would need to deal with it at some point....seemed to me, midnight wasn't that time.
Woke up early, grabbed breakfast, and headed out to the tram (for the SF peeps, read MUNI...the trains, not the bus) rode that for about 20 stops and transferred to the Metro (read BART) for 2 stops.... Side note, Greece has to be the most trusting laid back country I've ever been in! No custom forms to fill out when I landed, and the metro "gate" is a scanner set up by the stairs, not a turnstile in sight...rumor has it there's an €85 fine if you're caught....I have yet to see anyone writing tickets...another random point of excitement for me, I can drink the water! Given the majority of my travel has been in Mexico, central and south America....this is actually very exciting and liberating for me...oh the little things. =P
So for a €1.40 I was able to travel the 11 miles from the hotel to the acropolis stop on the metro...yes, the name is that captain obvious, thank goodness. As is finding where you're supposed to head when you get out of the station...look up, the pillars, yeah, that's where you're going. I'm in awe I've got to admit. We can't get an electronic device to last a decade, yet, these stand centuries later...and a few of the amphitheaters, are still in use today. The language is older than I can fathom...the Gods, philosophers and empires I loved reading about made all this...and I get to be in it. Awesome. I need to google Greece vs. Incan time periods to see how he global history lines up.
There is grafiti EVERYWHERE...seriously, I feel if I stand still a bit too long, I run the risk of being tagged. Thankfully the ancient Greek structures are fenced off, and remain unscathed...or are quickly cleaned, not sure which is true. Sadly, this isn't the case for the bizantine churches. They're open to the public, and still used for services (again, so cool) they also aren't safe from spray paint...which I find extremely disheartening...murals,tagged, bridges, banks, trees, fountains..you name it, it's spray painted.
Walked through the flea market, and street vendors. Stopped at a sidewalk cafe for a gyro, local beer (mythos) and some Greek yogurt with peaches (yum) met a guy from Algeria who's here looking for work. He's taught himself English via rap songs...so, for those who love the stuff, you can now officially say: it's educational....I guess. Great guy, we're now connected on facebook. I look forward to seeing him using his degree in an amazing career soon.
While we were sitting in a square soaking up some sun waiting for our new friend to come back from getting a sim card.(thanks for the help on that!) mumcicle was propositioned...we think. Couldn't understand a word he was saying (tried both English and Spanish, no dice) but through his, ahem, shall we say "interesting" hand gestures....pretty sure he was suggesting the horizontal hokey pokey with mom....though his white shirt was a shade of grey, he took out a newspaper and laid it on the cement prior to sitting next to mom, and attempting to accomplish...honestly, not really sure what...but I found it funny regardless.
Got back to the hotel around 8:30, and the sun was just beginning to set. I was out within 15 minutes, still fully dressed.
Travel day 1
Flew in to JFK via a redeye last night (May 6th) oh thank you to the creator of ambien...and to the old jay oh bee for extending my medical coverage so I could get a prescription! Slept for 4 hours(ish) and feel ready to take on the apple....okay technically visit a fun city once again after a long overdue absence. =P
Took the shuttle to grand central station, showed mom around...she hadn't been to New York since she was a teenager. Hopped on the subway up to times square...again. Did the quick walk about thing, then onward to battery park to visit friends.
Had a great visit, picked up some sunglasses for $5.00 (thank you New York street vendor!) and yes, somehow I managed to pack my sunglasses case...empty, yup, great move on my part..
Sadly. Missed out on seeing a few friends as I had no cell phone (suspending the US number till I'm in the states again) being "unplugged" is an odd feeling in this day and age...overall, though a fun start to a journey I'm excited to be on.
Took the shuttle to grand central station, showed mom around...she hadn't been to New York since she was a teenager. Hopped on the subway up to times square...again. Did the quick walk about thing, then onward to battery park to visit friends.
Had a great visit, picked up some sunglasses for $5.00 (thank you New York street vendor!) and yes, somehow I managed to pack my sunglasses case...empty, yup, great move on my part..
Sadly. Missed out on seeing a few friends as I had no cell phone (suspending the US number till I'm in the states again) being "unplugged" is an odd feeling in this day and age...overall, though a fun start to a journey I'm excited to be on.
Day 2...aka, I have decided Delta blows monkey chunks
No Delta, I don't love the way you fly, and I'll show you why. Got into sfo on May 6th around 8ish, checked in for leg one of the B2B red eyes with a 9 hour layover thrown in for giggles. (I'm unemployed people, got the ambien prescription, and took the red eyes with a grain of preparation...so I thought.)
Bags, checked through to Athens, coolio...me, not allowed, still not clear on the why this is so front (please see post heading, Delta = SUCK!) But hey whatever, last I heard one must be in the airport to get your boarding pass for an international flight...and as I'll be in JFK as of 6am (local time) getting a window to pass out in for the following 8 hours...surely an easily filled request. Yeah, not so much. Thankfully, got a window into jfk, so was able to sleep there, however 5hours of sleep in a 48 hour period....far from ok for this gal.
No thanks to Delta gate agent who apparently thought it would be uber cute to stuff us mid row (between 2 rather large...very nice people, don't get me wrong, but in coach on an overnight and I don't know you....umm I'd like at minimum the entirety of the seat I've paid for...) not clear how, may we please have a window and an aisle seat translated to let's put you in chiropractic hell for the next leg of your flight, when you're likely the first to check in...but clearly...it did.... Maybe I should've tried speaking in Greek...if only I knew it.
