tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24204014724618503382024-02-21T00:15:05.791+02:00CRETAN CHRONICLES"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful,
we must carry it with us or we find it not."
Ralph Waldo EmersonMelanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-54826646429335627912010-12-13T15:06:00.000+02:002010-12-13T15:06:24.713+02:00ANNOUNCING NEW BLOG ADDRESS!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey all,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We've moved to </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.cretanchronicles.wordpress.com</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">/ Come check out the new blogs! ( Don't worry, the old ones are there, too!) Enjoy </span>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-75398320465763431512010-11-17T20:46:00.004+02:002010-11-17T20:51:17.796+02:00AUTUMN MUSINGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When autumn arrives, the oppressive heat of summer departs and takes with it the tourists. And every living thing on the island seems to breathe a collective sigh of relief. It looks like Spring here</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - the rains have nourished the parched land and it's green again. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flowers and fruits are lush and abundant, the newborn lambs are frisky and there is a heightened sense of activity as the locals prepare for grape and olive harvesting.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though this is technically our second autumn here, we are seeing it through the new eyes of "normalcy". Last year we had just arrived on the island (September 18th to be exact) and were still adjusting to our new home. Everything was so wildly different; exciting and bewildering at the same time. Now we are able to relax and take it all in as part of our lives here. As I write this, the grapes are fermenting in their casks, the chestnuts are gathered and now the countryside is humming with the sound of olive harvester rods.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The process of gathering olives is tremendously hard work that involves everyone in the family as well as many</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> immigrants from Bulgaria and northern parts. The olive trees are dripping with the "fruit of the gods" and there is something about these olives that bring out a a sense of Cretan national pride. After all, the best olive oil in the world is claimed to come from Crete and certainly the Cretans have had plenty of centuries to perfect the industry. Even the ancient Minoans (2000 BC) appreciated the olive for its divine properties.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that is perhaps the most interesting and sometimes astounding revelation we've experienced here in this past year - the generous mix of history, myth and religion all blended into centuries of superstition, devotion and traditions that make Crete, uniquely Crete. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is truly<i> "the quintessential land of such fusions."</i> (Barry Unsworth,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Crete</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nowhere is this phenomenon more evident than in the little villages tucked into the hills and hanging off the mountain slopes of inland Crete. When passing through these villages preferably by foot or bike, it's often surprising to my foreign eyes, to see the startling blend of neglect and nurture. The animals are skinny and mangy-looking, the roads are wrought with potholes, the houses are crumbling and the infrastrucure is make-shift but the patios are freshly washed, the laundry is done, the vegetable gardens and orchards are carefully tended and the chapels are pristine.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl1ZEz2zKTmOE-nsuh18BWd5xK4qxsEnNG15GbYTJndntE02y1GpIiEcm9g3e2uL60z68Leuz2EtvE9-mpEo7xBr-1xOKIWzD8mGQ2pi32GxTyKfZXo0FWrhdsWBdrenKeOwUttR8q34/s1600/DSCN4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl1ZEz2zKTmOE-nsuh18BWd5xK4qxsEnNG15GbYTJndntE02y1GpIiEcm9g3e2uL60z68Leuz2EtvE9-mpEo7xBr-1xOKIWzD8mGQ2pi32GxTyKfZXo0FWrhdsWBdrenKeOwUttR8q34/s400/DSCN4283.JPG" width="300" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barry Unsworth describes in his travel chronicle, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Crete,</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a typical sight. <i>"These village churches have an air of complete and utter tranquility. They are swept and clean, the beveled red roof tiles are repaired or replaced, the walls are white-washed, there are well-tended gardens all around. Often enough you see no one, but the care of some hand is everywhere evident, a blend of the devotional and the domestic, cats and fig trees and icons all mixed in together. Never a formal garden, no sense of elaboration, no concept of dignifying the space around, but a gardener's care for plants for their own sake, and for what they might yield, the lemon, the fig, and the almond growing among trees planted only for their flowers or the beauty of their shape." </i> In other words, the only things under constant repair and close management seem to be the kitchens and the chapels, each a testimony to the importance of family and church in this culture. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are often asked the question, "How has living in Crete changed you?" Patience, tolerance and wonderful friendships are all gifts we've been given. But to put it in a nutshell, we'd have to respond that we've learned to depend on God more and on things less. We all live in a world of constant, and sometimes frantic, change and Crete adds the element of unpredictability so it can be exasperating at times. We survive those days by remembering two words - BREATHE and PRAY! And then reframe and look at things differently. We've learned to not look too closly at the surroundings. It's a much prettier sight when your gaze is focused on larger vistas rather than the trash beneath your feet. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Afternoon sun on cliffs of Stavros</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chestnuts</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Falasarna Beach in November</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wild thyme in bloom</span></td></tr>
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, at this moment I sit and absorb all the things going on around me and I realize it's the simple things in God's creation that I enjoy the most. The autumn sky is defined by an array of clouds that are absent all summer, the pink-blossomed wild thyme bushes decorate the hillsides, the dry brown earth under the olive trees has been replaced by a carpet of bright green clover, the sea is a deeper shade of blue, the beaches are empty, the afternoon sun paints the cliffs of Stavros a brilliant shade of copper and a herd of sheep follows its shepherd down from the hills. And as I close my eyes, the soft tinkling of their bells lulls me to sleep.</span>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-67886375225092320362010-11-14T23:25:00.053+02:002010-11-17T19:30:59.810+02:00Crane House B & B<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I</span>n September 2<span class="Apple-style-span">010, we rounded our first year of living in Hania, Crete. This adventure has truly been a once in a lifetime experience packed full of surprises. Emersing ourselves into the local culture has given us the opportunity to enjoy many beautiful moments as well as a few frustrating trials. Such is life anywhere. Now we look forward to maximizing our last year here by living each day to its fullest. And what better way to do that than enjoy the company of each other and good friends.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHuL4hsYUyImfi149aHszmdLtb8lF8CqAGrr2j3Hdxxb82q5lYWr9VQuXS__NUdFPzIuoHVxfQFKcs95RE_9H-8E4ZcbISPFuCwk6VqLzLiHk7TCRfhXau4xTH8uakaMM_FPMnwsSd_k/s1600/DSCN6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHuL4hsYUyImfi149aHszmdLtb8lF8CqAGrr2j3Hdxxb82q5lYWr9VQuXS__NUdFPzIuoHVxfQFKcs95RE_9H-8E4ZcbISPFuCwk6VqLzLiHk7TCRfhXau4xTH8uakaMM_FPMnwsSd_k/s640/DSCN6353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">This autumn we had a full schedule of dear friends from the States that blessed us with their visits. First off the plane was the Nelson family from Kentucky. Lindsey and his wife, Anne and three kids (Brianna, Tessa and Rowan) were great fun! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We had some memorable times together (see previous grape-stomping blog) including a day wandering around the old port of Hania.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4VtoB56O36ihqXPjxYnBIfK_xUiRzphpEtkMVjSeBSICIL715yj6Lxm7OMXUzt4WrAmbVBxF360YW44kAnjDY0yyrz_N9ZZUEDfP-GA2rEFof1RBC9CVB9JHjXGG7qCPfQPr0e2o-f8/s1600/DSCN6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4VtoB56O36ihqXPjxYnBIfK_xUiRzphpEtkMVjSeBSICIL715yj6Lxm7OMXUzt4WrAmbVBxF360YW44kAnjDY0yyrz_N9ZZUEDfP-GA2rEFof1RBC9CVB9JHjXGG7qCPfQPr0e2o-f8/s640/DSCN6346.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHuL4hsYUyImfi149aHszmdLtb8lF8CqAGrr2j3Hdxxb82q5lYWr9VQuXS__NUdFPzIuoHVxfQFKcs95RE_9H-8E4ZcbISPFuCwk6VqLzLiHk7TCRfhXau4xTH8uakaMM_FPMnwsSd_k/s1600/DSCN6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Richard especially enjoyed seeing his "old" buddy "Nelson". They go a loooong way back and Lindsey was in our wedding.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMyiEuZDHxerxP4g8oCnvQbrakA-Vf9clnm2NjoFWAnhiednThAulZRG9yFn4qFeTvLwlGQl3U98Fhc1XS0SFvvFZ4XGnXPLIQZRMSrFmR7R8oSwNOwUodCRC5Q4FexUTGZQkSWvtaTA/s1600/DSCN6331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMyiEuZDHxerxP4g8oCnvQbrakA-Vf9clnm2NjoFWAnhiednThAulZRG9yFn4qFeTvLwlGQl3U98Fhc1XS0SFvvFZ4XGnXPLIQZRMSrFmR7R8oSwNOwUodCRC5Q4FexUTGZQkSWvtaTA/s640/DSCN6331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWVVaNYEc5Ajfb4gu_ZqMa9I_NYdCE2fsC2bPPxHXx316o3_d40mbXo4891lC2HNC1yO0I-1r20kQ_FOusO4enN2mvBqGEYwMoPwB5BH-7xr2w3xv34qu_d5s-3dBAjPdz8PY25LZEGk/s1600/DSCN6342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWVVaNYEc5Ajfb4gu_ZqMa9I_NYdCE2fsC2bPPxHXx316o3_d40mbXo4891lC2HNC1yO0I-1r20kQ_FOusO4enN2mvBqGEYwMoPwB5BH-7xr2w3xv34qu_d5s-3dBAjPdz8PY25LZEGk/s640/DSCN6342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The marina at the harbor is always a fun place to explore or just hang out. Those buildings behind us used to house Venetian ships in the 15th & 16th centuries. Originally the entire marina was lined with these giant structures but most fell to ruin. Now some of the lucky ones have been restored as museums, exhibit halls or event centers.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOaX2pd3BiBnyVuW4UdqdlXlC-ed427DG19y_A_o4CjoqZk1qPbEiTCImR9OcrNZhr6KdsoEBMr4ABCMNrQCUPuYbWz1COXMPqofygXxVCYa2aD0J4p2ytuUgFu2mngjEXcOIqJwQbKk/s1600/DSCN6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOaX2pd3BiBnyVuW4UdqdlXlC-ed427DG19y_A_o4CjoqZk1qPbEiTCImR9OcrNZhr6KdsoEBMr4ABCMNrQCUPuYbWz1COXMPqofygXxVCYa2aD0J4p2ytuUgFu2mngjEXcOIqJwQbKk/s640/DSCN6328.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHuL4hsYUyImfi149aHszmdLtb8lF8CqAGrr2j3Hdxxb82q5lYWr9VQuXS__NUdFPzIuoHVxfQFKcs95RE_9H-8E4ZcbISPFuCwk6VqLzLiHk7TCRfhXau4xTH8uakaMM_FPMnwsSd_k/s1600/DSCN6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Another outing with the Nelsons included a boat ride to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay.</span></span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The Nelsons wasted no time getting settled in to the local beach and taverna scene. Thanks for coming, you guys. It was really great to see you! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSVl3FGd5p_p4tkYLvn45_uevRUkH1xe3xCYMWXiXAO7wp1qkUHHMLKsZtjp-_hnpk4JPEJbKym6Dqx-Lsmp5xkz960N28CWKJ1PESLSyj5Rj81xeLInive0EdlEd-1AX0SF1x0xcMEI/s1600/DSCN6340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSVl3FGd5p_p4tkYLvn45_uevRUkH1xe3xCYMWXiXAO7wp1qkUHHMLKsZtjp-_hnpk4JPEJbKym6Dqx-Lsmp5xkz960N28CWKJ1PESLSyj5Rj81xeLInive0EdlEd-1AX0SF1x0xcMEI/s640/DSCN6340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Next off the boat (literally - off the ferry from Santorini) were Mel's girlfriend Gil (AKA Gertie) and her sister Leslee (AKA Lola). First stop, dinner and a visit to a local wine cellar where they sampled their first taste of raki. (This photo must have been taken BEFORE their first sip because they're still smiling and their eyes aren't watering!)</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfXIbI4JUInMuCgnhFs8dMRqEoqbW7wRmcHcUgTpgZ0jFCiSx0qBqlr2o5ArcfXf92Su-dr6iMyx2NofQ-LkQ1vHVVpRRtb8hZZLnap7R57EqTZTKkLBp_yIfPcAxZ7WdSuNmIx5r61w/s1600/DSCN6482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfXIbI4JUInMuCgnhFs8dMRqEoqbW7wRmcHcUgTpgZ0jFCiSx0qBqlr2o5ArcfXf92Su-dr6iMyx2NofQ-LkQ1vHVVpRRtb8hZZLnap7R57EqTZTKkLBp_yIfPcAxZ7WdSuNmIx5r61w/s640/DSCN6482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The three girls spent a relaxing day in Hania's old city shopping and visiting Mel's (Mabel) friend's art studio.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqp4riBMXVxrwgzQhCPlsuC80Yo3d2mZpMxf_0dMmPq8_8aRWHJASjM_48eauSjdPvY1r_Y4Kwj9X7o2q2zo62jv1srFRAGl4_TNfkE7nqrWpR-9E_LiXXshwHimGR3tzuWEoK5iX1Iw/s1600/DSCN6500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqp4riBMXVxrwgzQhCPlsuC80Yo3d2mZpMxf_0dMmPq8_8aRWHJASjM_48eauSjdPvY1r_Y4Kwj9X7o2q2zo62jv1srFRAGl4_TNfkE7nqrWpR-9E_LiXXshwHimGR3tzuWEoK5iX1Iw/s640/DSCN6500.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">By far, the highlight of the girls' visit was a road trip to Paleohora on the south coast where we stayed a couple of days doing some serious beach time, tiki hut meditation (OK that's really just fancy wording for hanging out on the beach and doing nothing)..... </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span">...and raising our glasses to every sunset and every memory we made together that day.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">After leaving Paleohora behind, we drove along the beautiful west coast road and leaded north to to Falasarna. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We pulled into the Panorama Taverna just in time to toast yet another grand display of God's creation.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Lola, Mabel and Gertie made a vow to keep </span><i><b>laughing</b></i><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><i>("who are you and why is your arm around my shoulder?")</i><span class="Apple-style-span">, </span><b>loving </b><i>(in spite of wrinkles and cellulite) </i><span class="Apple-style-span">and </span><b>learning</b><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><i>(thongs used to be something you wore on your FEET to the beach)</i><span class="Apple-style-span">. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Stini yiasas" and skinny bottoms to you, girls!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipO9LY0fQN3QX3RwpmWJa-PtFUHHMMmeIeeH7pDbpqAGGGacc_lSIUFHsTnCo1L-UgmetDTHvQdndYJkGYlv_uW9fQn8Vw2Ydx6OxEmtMZNntOCX_cP5ESwWkbuC8TeB6V-H6MI6MSQJo/s1600/DSCN6554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipO9LY0fQN3QX3RwpmWJa-PtFUHHMMmeIeeH7pDbpqAGGGacc_lSIUFHsTnCo1L-UgmetDTHvQdndYJkGYlv_uW9fQn8Vw2Ydx6OxEmtMZNntOCX_cP5ESwWkbuC8TeB6V-H6MI6MSQJo/s640/DSCN6554.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Thankfully, Mel didn't have much time to feel sad about Leslee and Gil's departure because a little over a week later the Lafata's from Colorado arrived. We had a blast together doing all kinds of couples activities including dinners out, sightseeing and traveling.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdSHuciGc4Idl6xizUk8l3Nlu5_OdO3Np8VJB3mCpIPWOGM0e-fLGLlbqRA44Dr267BEuRXzKE6AUzWbK5R83NS1ZPF1DlWrtBGMe-IFFGBpauPfRJig6O51Z9v5DOVqun9u0rS_pL3w/s1600/DSCN6652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdSHuciGc4Idl6xizUk8l3Nlu5_OdO3Np8VJB3mCpIPWOGM0e-fLGLlbqRA44Dr267BEuRXzKE6AUzWbK5R83NS1ZPF1DlWrtBGMe-IFFGBpauPfRJig6O51Z9v5DOVqun9u0rS_pL3w/s640/DSCN6652.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We spent a couple of days and nights in Paleohora where we had lots of laughs and great fun. One memory included renting four P.O.S. bikes from a chauvanistic Greek ("Sorry, ladies, this is Greece so the men get served first.") and riding up a steep gorge to the little village of Amidri where our labors were rewarded with phenomenal views and food at a charming taverna. The trip DOWN was hugely popular with the girls.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We also rode the bikes to the Venetian fortress and took photos of the village and the pebble beach of Paleohora from the top. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj7TcmKg7CitKfxGrPZcQExbQ5A3WSzOG7xHL9r4en1zfmLynX7P8KEnC33eYB8vvhcKC9VBPmd2PKGOj7bKanc4WeLoBIi4z6HZAcwTRLcrm8zlE-Rv92snTVkOHzWggeaYBNEgGDJ8/s1600/DSCN5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj7TcmKg7CitKfxGrPZcQExbQ5A3WSzOG7xHL9r4en1zfmLynX7P8KEnC33eYB8vvhcKC9VBPmd2PKGOj7bKanc4WeLoBIi4z6HZAcwTRLcrm8zlE-Rv92snTVkOHzWggeaYBNEgGDJ8/s640/DSCN5577.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Our last day there warmed up enough to jump in the water at Gialiskari Beach where laying on the black pebbles warmed by the sun felt like a spa treatment. Tony and Kristi were wonderful friends to share some of this island with and we wish they could have stayed longer!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRQvFyNK5XI97vNlLoSuwPjJcr0rZ-4T_uQNAjY5Dn86uKT7bPL6mVSNoLXbuWvTi4_QKlaIGlycLio8Z_FpvJ9dCJ51FOphhaRtQMvfAiudx41j_Pz7InH_6lciqX1Mh-7Vn6fbqdsI/s1600/DSCN6509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRQvFyNK5XI97vNlLoSuwPjJcr0rZ-4T_uQNAjY5Dn86uKT7bPL6mVSNoLXbuWvTi4_QKlaIGlycLio8Z_FpvJ9dCJ51FOphhaRtQMvfAiudx41j_Pz7InH_6lciqX1Mh-7Vn6fbqdsI/s640/DSCN6509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Positively, the best part about having visitors was that they each brought a taste of special friendships from home. It was such a pleasure to share our piece of paradise with them reminding us that once again, it's not what you do or where you go but who you're with that counts. And if you happen to be with some amazing people doing amazing things in amazing places that's a real bonus! Love you all!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-46782321626706452352010-10-27T09:59:00.063+03:002010-11-15T09:06:01.096+02:00GRAPE STOMPING<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQs9xvixZ6KGQa5myHmds0rEC6es1hhFWhtYwTbiBo0vsQi8OmjxCkktxj1QxWZ9rha2E92DHOBOqHEiLYgzjSk4dnErmZ2KHI_xggm8WxIGo2ySdSzruQZkCO06TGueoJiEtv9PKTcp0/s1600/DSCN6389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQs9xvixZ6KGQa5myHmds0rEC6es1hhFWhtYwTbiBo0vsQi8OmjxCkktxj1QxWZ9rha2E92DHOBOqHEiLYgzjSk4dnErmZ2KHI_xggm8WxIGo2ySdSzruQZkCO06TGueoJiEtv9PKTcp0/s400/DSCN6389.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Autumn time brings more festivals to the island (the Greeks throw parties for nearly everything imaginable!) and this one celebrating the grape harvest took place at Katerina's grandmother's home in a village not far from us. A few friends and neighbors were invited for an old-fashioned traditional grape stomping!</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrKmf0Exxx2bA-RQsJZgOS8KGQigbt-O3ja3mGorCgsCYLYAr06M7-TaAEorHfLq4YOy1l4B44TtBKoUiHBejRCIsbGpyRWbFVXqP6HX9i5buweTYfVyUIJv39w1yOAtlBrqveNS9s9Q/s1600/DSCN6369.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532622702782025682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrKmf0Exxx2bA-RQsJZgOS8KGQigbt-O3ja3mGorCgsCYLYAr06M7-TaAEorHfLq4YOy1l4B44TtBKoUiHBejRCIsbGpyRWbFVXqP6HX9i5buweTYfVyUIJv39w1yOAtlBrqveNS9s9Q/s640/DSCN6369.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">When we arrived the table was laid out with the beginnings of a feast to share. Grapes, Greek cookies, wine and raki were the starters (mezedhes) with more delicious aromas coming from the kitchen inside.</span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsB0D-6wDzLJZBp0Cjxa-k7ZueKpDFH5JAANjSl_k6IZXCyewDUg7H1IoJwkO-DGUSYOa1spfWZfljRv0pHTvLeYEXfdLTOUpRL4YK_5zyiYGu0BsUF7iFZ91rbVFMopc1pPE4JNyINs/s1600/DSCN6375.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532622694936606114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsB0D-6wDzLJZBp0Cjxa-k7ZueKpDFH5JAANjSl_k6IZXCyewDUg7H1IoJwkO-DGUSYOa1spfWZfljRv0pHTvLeYEXfdLTOUpRL4YK_5zyiYGu0BsUF7iFZ91rbVFMopc1pPE4JNyINs/s400/DSCN6375.