Delirious to the point of tears, I shot off a (kindly worded) nasty gram to idiotic Delta...they replied by sending me a $50 credit...goody jackasses...you don't offer in flight upgrades, and that doesn't even cover a change fee...and as you clearly missed it the first time I said it (seems to be a common Delta issue...not listening) I will go out of my way to fly with any other carrier...so golly gee thanks for a completely useless "apology"
If anyone out there reading this wants the redemption code...it's yours...and best wishes on your flight. I suggest you demand a copy of the seating configuration when given your boarding pass...to be safe.
On the room for vodka side of this 1/2 empty glass. I'm in Greece! And have plenty of time to catch up on sleep by the ocean. Beauty of an extended trip, time isn't something I'm racing against. Cheers and g'night to that. =] the drive to the hotel was very similar to the drive into Cabo, lots of 1/2 built graffitied buildings, and low shrubs. Gas is about a $1.00 cheaper here. €1.67/liter...with the conversion, that's in the $3.00 range...and liters are larger than gallons...the hotel is 1/2 a block to the beach, and breakfast is included. Yay!
I umm, slept from 2pm till midnight, got up, took an ambien, (again thank you pharmacy gods) and went back to sleep. Was up again at 7am, and ready to start my day. (more on that in the next post) Woo who to kicking the ickball flight in the tush, and seeing jet lag in the rearview mirror.
Bags, checked through to Athens, coolio...me, not allowed, still not clear on the why this is so front (please see post heading, Delta = SUCK!) But hey whatever, last I heard one must be in the airport to get your boarding pass for an international flight...and as I'll be in JFK as of 6am (local time) getting a window to pass out in for the following 8 hours...surely an easily filled request. Yeah, not so much. Thankfully, got a window into jfk, so was able to sleep there, however 5hours of sleep in a 48 hour period....far from ok for this gal.
No thanks to Delta gate agent who apparently thought it would be uber cute to stuff us mid row (between 2 rather large...very nice people, don't get me wrong, but in coach on an overnight and I don't know you....umm I'd like at minimum the entirety of the seat I've paid for...) not clear how, may we please have a window and an aisle seat translated to let's put you in chiropractic hell for the next leg of your flight, when you're likely the first to check in...but clearly...it did.... Maybe I should've tried speaking in Greek...if only I knew it.
Delirious to the point of tears, I shot off a (kindly worded) nasty gram to idiotic Delta...they replied by sending me a $50 credit...goody jackasses...you don't offer in flight upgrades, and that doesn't even cover a change fee...and as you clearly missed it the first time I said it (seems to be a common Delta issue...not listening) I will go out of my way to fly with any other carrier...so golly gee thanks for a completely useless "apology"
If anyone out there reading this wants the redemption code...it's yours...and best wishes on your flight. I suggest you demand a copy of the seating configuration when given your boarding pass...to be safe.
On the room for vodka side of this 1/2 empty glass. I'm in Greece! And have plenty of time to catch up on sleep by the ocean. Beauty of an extended trip, time isn't something I'm racing against. Cheers and g'night to that. =] the drive to the hotel was very similar to the drive into Cabo, lots of 1/2 built graffitied buildings, and low shrubs. Gas is about a $1.00 cheaper here. €1.67/liter...with the conversion, that's in the $3.00 range...and liters are larger than gallons...the hotel is 1/2 a block to the beach, and breakfast is included. Yay!
I umm, slept from 2pm till midnight, got up, took an ambien, (again thank you pharmacy gods) and went back to sleep. Was up again at 7am, and ready to start my day. (more on that in the next post) Woo who to kicking the ickball flight in the tush, and seeing jet lag in the rearview mirror.
Going back a few days...
Mick Jagger and I disagree, I believe you do get what you want...sometimes, you might not realize it...nor does it always come in the package one expects...but, come it does, if you open your eyes, and are willing to see things from a non typical point of view.
I've always wanted to travel...and not some at most 14 day trip where you're rushing to fit everything in between checking work emails. (don't lie America... You know being 100% unplugged only happens when the WiFi's out...and it makes you twitchy)
So when I was denied the chance to transfer into another role (that didn't report directly to the screaming meamie I once called boss) though sad to leave the remaining 99% of the company...leave I did.
With a tax return, severance package, a recently retired mom, who's very content to spend the one day inheritance together and a very desirable sublet location... The package that looked like being fired, turned into the gift of liberation, and the world travel I've always desired...and frankly, I just wasn't yet in the mood to get behind a desk again.
I did a bit of research, and discovered, Greece has the best climate in May...and isn't yet overrun by tourist season. Ticket booked through July...and no, I'm not yet sure where the universe and I will be creating my living wage when I return stateside...though I have complete faith, that package will show up wrapped in a cool little mystery with love from planet earth...when I'm ready to see it.
I've always wanted to travel...and not some at most 14 day trip where you're rushing to fit everything in between checking work emails. (don't lie America... You know being 100% unplugged only happens when the WiFi's out...and it makes you twitchy)
So when I was denied the chance to transfer into another role (that didn't report directly to the screaming meamie I once called boss) though sad to leave the remaining 99% of the company...leave I did.
With a tax return, severance package, a recently retired mom, who's very content to spend the one day inheritance together and a very desirable sublet location... The package that looked like being fired, turned into the gift of liberation, and the world travel I've always desired...and frankly, I just wasn't yet in the mood to get behind a desk again.
I did a bit of research, and discovered, Greece has the best climate in May...and isn't yet overrun by tourist season. Ticket booked through July...and no, I'm not yet sure where the universe and I will be creating my living wage when I return stateside...though I have complete faith, that package will show up wrapped in a cool little mystery with love from planet earth...when I'm ready to see it.
Yep, I've finally done it...
Facebook buddies, this is for you. No more B2B posts on the newsfeed. If you're interested, you can browse...if not, no worries..it will no longer be clogging your newsfeed. ;) cheers all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)