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">The women were in the kitchen preparing copious amounts of food while the men were outside preparing the grapes and imbibing in some fruit of the vine. Katerina's mom (Katerina) refused any help in the kitchen but she promised me a Greek cooking lesson later.</span></span><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y8IpWg3J0BrAba-IhHNQBgbavtOQB4OztOl3fH9ChR8cFHJ_Mo34XyKimjAeObynbj53N4hipmQVtmWIvMjR6fZoDwkJA6yiXqeFLErkd7YD8UHKpAUnQYff6ryZoMjpLUqdG6DSThE/s1600/DSCN6390.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532622690520208226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y8IpWg3J0BrAba-IhHNQBgbavtOQB4OztOl3fH9ChR8cFHJ_Mo34XyKimjAeObynbj53N4hipmQVtmWIvMjR6fZoDwkJA6yiXqeFLErkd7YD8UHKpAUnQYff6ryZoMjpLUqdG6DSThE/s400/DSCN6390.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Richard has a love-hate relationship with these Cretan critters. Loves the eggs, HATES the roosters. Unfortuately, you can't have one without the other.</span></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5przSSCvHxIlIccIw_64A_shBZJTRkpHYWVO6qiFI-yeOkK39KKxGWIRVbbJ9CF4gPYf9cum5W5Y1gM23ZdbtP4N9KxbSbGibOV4-t8gKZHosGMOVmVvwDnDUCfI3kIRxzwfYi94acPE/s1600/DSCN6384.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532620172915303842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5przSSCvHxIlIccIw_64A_shBZJTRkpHYWVO6qiFI-yeOkK39KKxGWIRVbbJ9CF4gPYf9cum5W5Y1gM23ZdbtP4N9KxbSbGibOV4-t8gKZHosGMOVmVvwDnDUCfI3kIRxzwfYi94acPE/s400/DSCN6384.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #111313; font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #111313;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wine-making involves crushing the grapes in special stone constructions called "</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">patitiria</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">", or wine presses. This can be done by feet or with small machinery. In this case, many feet! We happened to have some guests visiting us from the States (the Nelson family) so they were thrilled to be able to participate.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQznDKAIwvEBMU9zZw7o6H15Y6NDV-wMFj02Z-H1XJTM5scdF5ZttlPTjLey1xC93IsSwz67sd6HZAKMsRFxlo-I3KY-iKlrHcfeDouZwPEk8tlh3hD27saBCJEU52rkm8wv09MyBiEgo/s1600/DSCN6371.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532620168632504882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQznDKAIwvEBMU9zZw7o6H15Y6NDV-wMFj02Z-H1XJTM5scdF5ZttlPTjLey1xC93IsSwz67sd6HZAKMsRFxlo-I3KY-iKlrHcfeDouZwPEk8tlh3hD27saBCJEU52rkm8wv09MyBiEgo/s400/DSCN6371.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The grapes were prepared.....</span></span></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHidgtQ4QBIzu4wS92P-4nQVedTLzkWEX2fYiEDGVDv9DaowJApZ0SbpuwioE-76VK9sidpM8SzmsMV0UHZ08RjJdpV4x19bCaBup8FTdZ3kAwkKuDT5ZPJZ77VUjrSCm8Op0Qr_rJEfU/s1600/DSCN6370.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532620162326623426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHidgtQ4QBIzu4wS92P-4nQVedTLzkWEX2fYiEDGVDv9DaowJApZ0SbpuwioE-76VK9sidpM8SzmsMV0UHZ08RjJdpV4x19bCaBup8FTdZ3kAwkKuDT5ZPJZ77VUjrSCm8Op0Qr_rJEfU/s400/DSCN6370.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...and then we jumped in and started working! </span></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjpXdy0WCAH2KQPUmYtS_VrVnfE8edV5K_8vMsq87HD9mp-dQ7d73X5gu3GfrtRGhdgKAsBHHopW5bBkswQsD6gE5tSj4zmhyp7y-v3Cpq35Dk-VP1JEHsdBdgbfKlLJZkZUdH810JhI/s1600/DSCN6394.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532620159996799250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjpXdy0WCAH2KQPUmYtS_VrVnfE8edV5K_8vMsq87HD9mp-dQ7d73X5gu3GfrtRGhdgKAsBHHopW5bBkswQsD6gE5tSj4zmhyp7y-v3Cpq35Dk-VP1JEHsdBdgbfKlLJZkZUdH810JhI/s400/DSCN6394.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The more the merrier!</span></div></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT33xVWn8FYxqONn-o5U1ASTS2CHg9HPTS9HqLnyHTsNELdI0pN8G64JWFf596Et95eciZed6QjfIvP8BVwyQ3w22PQnKb9f2bX5L-J928N7joKQEwg3F20-zowEG1KTci-_1BgF5odlM/s1600/DSCN6398.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532620152748823314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT33xVWn8FYxqONn-o5U1ASTS2CHg9HPTS9HqLnyHTsNELdI0pN8G64JWFf596Et95eciZed6QjfIvP8BVwyQ3w22PQnKb9f2bX5L-J928N7joKQEwg3F20-zowEG1KTci-_1BgF5odlM/s400/DSCN6398.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbCZrelvFEQwMsrHU4Y788NT07g7SaMOZFs1yf2aZcWnbB57B3JPtb2pThCvAf-DhtVTehxRewsUZWmKgwoetXPeBelCf5WRCo9GwmIdMIshLMR1LELeu_Z0spcXkhPFx4dZ4FwX_LuY/s1600/DSCN6397.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532619168436896690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbCZrelvFEQwMsrHU4Y788NT07g7SaMOZFs1yf2aZcWnbB57B3JPtb2pThCvAf-DhtVTehxRewsUZWmKgwoetXPeBelCf5WRCo9GwmIdMIshLMR1LELeu_Z0spcXkhPFx4dZ4FwX_LuY/s400/DSCN6397.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is that Lucille Ball?</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKty7zQGuICEkxKVc3cMfWDpV6ap8zM79RKIiRY92MjB3wKlp6DcYt-vT83e5cTTbK4Mj0FfPwLDGMwsomBh_bEVZetRRRKOziAd_3aq_pzgo0n295u3HA8IOT7PkZfBIh-XmW9egYclY/s1600/DSCN6404.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532619166252753522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKty7zQGuICEkxKVc3cMfWDpV6ap8zM79RKIiRY92MjB3wKlp6DcYt-vT83e5cTTbK4Mj0FfPwLDGMwsomBh_bEVZetRRRKOziAd_3aq_pzgo0n295u3HA8IOT7PkZfBIh-XmW9egYclY/s400/DSCN6404.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Greek pedicure</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Suv8AnZSZ15zt1z32VruSlg7ElfHnajJPhgkKE2qa5BBdCS1RB5B5kl8ox9U4T8GchsxbdlFsdMiOz6nr6EJXy6PVPfp04aD0Yk_IRJmef6cZr5LIs3L9qMsCm7MbNOpiMhVxrFEbk8/s1600/DSCN6372.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532619158554306754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Suv8AnZSZ15zt1z32VruSlg7ElfHnajJPhgkKE2qa5BBdCS1RB5B5kl8ox9U4T8GchsxbdlFsdMiOz6nr6EJXy6PVPfp04aD0Yk_IRJmef6cZr5LIs3L9qMsCm7MbNOpiMhVxrFEbk8/s400/DSCN6372.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The grape juice runs out through a pipe from the floor of the patitiria, through a strainer and into the wine barrel. It will be aged in wine casts in the cellar.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMdwlaogqo6jOu4BnwH_fW0KsIBt8evI_Bv4Y8B8r6sbMPNKQ_U2Owqb5VAR61qfduKTTFgiYKq4HpQbLKGARczru-gPN83jbIkntGyNnNJ5Udlk17Qxs8InE2rahEQVfWp4GgomWmuo/s1600/DSCN6412.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532619154907890210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMdwlaogqo6jOu4BnwH_fW0KsIBt8evI_Bv4Y8B8r6sbMPNKQ_U2Owqb5VAR61qfduKTTFgiYKq4HpQbLKGARczru-gPN83jbIkntGyNnNJ5Udlk17Qxs8InE2rahEQVfWp4GgomWmuo/s400/DSCN6412.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #111313;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing is wasted. After the vines are pruned, the vineyard provides wood for the fireplace, grape leaves for cooking (the famous Greek "dolmades" – stuffed grape leaves), grapes as a fruit or as a pastry and, of course, wine. The remains in the patitiria,</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">seeds, stems and grape-peels</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> aren't thrown away, rather they are distilled to produce tsikoudia, spirits consumed for centuries in this part of the Mediterranean</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and commonly known as</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> raki - </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a.k.a. Cretan moonshine, mastika, ouzo (anise seed flavor) and sometimes even "jet fuel". </span></span></span></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rODYbAK4-2U3E7WWn8xSZDk6Y_uL99Ct8Jb0izoyQmUhlDpM9ZJ9koX-raGxfFhYWWWglG0jkA4GdVovAcyXGpzvpefOev8sCIBLppAlBiHTHNC5FR61LrvNG7tifa07CgIjqY-BFJ0/s1600/Rakokazano.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532617539029574642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rODYbAK4-2U3E7WWn8xSZDk6Y_uL99Ct8Jb0izoyQmUhlDpM9ZJ9koX-raGxfFhYWWWglG0jkA4GdVovAcyXGpzvpefOev8sCIBLppAlBiHTHNC5FR61LrvNG7tifa07CgIjqY-BFJ0/s400/Rakokazano.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #111313;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">There are many theories as to how this drink got its name but my favorite has Turkish roots. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">During the Turkish occupation of Crete the name raki was given to the local tsikoudia, since there were some similarities. Arak in Arabic means "sweat" and araki means "that which makes one sweat" - no joke. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWwi-DopDmvGiIhsOW91vCkqrMB0r1a8pOYHPKLwN29ewS5-F2T5ggCoOshalwrhhJbNw8HECNMmIE5aJ_GuEU6QjnIvqU68PEspdRPNvFNAsxKnDPlEeKWsII7VOJJSe_f6-1OVgN8k/s1600/DSCN6376.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532617534496212194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWwi-DopDmvGiIhsOW91vCkqrMB0r1a8pOYHPKLwN29ewS5-F2T5ggCoOshalwrhhJbNw8HECNMmIE5aJ_GuEU6QjnIvqU68PEspdRPNvFNAsxKnDPlEeKWsII7VOJJSe_f6-1OVgN8k/s400/DSCN6376.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Richard and friends Lindsey and Don, raise their glasses..bottoms up! Yiamas!! (Cheers!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">)</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazjmIvmjkw8-wiGU7_gmYhKOx2J0lSv16M8Er12t89AfZKYRNj4XZ_e63ilCooDbONAK_uM5tMphbj8rXdguMcn1tN34_C2f7j9xZIOH1_wg7N3AAMCF7ZiXfvMzP4w3-mlL91B4Jm4U/s1600/DSCN6377.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532617529756135202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazjmIvmjkw8-wiGU7_gmYhKOx2J0lSv16M8Er12t89AfZKYRNj4XZ_e63ilCooDbONAK_uM5tMphbj8rXdguMcn1tN34_C2f7j9xZIOH1_wg7N3AAMCF7ZiXfvMzP4w3-mlL91B4Jm4U/s400/DSCN6377.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(A close-up photo would reveal beads of sweat on Richard's forehead and Lindsey's tongue.)</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM57N8DYAoJbr_SAhY9QReMchnxJsnxg5UOpnTf2tZaLClQnwz8ZuwOZV6a-hZAoIOCYTmdXJsEr_hZliNljzHbkTFZ1EQ_Yr43mMUaYXfgUNzCfpkVVknfRNQRdn-06xcgCy0_oLfns/s1600/DSCN6378.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532617525893268482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM57N8DYAoJbr_SAhY9QReMchnxJsnxg5UOpnTf2tZaLClQnwz8ZuwOZV6a-hZAoIOCYTmdXJsEr_hZliNljzHbkTFZ1EQ_Yr43mMUaYXfgUNzCfpkVVknfRNQRdn-06xcgCy0_oLfns/s400/DSCN6378.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After lots of laughter, numerous toasts, and an abundance of good fellowship we finished the evening off with a grand feast. (This photo was taken after we polished most of it off!) </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Kali oreksi! (Bon appetit!) </span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sDQEWmCLVJjdkadpKqCIJ4MhuLnvq4H3gGpmFqN8YsqO6WOz-NYLl38ajQHDvv3TVqe9iW-Zi-nXWfdVg4D5nS1pytQlQhctBlVrNrmrrJ2p5EunDyAg6g_-gxbUmp6Si9fAWRHv9pA/s1600/DSCN6406.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532617515763337538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sDQEWmCLVJjdkadpKqCIJ4MhuLnvq4H3gGpmFqN8YsqO6WOz-NYLl38ajQHDvv3TVqe9iW-Zi-nXWfdVg4D5nS1pytQlQhctBlVrNrmrrJ2p5EunDyAg6g_-gxbUmp6Si9fAWRHv9pA/s400/DSCN6406.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-47614444834979941522010-10-08T13:45:00.010+03:002010-10-27T15:02:53.046+03:00Summer Trip to the States<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><u><br />
</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><u><br />
</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ST. MARY'S </span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SOUTHERN MARYLAND</span></u></span></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W5ltoAk9E3_wc_4Vlf8Jgcnd8vxRoM-t1Lshg2SwzKXlvzDU_8gztIqZLl02v6F57dX5h3_BS-zOOWowaIZJcgTaWRGY8vERBpbhiXrLOR2ZRBtQNMEadscv6AIFhG7iQQRntD-ljb4/s1600/St.+Mary%27s+August+07+002.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525631301087132402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W5ltoAk9E3_wc_4Vlf8Jgcnd8vxRoM-t1Lshg2SwzKXlvzDU_8gztIqZLl02v6F57dX5h3_BS-zOOWowaIZJcgTaWRGY8vERBpbhiXrLOR2ZRBtQNMEadscv6AIFhG7iQQRntD-ljb4/s400/St.+Mary%27s+August+07+002.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 300px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In August, we left the island in the midst of a wave of heat and tourism to escape to the home country for an extended visit. Courtesy of the Navy, we are given one trip a year back home via the "rotator flight" - essentially, a Navy contracted commercial airliner but with a lot more legroom, free movies and meals (?). But the best part is that it stops along the way to refuel and give everyone the pleasure of stretching the old legs and getting some fresh air. It does extend the trip but, we discovered, well worth it.</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After landing in Norfolk, VA, we rented a car and headed up to St. Mary's on the southern tip of Maryland to our favorite private refuge on the East coast - "Larryland" - where Dan and Larry have a spacious, gorgeous cottage on the shore. </span><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84-bRoBdgYFBqbu2CDtHK-wGHWc7ZmSt-i7QUJqZKgtVkxXrcbTdNwgHRxM7cGBx2OHMHPZUHI0-z8ZWYVkyC6pKWA8vLZjyxl8YJ7c43wgpBdWHH29hOKBL695VTUzJ7Hzy4jGaiSSI/s1600/DSCN6142.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525631298197838434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84-bRoBdgYFBqbu2CDtHK-wGHWc7ZmSt-i7QUJqZKgtVkxXrcbTdNwgHRxM7cGBx2OHMHPZUHI0-z8ZWYVkyC6pKWA8vLZjyxl8YJ7c43wgpBdWHH29hOKBL695VTUzJ7Hzy4jGaiSSI/s400/DSCN6142.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed our time catching up with Richard's kids who joined us from Colorado - Chad, Camille and Colette</span><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWluHeiMKh-YJXM4hylJiIv8YDJns-pkEmAWBuN2OnzuNbm-3MTpYlhTxoPcN7H0GY0FZrWr9J5wftO8dB0EOir-DDjnXCmtgEuIn4_wsjZXvu1aBpiWUBVWnlr6TwzEXhCOoeT_ueeeU/s1600/DSCN6152.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525631290925006130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWluHeiMKh-YJXM4hylJiIv8YDJns-pkEmAWBuN2OnzuNbm-3MTpYlhTxoPcN7H0GY0FZrWr9J5wftO8dB0EOir-DDjnXCmtgEuIn4_wsjZXvu1aBpiWUBVWnlr6TwzEXhCOoeT_ueeeU/s400/DSCN6152.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chad and Richard. (Love the custom "Larryland" t-shirts!)</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66yEnDRpcFvufCbk13y28OABfovwAsojU-MEigFKFbDNymuZntRH_ZrKWcCk2soEee0yVGfpm6M481BgaRviki9ZIrzBlw6Lj4m4P9eDz60fvUNHwVamyk-pNM99uMnSG1sW6TACZcis/s1600/DSCN6108.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525631289241751138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66yEnDRpcFvufCbk13y28OABfovwAsojU-MEigFKFbDNymuZntRH_ZrKWcCk2soEee0yVGfpm6M481BgaRviki9ZIrzBlw6Lj4m4P9eDz60fvUNHwVamyk-pNM99uMnSG1sW6TACZcis/s400/DSCN6108.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We weren't the only visitors enjoying the poolside.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdr3xC_oAXpCcN02chrCb-8Vsl00U_Jn29zvm513ZuI58pO3G3UtIS7bWBEElbsrKX5LMBZ-i85T1Jy9d0gnl0LuU7dPpVzAa1h1tUorvsd3EUM9ns2J8ueT8bEDIXDMZLUX7Lvfittw/s1600/DSCN6146.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525630191872551106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdr3xC_oAXpCcN02chrCb-8Vsl00U_Jn29zvm513ZuI58pO3G3UtIS7bWBEElbsrKX5LMBZ-i85T1Jy9d0gnl0LuU7dPpVzAa1h1tUorvsd3EUM9ns2J8ueT8bEDIXDMZLUX7Lvfittw/s400/DSCN6146.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kayaking on the river and exploring its byways was really peaceful.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjReE4t7dbiC5NLjGB-PhcjNLJMgG-bbqXtEKKg6cUuLwkEoZSRGJIq0iSu636Hqb5ljueF7BJ3fi1vvEwqH5KJhXibSnG5vfEnf6KR9JmNcGFE0SyWGHmxVps0pP49sbObo6eP_DPfk/s1600/DSCN6139.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525630179608348802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjReE4t7dbiC5NLjGB-PhcjNLJMgG-bbqXtEKKg6cUuLwkEoZSRGJIq0iSu636Hqb5ljueF7BJ3fi1vvEwqH5KJhXibSnG5vfEnf6KR9JmNcGFE0SyWGHmxVps0pP49sbObo6eP_DPfk/s400/DSCN6139.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We were treated to a sailboat excursion by a personal friend of Larry's on his sailboat out on the Chesapeake. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Thank you, Alan!</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmLnZZRk9wSQ_wzCtOK8nHglLmh2ELn72fgX1H4uTX3n4OiXoOnT5uEIhDQ0ld5bdJ6WGC6mL5BhKIR1HwkIYXX8622l_J9m8JCwIXc3JKmAJdjFmZWlQneiQtCe2bnNxlOaMCSlmGTY/s1600/DSCN6101.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525630173277220018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmLnZZRk9wSQ_wzCtOK8nHglLmh2ELn72fgX1H4uTX3n4OiXoOnT5uEIhDQ0ld5bdJ6WGC6mL5BhKIR1HwkIYXX8622l_J9m8JCwIXc3JKmAJdjFmZWlQneiQtCe2bnNxlOaMCSlmGTY/s400/DSCN6101.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuoFduTcIWm6gt-LS-5fswKE5Yqs7F9z-JkmTXDh55lsj7gHBI5eAd9_vYmhYPcJHnvXaUE1pFA1wJZLaeJd-5_xnehihAntXDO1SYf1C0eKYA60Q78TMIwTo2kl7M-OoHjIxTbQKb5s/s1600/DSCN6127.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525630167855544354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuoFduTcIWm6gt-LS-5fswKE5Yqs7F9z-JkmTXDh55lsj7gHBI5eAd9_vYmhYPcJHnvXaUE1pFA1wJZLaeJd-5_xnehihAntXDO1SYf1C0eKYA60Q78TMIwTo2kl7M-OoHjIxTbQKb5s/s400/DSCN6127.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Captain Dan at the helm!</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88WvrFXwPZVCVBAO76MHZYlpKNcwycUONlRN9H_YEBPY-JcaFLF-3lxEMbtMIIx6fC4JpzLIU9-UbU7WcHU5rTjyAyzv2aAoCU9VpVRRXmFePnKO_g3u_j-_vyidWRIYskejkfJbQNqc/s1600/DSCN6116.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525630162753530098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88WvrFXwPZVCVBAO76MHZYlpKNcwycUONlRN9H_YEBPY-JcaFLF-3lxEMbtMIIx6fC4JpzLIU9-UbU7WcHU5rTjyAyzv2aAoCU9VpVRRXmFePnKO_g3u_j-_vyidWRIYskejkfJbQNqc/s400/DSCN6116.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We always enjoy our visits to Larryland for so many reasons, the first being family time together in a peaceful setting. But add to that the phenomenal gourmet meals prepared by Larry, the crabcakes, the wine, the beautiful and comfortable home, the pool, the river, the crabcakes, the boating, the Carnival, the sunrises, the Amish market outings, the quiet, the crabcakes and you've got yourself a five star vacation. (Did I mention the crabcakes?)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Efharisto poli," many thanks, Dan and Larry! Looking forward to returning your hospitality when you visit us here on Crete in the Spring! </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjlFrxoZwnrH04EU5w7EVdRPYHXzNRfHUQEIxhFwLs_fxG17I_TQxmicNopmJqPdsDVkyyO7MRyDX0Y-BfwMk1hyphenhyphenTMECURUg_ueV-_LyX3SGq2SWkXeQxfB6c6g58OSrdXpkq7ICYuo0/s1600/DSCN6105.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525628386298811346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjlFrxoZwnrH04EU5w7EVdRPYHXzNRfHUQEIxhFwLs_fxG17I_TQxmicNopmJqPdsDVkyyO7MRyDX0Y-BfwMk1hyphenhyphenTMECURUg_ueV-_LyX3SGq2SWkXeQxfB6c6g58OSrdXpkq7ICYuo0/s400/DSCN6105.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After a wonderful nine days on the east coast, Richard and I parted ways - He set off for Crete and back to work while I went the opposite direction to Colorado to visit my family. Evergreen's beauty was so different from the beauty of the Greek island. Sometimes you have to go away from home to appreciate what you had. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>EVERGREEN, COLORADO</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFE1uDrIsKsqyoAQIRZtzObcRqbY-KGU7CzJctY2rlCDCTK5VpYlUILCFeRbRimewUQ7i1tQ8oYzvw4unP6qrQzt6OLLS5fxWIxP88CDaocriWvcJQAn5StWqP3M27IIhrnqYnAjuMtY/s1600/DSCN6202.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525628378453959010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFE1uDrIsKsqyoAQIRZtzObcRqbY-KGU7CzJctY2rlCDCTK5VpYlUILCFeRbRimewUQ7i1tQ8oYzvw4unP6qrQzt6OLLS5fxWIxP88CDaocriWvcJQAn5StWqP3M27IIhrnqYnAjuMtY/s400/DSCN6202.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This looks like a bronze statue of an elk but in fact, it's the real deal. A seven-pointer was herding his harem right next to the highway. That's one BIG animal!</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHThsDeSFIzcMLgMwo00Yk9sgPdQzzihDiYZT4JLDQcP496o6CWUI35aDi29-daZivYp_S7GYjSYFtBZo4wwz7FG0kYFqOOPGfzRrpOrMJeUBBFJwyU6vsDCyvfoZ8QKNPJDIlCEnTavE/s1600/DSCN6163.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525628370611490322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHThsDeSFIzcMLgMwo00Yk9sgPdQzzihDiYZT4JLDQcP496o6CWUI35aDi29-daZivYp_S7GYjSYFtBZo4wwz7FG0kYFqOOPGfzRrpOrMJeUBBFJwyU6vsDCyvfoZ8QKNPJDIlCEnTavE/s400/DSCN6163.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I had two weeks of enjoying so many great friends and precious family! Brandon and I spent a day in Denver catching up and enjoying each other's company. </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WiJ9hTm2fiuVDsIFB83frBgxTrhn905WcduDjJrAhsUIzTbdDF-TDi-t3q5Iss2m924-moNbs76-5LDdezQPRk6Ug6Q4aGVjkS3WexBvVGQGzRJQbB41uIRWHwJV_1MYCRUWhUb6Dqs/s1600/DSCN6219.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525628368303723138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WiJ9hTm2fiuVDsIFB83frBgxTrhn905WcduDjJrAhsUIzTbdDF-TDi-t3q5Iss2m924-moNbs76-5LDdezQPRk6Ug6Q4aGVjkS3WexBvVGQGzRJQbB41uIRWHwJV_1MYCRUWhUb6Dqs/s400/DSCN6219.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Holly, John, Elaine and Nicole joined us for Oma's birthday celebration. </span><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfwgUSgWRVSOFo2XhvkaSUE-cSSbIgA7F-EUkUOmEC_-d7NZl_MvcYq7FJKFiibLbyPjwKL3rQhtB54mSG7eYIR08UQcMiu_BVmGUXkqxkXDC1ozlJhqhCUj7BsALGFNLsSnGdo6TPdc/s1600/DSCN6189.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525628364572264690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfwgUSgWRVSOFo2XhvkaSUE-cSSbIgA7F-EUkUOmEC_-d7NZl_MvcYq7FJKFiibLbyPjwKL3rQhtB54mSG7eYIR08UQcMiu_BVmGUXkqxkXDC1ozlJhqhCUj7BsALGFNLsSnGdo6TPdc/s400/DSCN6189.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Girls day out lunch at Saigon Landing was part of the celebration.</span><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNNp7nnr9cOjDVWIu979HchSBfjdJeqIx_YYt7r9U1RddrXrUBAK-1pMmDFJNGk0zI8SL_-mdfQ9ea575OU9jNVIiSAu-xvnmHDR9eRyI01sTDWk4Mgv9CCP0IBmJ6DMFDjT5mjCD6Gc/s1600/DSCN6185.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525626759753045922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNNp7nnr9cOjDVWIu979HchSBfjdJeqIx_YYt7r9U1RddrXrUBAK-1pMmDFJNGk0zI8SL_-mdfQ9ea575OU9jNVIiSAu-xvnmHDR9eRyI01sTDWk4Mgv9CCP0IBmJ6DMFDjT5mjCD6Gc/s400/DSCN6185.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have so many great memories of my visit to Colorado; Walking around Wash park with Gail, leading worship at Rockland and seeing all my wonderful friends there, girls coffee with Cathy, Debbie, and Gil at Caffe di Lucca, all day shopping/gabbing/eating out with Holly, enjoying a pedicure and art show with Elaine and Oma, dinner by the lake with Gil, coffee with Kristi, RCC girls lunch out, amazing party with the winer's group at the Eatons, walking around the lake in the late afternon sun with Oma. I miss you all!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>VIRGINIA</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As fun as it was to be back in Evergreen, I was ready to join my sweet husband back home on Crete after two weeks. But due to what can only be called a brain freeze (long story), I missed my rotator flight back to Crete from Norfolk. So there I was stuck on the East coast with the next available rotator flight not leaving until two weeks later. Arggg! After a proper and complete meltdown, I decided to make the best of it. Thankfully, my cousin Charlie (and childhood friend) came to the rescue. He lives near Norfolk, VA and so he took me in and put me up (and put up with me). Basically, his attitude was, "OK, so your flight left without you. Call your husband, tell him you're safe with a place to crash, book another flight and let's go have some fun!" And fun we had! We spent many quiet moments at his home in Suffolk but mostly we were on the move. </span> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhideVw7lilGyWydJI4kEW_H0fc1Axz4avr3xMExm0P5zR_dSecH4SoBPW1gWW2qBXSoFYTX21_Dm7QX-7YzBHf10gqk3gb8WQpYRHuSsHRGJ1cCP9uHEfoU5rDEgdru55doMO4BvirGX8/s1600/DSCN6230.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhideVw7lilGyWydJI4kEW_H0fc1Axz4avr3xMExm0P5zR_dSecH4SoBPW1gWW2qBXSoFYTX21_Dm7QX-7YzBHf10gqk3gb8WQpYRHuSsHRGJ1cCP9uHEfoU5rDEgdru55doMO4BvirGX8/s1600/DSCN6230.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525626756045278194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhideVw7lilGyWydJI4kEW_H0fc1Axz4avr3xMExm0P5zR_dSecH4SoBPW1gWW2qBXSoFYTX21_Dm7QX-7YzBHf10gqk3gb8WQpYRHuSsHRGJ1cCP9uHEfoU5rDEgdru55doMO4BvirGX8/s400/DSCN6230.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One night we boarded the ferry across the James River and headed for Colonial Williamsburg where we feasted at the Kings Arms Tavern.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrev-UIDL0Dl8bDg6O18Ff408JovF6PAo1SB-lL-qwxGo72CmAP-UppLspgeSJiwQSnRC3ySPUEj4yscPHDoTMZ_YGhvMFctzrfszlwKM5mqIEFDgylC49U7x9fQbwv71sn6xTPmG9no/s1600/DSCN6240.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525626756883388162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrev-UIDL0Dl8bDg6O18Ff408JovF6PAo1SB-lL-qwxGo72CmAP-UppLspgeSJiwQSnRC3ySPUEj4yscPHDoTMZ_YGhvMFctzrfszlwKM5mqIEFDgylC49U7x9fQbwv71sn6xTPmG9no/s400/DSCN6240.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Another night we opted to stay home and cook up an amazing pasta meal.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVqcxsLEfLpvO0n395AiSYEmyjsIshvtKHkczdDzlQE-Pyf_ahjde_PNxe8EG_IPwKJkwtqiphFffjzxky15lZGd6AfYZqL_JmF65fnhzBcbeWxqduETGs3p9eefnziSZZs2RkpVxDn0/s1600/DSCN6237.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525626751058496610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVqcxsLEfLpvO0n395AiSYEmyjsIshvtKHkczdDzlQE-Pyf_ahjde_PNxe8EG_IPwKJkwtqiphFffjzxky15lZGd6AfYZqL_JmF65fnhzBcbeWxqduETGs3p9eefnziSZZs2RkpVxDn0/s400/DSCN6237.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The last day we hopped on his BMW touring bike and buzzed over to Busch Gardens for some exhilirating rides on the rollar coasters. Thank you, Charlie for your hospitality and some great laughs! I thought my trip to the States was finished on Sept 8th but I'm glad it wasn't. A few added days was a true blessing in disguise to enjoy reconnecting with a fine man.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwgJQZK-3uk2XoWcNtthmANf0rKmuB1nOwyh3CAZW4QOGav6GfbUQDG1gbaS2TqoMMZ0K__OFWy97huGIMkN2SHWIZwFJhVmM-udgR6e4BzqEC_GdcIDzA_4VTx8aaTL3Iws8pq__LmE/s1600/DSCN6283.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525626746451174338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwgJQZK-3uk2XoWcNtthmANf0rKmuB1nOwyh3CAZW4QOGav6GfbUQDG1gbaS2TqoMMZ0K__OFWy97huGIMkN2SHWIZwFJhVmM-udgR6e4BzqEC_GdcIDzA_4VTx8aaTL3Iws8pq__LmE/s400/DSCN6283.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I look back on these photos I am reminded of our loved ones back home and I'm so thankful for all those people who impact and enrich our lives. We are so blessed to have these wonderful friends and family to return home to. God is good, all the time!</span></span></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-55588387388661620252010-09-26T15:48:00.011+03:002010-09-26T18:34:09.357+03:00BEATING THE HEAT ON CRETE - Summer Days!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After a sleepy winter and spring, we noticed that the island began waking up right around Easter. The locals busied themselves with a cleanup campaign that impressed even the Germans here. Potholes were filled, roads repaired, construction sites hummed, hardware stores were crowded, terraces and pathways scrubbed and walls (and tree trunks) were given a new coat of whitewash. The island buzzed as it prepared for the annual arrival of its most welcome guests - the tourists.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Summer (kalokeri) came to Crete on the heels of strong springtime sirocco winds - big, blustery winds that stir up the red "kadhafi" dust from Libya and make you want to put a gun to your head. As a resident of the island once remarked:</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Came spring, and Africa had its voice in our affairs: 'the Big Tongue' as the old women of Crete call the hot, dust-laden </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sorokos</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> that comes howling up from Libya. We would see it coming through the gap in the mountains to the south -a distant finger of haze drifting into the still blue gulf of Merabello. Innocent it looked, but the fishermen knew it for the devil it was, and when they saw it coming they made for port at once. It arrived all in a rush, churning the sea to angry foam, blowing the salt spray right up on to our terrace, raising little tornadoes of dust all over town. The first day of a </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sorokos</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was bad enough; the second was even worse; and by the third you were ready to commit murder or suicide. The air became clogged with yellow dust, you felt restless and often had a headache, couldn't work, couldn't read, couldn't do anything. Tempers wore thin, quarrels flared, domestic peace was threatened. There are archaeologists who say that a south wind was blowing when Knossos burned about 1400 B.C; and to anyone who has lived in Crete there is nothing surprising about this, for it is easy to believe that all bad things happen during the southerly storms.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But the essence of the Cretan climate is the imminence of sudden change; and so the south wind would leave as quickly as it had come. and then for a few days peace and calm seas and blue skies were ours. But never for long -always another wind would come, and some of them, like the cool </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">meltemia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> breezes that blew steadily from the northwest for forty days in summer, were most welcome." (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">First page of Winds of Crete, by David MacNeil Doren, 1974.)</span></i></b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course, in between the infuriating days of Sirocco winds we enjoyed many days of warm sunshine and moderate temps that were perfect for biking, hiking and touring around the island. As summer rolled in so did the hot temperatures averaging around 30C (that's around 90F) with nights in the high 70's and 80's. (Thankfully, the humidity is only around 40-50% so its ideal) So, how do you beat the heat here? One word: WATER. Beautiful, azure, clear, warm, deep, gentle inviting water of the Aegean Sea. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTONF7i8x0m5o7uUCM0irklPrPlpzPRIVK8lcFeMYktP84IxJCbXvkB_CGJHjzcbIuUMEu7HatT4DcVQ7xaUy4Ivw11FspomvW-YC678EoNpcBLnH47odU-ayZh3pk9uSSg1CvNV9dvLQ/s1600/DSCN6023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTONF7i8x0m5o7uUCM0irklPrPlpzPRIVK8lcFeMYktP84IxJCbXvkB_CGJHjzcbIuUMEu7HatT4DcVQ7xaUy4Ivw11FspomvW-YC678EoNpcBLnH47odU-ayZh3pk9uSSg1CvNV9dvLQ/s400/DSCN6023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521213979960250914" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This photo was taken from the deck of a south coast ferry and yes, it really is that blue and clear!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleWPFSCAkMfHVTsWQHVs0Yw84fVZtEb7oXMeSaOC7yaf9Sbj0dpgfkw8Q8JFabr312PnyT7WYy1BgzsU2CC2iIxAhFShneSTOuQOylWmulegfC9NSVmgGg7XJNieXeKQqzCDe5-dzbjw/s1600/DSCN5577.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleWPFSCAkMfHVTsWQHVs0Yw84fVZtEb7oXMeSaOC7yaf9Sbj0dpgfkw8Q8JFabr312PnyT7WYy1BgzsU2CC2iIxAhFShneSTOuQOylWmulegfC9NSVmgGg7XJNieXeKQqzCDe5-dzbjw/s400/DSCN5577.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521213977503495746" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On the south coast of Crete there are many towns that are out-of-the-way havens for fun, food and nightlife. One of these hidden treasures has fast become our favorite - Paleohora - a remarkably pretty little town with an enjoyable end-of the road, laid-back feel. It's located on a spit of land about 6 blocks wide that juts out on the southwest coast and sits below the shadow of an old Venetian castle. We loaded our bikes up on the car, drove over the mountain range and came into town early afternoon. What we found was a sandy beach on the west side of the spit and a pebble each on the east side. Depending on where the wind is blowing from you can always find a quiet beach spot on the opposite side of town. This beach area on the pebble side was just about deserted - perfect for our afternoon swim. </span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIopKXOLU_nTvS2R_CFubeBOUC_01bGpYVAcMGRCC20vrXWOXkJpFCTWy6rgKwf1OKUcHNH10zpa0SYXjZ_TZ6d-rTV2-42mPAFQx0xBjooC7K8TURInFKbLIvEwNYCGJZuz6L4gp2yFQ/s1600/DSCN5582.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIopKXOLU_nTvS2R_CFubeBOUC_01bGpYVAcMGRCC20vrXWOXkJpFCTWy6rgKwf1OKUcHNH10zpa0SYXjZ_TZ6d-rTV2-42mPAFQx0xBjooC7K8TURInFKbLIvEwNYCGJZuz6L4gp2yFQ/s400/DSCN5582.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521213971112981682" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paleohora was originally known as Kastel Selinou. Built by the Venetians in 1279, it was destroyed by the famous pirate, Barbarossa in 1539 and never properly restored. Now it's the perfect perch for a wonderful view down to the harbor and over the Libyan Sea.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L9BMJzcWjP2jFV4wX8nhJ1lUXZy3e5Xycd4hUNHHKnRFkKBAAqWdlGizS9qHVez9GkGruOLo54HjarywSBKZGNqfSyvapdcbpbkaJ9wwAK-fRMADswnVt1IQbgm4vYIFeUWdHIi2pTs/s1600/DSCN5573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L9BMJzcWjP2jFV4wX8nhJ1lUXZy3e5Xycd4hUNHHKnRFkKBAAqWdlGizS9qHVez9GkGruOLo54HjarywSBKZGNqfSyvapdcbpbkaJ9wwAK-fRMADswnVt1IQbgm4vYIFeUWdHIi2pTs/s400/DSCN5573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521213964394085666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6L89HIqEpEPJ-RC04ymoSOst6Wd2QxvumKA54a48bosnoAGU5CY3GspJO-y4sZcN1XPHJw2uulRYUBcyOJ4Cpkzshx9X8kuLOZJgcb8GX6c646sweW-MLYEilD1LxQch5H6Gtn2TUhuo/s1600/DSCN5578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6L89HIqEpEPJ-RC04ymoSOst6Wd2QxvumKA54a48bosnoAGU5CY3GspJO-y4sZcN1XPHJw2uulRYUBcyOJ4Cpkzshx9X8kuLOZJgcb8GX6c646sweW-MLYEilD1LxQch5H6Gtn2TUhuo/s400/DSCN5578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521213961223947938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT4ijwGsYJu87uPDghOCZ8V1JaOD8Kn9qEaKxhGvey6_dkx9KGQoVPN9zZqvc1sjNo5KXUzs8eVkc1qHwFazeY5Tkde9OsHJLvoAqv_urmv7bPdeMEZrWYb2UvCK_tF8_OJw3vrrtq5E/s1600/DSCN5570.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT4ijwGsYJu87uPDghOCZ8V1JaOD8Kn9qEaKxhGvey6_dkx9KGQoVPN9zZqvc1sjNo5KXUzs8eVkc1qHwFazeY5Tkde9OsHJLvoAqv_urmv7bPdeMEZrWYb2UvCK_tF8_OJw3vrrtq5E/s400/DSCN5570.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521211392457294994" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Another beat-the-heat outing was organized by our American friend, Sylvia. We loaded up all the kids (of all ages) and took the ferry out to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay (west coast). What a blast! Temps hovered around 100 with no wind but we were on the water and loving it!</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl0Co7q-27WkOu3myUHC80mSGkPkg_ql8U0vf6GVm5IjRrfqpxBlPwmPspUr9ljSDwrRXYu4v1o_W6_FPw8nqtRfHceb-287CdtkqTB3BI8QeHbPyaMoo6OPspr2eLRgsrfGnqOvylOQ/s1600/DSCN5530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl0Co7q-27WkOu3myUHC80mSGkPkg_ql8U0vf6GVm5IjRrfqpxBlPwmPspUr9ljSDwrRXYu4v1o_W6_FPw8nqtRfHceb-287CdtkqTB3BI8QeHbPyaMoo6OPspr2eLRgsrfGnqOvylOQ/s400/DSCN5530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521211382305045618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNpZm0olUm0Jx070zZ7n0A4Rx8OXjIzbsNbjldjBnkiMAdjnjwpW4J6zwBfm_2XnGfgUe3kSV80yUIyk_5vVZaKhv1lOi0kfM-EyfyUITR5lR_PgO-MiWOfaoW13fPXRbX7AUUmc3oUA/s1600/DSCN5541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNpZm0olUm0Jx070zZ7n0A4Rx8OXjIzbsNbjldjBnkiMAdjnjwpW4J6zwBfm_2XnGfgUe3kSV80yUIyk_5vVZaKhv1lOi0kfM-EyfyUITR5lR_PgO-MiWOfaoW13fPXRbX7AUUmc3oUA/s400/DSCN5541.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521211373499592578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWKZvGmIPsTDz5DwfXyXkvNT-G0cV4NQJrKhGvlXJMSwY1lDdESLAVN4h4tEWrjFH979BPgSjn7dEsmzrhif8FoSuagGdTXeG1JL0b-qwHbBwMzBXl1_Cs1J24DxcjjI4QKng8ukJHmI/s1600/DSCN5539.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWKZvGmIPsTDz5DwfXyXkvNT-G0cV4NQJrKhGvlXJMSwY1lDdESLAVN4h4tEWrjFH979BPgSjn7dEsmzrhif8FoSuagGdTXeG1JL0b-qwHbBwMzBXl1_Cs1J24DxcjjI4QKng8ukJHmI/s400/DSCN5539.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521211365923223154" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">View from the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island:</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgED7K3sItCDql7-u81FKmPme2DPkMXXTbkYAHFoJsxNoC3iGlHyH2KUewcVv9IOk1uBZ-C9CE_HlP0PbbqFfY15Dp7utxjEyu9mrtVNiz2lXvni16Fu4vZOo76jzusItdHevtYEQvK5yE/s1600/DSCN5548.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgED7K3sItCDql7-u81FKmPme2DPkMXXTbkYAHFoJsxNoC3iGlHyH2KUewcVv9IOk1uBZ-C9CE_HlP0PbbqFfY15Dp7utxjEyu9mrtVNiz2lXvni16Fu4vZOo76jzusItdHevtYEQvK5yE/s400/DSCN5548.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207876249765042" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKC9dWr2CgohbOXIvtm_jzyhyMUgeaKRnUUJVZVmm5M29SNsiPjf8FoMnf4KDK7quQkCTQZ67LI4lTnmpvx5INxZOf99v8EqcIvHwyYj5z0fV_ixbvHRNnLmxzdK3l2yBUbaD390HuWU/s1600/DSCN5545.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKC9dWr2CgohbOXIvtm_jzyhyMUgeaKRnUUJVZVmm5M29SNsiPjf8FoMnf4KDK7quQkCTQZ67LI4lTnmpvx5INxZOf99v8EqcIvHwyYj5z0fV_ixbvHRNnLmxzdK3l2yBUbaD390HuWU/s400/DSCN5545.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207873596828562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsxxCbQf9YZunxCNjibX2edvwG8zUiLyn5CBAh8E3lcUlAXFATIfq_Aqnvt0gdle0CfCI_WuFe5q4ZrAkxyFhmXNJjZDXNV7BSi6nGRtehgadrscPl5WZFA3Z4B7jlspuGoVqb9ILPec/s1600/DSCN5549.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsxxCbQf9YZunxCNjibX2edvwG8zUiLyn5CBAh8E3lcUlAXFATIfq_Aqnvt0gdle0CfCI_WuFe5q4ZrAkxyFhmXNJjZDXNV7BSi6nGRtehgadrscPl5WZFA3Z4B7jlspuGoVqb9ILPec/s400/DSCN5549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207864274174930" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Richard takes "The Plunge."</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi_SjvXMOABoqcYb-2kfb9n2ajYSOUMG2H9bpa18GMSO7AUyzzvpgf54LYCvAeV70Hrc2h5DMvqbQKu3zCX5Sa7j_kaPd8qpLwMJrtbFNX5sevUdRxdfOlFjZx_l-I5W4Dm9-USufQ3Q/s1600/DSCN5554.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi_SjvXMOABoqcYb-2kfb9n2ajYSOUMG2H9bpa18GMSO7AUyzzvpgf54LYCvAeV70Hrc2h5DMvqbQKu3zCX5Sa7j_kaPd8qpLwMJrtbFNX5sevUdRxdfOlFjZx_l-I5W4Dm9-USufQ3Q/s400/DSCN5554.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207860836288194" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One of our favorite bike rides was on a little rural road in the mountains that gently ascended up into the hills, skirting a beautiful little creek and eventually ending at a main road where we found refreshment at a local taverna. </span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yrITlWh4wUrigC4QDIyj703bbaQmbYJmzJS4IdWFsxscqT2wgST1tmS3TrSZuKSxvuXiNdYo7w2i8Xf3YYv_44-L_XgkR7AJvOmLiKGE_HX30sJuAEPNr6_1H4RW7vMOLA1q9KAx3FQ/s1600/DSCN5947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yrITlWh4wUrigC4QDIyj703bbaQmbYJmzJS4IdWFsxscqT2wgST1tmS3TrSZuKSxvuXiNdYo7w2i8Xf3YYv_44-L_XgkR7AJvOmLiKGE_HX30sJuAEPNr6_1H4RW7vMOLA1q9KAx3FQ/s400/DSCN5947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207853031645970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-MTKLJU-RTNWDoezeoSncWB2e1vIC04WZWYP5i-peIIl5mNFw23ZDnCi9AFebcwmoMeDMICNQelKnWgITT1TeaZwW5AM-vFcdybX3IhwYsWcVlAdrGC4b6vaYmf4dh3Eqm3fVYLYA_A/s1600/DSCN5948.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-MTKLJU-RTNWDoezeoSncWB2e1vIC04WZWYP5i-peIIl5mNFw23ZDnCi9AFebcwmoMeDMICNQelKnWgITT1TeaZwW5AM-vFcdybX3IhwYsWcVlAdrGC4b6vaYmf4dh3Eqm3fVYLYA_A/s400/DSCN5948.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207169971080242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimETe7XXLYGIbV2WOFJpd-SLUmvZ3JgAGaQWOgc5uDDUKTKNf2jVlGdgr-NS642HxL9C1ZsqeuEBAJ53w_8NsxtRRCU9XqOVXsmjN9tDzYYLWHs8cFcIxrxC9VOSxFElP88cnSzL20y1U/s1600/DSCN5955.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimETe7XXLYGIbV2WOFJpd-SLUmvZ3JgAGaQWOgc5uDDUKTKNf2jVlGdgr-NS642HxL9C1ZsqeuEBAJ53w_8NsxtRRCU9XqOVXsmjN9tDzYYLWHs8cFcIxrxC9VOSxFElP88cnSzL20y1U/s400/DSCN5955.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207168558303426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dC-6shuGdCmB8IZa-4_BVO8IEq5aXCdT91GhvOCXrareDpnpG5dynpan4b4aJQzXMBASZj0SUkSScYHtm6G1sqkDL7uImUCHenNwxyjVQyN98KmK14SMntCLLEpGuIMAiM6UpR_-Z5k/s1600/DSCN5953.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dC-6shuGdCmB8IZa-4_BVO8IEq5aXCdT91GhvOCXrareDpnpG5dynpan4b4aJQzXMBASZj0SUkSScYHtm6G1sqkDL7uImUCHenNwxyjVQyN98KmK14SMntCLLEpGuIMAiM6UpR_-Z5k/s400/DSCN5953.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207161105019042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucMhWXmoWniT0-wqEg1Nb3wF_4rp_oYwltYoVmlOx0G3SJr4POA8MCHT1RdGqBaUz6eXBlKdwQH7xdOyfpSJ9F-Yc4Y6sjdUjrLRmr-F5VgvRXcfsuo-VlPyLWfQeHP64epMYDxIEd4A/s1600/DSCN5960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucMhWXmoWniT0-wqEg1Nb3wF_4rp_oYwltYoVmlOx0G3SJr4POA8MCHT1RdGqBaUz6eXBlKdwQH7xdOyfpSJ9F-Yc4Y6sjdUjrLRmr-F5VgvRXcfsuo-VlPyLWfQeHP64epMYDxIEd4A/s400/DSCN5960.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207156797729666" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sometimes we just look at a map and our trusting "Rough Guide to Crete" and blindly pick where we want to explore. This particular day we found a little out of the way cove just east of our area on the Dhrapano peninsula.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDtUqGOGrgyR8W3-qIjcCiwasdCpfrsHB4m_xNKATlc1DzamfxQVRq5ax-hWEeTn-s_8sVxTZ9oKpl1Jnd90MNnzs6fk_CG2DyYJ1266NXpP0eR0W27-A0LyUuHecSUUN9nVCxXaV_G0/s1600/DSCN5975.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDtUqGOGrgyR8W3-qIjcCiwasdCpfrsHB4m_xNKATlc1DzamfxQVRq5ax-hWEeTn-s_8sVxTZ9oKpl1Jnd90MNnzs6fk_CG2DyYJ1266NXpP0eR0W27-A0LyUuHecSUUN9nVCxXaV_G0/s400/DSCN5975.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521207152234111106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6nn_w6as99vHwp-k7v3u6QzstDDnDQHMIztdhCZFU5YAs3r_h_y6ySG-iswFPx32AbL-M2rebNsGbzYGEqER59rfFuIa606Wogvnbhr1-iyb9xpVli6T2Cpe892nDYgIOeaps3rL9OU/s1600/DSCN5973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6nn_w6as99vHwp-k7v3u6QzstDDnDQHMIztdhCZFU5YAs3r_h_y6ySG-iswFPx32AbL-M2rebNsGbzYGEqER59rfFuIa606Wogvnbhr1-iyb9xpVli6T2Cpe892nDYgIOeaps3rL9OU/s400/DSCN5973.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521206313424192402" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Driving around Crete is always a revealing experience. If you're willing and adventurous enough to get away from the main roads and cities and follow the obscure little roads, they will lead you to what I'd call the "real" Crete. We've had some of our favorite "finds" on these outings and are so glad we pushed past our comfort zone. You never know what you'll see or who you'll meet. One of the many adventures we absolutely love about this place. We spent a whole day just meandering around the Dhrapano peninsula winding through little villages with names like Vrisses, Vamos, Paleloni, Eksopoli and Kefalas.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFfY27U8YTEO9b0kg_dAKXdhlac3tuXHJ_ulSw0VPEIELsLUI35mHL0Yowz7UN3bvPSsW_DdAD0bcHKBGUH-gbvNwuhf8WpPbznVjmzRe8r01ICz2fki-6kOP-Xv_so4CLHuNg3WbjFA/s1600/DSCN5977.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFfY27U8YTEO9b0kg_dAKXdhlac3tuXHJ_ulSw0VPEIELsLUI35mHL0Yowz7UN3bvPSsW_DdAD0bcHKBGUH-gbvNwuhf8WpPbznVjmzRe8r01ICz2fki-6kOP-Xv_so4CLHuNg3WbjFA/s400/DSCN5977.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521206308645312450" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One of the south coast ferries runs from Hora Sfakia along the coast and stops at various coastal communities. We took this one on a hot Saturday afternoon to the little village of Loutro that is only accessible by boat or foot. We set out from the port of Hora Sfakia around 1:00....</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNxxf0ONuuBPZRKQbz1nhBjBbJscfYjPygG20II-egvnYOiziZVfHht4iRO2YhLeufYdpUAJzGn9CuTxczZm789BUVp2WNXLejBypuoaLfoNKZWUwkJMayBqIIjTWSAZnPiJh0GJvCHs/s1600/DSCN6022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNxxf0ONuuBPZRKQbz1nhBjBbJscfYjPygG20II-egvnYOiziZVfHht4iRO2YhLeufYdpUAJzGn9CuTxczZm789BUVp2WNXLejBypuoaLfoNKZWUwkJMayBqIIjTWSAZnPiJh0GJvCHs/s400/DSCN6022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521206302747369138" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...past rocky coast caves...</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7yIq8pf1tHYBRyXRjF1eq7dvM_PRieq90CzArCfUU7z_iw1f5RaMtwAs73CnnV1Sun5WfwPa3fud3bc95DcByn0vK2TKXa3N4IPOsgRcq5JD5IqGlsZqC2-mvQhP4PnD8aFUe5Roxvo/s1600/DSCN6025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7yIq8pf1tHYBRyXRjF1eq7dvM_PRieq90CzArCfUU7z_iw1f5RaMtwAs73CnnV1Sun5WfwPa3fud3bc95DcByn0vK2TKXa3N4IPOsgRcq5JD5IqGlsZqC2-mvQhP4PnD8aFUe5Roxvo/s400/DSCN6025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521206298051621874" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">..and finally set into Loutro about 20 minutes later.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ty4p1x5-lAdhVKqQVzxmC3DQGD-8axpMiGbwp4G0Vt9qLd7-jGjAEoynWpKSuAzxRwYWYBpN0Ei0tIqgge6BIIzaPhqYfimOJ64fPOrbhOGNnrwMhTocIDMHzNaeIlEJYwGhh5iA878/s1600/DSCN6028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ty4p1x5-lAdhVKqQVzxmC3DQGD-8axpMiGbwp4G0Vt9qLd7-jGjAEoynWpKSuAzxRwYWYBpN0Ei0tIqgge6BIIzaPhqYfimOJ64fPOrbhOGNnrwMhTocIDMHzNaeIlEJYwGhh5iA878/s400/DSCN6028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521206296854858450" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The tiny town is set beneath the high arid hills of Sfakia and the miniature waterfront is packed with tavernas and beach umbrellas. At first we worried about how we'd pass the 6 hours waiting for the return ferry. But then, that's the beauty of the island - choosing which relaxing activity to do - swim, kayak, hike, eat or sleep. Too hot to hike or sleep so we did all the rest and were actually surprised how fast the time flew by. We were sorry to leave when our ferry rounded the corner from the west to take us back to Hora Sfakia. </span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHntry0Db5pit629JjfOhG4ySDxbb0uJLHOWrsefKLRkC_UEnb00NY9VcRtcajqPCSqrlYdrjkofmCwH2IuhRqaIvgKFBMWe8QhCsvYAAUrsCzilSHc4eSa8NcKcLcqqylaREBFM6jG9M/s1600/DSCN6039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHntry0Db5pit629JjfOhG4ySDxbb0uJLHOWrsefKLRkC_UEnb00NY9VcRtcajqPCSqrlYdrjkofmCwH2IuhRqaIvgKFBMWe8QhCsvYAAUrsCzilSHc4eSa8NcKcLcqqylaREBFM6jG9M/s400/DSCN6039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521205456436078658" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Outdoor tavernas always have a spit roasting meats for souvlaki. This one is cooking up pork, beef and chicken (or could be rabbit?)</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e8BcyML0MzLq44acINzQZ53tRSlkfJaaWyIF6PKetAtQzoJ9eHYGi0g2GOGwjZZyp2PXxHzyoH14FBwY_3gJFa7HYEbISEl1M1Govoh32FPfoUbsTrxqeZj8G6ZcJ6qUe6J6qI6m_to/s1600/DSCN6036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e8BcyML0MzLq44acINzQZ53tRSlkfJaaWyIF6PKetAtQzoJ9eHYGi0g2GOGwjZZyp2PXxHzyoH14FBwY_3gJFa7HYEbISEl1M1Govoh32FPfoUbsTrxqeZj8G6ZcJ6qUe6J6qI6m_to/s400/DSCN6036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521205451944362482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eKj1s8J3wnMMX9ylSeRibLxv8gh2Ivs9zB8mj2TU2iSL7zJlViEswWaWX4AZU2b9bejzZ9N1tYJc2Ak9B-KufWiO_zvpWDRT4Afa0eL3a7tlaBSYLtT07haZGPFQpomCEs41Iz2C76U/s1600/DSCN6037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eKj1s8J3wnMMX9ylSeRibLxv8gh2Ivs9zB8mj2TU2iSL7zJlViEswWaWX4AZU2b9bejzZ9N1tYJc2Ak9B-KufWiO_zvpWDRT4Afa0eL3a7tlaBSYLtT07haZGPFQpomCEs41Iz2C76U/s400/DSCN6037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521205444098369026" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Another one of those "suspended boat" phenomenons so common on the water. Truly gives the impression of hovering in the air just above the water level!</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibnxW62rcd57vwwEJk9EX5mz-prhi989whTh0l4RRajXe_kpT4gWgWU5uDM9xRE1SS_3QYpqb1UswlLsJ7xr_lG-FvqkTV5NGDjigNLnI317vRRcf0JcRA9xgAIuGFeHHjO4807pC-MQ/s1600/DSCN6029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibnxW62rcd57vwwEJk9EX5mz-prhi989whTh0l4RRajXe_kpT4gWgWU5uDM9xRE1SS_3QYpqb1UswlLsJ7xr_lG-FvqkTV5NGDjigNLnI317vRRcf0JcRA9xgAIuGFeHHjO4807pC-MQ/s400/DSCN6029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521205441407362530" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A Loutro resident has claimed his perch in the shade. This Cretan cat already knew what we strive to discover in our busy lives - Slow down and take time to just "be." </span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv0DiRMv_H78RY1kPxYF9h07SQd6YgGbImxzVYh4P-pSQyFwPwcGo7KHEhlTHz72sAj_eNySKTyubJT0Yq-cbYsom7tyldc2dArw9B-xwy1IcDg9rq0rtCa9c6VSf7v2jFjFnJtR19Zw/s1600/DSCN6034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv0DiRMv_H78RY1kPxYF9h07SQd6YgGbImxzVYh4P-pSQyFwPwcGo7KHEhlTHz72sAj_eNySKTyubJT0Yq-cbYsom7tyldc2dArw9B-xwy1IcDg9rq0rtCa9c6VSf7v2jFjFnJtR19Zw/s400/DSCN6034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521205435602549234" /></a><br /></div></div></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-53651529695698992732010-08-04T09:28:00.014+03:002010-08-08T20:56:39.835+03:00UK Travels<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In July, we traveled to the north to beat the heat and visit friends in the UK. Arriving in London was very exciting for these two island bums - so much to see in such a different culture than where we are now living. We spent a very full day just barely scratching the surface of "The City". We hopped on the red double decker tour bus only to be stuck most of the time in huge traffic jams. Once off the bus we put miles on our walking shoes and took in many interesting sights such as Piccadilly Square, Victoria Station, Covent Gardens, and St. Paul's Cathedral...</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooNvhOo9p8p_lFFtSM6gLccHbDSvTdSn-2di35rvPhjRX-IYXr_SSEcItlXGlAZ2prBeiSXEHN1yJPJr7kzd5qaiLP46f14SEHCj40LnOZ-vjXgIgf3duJ62faDHtmHQxtyUDv2FGuKY/s1600/DSCN5649.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooNvhOo9p8p_lFFtSM6gLccHbDSvTdSn-2di35rvPhjRX-IYXr_SSEcItlXGlAZ2prBeiSXEHN1yJPJr7kzd5qaiLP46f14SEHCj40LnOZ-vjXgIgf3duJ62faDHtmHQxtyUDv2FGuKY/s400/DSCN5649.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503048241548098146" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Trafalgar Square....</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY1Wkfp56zXJ7lcjsEmYer6t9UDUft8yTvAjt2BRtvQIIekHQGPOd2RttSX3ys7r8EK_89vyY6CsFUltcmchqtp3nx3SpmgqIkyaO8SxWMwAoCdKJ-vyvwrGgZWDfhmtX0zEVMwTr2Us/s1600/DSCN5623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY1Wkfp56zXJ7lcjsEmYer6t9UDUft8yTvAjt2BRtvQIIekHQGPOd2RttSX3ys7r8EK_89vyY6CsFUltcmchqtp3nx3SpmgqIkyaO8SxWMwAoCdKJ-vyvwrGgZWDfhmtX0zEVMwTr2Us/s400/DSCN5623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503048224689004466" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRv9pzleWvX3vUPwxJ4zOu5qf5SMBpC-mVfWg_gaPG4h7PnupGbkC3sTmtz8HMQypZCMJCj95nowU23SYWGA_A_Qx-GNll2Uhs6XekQf1C4Ued91lUmPUogeEdec92SpIRRPA42LjMGQ/s1600/DSCN5624.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRv9pzleWvX3vUPwxJ4zOu5qf5SMBpC-mVfWg_gaPG4h7PnupGbkC3sTmtz8HMQypZCMJCj95nowU23SYWGA_A_Qx-GNll2Uhs6XekQf1C4Ued91lUmPUogeEdec92SpIRRPA42LjMGQ/s400/DSCN5624.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503048210076911938" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the Tower of London. "The tower" is not a single tower like I expected but rather a huge complex that includes a historic castle, a palace and a prison that once served as an execution site for rebels. Today it houses the crown jewels and a witty group of Beefeaters that give very entertaining tours of the complex.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0tCQiGnGiVZhxnJ78X8hDmr1zOho8lblRvQQ44aQ9cpp8VK5VFGEX2yZm9A2Px8lHsj18xfuOp_jLppTeJrav1qZz2Qg8hItBz8swuDBGoP6XCeDJ-qtiRYIFcfvRqG86Gb37DRImV4/s1600/DSCN5659.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0tCQiGnGiVZhxnJ78X8hDmr1zOho8lblRvQQ44aQ9cpp8VK5VFGEX2yZm9A2Px8lHsj18xfuOp_jLppTeJrav1qZz2Qg8hItBz8swuDBGoP6XCeDJ-qtiRYIFcfvRqG86Gb37DRImV4/s400/DSCN5659.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503048195695591378" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We also visited the Houses of Parliament occupied by the House of Commons and the House of Lords. We observed a debate in the impressive dark paneled sanctuary of the House of Commons. Looking down into the gallery from the balcony, it was easy to be transported back a century or so and imagine the wig-bedecked politicians of the time debating the current issues of English society.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbt_Qhxv1MzqoSYh0lLtkDGPsT7D3BK5BtU1iyZODjcSN1B-LzYbSIlZPeqeLRtVatBv8vPwSWqQE8UOXGvvnUZM4LWNBrY9fLOdL4Pg9Af3OK15UBpY6rbJB4uvzA8uFpA3bn42XLEA/s1600/DSCN5644.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbt_Qhxv1MzqoSYh0lLtkDGPsT7D3BK5BtU1iyZODjcSN1B-LzYbSIlZPeqeLRtVatBv8vPwSWqQE8UOXGvvnUZM4LWNBrY9fLOdL4Pg9Af3OK15UBpY6rbJB4uvzA8uFpA3bn42XLEA/s400/DSCN5644.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503048183550959922" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At one point, we took a boat cruise on the Thames River and as we rested our poor feet, we enjoyed sights from the water including Shakespeare's Globe theater, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgHkaHOelg4wa4oz_q8OB3iF91o5FUUrnIHPJI-2M5j5-h4jcKtMZkeOKpJ2cRx1rmtBwvgmd07IOQGsRqp-ZC34OYsyEo-S2toYJV5eWjnpcOUl_Pna-aH8yCUqaceZY1_fEczEt2Ls/s1600/DSCN5637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgHkaHOelg4wa4oz_q8OB3iF91o5FUUrnIHPJI-2M5j5-h4jcKtMZkeOKpJ2cRx1rmtBwvgmd07IOQGsRqp-ZC34OYsyEo-S2toYJV5eWjnpcOUl_Pna-aH8yCUqaceZY1_fEczEt2Ls/s400/DSCN5637.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501475862786496226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54bfckSRRclm04llnjNpHC7mVcIgCUf5vMRGuAzXMb4DiSwmpCTsvq-oPbtUjio-6_uwHGJGaOM-P9N6hW4PL4ZBG7rbRrH09K_uCjGKj8Pm8qSDtqkdnjKvOyrlEB7KB7PBtb-nYIWo/s1600/DSCN5628.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54bfckSRRclm04llnjNpHC7mVcIgCUf5vMRGuAzXMb4DiSwmpCTsvq-oPbtUjio-6_uwHGJGaOM-P9N6hW4PL4ZBG7rbRrH09K_uCjGKj8Pm8qSDtqkdnjKvOyrlEB7KB7PBtb-nYIWo/s400/DSCN5628.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501475857021023874" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"London Bridge" or more accurately, Tower Bridge, was very impressive.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai9zZa4yJ_syKPJqVKiRzYUO0rO31R6zB9N9s7Rm1JBuNySInGG_O64KrWXH7p_l17s3frAiFO9CBuVyA0HO3Oy1MeIagpaCkQHR5Qa9VhdNkt5herWhim4pBrrOf3qCFvljrpmh7Uac/s1600/DSCN5667.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai9zZa4yJ_syKPJqVKiRzYUO0rO31R6zB9N9s7Rm1JBuNySInGG_O64KrWXH7p_l17s3frAiFO9CBuVyA0HO3Oy1MeIagpaCkQHR5Qa9VhdNkt5herWhim4pBrrOf3qCFvljrpmh7Uac/s400/DSCN5667.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501475845152481266" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One of the pleasurable perks of traveling in central Europe is the train travel.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc1XPORaf2tvBDSnaOpGx3VQG9wAjspx6EEOpYAK9jQAtNhpEi_gDgf31J3tIxGSmxbR3t8dFzwiAQDblxCo2qBtw9KE-FrD1LFOD0-GbmgI1lC2e4pt7woukfssnR5Nl321yusnTagA/s1600/DSCN5654.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc1XPORaf2tvBDSnaOpGx3VQG9wAjspx6EEOpYAK9jQAtNhpEi_gDgf31J3tIxGSmxbR3t8dFzwiAQDblxCo2qBtw9KE-FrD1LFOD0-GbmgI1lC2e4pt7woukfssnR5Nl321yusnTagA/s400/DSCN5654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501475838818892018" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This city truly never sleeps. Things just started hopping after dark and being part of the vibe is very fun! We bought half-price theater tickets earlier in Leicester Square and went to the show "Chicago" at the Cambridge Theater in the West End theater district (London's Broadway).</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxAEWM0QKrQiwJPOJ8PzGYLfLARMpfEqCv7k-DKA0rsdx-yeohDf0Y9_h_eAI433FegaWLiCvTA353dJr3fJNa6gyyi2P_XWxxPWidDvxkvVYpjHRicwIqSgmDG01UYs4hJSSu8bqHG0/s1600/DSCN5678.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxAEWM0QKrQiwJPOJ8PzGYLfLARMpfEqCv7k-DKA0rsdx-yeohDf0Y9_h_eAI433FegaWLiCvTA353dJr3fJNa6gyyi2P_XWxxPWidDvxkvVYpjHRicwIqSgmDG01UYs4hJSSu8bqHG0/s400/DSCN5678.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501475057557808962" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Staying with friends Candy and Dave (expats from Colorado living in Reading) made our visit so much more personal. We enjoyed the comfort of their hospitality in their charming Reading home. We recall the good memories of imbibing in some good English beer while chatting the evening away on their balcony overlooking the Thames River. And the next night, drinking even more good beer and laughing until our faces hurt with new friends visiting from Australia, Mike and Dennis. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The day after our frantic city tour, Candy drove us to the Cotswolds area - true pristine English countryside at its best - like a snapshot back in time reminiscent of literary greats such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter and Winston Churchill. We began our outing with a pub lunch at the 8 Bells Pub in Chipping Campden.</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2WLrGi8kH37cNjlWafuJADNSFKlrs89SoaO_TwvdnzfZtgyTnQ7Ly2b4K4LG3Vy7k_YkPEeRh4koQqT_wkD9WgJjxHteeFPXxBjjACdocmqYhyphenhyphenS8w48VIxJAOjCwWAGvtMy3ZHjeVJg/s1600/DSCN5695.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2WLrGi8kH37cNjlWafuJADNSFKlrs89SoaO_TwvdnzfZtgyTnQ7Ly2b4K4LG3Vy7k_YkPEeRh4koQqT_wkD9WgJjxHteeFPXxBjjACdocmqYhyphenhyphenS8w48VIxJAOjCwWAGvtMy3ZHjeVJg/s400/DSCN5695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501475046897116162" /><br /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We hiked approximately 10 kilometers through some of the most scenic and pastoral country we've ever seen. It was everything we imagined the English countryside to be complete with thatched roofed cottages...</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2WLrGi8kH37cNjlWafuJADNSFKlrs89SoaO_TwvdnzfZtgyTnQ7Ly2b4K4LG3Vy7k_YkPEeRh4koQqT_wkD9WgJjxHteeFPXxBjjACdocmqYhyphenhyphenS8w48VIxJAOjCwWAGvtMy3ZHjeVJg/s1600/DSCN5695.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVRcf47s4P4CVMblYO7LPbQI61GkDJUIdYZhyphenhyphen7AmtXFPRAKefRnOshvLS6OgtvXG6jgHdpUpRPPzHjuJcFVXzvue6NVkAVpDrjw9ARA00SsK8Ob074CQ9tKTutIDSSih3-c6ImT-LN3M/s1600/DSCN5718.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVRcf47s4P4CVMblYO7LPbQI61GkDJUIdYZhyphenhyphen7AmtXFPRAKefRnOshvLS6OgtvXG6jgHdpUpRPPzHjuJcFVXzvue6NVkAVpDrjw9ARA00SsK8Ob074CQ9tKTutIDSSih3-c6ImT-LN3M/s400/DSCN5718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501475043585449314" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> neat little flower bedecked stone villages...</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bitnAf1mEIQDMWy11HuJ29G66vEx_W31p247T7FPcvZJ6zdUIWTBLQLwUJshk3_w8uxkfgVgBPz7WsqUihfS3wdnf7H4bePmrtrpVy9eobnKUZ7s8mlaYbSSojkzFrrTBu2pU2nvDXU/s1600/DSCN5694.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bitnAf1mEIQDMWy11HuJ29G66vEx_W31p247T7FPcvZJ6zdUIWTBLQLwUJshk3_w8uxkfgVgBPz7WsqUihfS3wdnf7H4bePmrtrpVy9eobnKUZ7s8mlaYbSSojkzFrrTBu2pU2nvDXU/s400/DSCN5694.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501475034344444002" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and rolling green pastures of serene beauty.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio93hi6omS_GGs5BmQGDxFy_Vk_oup1nJrEB-G9a8b41FXHME1QvdiOvteV3vvF9bwNP_MzFvuwjZU6Z5MhAmkOalu2NmCx8pwRKs-1CzrjevdMHuAW2jBHHH8pZtJBCXUA5JKoQye0Pw/s1600/DSCN5723.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio93hi6omS_GGs5BmQGDxFy_Vk_oup1nJrEB-G9a8b41FXHME1QvdiOvteV3vvF9bwNP_MzFvuwjZU6Z5MhAmkOalu2NmCx8pwRKs-1CzrjevdMHuAW2jBHHH8pZtJBCXUA5JKoQye0Pw/s1600/DSCN5723.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio93hi6omS_GGs5BmQGDxFy_Vk_oup1nJrEB-G9a8b41FXHME1QvdiOvteV3vvF9bwNP_MzFvuwjZU6Z5MhAmkOalu2NmCx8pwRKs-1CzrjevdMHuAW2jBHHH8pZtJBCXUA5JKoQye0Pw/s400/DSCN5723.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501475025164881090" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A short two days in London/Reading area was not nearly enough time to see it all. But if there's one thing we've learned from our travels it's the wisdom of yet another English literary genius, G.K. Chesterton. He wrote, "A traveler sees what he sees; a tourist sees what he has come to see." Thank you Candy and Dave for helping us enjoy seeing beyond the "sights".</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3fuNCq5wO5E1RnHX4nMrIWY75jMvxl8qpt0taOcdklbawbQu-dqqv_fifqqfvOOZnTY23TU-rx2q009e-NTufCDnLDztR44GZXTunloLZA7vGm9azVhWC5InhweCyxWvjnCflRuvYTI/s1600/DSCN5722.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3fuNCq5wO5E1RnHX4nMrIWY75jMvxl8qpt0taOcdklbawbQu-dqqv_fifqqfvOOZnTY23TU-rx2q009e-NTufCDnLDztR44GZXTunloLZA7vGm9azVhWC5InhweCyxWvjnCflRuvYTI/s400/DSCN5722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501472540866107426" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">From Paddington Station, we boarded a fast train for Edinburgh, Scotland. The scene from the train as it whisked up the east coast was one of expansive green landscapes and gray sea.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzMIMUEHqmQDAsJFpbijazITgyASHWcu1_0BDBPN7O-D2TvWToE9l72VO08v1pnE59ysWz6bjbvzrg47LFY44o34jEu-TOWo0QqkTURmUoGdiVKNJBltSNG8T1akX4UHG4PKHYBDMyps/s1600/DSCN5759.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzMIMUEHqmQDAsJFpbijazITgyASHWcu1_0BDBPN7O-D2TvWToE9l72VO08v1pnE59ysWz6bjbvzrg47LFY44o34jEu-TOWo0QqkTURmUoGdiVKNJBltSNG8T1akX4UHG4PKHYBDMyps/s400/DSCN5759.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501472532618222722" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Edinburgh is a fascinating old city - the historic and cultural capital of Scotland and hometown to Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and my favorite, Robert Louis Stevenson who wrote, "To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." But to travel hopefully and arrive safely is the best of all.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ09bet-g1hvICO7RXr2mZLDA8Rw7e6QcuSJklIcMLvcLDOACsxHmIhZquOwbOhjIXR-P0x6PyajG5D4_26NimrKMBg9U-qFBQsbKG_CyzQufQqZs0IIPVQ6nbph2PNl5_tZyzzOabD3Q/s1600/DSCN5770.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ09bet-g1hvICO7RXr2mZLDA8Rw7e6QcuSJklIcMLvcLDOACsxHmIhZquOwbOhjIXR-P0x6PyajG5D4_26NimrKMBg9U-qFBQsbKG_CyzQufQqZs0IIPVQ6nbph2PNl5_tZyzzOabD3Q/s400/DSCN5770.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501472524853205522" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The grand and beautiful Edinburgh Castle sits high up on a rock hill and shadows the old city. It was an 11th century hilltop fort and royal residence for centuries and now houses the crown jewels of Scotland, the Royal Palace (where Mary Queen of Scots once lived), the Scottish War Memorial, St. Margaret's Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh) and the inspiring National War Museum of Scotland.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP_2wrKOruwtDbBbRHOfs8D5HKLdnVEHPeIH1a4Aojst7OZA4Vq2KtR8swuEug4qz5ipdAPwypI616ShydAnX94S3c_TSiGzjkmU816WbRu2QsYGd3l-tuxotnKj24SmmsFMO5DBXqI8/s1600/DSCN5813.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjP_2wrKOruwtDbBbRHOfs8D5HKLdnVEHPeIH1a4Aojst7OZA4Vq2KtR8swuEug4qz5ipdAPwypI616ShydAnX94S3c_TSiGzjkmU816WbRu2QsYGd3l-tuxotnKj24SmmsFMO5DBXqI8/s400/DSCN5813.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501472518128167042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MmAXsxyZh2Kw6Kwu7DbRPA3uT_A15g4a3uhx3xEBpQW1JWYQ5W9sShEeWRAppLDWsqvj90SV-269gqc3eI6l8m2hAMrBRBVi6YZWslbNOdl8aoInszKMEX0oH4tYt7INe8XmXpiJp8c/s1600/DSCN5777.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MmAXsxyZh2Kw6Kwu7DbRPA3uT_A15g4a3uhx3xEBpQW1JWYQ5W9sShEeWRAppLDWsqvj90SV-269gqc3eI6l8m2hAMrBRBVi6YZWslbNOdl8aoInszKMEX0oH4tYt7INe8XmXpiJp8c/s400/DSCN5777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501472514491661058" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking down the barrel of a castle cannon gives a grand view of the city of Edinburgh and the distant sea.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsWqZnlacbBt456-OgkeI86AMTMKGfhS_NWIP-WbA9JDw9ZlXSMSVR1kncWgY2_HusTLeouTVYJbTcUcAAcSdCat8xMZliN1BxGng0ayNlnmjV5K5h2ksrT9CzyxWCpP5kBo0ZwaMo0g/s1600/DSCN5779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsWqZnlacbBt456-OgkeI86AMTMKGfhS_NWIP-WbA9JDw9ZlXSMSVR1kncWgY2_HusTLeouTVYJbTcUcAAcSdCat8xMZliN1BxGng0ayNlnmjV5K5h2ksrT9CzyxWCpP5kBo0ZwaMo0g/s400/DSCN5779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501471925773832914" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> The Old Town of Edinburgh is divided by a pedestrian promenade called the Royal Mile. Historic buildings pack the Royal Mile between the grand castle on the top side down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the lower end. We spent most of our time browing around the Royal Mile people watching, shopping and exploring Medieval tiny alleys ("closes"), narrow winding lanes ("wynds") and old streets ("gates").</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-HwUDuzTLj4WQvJ0Y6anZXmcoJLOh3eAtDAD0Y1WHAVqPNIhreiC0it4BVD0j7i4IX3wvKpl7syT1a91HTtBWSlYiXB_ARLR3r6nwvDFuG6_PiyIAY2LwETkbYYzrBKaSV1pzjYEIUQ/s1600/DSCN5771.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-HwUDuzTLj4WQvJ0Y6anZXmcoJLOh3eAtDAD0Y1WHAVqPNIhreiC0it4BVD0j7i4IX3wvKpl7syT1a91HTtBWSlYiXB_ARLR3r6nwvDFuG6_PiyIAY2LwETkbYYzrBKaSV1pzjYEIUQ/s400/DSCN5771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501471919490957970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMP_Z-cD23mFtzBEonsYE4Im9FiJhjiY6CSTKQ5wQ5JukLqXJs4qu1Nhuzyrt0K1IYwmV_rbwWjs_bXhJy6H0ter5TD9Lvl2y16IAwC4rYVkGs_hBfJ7O5qmJ7_1EqaDOqlbOxFJ6Cr8/s1600/DSCN5791.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMP_Z-cD23mFtzBEonsYE4Im9FiJhjiY6CSTKQ5wQ5JukLqXJs4qu1Nhuzyrt0K1IYwmV_rbwWjs_bXhJy6H0ter5TD9Lvl2y16IAwC4rYVkGs_hBfJ7O5qmJ7_1EqaDOqlbOxFJ6Cr8/s400/DSCN5791.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501471906076537586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcQ96qOIIU_9yRWgtg84UNhgKWZ2SiApZsY2jZ9z_atWxuDMmYjMXNghPWodnJjoWrAUrxsZdD9xXNCn0Ma5y5sYAtcyOZYgIBqBNC1DuoktTK5FljWh_NmZGXRapJHL2hed7n4lJFqA/s1600/DSCN5799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcQ96qOIIU_9yRWgtg84UNhgKWZ2SiApZsY2jZ9z_atWxuDMmYjMXNghPWodnJjoWrAUrxsZdD9xXNCn0Ma5y5sYAtcyOZYgIBqBNC1DuoktTK5FljWh_NmZGXRapJHL2hed7n4lJFqA/s400/DSCN5799.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501471894613548066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgb0mbs-CoQYfGVtkjA9tORFoq5aDjnjC0i-M0T2GcOjl8B4K0HtqqN2bEBFSopCLyIbQ6M7BT4jRFuG840cnPZF3Wi6qGI3yOUM_Sf2xvrV44iO5pZRwQarDeNYar8daaRb-Pj9dsCA/s1600/DSCN5806.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgb0mbs-CoQYfGVtkjA9tORFoq5aDjnjC0i-M0T2GcOjl8B4K0HtqqN2bEBFSopCLyIbQ6M7BT4jRFuG840cnPZF3Wi6qGI3yOUM_Sf2xvrV44iO5pZRwQarDeNYar8daaRb-Pj9dsCA/s400/DSCN5806.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501471887076261330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A day in Scotland wouldn't be complete without joining the throngs of people spilling out from every pub for that cold glass of ale! </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BllJGqsnJcp-xuM5d6_ijmZoO0bNS1NoFD0P3dxzBhUBNgYeNwie52clQub0LN_RmWgYCVZ_QtjRdc01GcyaCNL7S5Ntrb1Zscm3LQlYvbAAVRMcp37DJImRfCdV8KVPAeMgLVLZb9g/s1600/DSCN5797.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BllJGqsnJcp-xuM5d6_ijmZoO0bNS1NoFD0P3dxzBhUBNgYeNwie52clQub0LN_RmWgYCVZ_QtjRdc01GcyaCNL7S5Ntrb1Zscm3LQlYvbAAVRMcp37DJImRfCdV8KVPAeMgLVLZb9g/s400/DSCN5797.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501460333313518354" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After a few days in Edinburgh, we ventured further north via train again into the legendary Highlands of Scotland. Destination: Inverness. These picturesque little train stations were all along the way.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8iJzjd_rdrQaRFYtkZWDOkT9UMRkW1lb3g3-MSntqNoX8Fuu7gmlT6DlConH78XtwVC8XduqHWLBOemYUc9xsy3dogo7qgjz222i_kgPTyA7_9otZ4AN53Xwfe_EMZ3JNyxnSzGoL9w/s1600/DSCN5822.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8iJzjd_rdrQaRFYtkZWDOkT9UMRkW1lb3g3-MSntqNoX8Fuu7gmlT6DlConH78XtwVC8XduqHWLBOemYUc9xsy3dogo7qgjz222i_kgPTyA7_9otZ4AN53Xwfe_EMZ3JNyxnSzGoL9w/s400/DSCN5822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501460325608885330" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where Edinburgh is the bustling major city of Scotland, Inverness is its quieter city cousin. Situated on the River Ness at the base of a prominant but historically unimpressive castle, it is in the heart of the Highlands and a great homebase from which to branch out and see other sights.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZvOqNz1FrCql3ZPcIsjVJRaX0wiHpr0vkw1wgRPdAjkZM0Ofu7hFS3UvdChOcTm4GrzgOvlPgQuxac39CW67cDgUptjwsFbDrTuZHi-zh7aZ1aqTWXWbsngWNM2Sr8jPCRrTuard380/s1600/DSCN5860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZvOqNz1FrCql3ZPcIsjVJRaX0wiHpr0vkw1wgRPdAjkZM0Ofu7hFS3UvdChOcTm4GrzgOvlPgQuxac39CW67cDgUptjwsFbDrTuZHi-zh7aZ1aqTWXWbsngWNM2Sr8jPCRrTuard380/s400/DSCN5860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501460321043353986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14FpnXFopll0VMqJT3pt6mNzAktOxjAtKDktHSjDk2vF-pJyVpxYVKD9vIBot2yR5oCycpfD9bS5fkuglvfmohOtXd9sz9F9B4ZEA8VPd6JyUi79bwn4-3EP8PjCluOTeKl_ixLEPL90/s1600/DSCN5914.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14FpnXFopll0VMqJT3pt6mNzAktOxjAtKDktHSjDk2vF-pJyVpxYVKD9vIBot2yR5oCycpfD9bS5fkuglvfmohOtXd9sz9F9B4ZEA8VPd6JyUi79bwn4-3EP8PjCluOTeKl_ixLEPL90/s400/DSCN5914.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501460313850304946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlX031F6pblfhg3o13BCl1Sngv0UoB1EjmmGZXZuRIq2xBZTdwEkYVFMx7YKlKMy5NSRXFJ20f4FZdbM5Kx3hm5ND1vmbbYVKODGpA_7OzgOzGY18_g9x0MnGvG1X_61wSC3Dv-pPjLA/s1600/DSCN5852.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlX031F6pblfhg3o13BCl1Sngv0UoB1EjmmGZXZuRIq2xBZTdwEkYVFMx7YKlKMy5NSRXFJ20f4FZdbM5Kx3hm5ND1vmbbYVKODGpA_7OzgOzGY18_g9x0MnGvG1X_61wSC3Dv-pPjLA/s400/DSCN5852.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501460305843114258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZghEsdLtzwxQ_uMR1v1ms5SPdP2aU0cz1yO3LBfA7GgazAvIkDHiMcpJfjC_OTNgYC2l41I6ia8BvGVDEcfqxt5tIrWEQlh76Fm6h_nOIrgUWIeim_PbKGDCZI5Zb1ByHFvGaYXpW88/s1600/DSCN5919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZghEsdLtzwxQ_uMR1v1ms5SPdP2aU0cz1yO3LBfA7GgazAvIkDHiMcpJfjC_OTNgYC2l41I6ia8BvGVDEcfqxt5tIrWEQlh76Fm6h_nOIrgUWIeim_PbKGDCZI5Zb1ByHFvGaYXpW88/s400/DSCN5919.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501459440155806770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs0YO_9y3Ic8QvtPUYO7TOHKVkZe6x6rlYhgEd6aRs__Utgb88U2UGO8duiINJryuYcW1rIe_E8ZCeNFFA9In_l3-QY9lDuEz6uZJeDko8bLcq9b1mc7QHmYHcMlFeZbjxvR7vFD5jGo/s1600/DSCN5827.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs0YO_9y3Ic8QvtPUYO7TOHKVkZe6x6rlYhgEd6aRs__Utgb88U2UGO8duiINJryuYcW1rIe_E8ZCeNFFA9In_l3-QY9lDuEz6uZJeDko8bLcq9b1mc7QHmYHcMlFeZbjxvR7vFD5jGo/s400/DSCN5827.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501459432160690594" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The path along the River Ness winds in and out of beautiful wooded areas accented with whimsical benches, artful bridges and giant trees.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwf0mxYJ7hxxUbtUNhBTG6stK721f5tmV9TmP0Ehg8S33V9c_GV7lYgcqpdUHVco936fPvGlawzEmI6K3lCfGP361kqQKZzhZdiBCfxvgSNiDBM9UyZkbYimXoXGzvNinpwfkjjntLh8/s1600/DSCN5830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwf0mxYJ7hxxUbtUNhBTG6stK721f5tmV9TmP0Ehg8S33V9c_GV7lYgcqpdUHVco936fPvGlawzEmI6K3lCfGP361kqQKZzhZdiBCfxvgSNiDBM9UyZkbYimXoXGzvNinpwfkjjntLh8/s400/DSCN5830.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501459422157862162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix14oR1ejqExsL7IGZGJhG0CzyBAwwAiMK22ih7xUGCRgtdKx78hSJwZKKWpMwk9eM-EuReL7SA1XNEaO1WCecA2TpUidDKheZFuG76n9HmiJy8SMca6CLNYZe24Ap5pqHpnz16KDQmJw/s1600/DSCN5831.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix14oR1ejqExsL7IGZGJhG0CzyBAwwAiMK22ih7xUGCRgtdKx78hSJwZKKWpMwk9eM-EuReL7SA1XNEaO1WCecA2TpUidDKheZFuG76n9HmiJy8SMca6CLNYZe24Ap5pqHpnz16KDQmJw/s400/DSCN5831.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501459414935132594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2NPx3hq1ewHbqmAEnIuO7RDwVaxOVK2FgW4ma1t4O4Ir3gmzVZMdgBP0R_ggn7QQaEma2brD7gjDDNHD_Bx5xpW2HqAkZetj0of8dTHg3X8Dg92KIl4VwyYOKAm3bIeKAQIY66zj9ww/s1600/DSCN5848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2NPx3hq1ewHbqmAEnIuO7RDwVaxOVK2FgW4ma1t4O4Ir3gmzVZMdgBP0R_ggn7QQaEma2brD7gjDDNHD_Bx5xpW2HqAkZetj0of8dTHg3X8Dg92KIl4VwyYOKAm3bIeKAQIY66zj9ww/s400/DSCN5848.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501459404578049490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIOxVpuAzEA17fJfuTy_XTRrRB_ISXmuYQDfySl9Tg2N4ASDjPolhLuHFNdBHpgtpiKbURMsXoh12pzeW95F9VO1Kuy9drKH2Xw3NOxw5WskIaVb3OKrqCA26gI_pX7PCk9TGAVjhCK8/s1600/DSCN5845.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIOxVpuAzEA17fJfuTy_XTRrRB_ISXmuYQDfySl9Tg2N4ASDjPolhLuHFNdBHpgtpiKbURMsXoh12pzeW95F9VO1Kuy9drKH2Xw3NOxw5WskIaVb3OKrqCA26gI_pX7PCk9TGAVjhCK8/s400/DSCN5845.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501446670132448258" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One full day was devoted to exploring the countryside by joining the "Jacobite Tour" group. One of the stops was at the site of an prehistoric cairn - a Neolithic burial chamber dating from 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. To the casual observer they look merely like a pile of rocks but closer observation will reveal a central "ring cairn" with an open space in the cneter but no access to it. This is flanked by two "passage cairns" which were once covered. The entrance shaft in each passage cairn lines up with the setting sun at winter solstice. Little is known about the origin or purpose of these cairns and the standing stones that encircle the entire site only add to its mystery.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCCuSm0V9B0CDbWuawesqThXQkxTtyWRMH_DBf6P7MS4-_v9ClQ4UjlIRYG6DokX157EoB46_xFnH2i1muMCTgt7UcDwzuiKTgunsp1xgYXgiOz5MGxvqj90FAttVMrrRoSz7zcnJG7c/s1600/DSCN5870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCCuSm0V9B0CDbWuawesqThXQkxTtyWRMH_DBf6P7MS4-_v9ClQ4UjlIRYG6DokX157EoB46_xFnH2i1muMCTgt7UcDwzuiKTgunsp1xgYXgiOz5MGxvqj90FAttVMrrRoSz7zcnJG7c/s400/DSCN5870.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501446666258737922" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our tour continued with a cruise down the Caledonian Canal through Loch Ness (no monster sightings today) and ended at the ruins of Urquhart Castle. In the years of the Jacobites resistance, thousands of clan Highlanders fought to the death to preserve their freedom from English rule. Scottish heroes such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert the Bruce and William "Braveheart" Wallace all made their mark in history on the surrounding hills. Urquhart Castle was home to various Scottish and English nobles and was eventually destroyed when its last owner blew it up to keep the Jacobites from taking it. It is beautifully situated on the banks of Loch Ness.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vqvy1EAKN28JvbZ2frhuKcd9zFqF0EFr_6YPQWtYT0J89K5bIhVndvzEJGW-CT1Z0JNosNEoL_qFfbd_E7pNR-a6LAJUjWIZuQH96JnOwD-swVD_zH8Kq5GdXckLCvH3oQOk-VhefnQ/s1600/DSCN5884.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vqvy1EAKN28JvbZ2frhuKcd9zFqF0EFr_6YPQWtYT0J89K5bIhVndvzEJGW-CT1Z0JNosNEoL_qFfbd_E7pNR-a6LAJUjWIZuQH96JnOwD-swVD_zH8Kq5GdXckLCvH3oQOk-VhefnQ/s400/DSCN5884.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501446663686252242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw0GF3EoVkZNBDa1nCHeWtKVP6xFnJwgZhWQKRarGRFscCgQCkhOxN-kjWFpzV8Oz_2_-Acmw_eLrBgb9FNJIEhYme8Xx39bNe-UUcMVpRtRA68_mGQu4fCO6x9Ve8EQrOC0Km_uIu6g/s1600/DSCN5878.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw0GF3EoVkZNBDa1nCHeWtKVP6xFnJwgZhWQKRarGRFscCgQCkhOxN-kjWFpzV8Oz_2_-Acmw_eLrBgb9FNJIEhYme8Xx39bNe-UUcMVpRtRA68_mGQu4fCO6x9Ve8EQrOC0Km_uIu6g/s400/DSCN5878.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501446649648051858" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The boat cruise headed back to Inverness through many locks that service the Caledonian Canal.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb9MBhJI7_MTOm5ly-tIl33T1bReZ4nfGEaDBjYsYAgpC_N6WKkEGMETez4gpzKCETVP93FtkQENAfeRrQnDWMFznj05lY3ISrcgHMNPs_mZrzTjumm3IU-fq2m12C4SbY0EKNKOVojk/s1600/DSCN5901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb9MBhJI7_MTOm5ly-tIl33T1bReZ4nfGEaDBjYsYAgpC_N6WKkEGMETez4gpzKCETVP93FtkQENAfeRrQnDWMFznj05lY3ISrcgHMNPs_mZrzTjumm3IU-fq2m12C4SbY0EKNKOVojk/s400/DSCN5901.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501446645640176706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC0GI0aVnaoZfw2XkCmpgv7i9y7g5hshomoKsaBwPUF51mGqwcCa3CcSGmmeyWP0jiHuncSYfbgUCWBG74JPDUlS4ev_AM8Wc-_Udgj2GYQlSVD0kn0VA907y9ZzxBfDVvZKd4lnP6LE/s1600/DSCN5905.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC0GI0aVnaoZfw2XkCmpgv7i9y7g5hshomoKsaBwPUF51mGqwcCa3CcSGmmeyWP0jiHuncSYfbgUCWBG74JPDUlS4ev_AM8Wc-_Udgj2GYQlSVD0kn0VA907y9ZzxBfDVvZKd4lnP6LE/s400/DSCN5905.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501440795923001634" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Inverness is a wonderful town to explore. This old church was around the corner from our </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; ">B & B.</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM95qmUbu1HVYbPa3lrZgzaz6RZF5ndh5yVvUqBFjkFr1kJ_mgDDBW26fr1I47nygFgSlAACuRc1MStkBuV7F54J3ysO5w_HOL_4ExbCEpzKSoHjUwnbqXi24SpXqJwdoTKWzfJnjenw/s1600/DSCN5829.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnM95qmUbu1HVYbPa3lrZgzaz6RZF5ndh5yVvUqBFjkFr1kJ_mgDDBW26fr1I47nygFgSlAACuRc1MStkBuV7F54J3ysO5w_HOL_4ExbCEpzKSoHjUwnbqXi24SpXqJwdoTKWzfJnjenw/s400/DSCN5829.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501440791349238482" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One of the pleasures of traveling is just taking in the local flavor. Spending an evening in the local pub reading a newspaper over a glass of ale and a bowl of "chips" (fries) is just about as good as it gets!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKz4lJMqWZJqh4vnApOe5an4OFGoT-Rc_aXvQyBga-tiUszKHwBkwDc1T46Yn3Rixpu_KmGT5y5BFM-XjwzqBLUuGKdq7cYhtjdF0Mbxq0YgRW1MgEBIT7GsydyR8Wr0xr1lZENrcLes/s1600/DSCN5910.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKz4lJMqWZJqh4vnApOe5an4OFGoT-Rc_aXvQyBga-tiUszKHwBkwDc1T46Yn3Rixpu_KmGT5y5BFM-XjwzqBLUuGKdq7cYhtjdF0Mbxq0YgRW1MgEBIT7GsydyR8Wr0xr1lZENrcLes/s400/DSCN5910.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501440782358692242" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And to top it all off, every night we had a glorious "sky show" beginning with a rainbow and ending with a beautiful sunset over the river.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMV7TjP4Ht00SyDtCkbUG-rNhnl4DbYLi9oa9Pkhjq6fB4rTaO_Nal3NyT51hDBW4T0_KCAyBzIG0PQ-uYOUpG7SYTYzOc0xezv8qajzvSWjH_TrYRkZCl-MdkFTOLV2RuB4PyuBEN4k/s1600/DSCN5912.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMV7TjP4Ht00SyDtCkbUG-rNhnl4DbYLi9oa9Pkhjq6fB4rTaO_Nal3NyT51hDBW4T0_KCAyBzIG0PQ-uYOUpG7SYTYzOc0xezv8qajzvSWjH_TrYRkZCl-MdkFTOLV2RuB4PyuBEN4k/s400/DSCN5912.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501440773465814386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M0I-IXV5JCsotnm2mPtsbViknRrmIiUT5bn4PvGgig4scNReXb8ijr4UImg82RQWsksXDAMxKfThRV-iQHqNHJBzfqXQUEfgg8iiJxgKUP72lgzdgiIB647x5j7BrBetbxRLyal_iOI/s1600/DSCN5917.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M0I-IXV5JCsotnm2mPtsbViknRrmIiUT5bn4PvGgig4scNReXb8ijr4UImg82RQWsksXDAMxKfThRV-iQHqNHJBzfqXQUEfgg8iiJxgKUP72lgzdgiIB647x5j7BrBetbxRLyal_iOI/s400/DSCN5917.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501440769409754242" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking back on these photos and recalling the memories of our trip to the UK only increses our appetite for more. We will return!</span></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-11781124691783588732010-07-14T07:57:00.012+03:002010-07-20T07:23:53.024+03:00UNIQUELY CRETE...(what the brochures won't show you)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><i>Disclaimer:</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Out of respect for my wonderful Greek friends, before you read this blog, please understand that it's all done in humor. No place is perfect - just look at America!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OK...so we've lived here for 10 months now and the honeymoon's over. Like any relationship, once the glitter of excitement is over and reality sets in, you begin to see the quirkyness and sometimes ugly side of your loved one. Suddenly, those things that once charmed you are now just plain annoying! And you find yourself scratching your head over "what's THAT about?!"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Take Crete, for instance...some things are still charming in their "unique-ness". </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Like the tree trunks that are painted white (protection against insects). In fact, Cretans seem to love to paint anything and everything white as we discovered Easter week when the whole village was out slapping the whitewash on everything that didn't move out of the way - from their homes to their stone walls.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBvkEtFUuL3BwlO2ubKCHCORjA-paxYhyphenhyphenXhBYkV5PQON8CDYl3QH8C3TWCWSiGxisn4oL8lQjUXlRLBMs6hqZmYg4WAws92koFma2YMBrkzL96ZufpTTLP93ga1hhpn8UGK3O4DhJLB8/s1600/DSCN5603.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBvkEtFUuL3BwlO2ubKCHCORjA-paxYhyphenhyphenXhBYkV5PQON8CDYl3QH8C3TWCWSiGxisn4oL8lQjUXlRLBMs6hqZmYg4WAws92koFma2YMBrkzL96ZufpTTLP93ga1hhpn8UGK3O4DhJLB8/s400/DSCN5603.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493625022514970802" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A nice fast descent can be rudely interrupted...</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_kXp5al0nKlCOoYuacMuKXnUVB1cB2TPGGud8tCyHBkSM-C7pktSoxLwYZThtp3xUqi4KAvPK588CaHK921dEH6-x5QPFFPOsCtijaKWJ9pFe8kyJ8H-bHcBCpH8xYAWQIWkdtAW2Zo/s1600/DSCN4469.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_kXp5al0nKlCOoYuacMuKXnUVB1cB2TPGGud8tCyHBkSM-C7pktSoxLwYZThtp3xUqi4KAvPK588CaHK921dEH6-x5QPFFPOsCtijaKWJ9pFe8kyJ8H-bHcBCpH8xYAWQIWkdtAW2Zo/s400/DSCN4469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493625012275355250" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...as well as a "quick" drive over to the base. (God definitely has a sense of humor when it comes to teaching us patience.)</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisALcvlgcUbAArjDWZn495L5KjQmhyphenhyphen8tfZo4iCwUDcEhVYQ-SyxQE6d-uNBO8eJwaVgW4T66beyE1Jgtno9BXYOpqZK_80DlApEKAhAO-9y2kwHzlZIngrxtdXicZ6LpTA_Ytg3k8jLpc/s1600/DSCN5213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisALcvlgcUbAArjDWZn495L5KjQmhyphenhyphen8tfZo4iCwUDcEhVYQ-SyxQE6d-uNBO8eJwaVgW4T66beyE1Jgtno9BXYOpqZK_80DlApEKAhAO-9y2kwHzlZIngrxtdXicZ6LpTA_Ytg3k8jLpc/s400/DSCN5213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493624563447906722" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And one should always expect the unexpected ... like these goats in a make-shift pen on a back street in the city. Ahhh...cute!</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRCQL5d2lrbTjIf7FtYOxYPOB5JQA1pi9PUf-FjLIERDgpqGBrd0VkFQNx5CbuFRHCaUexMp0xljLpIX4cdMgGDGfhmRPWqYHggPhh6L8NaotN2y-vPp7cDcDtZAWV1DQgokpSikCV00/s1600/DSCN4088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRCQL5d2lrbTjIf7FtYOxYPOB5JQA1pi9PUf-FjLIERDgpqGBrd0VkFQNx5CbuFRHCaUexMp0xljLpIX4cdMgGDGfhmRPWqYHggPhh6L8NaotN2y-vPp7cDcDtZAWV1DQgokpSikCV00/s400/DSCN4088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493624557847181538" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And then there's the just plain "ugly" side...dubbed "Cretan Cancer" by a local activist artist; Piles of junk and garbage thrown in vacant lots...</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXVaqJ4Inlquo9Ib_u6T5uBrAqCdtcrQk4EnCbxUh3mNCjDLRKPIBEh9EdJx1FbaQHa4m-Ob5kbSGHc3h88o-uodCS_M-kcSh5qwuds_GsmWWtlNGKaJA1BpZZEGj_ay4A6yYZv5wjA0/s1600/DSCN4419.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXVaqJ4Inlquo9Ib_u6T5uBrAqCdtcrQk4EnCbxUh3mNCjDLRKPIBEh9EdJx1FbaQHa4m-Ob5kbSGHc3h88o-uodCS_M-kcSh5qwuds_GsmWWtlNGKaJA1BpZZEGj_ay4A6yYZv5wjA0/s400/DSCN4419.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493624548480577026" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...and along roadsides.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMcJqVKsR3nqpeHeRxY_jQ397TRiaYILd2umd8rNScZGcUyLLcWNuhg82Cz7WLB0AlxdPWEIfkEiUNknAwJg6_wrzaXka4xT5JTB3BM2Ym7z5opzYu16YjshqZIlKNj_ngm-Wxn3Ir5c/s1600/DSCN5266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMcJqVKsR3nqpeHeRxY_jQ397TRiaYILd2umd8rNScZGcUyLLcWNuhg82Cz7WLB0AlxdPWEIfkEiUNknAwJg6_wrzaXka4xT5JTB3BM2Ym7z5opzYu16YjshqZIlKNj_ngm-Wxn3Ir5c/s400/DSCN5266.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493624544993815170" /></a> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But the real fun is trying to figure out "What's up with that?!"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Puzzling handicap ramp? "We build these state-of-the-art ramps for schlupping supplies to the merchant there behind you. What's ADA?" </span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwBEYsVFVrhbZC7LengyrhStqILgmCivoH0vXisO02VkwBlhFwu-H_8jH9v1df1tXOdG1v8fYyVRKbQM0CqBo9W34Br6-JQYhMJklS6A_yrgUQXVgXRQ5ln3zqha4WbeNYaI77b7t5Ow/s1600/DSCN3849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwBEYsVFVrhbZC7LengyrhStqILgmCivoH0vXisO02VkwBlhFwu-H_8jH9v1df1tXOdG1v8fYyVRKbQM0CqBo9W34Br6-JQYhMJklS6A_yrgUQXVgXRQ5ln3zqha4WbeNYaI77b7t5Ow/s400/DSCN3849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493624533414528338" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">NO, those are not some unique form of antennae. The roof rebar sticking up has a couple of stories. Rumor had it that long ago, the taxes on an unfinished house were quite a bit lower than if you finished it off. So, many enterprising Cretans left their houses like this. In actuality, most traditional Cretan houses are built unfinished with the expectation that a second or even third story will be added on when grandma, daughter and family, or any other number of relatives move in.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCuztej6MeNoDjy9rwDBoh4WE4vaUKD6NBnAeWEBYq2Yc5FRcg1cGNiaWELtYHBBJk5F5jnxGvU06sD70wQQSaX_YxlyjocgfRU4RFYfAvY3E6PEtu3n9J5mXEer4qGODPrU5WzMxAnU/s1600/DSCN5610.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCuztej6MeNoDjy9rwDBoh4WE4vaUKD6NBnAeWEBYq2Yc5FRcg1cGNiaWELtYHBBJk5F5jnxGvU06sD70wQQSaX_YxlyjocgfRU4RFYfAvY3E6PEtu3n9J5mXEer4qGODPrU5WzMxAnU/s400/DSCN5610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493623612281675714" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey, but how about that neat solar water heater tank! Every house has one! (That's one thing Colorado could do very effectively!)</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzDIw8TzkG_jlXCUz_f_sq3VVzk1kiTB_NpOnPFGIsV4Ci00ytKOE3iKIpHZ4RAVbdaBZit3eTeLlxj7HBS6WXwbf8RLkX8bwUgnsiEvfzU_2azvEynmzLRAtNnh8nJcBjOR1c1MgLuY/s1600/DSCN5263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzDIw8TzkG_jlXCUz_f_sq3VVzk1kiTB_NpOnPFGIsV4Ci00ytKOE3iKIpHZ4RAVbdaBZit3eTeLlxj7HBS6WXwbf8RLkX8bwUgnsiEvfzU_2azvEynmzLRAtNnh8nJcBjOR1c1MgLuY/s400/DSCN5263.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493623604993778738" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Irrigation is a huge business here in the agricultural community of the Akrotiri peninsula. But why bury the hose. Let's just run it along the edge of the road and see how long it lasts after being run over by countless cars and giant trucks.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">p.s. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nice fence</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSpu14jkHDyxPJDtH7Ot4rQBapmM4vJIbCvBw5iqaaarEU_Z1vUhRvRx9wczdVlOwWAkvxlX2ovHh_EYIK-s_WjrJ343ORzw_lpHVNrf4GIIfvI2aaU2RAkmC55u5TzOcvxRK7rDof6c/s1600/DSCN5611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSpu14jkHDyxPJDtH7Ot4rQBapmM4vJIbCvBw5iqaaarEU_Z1vUhRvRx9wczdVlOwWAkvxlX2ovHh_EYIK-s_WjrJ343ORzw_lpHVNrf4GIIfvI2aaU2RAkmC55u5TzOcvxRK7rDof6c/s400/DSCN5611.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493623594703377618" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Still can't figure out why,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> if there are SO many dumpsters on every corner, people still insist on trashing the countryside.</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbXRFy15DFipFHjd1-5tV7RA6mDa1ejbkFFt02n4bkbUqD8P5HXIpYtjmwUDNFx6ZNAI5PFCfqJkhqzvd4dVDABp94E1tZIBLfhQi8EAA3eQ1yDNiwzmMoptVttCS3F-qANDDkKwpjsk/s1600/DSCN5612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbXRFy15DFipFHjd1-5tV7RA6mDa1ejbkFFt02n4bkbUqD8P5HXIpYtjmwUDNFx6ZNAI5PFCfqJkhqzvd4dVDABp94E1tZIBLfhQi8EAA3eQ1yDNiwzmMoptVttCS3F-qANDDkKwpjsk/s400/DSCN5612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493623589014662194" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But, by far, this is the epitomy of "uniquely Crete" (actually all through Greece). The plumbing is of a small diameter and most homes and businesses have outdated septic. But not to fear, every bathroom has a fancy little flip-lid can for TP! ( UGH! We admit it..we cheat sometimes.) I do admire the humorous attention to detail in this particular poster found in a hotel room. </span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4j_9-EwvQiRlxp_K-8Iytyq3ZlN-kOJXkyiR9feYQe3MCkp9QA05Dhx13J2HS1V4xi4YH_9Q_Kkx4Jr61S-s4xog-gAJJFkNo3b07BM7kwwfFC56M5xhT-ES5lgVXbT5K2r5Qf0krfs/s1600/4642053598_e314fd21cc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4j_9-EwvQiRlxp_K-8Iytyq3ZlN-kOJXkyiR9feYQe3MCkp9QA05Dhx13J2HS1V4xi4YH_9Q_Kkx4Jr61S-s4xog-gAJJFkNo3b07BM7kwwfFC56M5xhT-ES5lgVXbT5K2r5Qf0krfs/s400/4642053598_e314fd21cc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493623582251281634" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And that's just a piece of "the rest of the story". There are many other anomalies that I just couldn't capture on film. Like the TWO big guys on a motorbike passing a line of cars on a descent WHILE PULLING A WHEELIE (But at least they remembered their helmets - hanging on the handlebars) Or the fellow riding his bike with a cockatoo bird gripping his shoulder. Or the rough concrete sidewalks that lead to nowhere and then drop off. Or the very sad reality of how the dogs and cats are sorely neglected and abused. Not to mention, the lack of any city planning (Richard's favorite pet peeve.)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But like any good relationship, you have to choose to concentrate on the good and minimize the bad. So what's good about this place - besides the dear friends we've made? Oh yeah....</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BZCZaCwIjRxZcN0LgcnYTvgzOYqm1xYJebsbOYpTm-FFBCPnZs4-NyKYIpna8SPBruPsLzC6tZ_yrhKw_C53IaCrG6tq6WQEhG2FpAAEHsuPzr3DPwHMuY3_EkXUTOY7XJj8OZCRRoA/s1600/DSCN3788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BZCZaCwIjRxZcN0LgcnYTvgzOYqm1xYJebsbOYpTm-FFBCPnZs4-NyKYIpna8SPBruPsLzC6tZ_yrhKw_C53IaCrG6tq6WQEhG2FpAAEHsuPzr3DPwHMuY3_EkXUTOY7XJj8OZCRRoA/s400/DSCN3788.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493622597965096066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJOS4GhoIgzLFpuPRfQ9GT5orbETlwMUHwRy32i0Ck4NDT6DfilILdCTVycXwygcpA-gpf-2aBMtXYLuScUlrWC8NvjCteKG3BDyj-XvXWm6GDXeSgyFFIzwafEe29sy3-T4irFSz6-U/s1600/DSCN5434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJOS4GhoIgzLFpuPRfQ9GT5orbETlwMUHwRy32i0Ck4NDT6DfilILdCTVycXwygcpA-gpf-2aBMtXYLuScUlrWC8NvjCteKG3BDyj-XvXWm6GDXeSgyFFIzwafEe29sy3-T4irFSz6-U/s400/DSCN5434.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493622589297830066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_weXEA9A-tQECg6mWGwICgyo2qM4MP3xjNo7rAbHJrmgn-bpiRmmGriA0-2GsZtAB3EihJPddgEEIiJu5_eeeu9dfnRm1H8iQsFcNFTXzii87Drj4uanzwL26VAkqq7p2cs1rmFIpSN8/s1600/DSCN5559.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_weXEA9A-tQECg6mWGwICgyo2qM4MP3xjNo7rAbHJrmgn-bpiRmmGriA0-2GsZtAB3EihJPddgEEIiJu5_eeeu9dfnRm1H8iQsFcNFTXzii87Drj4uanzwL26VAkqq7p2cs1rmFIpSN8/s400/DSCN5559.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493622578872491714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnECAcnl8fpt16mE5MP5xPIdzvrJUDSZ5KE4WutwPpkzXJfsGeRi8wjNdtWQ4v1gvdhtdJzovQjlBp8jEyj-YcpN1tM_YrJ0Ip0o61oOlWobIDr10ZFFqV6pXG5mb1cxAZHy66g4vNmd8/s1600/DSCN4546.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnECAcnl8fpt16mE5MP5xPIdzvrJUDSZ5KE4WutwPpkzXJfsGeRi8wjNdtWQ4v1gvdhtdJzovQjlBp8jEyj-YcpN1tM_YrJ0Ip0o61oOlWobIDr10ZFFqV6pXG5mb1cxAZHy66g4vNmd8/s400/DSCN4546.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493622576998974994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBvPKM2PjWeb74t_7O9Rk_lL5HZxWbVBMGI1ZyLmFFVxYCPeRtR9YoUPKM1MjU8P8le7NwivAs9i5YbSl3S9Xm7VUprdbdquvgpDHGWbVBU_kg-qdoo5b-B3xJkD05hn3qttpVkm2Gl8/s1600/DSCN5591.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBvPKM2PjWeb74t_7O9Rk_lL5HZxWbVBMGI1ZyLmFFVxYCPeRtR9YoUPKM1MjU8P8le7NwivAs9i5YbSl3S9Xm7VUprdbdquvgpDHGWbVBU_kg-qdoo5b-B3xJkD05hn3qttpVkm2Gl8/s400/DSCN5591.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493622569265182786" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Come check it out for yourselves!</span></span></div></div></div></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-61100424313313762232010-05-27T10:41:00.024+03:002010-06-03T10:40:02.526+03:00SANTORINI<div style="text-align: left;">Santorini is a peaceful treasure in the middle of the Aegean Sea crafted from a violent and destructive force. What used to be a single island was the site one of the world's largest volcanic eruptions ever recorded in history. It literally is a volcano that blew its top. In fact, the eruption was so huge it created a giant tsunami of 150 meters high (almost 500 feet) that traveled south to Crete and significantly altered its landscape as well as contributed to the collapse of the Minoan civilization there. The volcano Thira (Santorini's original name) is now the site of a giant caldera, deep blue waters, white villages hugging the high steep cliffs, vineyards, scenic views, blue domed chapels and the most gorgeous sunsets in the world.</div><div>(Before you continue on, I encourage you to click on the photos to get the full view version which still doesn't even do it justice!) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjCCC5Zk2sVINO8NNXanh7ejWRvdeUUq-5UR_FKWM7YgAryysMPIC6iYoMlwPSXV8mN1HaHif3jqAdEq2kQiO-J-0rUDoZ4b977g1D5fOx94UZX1tW_MqVCumzjnUs25u1_9Tyt-xV5w/s1600/DSCN5392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjCCC5Zk2sVINO8NNXanh7ejWRvdeUUq-5UR_FKWM7YgAryysMPIC6iYoMlwPSXV8mN1HaHif3jqAdEq2kQiO-J-0rUDoZ4b977g1D5fOx94UZX1tW_MqVCumzjnUs25u1_9Tyt-xV5w/s400/DSCN5392.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475865485489315154" /></a><br /></div><div>Mel first experienced Santorini as a side trip when her friend, Gini from the States made a trek to Crete for a visit. The girls boarded a fast ferry and headed north. Sixty-eight miles and roughly an hour later they were in Santorini.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2OBtEF-Qw1Y5IsFTZhqpW6KlLOpKNUE5jR6awtAw4beWDNtGzKREQAlDELGnlPKPWlnSkAuhcDqn_9nlKTuI9ulqrqPbqKqQk6HjhvMo7pwHyxjGwyG2A_c6XNleMTM8zEWtgx0l_3U/s1600/DSCN5219.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2OBtEF-Qw1Y5IsFTZhqpW6KlLOpKNUE5jR6awtAw4beWDNtGzKREQAlDELGnlPKPWlnSkAuhcDqn_9nlKTuI9ulqrqPbqKqQk6HjhvMo7pwHyxjGwyG2A_c6XNleMTM8zEWtgx0l_3U/s400/DSCN5219.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475865479523240466" /></a><br /></div><div>We stayed in the beautiful cliff side village of Oia (pron. ee-ah)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE_q1uHVAXMhNhi1QuUelnzhpjp4l01EH13MoR3oLQv1XqKCFtG__br8jFgQpnHdpnWXXy9fq1Yb2M7uQP4wlsV5yzFgaR350emQVXnpfAIZscHtD0JWxLVOdMnXNvbYf4W31jXwVhVE/s1600/DSCN5247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE_q1uHVAXMhNhi1QuUelnzhpjp4l01EH13MoR3oLQv1XqKCFtG__br8jFgQpnHdpnWXXy9fq1Yb2M7uQP4wlsV5yzFgaR350emQVXnpfAIZscHtD0JWxLVOdMnXNvbYf4W31jXwVhVE/s400/DSCN5247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475865471551925538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzi2X5Ims5OW2wJ7tijKSw0jo8Ebx7n7TeZOwHq4IgSvz6FjbDTUIoxzToavMwZ2u31DOogqu2hsSsek4-VUDCVMIz1dtBqyVGj7nv6rTJMQLouKXkgu7mhCt1FEF-Y6nhwYFuhv2P3E/s1600/DSCN5230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzi2X5Ims5OW2wJ7tijKSw0jo8Ebx7n7TeZOwHq4IgSvz6FjbDTUIoxzToavMwZ2u31DOogqu2hsSsek4-VUDCVMIz1dtBqyVGj7nv6rTJMQLouKXkgu7mhCt1FEF-Y6nhwYFuhv2P3E/s400/DSCN5230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475865463525420834" /></a><br /></div><div>Besides the obvious sites of beauty over the sea we discovered some gorgeous flora in the village. This was one single bush. Just look at that color!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ca25DLA67QxsYupmBItXk_xzBbmbvn8ne0kixog5Y0aj9qgVTI6kiB56SwOmkegiJIJ9guyCWQR2jtZgl_YfZNHaOvEnGFold0Fg2LkCzEhY9QPlTlrh-D5Nbwnpvtnns8mtsk8m3SA/s1600/DSCN5244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ca25DLA67QxsYupmBItXk_xzBbmbvn8ne0kixog5Y0aj9qgVTI6kiB56SwOmkegiJIJ9guyCWQR2jtZgl_YfZNHaOvEnGFold0Fg2LkCzEhY9QPlTlrh-D5Nbwnpvtnns8mtsk8m3SA/s400/DSCN5244.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475864645282720322" /></a><br /></div><div>The fishing port of Ammoudi just under Oia on the cliffs was a great place to catch some local flavor.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit498Uitdi0Ml_CyunAosiRCVKH5cwfjxHQHR4TuuUgb3gSTFe5afuVyfiy2zritroJRYGXWozZlp0yQsFt_MfXycbYhKWOhuw9ruMfUOtujnzm8Tdb06Sl1rmq4j8WHEqOcAgy6wjVT8/s1600/DSCN5223.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit498Uitdi0Ml_CyunAosiRCVKH5cwfjxHQHR4TuuUgb3gSTFe5afuVyfiy2zritroJRYGXWozZlp0yQsFt_MfXycbYhKWOhuw9ruMfUOtujnzm8Tdb06Sl1rmq4j8WHEqOcAgy6wjVT8/s400/DSCN5223.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475864633563169890" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This fella was one of many "town dogs". They seriously hang out wherever they want and are the well fed mascots of Santorini. They have little interest in tourists - only to find a quiet place to add to the scenery. All part of the Santorini experience. The Santorini dogs have a good life - they get fed very well, sleep all day and occasionally pose for the pesky tourists. What a life!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74_EKwjwn0GW29s54MEfwRBcLXwicJZRQ1wW1XLkKheOqlHkvWvp_ZMoPAtWzGsSoV0zGNBrWMg6jTJH_OYKltO02JUsSAZ-7GCZkJXQ_4Ada0-7rRdyDeNX_NYWC5ENwxBVI_ShFBK8/s1600/DSCN5226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74_EKwjwn0GW29s54MEfwRBcLXwicJZRQ1wW1XLkKheOqlHkvWvp_ZMoPAtWzGsSoV0zGNBrWMg6jTJH_OYKltO02JUsSAZ-7GCZkJXQ_4Ada0-7rRdyDeNX_NYWC5ENwxBVI_ShFBK8/s400/DSCN5226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475864627853120690" /></a><br /></div><div>Mel had such a good (but short) time she decided to return in a couple of weeks with Richard in tow. We traveled on the ferry with some good friends and their boys.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrHMOBPOCfxPOUpTFBxIqPGcYvuPJX6W8dgrU-YQgFBw_YwLliSba1tj32XBWs4NYicnARe2268JGM3i-qhJFLSXNaJQk70xCH5sIOrElqi0MpO0u72QRVMmV04-VTQRfvkYLnewiEfs/s1600/DSCN5353.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrHMOBPOCfxPOUpTFBxIqPGcYvuPJX6W8dgrU-YQgFBw_YwLliSba1tj32XBWs4NYicnARe2268JGM3i-qhJFLSXNaJQk70xCH5sIOrElqi0MpO0u72QRVMmV04-VTQRfvkYLnewiEfs/s400/DSCN5353.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475864618345954594" /></a><br /></div><div>From a distance, the white covered hills look like marshmellow villages melting over the cliffs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQECf5S4BbcIg_k1DfK43SvYSokPyba0wDFfR1qmf-cCHCPlOU1snC1tirB9B8c8tDljS4HSgnwNjitQFv70bNHVGItxPHhtaxY9EMXX7_Twe36TAcseyovcBFO645FUY4za_viYtQ50/s1600/DSCN5375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQECf5S4BbcIg_k1DfK43SvYSokPyba0wDFfR1qmf-cCHCPlOU1snC1tirB9B8c8tDljS4HSgnwNjitQFv70bNHVGItxPHhtaxY9EMXX7_Twe36TAcseyovcBFO645FUY4za_viYtQ50/s400/DSCN5375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475864607569288498" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OqT4qA6kIKNSLhXj0PrHD6T0vIdGhHBzn5e9lII4vqZzP8mR_HrX706Jl0DjDGlSbc4uLURpRyedgiPVPi0TjQuxjHH8CIiYUT4pXnabmmqsfxhU2ezLHBbn0HzCygy_ch1m7O9a57M/s1600/DSCN5407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OqT4qA6kIKNSLhXj0PrHD6T0vIdGhHBzn5e9lII4vqZzP8mR_HrX706Jl0DjDGlSbc4uLURpRyedgiPVPi0TjQuxjHH8CIiYUT4pXnabmmqsfxhU2ezLHBbn0HzCygy_ch1m7O9a57M/s400/DSCN5407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475863104791593282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz4fOFnLE0319cyWeLBSmqt7hUi9gXiCrJnfidy7_UVzFh7gP4TK9IVzxBGwPc5e2J-micYPmvKgH_-_Q1ezXAu2cOZQG4xEUgRYjxKt8WoBz5ObdJS1Tlh0T7_5SYP4pjoxquhcMMWk/s1600/DSCN5357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz4fOFnLE0319cyWeLBSmqt7hUi9gXiCrJnfidy7_UVzFh7gP4TK9IVzxBGwPc5e2J-micYPmvKgH_-_Q1ezXAu2cOZQG4xEUgRYjxKt8WoBz5ObdJS1Tlh0T7_5SYP4pjoxquhcMMWk/s400/DSCN5357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475863095218442466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBHqDFbS_HpiDryd0R2o1p0IsfJvkT-Uv_nCYyEXZPh0NMY8pYeNPKQtccNv43S-dOKXjL53p3gYPctL7RXjQTE1636GF_oUBU_ozWxav6bCku_T0uKUfRhyphenhyphenx1M29jRjsHrrlj3gFfoY/s1600/DSCN5372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBHqDFbS_HpiDryd0R2o1p0IsfJvkT-Uv_nCYyEXZPh0NMY8pYeNPKQtccNv43S-dOKXjL53p3gYPctL7RXjQTE1636GF_oUBU_ozWxav6bCku_T0uKUfRhyphenhyphenx1M29jRjsHrrlj3gFfoY/s400/DSCN5372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475863089855539618" /></a><br /></div><div>We stayed in Oia at a nice little family run cliff hotel called Lauda. All the rooms were traditional cave houses each with a terrace overlooking the caldera. Beautiful, comfortable and surprisingly affordable! Our particular room was 96 steps down (and I think 596 UP!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu_oFwIKm-9m0cirT6KwS_gxGcSN8edIN7JHA07Wn77DkS21ZmXfEWzmvrg0DSfNeJTFCFba2RS8-Yw36etfwHGT2dbIZ4C50Mpr6qF-xkM6hGTYfpoNDTluu7eshdJHoHBxo2Rpui64/s1600/DSCN5361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu_oFwIKm-9m0cirT6KwS_gxGcSN8edIN7JHA07Wn77DkS21ZmXfEWzmvrg0DSfNeJTFCFba2RS8-Yw36etfwHGT2dbIZ4C50Mpr6qF-xkM6hGTYfpoNDTluu7eshdJHoHBxo2Rpui64/s400/DSCN5361.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475863079899902882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9qE1aTyEHgSMr9JqKP37iHLL-2b2pJ6AYthaUvGdeHf6G4uyBpsnsuBk7lW_OFUOgdHe8cd4AB1-LQt-RTolkg9MTU1LlNmu8sdyDlx1ZWpwRgQDowJpKpbn_O1uJk7R4h4qcSSZXhU/s1600/DSCN5472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9qE1aTyEHgSMr9JqKP37iHLL-2b2pJ6AYthaUvGdeHf6G4uyBpsnsuBk7lW_OFUOgdHe8cd4AB1-LQt-RTolkg9MTU1LlNmu8sdyDlx1ZWpwRgQDowJpKpbn_O1uJk7R4h4qcSSZXhU/s400/DSCN5472.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475862230338505602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2h5gwk04HeDODAY3L7_aTlY5E27OVUTYRbekxJm6Of3wlheRoyLC6qPEnkjjNOCYMi1noBLZDCRVL_MUH86-TEkwkPU-bqHHiwrGnS0TXYp4nOdA9DxhBlqRDEewV9PeOdqMkUJrIHs/s1600/DSCN5364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2h5gwk04HeDODAY3L7_aTlY5E27OVUTYRbekxJm6Of3wlheRoyLC6qPEnkjjNOCYMi1noBLZDCRVL_MUH86-TEkwkPU-bqHHiwrGnS0TXYp4nOdA9DxhBlqRDEewV9PeOdqMkUJrIHs/s400/DSCN5364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475862220405701250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjh7rU9lDK7cDUu4368ZxKkFfqt6cZdIs77SqRV8htzINGrxIfzCVpOoqc5LOJnaO-eVMJimiGernaMCH2ksjV8mGvKqJbjExJ4BFfUahNtxKDw09wdbZGudkEBZINwhILSUtPDI9ZOY4/s1600/DSCN5366.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjh7rU9lDK7cDUu4368ZxKkFfqt6cZdIs77SqRV8htzINGrxIfzCVpOoqc5LOJnaO-eVMJimiGernaMCH2ksjV8mGvKqJbjExJ4BFfUahNtxKDw09wdbZGudkEBZINwhILSUtPDI9ZOY4/s400/DSCN5366.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475862214546365890" /></a><br /></div><div>Our breakfast spot...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIsDgnvSI6k8CQ8kohUuRcNvF82OQoS3W39pf7l7cVXZetTICyZgcUy7tx5Y-Bf9IbIrwdVPFMtwJQFNGoDmC-cOm8vl_sX1c-DKfodrUHqjUpMasWaSseTNPhRLlpigadANqs0JDos8/s1600/DSCN5395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIsDgnvSI6k8CQ8kohUuRcNvF82OQoS3W39pf7l7cVXZetTICyZgcUy7tx5Y-Bf9IbIrwdVPFMtwJQFNGoDmC-cOm8vl_sX1c-DKfodrUHqjUpMasWaSseTNPhRLlpigadANqs0JDos8/s400/DSCN5395.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475862202237944034" /></a><br /></div><div>Our dinner spot...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikKNskL9Gmd0oGI6-mRC5fTcJHqHkEEKKRaHWRGvWKI1NO5wyWgCVJbsbMikh1HdPsdLYHHDMzsjDv9hyQdqj_RUZWHLgdvMmwyqiFoYi1k0org3HIO0R5ZXL2-7woiBsA2vMl5wKSG8/s1600/DSCN5388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikKNskL9Gmd0oGI6-mRC5fTcJHqHkEEKKRaHWRGvWKI1NO5wyWgCVJbsbMikh1HdPsdLYHHDMzsjDv9hyQdqj_RUZWHLgdvMmwyqiFoYi1k0org3HIO0R5ZXL2-7woiBsA2vMl5wKSG8/s400/DSCN5388.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475862195472354194" /></a><br /></div><div>One of our Santorini experiences was to go on a boat ride which offered great views of the island...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE26vhGlT4JybNG4wJXIGdb3su66-vJjNTxFNf8xeG_PeHxuQ9FMzruGZzY5JmLCXewxZvSQglpxr0I7jKl-7v67wAE86dQPO-IcEshRZNbQVEqY5oVoAqTlFZ5FlnaC00767Hozmlv8/s1600/DSCN5402.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE26vhGlT4JybNG4wJXIGdb3su66-vJjNTxFNf8xeG_PeHxuQ9FMzruGZzY5JmLCXewxZvSQglpxr0I7jKl-7v67wAE86dQPO-IcEshRZNbQVEqY5oVoAqTlFZ5FlnaC00767Hozmlv8/s400/DSCN5402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475861278319898562" /></a>smooth sailing...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAoXHq5RBVRd7BD_ea32A6h2o2aYg-9PUcxpwizVn3b9ObYAJCMvfrYKDbiRKVKGfijUG8kPOHDugsKqwWfIhj_7S2tmid9QNpw3EYXvswgh-kjd89dxsaAdp0hY5D7xEL3qiIikHjt0/s1600/DSCN5412.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAoXHq5RBVRd7BD_ea32A6h2o2aYg-9PUcxpwizVn3b9ObYAJCMvfrYKDbiRKVKGfijUG8kPOHDugsKqwWfIhj_7S2tmid9QNpw3EYXvswgh-kjd89dxsaAdp0hY5D7xEL3qiIikHjt0/s400/DSCN5412.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475861270651622930" /></a>a swim from the boat to some natural hot springs...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViL1V8Q7NiTGbGfAmhWAfDyLmcRnsqHqG8Jb-1gROz279ICQZHqcuZPmSxyBovvBnBZJBKhVqhhQ39OumPnZGVAuLEzFb3Hst9bXFxYS14YNQnFDTGJhZUEXm5ako7RxCKj6XZOAmldY/s1600/DSCN5429.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViL1V8Q7NiTGbGfAmhWAfDyLmcRnsqHqG8Jb-1gROz279ICQZHqcuZPmSxyBovvBnBZJBKhVqhhQ39OumPnZGVAuLEzFb3Hst9bXFxYS14YNQnFDTGJhZUEXm5ako7RxCKj6XZOAmldY/s400/DSCN5429.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475861255367791874" /></a>a guided tour of the volcano...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzwCCSbLzaf1YPLZ_7aYzvmKAkLziTP87s4KXEXz4aIx0pS4FnYQZPTFFxMC79SAY38uxXjrgBsCm4-UBAmyzI_V3P4va5tWmCoOPK8JvFjmNpR5xbzA2IEOKvQp4NYTSCa8TjrCoLOE/s1600/DSCN5422.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzwCCSbLzaf1YPLZ_7aYzvmKAkLziTP87s4KXEXz4aIx0pS4FnYQZPTFFxMC79SAY38uxXjrgBsCm4-UBAmyzI_V3P4va5tWmCoOPK8JvFjmNpR5xbzA2IEOKvQp4NYTSCa8TjrCoLOE/s400/DSCN5422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475861244734392402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXVCouw-I6a5AHmx2-lQk4otrpktTBFTVK3niJUqBVG2umRAnk0bVtYsBOXQ267fNwIMkeFKjUWD_f8wHHfHzw_E9pwQWrb-SwI6KYFNyKurAqYnOGMXrZBAeriwra2B3ZPcXCpmFaHU/s1600/DSCN5419.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXVCouw-I6a5AHmx2-lQk4otrpktTBFTVK3niJUqBVG2umRAnk0bVtYsBOXQ267fNwIMkeFKjUWD_f8wHHfHzw_E9pwQWrb-SwI6KYFNyKurAqYnOGMXrZBAeriwra2B3ZPcXCpmFaHU/s400/DSCN5419.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475860110346591266" /></a>and a docking at a neighboring port, Therisia, where we took in more views and a delicious Greek lunch by the water.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zML7SIbkbubd7qiBiDLop9uuK4M3e6hzRF9_7upw7fpByA_CayUSQpgVUws94lYetbi-ZqlcBfTxl-1cr14rN9xIM-ljWax4G7AAfQ63D8Yg_TO0rgxMzGBX4eXmZLonSdkiM38l_Ao/s1600/DSCN5428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zML7SIbkbubd7qiBiDLop9uuK4M3e6hzRF9_7upw7fpByA_CayUSQpgVUws94lYetbi-ZqlcBfTxl-1cr14rN9xIM-ljWax4G7AAfQ63D8Yg_TO0rgxMzGBX4eXmZLonSdkiM38l_Ao/s400/DSCN5428.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475860104637753586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8zxj-SQtSMBHTBjEFlPVE7PI-KUcQ78e4ESrcZjM8D2-Y4zFxd3-XAw7320N2USBXoZpp_ej3kmL_phQXywz8WDTeLX1Rpf-yKWEuvGRAO1SfefQaPBwT8lpcwt8SJHtGB7jA58SETk/s1600/DSCN5443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8zxj-SQtSMBHTBjEFlPVE7PI-KUcQ78e4ESrcZjM8D2-Y4zFxd3-XAw7320N2USBXoZpp_ej3kmL_phQXywz8WDTeLX1Rpf-yKWEuvGRAO1SfefQaPBwT8lpcwt8SJHtGB7jA58SETk/s400/DSCN5443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475860095049384098" /></a><br /></div><div>These boats looked like they were suspended in air.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWlGOtEBfqme5Pr3ZetMek3G7Zg6P8q7aKf9MtReTn9dfvd5qvNibAor8OhtkK-YQ7rUdPhgzrdArUXhyVRdxntM7vd5pBqvuZS7_BBrV3ZIOnEDxveX-he3Eygq60mFICQtim5kDyOM/s1600/DSCN5434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWlGOtEBfqme5Pr3ZetMek3G7Zg6P8q7aKf9MtReTn9dfvd5qvNibAor8OhtkK-YQ7rUdPhgzrdArUXhyVRdxntM7vd5pBqvuZS7_BBrV3ZIOnEDxveX-he3Eygq60mFICQtim5kDyOM/s400/DSCN5434.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475860090258845602" /></a><br /></div><div>Love the color!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChi7pGRY-DvxJERj5863uDkjxhIAn4DfFlWEw_TY-j4-fcWQhRnPkn7Ro_vdmUDgHJoKnAvAx5G8bL9vd0G5a850wc2L_9M9_bQLW4dHjhhKj_-K2ie2jOVOCgPL4_R2NZNZaTVAEBPU/s1600/DSCN5432.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChi7pGRY-DvxJERj5863uDkjxhIAn4DfFlWEw_TY-j4-fcWQhRnPkn7Ro_vdmUDgHJoKnAvAx5G8bL9vd0G5a850wc2L_9M9_bQLW4dHjhhKj_-K2ie2jOVOCgPL4_R2NZNZaTVAEBPU/s400/DSCN5432.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475860084018889666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0afoxAAs_UruJ5e-A3D2ahQ9hUjnkI-PGEW4SWugYkco0526GjK1Ykfus3paJW8_uX3OyeCLJxCN5zfStPXBO0kLQIEp0NwbQorWe0DDBGzhcgn-w1BlTSjvo8aJ78xhOvolLeQwMwAQ/s1600/DSCN5445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0afoxAAs_UruJ5e-A3D2ahQ9hUjnkI-PGEW4SWugYkco0526GjK1Ykfus3paJW8_uX3OyeCLJxCN5zfStPXBO0kLQIEp0NwbQorWe0DDBGzhcgn-w1BlTSjvo8aJ78xhOvolLeQwMwAQ/s400/DSCN5445.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475857957499582850" /></a><br /></div><div>Another fun side trip was to the little inland town of Exo Gonia where we toured the winery called Art Space. The owner is a Greek gentleman who has as much passion for art as for wine making. The winery that was originally built and operated by his grandfather used to be a tomato processing plant. It eventually was altered to include the wine making processes including large stone "rooms" used for everything from grape stomping to distilling raki. He now has a substantial collection of art from Greece as well as some German and English works displayed in the cave-like cisterns. He has preserved and updated one area of the winery to continue his family's tradition of making some of the best Santorini white wine available! We hauled back 6 bottles of his white reserve and his vin santo.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSgQo9RrzDIckQMeBiXOkZDMLZN77iwdW8AKwS2JqaEup_PD4IMTwVBBcVkbPkYpW7iBh1HH6ruAJ6XadUaf1IvcbinxoORWOgztf6rUx8CVFYnE4-c4bwmVIO1cT9NElS9UYt-50HVg/s1600/DSCN5241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSgQo9RrzDIckQMeBiXOkZDMLZN77iwdW8AKwS2JqaEup_PD4IMTwVBBcVkbPkYpW7iBh1HH6ruAJ6XadUaf1IvcbinxoORWOgztf6rUx8CVFYnE4-c4bwmVIO1cT9NElS9UYt-50HVg/s400/DSCN5241.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475857952282807362" /></a>In Santorini, the grapes are grown close to the ground rather than on trellises. This is to maximize moisture containment in this extremely dry climate. The grapes are not irrigated. They are watered exclusively by the morning dew and very rare rain shower. </div><div>(For our "Winer's Group" here's a link about Santorini wine making:</div><div> http://www.simply-santorini.com/santorini-wines.html)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVp_zw16fpvwu0HEe5mf8l7OQ5WKV12bsJnu3MwG3_Ynfffyo8AKLfs3-mkU-vs3dm_0HJgElE9Ez95ZJGatKqCB__nUdtuBp7MJLrega1Hfzsn81XWDL-4W45fSTy1tHHrFiVk_j7fk/s1600/DSCN5523.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVp_zw16fpvwu0HEe5mf8l7OQ5WKV12bsJnu3MwG3_Ynfffyo8AKLfs3-mkU-vs3dm_0HJgElE9Ez95ZJGatKqCB__nUdtuBp7MJLrega1Hfzsn81XWDL-4W45fSTy1tHHrFiVk_j7fk/s400/DSCN5523.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475857942309741186" /></a><br /></div><div>Is that SNOW on them thar hills?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gRuccaUC03UkHMjiqfd6tlWVYJ69pZF9uFDhyphenhyphenRvU-kYSMXhf8ZI5YxYRbSkwgqfV8_wVwyDwm-QOscQC48g-asvXiaHlqgCYDL2yMfaBuxAlUbNI8uS-hIMtAetmhuHMYq-VWGKUs7A/s1600/DSCN5526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gRuccaUC03UkHMjiqfd6tlWVYJ69pZF9uFDhyphenhyphenRvU-kYSMXhf8ZI5YxYRbSkwgqfV8_wVwyDwm-QOscQC48g-asvXiaHlqgCYDL2yMfaBuxAlUbNI8uS-hIMtAetmhuHMYq-VWGKUs7A/s400/DSCN5526.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475857934104417698" /></a><br /></div><div>One of the many gorgeous vistas was from the Monastery up on the highest point on the island. The village of Oia is at the end of the crescent in the picture.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD4lgPKk03Esix2zcfx280fIqYyqV2BfKrBm7POvXMogk5mAA1Rt7m1hUi9IcPEMK6aQcJiSYeOiFxGKzFEAm3p7CQ5Y0qbDQXZiE1nTcikcibBDgKYgWHelXWWicBOxMVu1LPkgtFpg/s1600/DSCN5497.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD4lgPKk03Esix2zcfx280fIqYyqV2BfKrBm7POvXMogk5mAA1Rt7m1hUi9IcPEMK6aQcJiSYeOiFxGKzFEAm3p7CQ5Y0qbDQXZiE1nTcikcibBDgKYgWHelXWWicBOxMVu1LPkgtFpg/s400/DSCN5497.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475857927973993650" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ancient Thira is the site of a large settlement that dates primarily back to the Hellenistic period but there are also extensive Roman and Byzantine remains. (800 BC - 800 AD)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-yNIW2b6WKUJcsgJwVu2YNz6zMRkoVTGTJJJm_vp30r4GLgukvTDa2yXke6lbpsb5uoMCIFrc6jx-jMv7zrqNhJe6362bDWoTjnOR5tsVMpnHtff2KFS2-xfLXyLyHrf5zQfLe1uhgE/s1600/DSCN5482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-yNIW2b6WKUJcsgJwVu2YNz6zMRkoVTGTJJJm_vp30r4GLgukvTDa2yXke6lbpsb5uoMCIFrc6jx-jMv7zrqNhJe6362bDWoTjnOR5tsVMpnHtff2KFS2-xfLXyLyHrf5zQfLe1uhgE/s400/DSCN5482.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475855428407450850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy4W1zva6rzXNadvtKxs7uQJGVkJQObrrQLhtKnZkPb2ZrQBCvcwKIOHw9TZ1TbUxCGKUUA9QYK1BrWdv0te0dipSKln4sLVYw0w7nEMN6xDGY_qZMMfXCl7PMWnTVq-ocGi3SsM2hps/s1600/DSCN5479.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy4W1zva6rzXNadvtKxs7uQJGVkJQObrrQLhtKnZkPb2ZrQBCvcwKIOHw9TZ1TbUxCGKUUA9QYK1BrWdv0te0dipSKln4sLVYw0w7nEMN6xDGY_qZMMfXCl7PMWnTVq-ocGi3SsM2hps/s400/DSCN5479.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475855419309244642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCn_FpbGZgRb01XvaXtHjq4b1ZDCF_bmKyoBgRI59yobSP26O9q5L9wAFxwCf3Rn9irorMAjyAUL8yH0MQF5M0iyfyst7Hl272L1W0ho2rk2mJHbxdn_gOzjLR53Vp-ozgaiihLCIF2I/s1600/DSCN5478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCn_FpbGZgRb01XvaXtHjq4b1ZDCF_bmKyoBgRI59yobSP26O9q5L9wAFxwCf3Rn9irorMAjyAUL8yH0MQF5M0iyfyst7Hl272L1W0ho2rk2mJHbxdn_gOzjLR53Vp-ozgaiihLCIF2I/s400/DSCN5478.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475855411764909250" /></a><br /></div><div>There are many beaches on the other side of the island from the caldera. This one is called Black Beach for obvious reasons. There is also Red Beach and White Beach each with sand that represents the volcanic geology of that area.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWV15Nl156m8AT-Gtn0wtA9L-4e8PANoBmcO1JCJZqawywzD8r50csudphs8hExBCQxNXl2UPm_WiFK3kjwYw5M3JrGoynPqOG3Jq62G8oJJpdNenQiL-bGEs_e93zfM8hF0-5hgu2kI/s1600/DSCN5492.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWV15Nl156m8AT-Gtn0wtA9L-4e8PANoBmcO1JCJZqawywzD8r50csudphs8hExBCQxNXl2UPm_WiFK3kjwYw5M3JrGoynPqOG3Jq62G8oJJpdNenQiL-bGEs_e93zfM8hF0-5hgu2kI/s400/DSCN5492.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475855405481922306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaJ1HreCfdLBIkqLtzPaqhgbPRD-tYXhl_SP0BNhXerofdKmDSQR5M25ZDLwxmk1DxLPIjnv1n6_ZN4TQl6W5YqFe190V1tbOxAoPLWBtZ10nNJMU34K1bLGchau7XbYmfcNgnDYq0NI/s1600/DSCN5488.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaJ1HreCfdLBIkqLtzPaqhgbPRD-tYXhl_SP0BNhXerofdKmDSQR5M25ZDLwxmk1DxLPIjnv1n6_ZN4TQl6W5YqFe190V1tbOxAoPLWBtZ10nNJMU34K1bLGchau7XbYmfcNgnDYq0NI/s400/DSCN5488.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475855395346615714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL4WpuQKOslILCwAZXWuLY_Dq_U5euKGmk2ZP2GRyKhUMWMDG8AmaQrLthYm_ZCYGYXUr4qN_7DElKo4w-0CMpGuMubnOhMobXZatNWW2VQR0af2-fIN_sEkWfWRMZBbnYLQV32VbUcE/s1600/DSCN5490.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL4WpuQKOslILCwAZXWuLY_Dq_U5euKGmk2ZP2GRyKhUMWMDG8AmaQrLthYm_ZCYGYXUr4qN_7DElKo4w-0CMpGuMubnOhMobXZatNWW2VQR0af2-fIN_sEkWfWRMZBbnYLQV32VbUcE/s400/DSCN5490.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475853639504360082" /></a><br /></div><div>We hiked up to the "Castelli" in a cute little village called Pirgos. Great views and fun locals.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lBOMeeLUX25xzN6msyXUS5JXym4kE1uFFz5wNvzoP6mfMNWJapM5lZ2NWZVmJat4nSuG2TQVvwaGjXdYj4mecwvclfZekLZHzOewyMt1QTRnb0c8nU0fkqasnCeMRUQTv9m8HPo_XtI/s1600/DSCN5515.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lBOMeeLUX25xzN6msyXUS5JXym4kE1uFFz5wNvzoP6mfMNWJapM5lZ2NWZVmJat4nSuG2TQVvwaGjXdYj4mecwvclfZekLZHzOewyMt1QTRnb0c8nU0fkqasnCeMRUQTv9m8HPo_XtI/s400/DSCN5515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475853633960206514" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This sweet old guy was making a living by posing with his donkey for photos. Just couldn't pass it up!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO_k46lskSfCvhW5nnXfeAXE2ISdnLOlc0i4GBtiBLSNl65I48rQW0Z-1vwVtWBQBg8_IHCvSrYlSR4POzMhMSlElEQEZHTvRvSFEMRObE8IuW2F9e2NRRBe-bT-8oAvzygVjFhwdvdM/s1600/DSCN5511.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO_k46lskSfCvhW5nnXfeAXE2ISdnLOlc0i4GBtiBLSNl65I48rQW0Z-1vwVtWBQBg8_IHCvSrYlSR4POzMhMSlElEQEZHTvRvSFEMRObE8IuW2F9e2NRRBe-bT-8oAvzygVjFhwdvdM/s400/DSCN5511.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475853627386420066" /></a>Speaking of donkeys, they are a Santorini icon. Originally used for transportation and farming they are now part of the tourist industry.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQtRD05i1pVQeMMtJ6zb8xc-e9x33qeqfSOnhM9quRThu8hhxdII9mz2SXkzYtKA_fFuqljziOVOnhL82ao7Xp6l7syDFYyqRHVJCRDoyKnxaO43UiG_qJnjHzqQvovgGJPGukhbEYYc/s1600/DSCN5378.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQtRD05i1pVQeMMtJ6zb8xc-e9x33qeqfSOnhM9quRThu8hhxdII9mz2SXkzYtKA_fFuqljziOVOnhL82ao7Xp6l7syDFYyqRHVJCRDoyKnxaO43UiG_qJnjHzqQvovgGJPGukhbEYYc/s400/DSCN5378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475853622271029730" /></a>You can always hail a donkey taxi if you don't want to walk the, literally, HUNDREDS of steps up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIJQ42XrZ-J6BxbbP-jAfFMylPDzMrKz953k8Wzy7QJkZVqQsK0InhlLGOg5jPgBGjErCxA5MEqXYSSJsXE0pOdkv8mG204CwP5_gYH5LQaRiAQg2ho5tS82rbvjw3MUasC5vMMFN5Rw/s1600/DSCN5446.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIJQ42XrZ-J6BxbbP-jAfFMylPDzMrKz953k8Wzy7QJkZVqQsK0InhlLGOg5jPgBGjErCxA5MEqXYSSJsXE0pOdkv8mG204CwP5_gYH5LQaRiAQg2ho5tS82rbvjw3MUasC5vMMFN5Rw/s400/DSCN5446.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475853615508354002" /></a><br /></div><div>After all the cruise ships leave port in the afternoon, the village of Oia takes on a completely different feel. Quiet, peaceful, empty of crowds and beautiful night views.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdM9R4ZtGl_uc0R6Bql_4nw-iXk5wwfZqM6_tp5kdEFjX6yLlRu174Yjov0JlHazkPdiZD-EWo9nj46oUJCTuFobJdKk8aPsJNWas2MbEEWNErp9YDfq2S6lVNrcAsziMOG2KdUP7sIQ/s1600/DSCN5389.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdM9R4ZtGl_uc0R6Bql_4nw-iXk5wwfZqM6_tp5kdEFjX6yLlRu174Yjov0JlHazkPdiZD-EWo9nj46oUJCTuFobJdKk8aPsJNWas2MbEEWNErp9YDfq2S6lVNrcAsziMOG2KdUP7sIQ/s400/DSCN5389.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475852706024266530" /></a>Santorini is famous around the world for its sunsets especially in Oia. Crowds of people gather on the west side of town, sitting on every available stone wall to wait for the show. (If you look closely at this photo, you can see a bride and groom posing for their wedding shot.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dyewCwDJslTdfmu6ksRDrI0f3S47sH9BQmpWSR8Bz6tvUGs6_10O-YpzKCcEji-jlXIySc03fmsZg0qcnSby5K6CKUayt7V-IiT8m_OUHV1eG9YRxaxGbO-3-Pe3MYZ3XjwURV8RUHs/s1600/DSCN5380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dyewCwDJslTdfmu6ksRDrI0f3S47sH9BQmpWSR8Bz6tvUGs6_10O-YpzKCcEji-jlXIySc03fmsZg0qcnSby5K6CKUayt7V-IiT8m_OUHV1eG9YRxaxGbO-3-Pe3MYZ3XjwURV8RUHs/s400/DSCN5380.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475852693341982962" /></a>And what a show it is!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLfK_-t1DMEgYwn9jBlzb6gTcGbPf0rIiQyaKmVTidG1PiAxvDnnhsk35uo1Pt_0-RkR_BjvcQ5srTaelTAvgy-tYAQkZotISnViDCigHGYLusicOZ0AuKa-GXMJwRmAB8zX9s85Zv-E/s1600/DSCN5379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLfK_-t1DMEgYwn9jBlzb6gTcGbPf0rIiQyaKmVTidG1PiAxvDnnhsk35uo1Pt_0-RkR_BjvcQ5srTaelTAvgy-tYAQkZotISnViDCigHGYLusicOZ0AuKa-GXMJwRmAB8zX9s85Zv-E/s400/DSCN5379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475852689867903282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvEsHocuouNHquJhwJIqc8fvj_AzWsKEC3rXHtfehkwq59AQmNVHP5iNpXKICSNTZzWyq1K4cfkPUP6D0wHlsho2QxhBkrtv19g3F0MEs28P7inO4YYbScOkwvmgwmwdPQ_kQvAMr0IM/s1600/DSCN5455.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvEsHocuouNHquJhwJIqc8fvj_AzWsKEC3rXHtfehkwq59AQmNVHP5iNpXKICSNTZzWyq1K4cfkPUP6D0wHlsho2QxhBkrtv19g3F0MEs28P7inO4YYbScOkwvmgwmwdPQ_kQvAMr0IM/s400/DSCN5455.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475852679152642594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2agaWBt3HQH4QvFHHmbWD1rgNQPhj1axM7mU3DEsW6BlJDQXlvFjkObUX9UWmCejtb5QhTobn78vp9cwwXFOuUMtKXOJesFdePd-QVF5cEQR1atLwyiXwfEtKLQ0MkQudpawMotpVCw/s1600/DSCN5452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2agaWBt3HQH4QvFHHmbWD1rgNQPhj1axM7mU3DEsW6BlJDQXlvFjkObUX9UWmCejtb5QhTobn78vp9cwwXFOuUMtKXOJesFdePd-QVF5cEQR1atLwyiXwfEtKLQ0MkQudpawMotpVCw/s400/DSCN5452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475852668253488050" /></a><br /></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-37809406262418448492010-05-17T09:05:00.006+03:002010-05-24T10:58:59.320+03:00The Battle of Crete<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwwD4SZsmCEGhJVBjtu_6WrjgV45Fh6eHRz1pf6X1Gk2V8SFnrvrQ9Ak6Y37rBC0vkMAHg9qe1vnhE9PVYbj1T_kUWLgoYsisTETSNwzYSOgL0xPp8LTtInJGhlgwSlP5ZwEZozr14hw/s1600/Crete1941Poster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwwD4SZsmCEGhJVBjtu_6WrjgV45Fh6eHRz1pf6X1Gk2V8SFnrvrQ9Ak6Y37rBC0vkMAHg9qe1vnhE9PVYbj1T_kUWLgoYsisTETSNwzYSOgL0xPp8LTtInJGhlgwSlP5ZwEZozr14hw/s400/Crete1941Poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472145622530697890"></a><br />As May 20<font class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</font> approaches I thought it would be timely to post a blog focusing on the most significant event on Crete in modern history - the WW II Battle of Crete - Operation Mercury. Although this battle only technically lasted for 10 days, the losses were extraordinary on both sides. Because of its strategic position in the <font class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mediterranean</font>, Allied forces (mostly Brits and Aussies) held military strongholds to defend the island during the early days of the War. But on May 20<font class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</font>, the Germans launched an airborne invasion (the first in history) to occupy the island. The German invaders suffered <font class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">unprecedented</font> losses but over the next few days, gained the upper hand and moved through western Crete forcing the evacuation of many Allied troops. There are countless stories of bravery and resolve as hundreds of Allied soldiers painstakingly made their way through rocky, <font class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">precipice</font> gorges toward the south coast where they hoped for evacuation to Egypt. Many never made it - dying of hunger and exposure. But the ones that did were safe largely due to the fierce fighting of the Cretan soldiers and civilians that held off the German pursuit. It is said that the Germans were not prepared for the fight put up by the Cretans. The resolute and unexpected resistance of the defenders infuriated the Germans who resorted to brutal reprisals: mass executions, arson, and complete <font class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">annihilation</font> of entire villages who had given refuge to many of the fleeing soldiers. Almost every mountain village in the province of Chania has a story and a monument of rememberance. The bravery of the Cretan soldiers and civilians was forever etched in history.<div><br /><div>These photos are taken at a private museum in the Askifou Plateau. This fascinating jumble of weapons, helmets, photos, letters, and other personal items were collected mostly in the immediate area over the years by Yiorgos Hatzidakis who witnessed the German invasion as a child. The museum housed in his private home is now painstakingly cared for by his family and has grown due to many items that have been donated over the years. It is an extraordinary tribute to the sacrifices of the soldiers on both sides.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VjLldmNdBsf6TmH_KEqjyldz_4dZGFeTD6HPOKaW_csmkEymhoDrZlgyjw_urGg6vwiZAgDIjzoVoyN54NW_BLKVq5v0aXwFYOF5Fa3ccJWTB9bJ0h9QXX0BfaU0GQZZ90ncslkmtDQ/s1600/DSCN4940.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VjLldmNdBsf6TmH_KEqjyldz_4dZGFeTD6HPOKaW_csmkEymhoDrZlgyjw_urGg6vwiZAgDIjzoVoyN54NW_BLKVq5v0aXwFYOF5Fa3ccJWTB9bJ0h9QXX0BfaU0GQZZ90ncslkmtDQ/s400/DSCN4940.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472118849464955282"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A7cy4QoNU3FxBf4_fhU38Vq7tOkq7wiLP-oWJFjJEX9jL7l2aqo1ctHmlb4iZn5EGpI0VkvFioYcS2CRbF_9ZWa4RVkAAerGzXWbUxVGlpwT3vL1DRvJudxI-vl_4znEXXNieLESA4k/s1600/DSCN4937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A7cy4QoNU3FxBf4_fhU38Vq7tOkq7wiLP-oWJFjJEX9jL7l2aqo1ctHmlb4iZn5EGpI0VkvFioYcS2CRbF_9ZWa4RVkAAerGzXWbUxVGlpwT3vL1DRvJudxI-vl_4znEXXNieLESA4k/s400/DSCN4937.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472118458846257890"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpqSviQIF0pjg5OrmBxp04FDHfPEXshQJnzA4Z06QyuqxNQzCRsA1lUyP5GYj9avzz4kTa7fDfoPppIlp-Icemqe-AX3guPNpYHcuwR4gy7y4v6RUTKCHCjhiBtlXMUTQ9M-SBylXZ_k/s1600/DSCN4944.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpqSviQIF0pjg5OrmBxp04FDHfPEXshQJnzA4Z06QyuqxNQzCRsA1lUyP5GYj9avzz4kTa7fDfoPppIlp-Icemqe-AX3guPNpYHcuwR4gy7y4v6RUTKCHCjhiBtlXMUTQ9M-SBylXZ_k/s400/DSCN4944.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472118448861415730"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8qaDeZWLndmBI3cKmRkt_jo4sZmLO-SRT8f2BYEeXU51iJB2olZ5MOBNTpe4sQhSmgVuUhc3phiv9WhMnOCkEN5TAiHJQtm1cvcksRw487QHUSYyNXlnBKRpyYL6sS6hjw-zsc8cgO4/s1600/DSCN4947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8qaDeZWLndmBI3cKmRkt_jo4sZmLO-SRT8f2BYEeXU51iJB2olZ5MOBNTpe4sQhSmgVuUhc3phiv9WhMnOCkEN5TAiHJQtm1cvcksRw487QHUSYyNXlnBKRpyYL6sS6hjw-zsc8cgO4/s400/DSCN4947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472118436434917298"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWP1OthiPhEJ_55r7xPh1_qONxaZ888EoPMYGQdHb9krd98OMpYQIPfRT5HPkpqiE3D-hU_At4YkAsEhpPJJdP8N2zKa5Q6OcLCk7LLvQnXVfnwLVGuzfWvfXbRJIRgaW2APaY5AoNbM/s1600/DSCN4945.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWP1OthiPhEJ_55r7xPh1_qONxaZ888EoPMYGQdHb9krd98OMpYQIPfRT5HPkpqiE3D-hU_At4YkAsEhpPJJdP8N2zKa5Q6OcLCk7LLvQnXVfnwLVGuzfWvfXbRJIRgaW2APaY5AoNbM/s400/DSCN4945.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472118433288405170"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxkd5zWb1EnHH2lTjt1ibvUuUkk4GSXADJodat8WXUCMbTajIixejdjtx85C5AhoY0XMZXix4G07317vP1z7eBX8axVINuIGNhcUVuL3atoXnmrfNoUYJTSyq9oZ60vShBRUqUkGCeGA/s1600/DSCN4946.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxkd5zWb1EnHH2lTjt1ibvUuUkk4GSXADJodat8WXUCMbTajIixejdjtx85C5AhoY0XMZXix4G07317vP1z7eBX8axVINuIGNhcUVuL3atoXnmrfNoUYJTSyq9oZ60vShBRUqUkGCeGA/s400/DSCN4946.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472118424074055282"></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After visiting the museum we made our way down through the Imbros Gorge to the south coast. This route has been used by shepherds over the centuries to move their flocks. Some things never change - and they STILL have the right of way!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ktbEz0BUAm0MzCBBOJkknT-SVxEnjxUS0EYVaeK_ha41AmCeZMnEYWZVmdYeCVzKkDIHsGjY1PNRFwr6nLkMuaLluLtYokxN_W5KaC5BjeYgWRmqI09J2lE4LqHYeb7OckiuB610Dvw/s1600/DSCN4949.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ktbEz0BUAm0MzCBBOJkknT-SVxEnjxUS0EYVaeK_ha41AmCeZMnEYWZVmdYeCVzKkDIHsGjY1PNRFwr6nLkMuaLluLtYokxN_W5KaC5BjeYgWRmqI09J2lE4LqHYeb7OckiuB610Dvw/s400/DSCN4949.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472117270585618786"></a>Accompanying us were our first visitors from the States, Eric and Nick. They actually were studying abroad in England and used some of their spring break to come explore Crete. We enjoyed spending time with these two fine young men.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFl8BC_aGIJHQ1dSU7wvZ7Oh4XppmdIAC0rvH9lzOMKsK228okIaExpy95b28bIfuoR0LXEk8_QTJPvK_GK1ss-lgDtnfFuUlHjrP_dXDFreOVtk1NQ4vxTXlSy6a3RO72zp_l3TuLKo/s1600/DSCN4953.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFl8BC_aGIJHQ1dSU7wvZ7Oh4XppmdIAC0rvH9lzOMKsK228okIaExpy95b28bIfuoR0LXEk8_QTJPvK_GK1ss-lgDtnfFuUlHjrP_dXDFreOVtk1NQ4vxTXlSy6a3RO72zp_l3TuLKo/s400/DSCN4953.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472117262569611378"></a>At the end of the Imbros gorge is the seaside village of Hora Sfakia.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhyphenhyphenE5SoJqSyKykFCzsWQvEFAcGxr9Qvtp4rOeRUqFaGX6TyWZ9T90w9XfkH9f8QYUf-7cwz-7bUmgHj0nd1GU67vtczn6YKclncUMiSSCfUdx0aS_tUgrJ8pg18kFhQGLK5cfY6Ob84k/s1600/DSCN4954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhyphenhyphenE5SoJqSyKykFCzsWQvEFAcGxr9Qvtp4rOeRUqFaGX6TyWZ9T90w9XfkH9f8QYUf-7cwz-7bUmgHj0nd1GU67vtczn6YKclncUMiSSCfUdx0aS_tUgrJ8pg18kFhQGLK5cfY6Ob84k/s400/DSCN4954.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472117260284377250"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_2DQAeDmm85OijpYWkYAHJni2yyGGwY9clDmWA3Jx64QoC3AExL1CanhSpHWZje1EK7VcrLfyhaeAYnCHSOd38FQH2iN9M8bWfIaeHQ0qoLTaYE5v1uFb3uoHcPH8D4EqH5In2EoF3A/s1600/DSCN4950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_2DQAeDmm85OijpYWkYAHJni2yyGGwY9clDmWA3Jx64QoC3AExL1CanhSpHWZje1EK7VcrLfyhaeAYnCHSOd38FQH2iN9M8bWfIaeHQ0qoLTaYE5v1uFb3uoHcPH8D4EqH5In2EoF3A/s400/DSCN4950.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472117248453013298"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5BpBb_vXw4UQr1w8uAvRGOd2sWASVcQLopvvBuYa2S_N193tYFQZ51wm3B78BR4ezRyWunp-cvjxFqjE8wOpU-0L2Og1NppSKLCgn-KZRIhHZPDnAvBC-4pxbyBWdKKNlnffI-pytIc/s1600/DSCN4952.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5BpBb_vXw4UQr1w8uAvRGOd2sWASVcQLopvvBuYa2S_N193tYFQZ51wm3B78BR4ezRyWunp-cvjxFqjE8wOpU-0L2Og1NppSKLCgn-KZRIhHZPDnAvBC-4pxbyBWdKKNlnffI-pytIc/s400/DSCN4952.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472117242714269074"></a><br /><br /></div></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-42499816088583727292010-05-16T19:17:00.008+03:002010-05-16T22:23:06.169+03:00Exploring new terrain - Beach Spots!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">FALASARNA</span></span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In March we ventured out to the west coast of Crete to check out Falasarna Beach - a spot that is popular with the locals. We'd heard that it's not the place to be when the westerly winds are blowing unless you like being sandblasted. So, when we woke up one Saturday morning to a blue sky and gentle breeze, we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and jumped into the car. We headed out to Falasarna which is about 45 minutes directly west of our place on the Akrotiri. When we arrived there, the giant beach, aptly named "Big Beach" was totally empty of anyone. (I guess the Greeks don't like cold water!) We staked our claim and enjoyed a very relaxing Saturday on the beach. (No, we don't like cold water either so we just sat in the warm sunshine and took in the view.)</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9ZoeaLvNVPqR4etJqgyAPowfdFiTbVT793w6gWAB7zsHlYM9GMARusT75-B1FTAnkCXy82Ip1daI2l04sGJ39Ek66S0SfC_Xe-BxxThOR38GqpcDNrgbFGWoEwguSbRbL1YrW1kT17A/s1600/DSCN4899.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9ZoeaLvNVPqR4etJqgyAPowfdFiTbVT793w6gWAB7zsHlYM9GMARusT75-B1FTAnkCXy82Ip1daI2l04sGJ39Ek66S0SfC_Xe-BxxThOR38GqpcDNrgbFGWoEwguSbRbL1YrW1kT17A/s400/DSCN4899.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910275587281586" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Falasarna has a big agricultural community and the landscape is filled with greenhouses (the white rectangular shapes near the beach).</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFm8Zio6RtzBCcu6LtLxAQWjVkNvfDoxn-vCDY3KGN9uI7FKwqVuYkRC7eNRBlPZ8mS56OTCq_IonkSsJ-eVNYm_8esY20XnEWuRdqXgjB9FJ64sslvCL0HpcCZknWG3wGeGqlwbBaTE/s1600/DSCN4895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFm8Zio6RtzBCcu6LtLxAQWjVkNvfDoxn-vCDY3KGN9uI7FKwqVuYkRC7eNRBlPZ8mS56OTCq_IonkSsJ-eVNYm_8esY20XnEWuRdqXgjB9FJ64sslvCL0HpcCZknWG3wGeGqlwbBaTE/s400/DSCN4895.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910263711802642" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In the busy summer months, Big Beach is filled with umbrellas, lounge chairs and people! Hard to imagine that early Spring day.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUxVpEOu9dRM9ZBcqxsVmw0PcwAWKDzowJHkrfE1-Zjx_IYi8UBza1YUU1DnKozNO2UlV83iljau8T12dxUiWI3ccZvyddf-z4Hfc95wanLug4DZCLzuUBc7s0T5QAtt2Rspyop4E68k/s1600/DSCN4909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUxVpEOu9dRM9ZBcqxsVmw0PcwAWKDzowJHkrfE1-Zjx_IYi8UBza1YUU1DnKozNO2UlV83iljau8T12dxUiWI3ccZvyddf-z4Hfc95wanLug4DZCLzuUBc7s0T5QAtt2Rspyop4E68k/s400/DSCN4909.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910253865005154" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Ancient Falasarna is the site of Roman ruins including these terra cotta baths. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijN24lrXL8cZhW4Mmbtu9rWI8pC7Gv7-qqZwbXLxNwSF1jOivKQXolGbT6kKKFVJjH_6FJtTDYE-v-5fVnyZ_5fT0_jAwr8_nKH0N068M1lh_uQQYYacX7sUoO7bKJyBe2DCmZU3wRFjs/s1600/DSCN4915.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijN24lrXL8cZhW4Mmbtu9rWI8pC7Gv7-qqZwbXLxNwSF1jOivKQXolGbT6kKKFVJjH_6FJtTDYE-v-5fVnyZ_5fT0_jAwr8_nKH0N068M1lh_uQQYYacX7sUoO7bKJyBe2DCmZU3wRFjs/s400/DSCN4915.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471910248494697330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Excavations suggest that this area was part of an old harbor dating back to 1st century B.C.</span><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0JLfSiSZF6cBcsHD4BD_jHiXzj-vTALHGzwr4Y4jyxV0Jes5GF58MSvajF96gpQVfGtgTR8gkmfn8ucxIFS5XrX__VdAfXm6wg_wK65n3Tr_usuXWChmXNLBgtH8sltWPAn2pNLLxrM/s1600/DSCN4922.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0JLfSiSZF6cBcsHD4BD_jHiXzj-vTALHGzwr4Y4jyxV0Jes5GF58MSvajF96gpQVfGtgTR8gkmfn8ucxIFS5XrX__VdAfXm6wg_wK65n3Tr_usuXWChmXNLBgtH8sltWPAn2pNLLxrM/s400/DSCN4922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471908056753156258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">PALEOHORA</span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">Yesterday, we ventured a little farther to the south coast of Crete to Paleohora, a rapidly growing town on a spit that juts out into the Libyan Sea. At the point of the spit are the ruins of Castelo Selino (a castle built by the Venetians in 1279 and destroyed by the pirate, Barbarossa in 1539.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">Paleohora means "Old Town" in Greek and used to be known as the "hippie town of Crete". Today it is a thriving tourist destination but still has that laid-back feeling with a pleasant promenade, lots of great tavernas and shops and two very different but gorgeous beaches - Pebble Beach to the east and Sandy Beach to the west separated by only about 5 blocks of town. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#3333FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISrQ0f357LtZhMByOrDHE4N35KSMn3TtEQBKfxqKND-hAWWNImHOaCtZbjzmko9MKPRFr9XhMtSwwgkiVxbgI41js6eKgaLWFHHoW_m6SttJskRTx3fJt4Ij_ai0mDpWND5sKYKzLB9c/s1600/DSCN5334.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISrQ0f357LtZhMByOrDHE4N35KSMn3TtEQBKfxqKND-hAWWNImHOaCtZbjzmko9MKPRFr9XhMtSwwgkiVxbgI41js6eKgaLWFHHoW_m6SttJskRTx3fJt4Ij_ai0mDpWND5sKYKzLB9c/s400/DSCN5334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471908042043910098" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">When we arrived, we had a light lunch at a taverna on the east side of the town. The wind had kicked up and the surf was very rough.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FqRW7R-eavPmhzgmaqs6vtLEjvefSbvz8SSyar6UNgyU1-0LPy3L9zlPwZ7W0FVp64tGKHSR1cpj84B1egsW2_zQFBKLmUPJ-FuqCdlKbXVHGTIuzqH28GkV7W5kevPMLSNXDcW3qvo/s1600/DSCN5325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FqRW7R-eavPmhzgmaqs6vtLEjvefSbvz8SSyar6UNgyU1-0LPy3L9zlPwZ7W0FVp64tGKHSR1cpj84B1egsW2_zQFBKLmUPJ-FuqCdlKbXVHGTIuzqH28GkV7W5kevPMLSNXDcW3qvo/s400/DSCN5325.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471908037468472690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJ1pIWJyHMEXJCnXyq6METxyPlZy34VEE65heru5ir2IULiAYVLRKNjQHXQU5fQVzrYdw1ZNY59kSAFgkrZsUbjjgiBHTBsVLnqQlvjWY_9Vl6VeQ8ac3dwH_FAmP7BPY6x1dxx-yoxM/s1600/DSCN5330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJ1pIWJyHMEXJCnXyq6METxyPlZy34VEE65heru5ir2IULiAYVLRKNjQHXQU5fQVzrYdw1ZNY59kSAFgkrZsUbjjgiBHTBsVLnqQlvjWY_9Vl6VeQ8ac3dwH_FAmP7BPY6x1dxx-yoxM/s400/DSCN5330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471908030595912802" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">After lunch, we walked to the top of the castle ruins and looked down onto the west side of the town. The water was still and there was only a light breeze flapping through the beach umbrellas. We headed down to the beach right away and tried out our new snorkeling gear. Awesome day on the beach!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE7lGT6gMy9hwPhvR0_3mMXzSC6qxJ46alnkPHtRiFXO4IuTQk2ZhD3nQzSxu7r8kc5_5_M2Qwys6L1ttMcfo0PXj9pE4y_Fub1bUf3O6XnfuQHVTJBWpEZdctlc5ClaEaTQ2CDGmZPQ/s1600/DSCN5335.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE7lGT6gMy9hwPhvR0_3mMXzSC6qxJ46alnkPHtRiFXO4IuTQk2ZhD3nQzSxu7r8kc5_5_M2Qwys6L1ttMcfo0PXj9pE4y_Fub1bUf3O6XnfuQHVTJBWpEZdctlc5ClaEaTQ2CDGmZPQ/s400/DSCN5335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471908019127032610" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; ">ELAFONISI</span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">One of our favorite road trips was with some friends from base and their two boys. We were all curious about a beach we'd heard of on the farthest southwest tip of Crete called Elafonisi so we headed inland through the mountains. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Along the way we saw many interesting sites including a one lane tunnel in the Koutsamatados ravine...</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xCyt8twUrFG4Ype1Qs2Rd-10OyhKIhgFIE2OoVGlcJWTpR7-MVwWcVfRwC-TCtmpLvtZTkCBADjA962R1dMEFXOn36IH0YOjPWSLPcr-a2ltd5CR5gk8GRRoyZw7Nora1tgP08rwWq0/s1600/DSCN5275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xCyt8twUrFG4Ype1Qs2Rd-10OyhKIhgFIE2OoVGlcJWTpR7-MVwWcVfRwC-TCtmpLvtZTkCBADjA962R1dMEFXOn36IH0YOjPWSLPcr-a2ltd5CR5gk8GRRoyZw7Nora1tgP08rwWq0/s400/DSCN5275.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471905823166547938" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">...and roadside advertisements for local produce, </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGngtxuMAkuZ3wX7CImk1BEPF8tVHwSoBlufDBcH8qrVMRTtB2vbY5Pr_Yi59IJUVuM74tkQvNgoFWE9iVL2wUFK9InIE975IlGuO_xWA5toyQ9VHWD4X4xgSLj4HCu-4wEcrBV_7aji4/s1600/DSCN5277.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGngtxuMAkuZ3wX7CImk1BEPF8tVHwSoBlufDBcH8qrVMRTtB2vbY5Pr_Yi59IJUVuM74tkQvNgoFWE9iVL2wUFK9InIE975IlGuO_xWA5toyQ9VHWD4X4xgSLj4HCu-4wEcrBV_7aji4/s400/DSCN5277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471905812544945442" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">which we stopped and sampled.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmfe296eG1ijAX2yTbIhmmDgt-ljB3f3aUuepcdOqwO0y58zzVXulIZV3o2QR9CLsV2b5B1THbYGB_GwX55YK38ACZVJ2HrjSosVxuMSmpTlUpoSYm0TcyNmDK-Faq1OPLkAFZuvBJhI/s1600/DSCN5279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmfe296eG1ijAX2yTbIhmmDgt-ljB3f3aUuepcdOqwO0y58zzVXulIZV3o2QR9CLsV2b5B1THbYGB_GwX55YK38ACZVJ2HrjSosVxuMSmpTlUpoSYm0TcyNmDK-Faq1OPLkAFZuvBJhI/s400/DSCN5279.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471905808685304162" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Another stop was the cave Ayia Sofia, one of the largest caves on Crete (and there are thousands of caves here) which now shelters a small chapel with many stalagmites and stalactites. This cave has been a holy place since Minoan, Neolithic, Roman and Byzantine times. The boys really thought it was "cool"! (So did Mel) </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc6D_Xlj_pOYRG9eRQY9WeB28O6uZFT6vtGJ1iSqp7kFzJgi2JUvMrZZ_aasXvrHZJyIStx2dsM5tyh9FUDSw8CbRjTVRdJxvVXakTTWq3r8Jwl-2QyS-BLES8SRL2DQ2mXhyDO741HM/s1600/DSC01710.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuc6D_Xlj_pOYRG9eRQY9WeB28O6uZFT6vtGJ1iSqp7kFzJgi2JUvMrZZ_aasXvrHZJyIStx2dsM5tyh9FUDSw8CbRjTVRdJxvVXakTTWq3r8Jwl-2QyS-BLES8SRL2DQ2mXhyDO741HM/s400/DSC01710.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471905799506200754" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The white monastery of Chrysoskalitissa is home to one last monk. It sits high on a hill above the sea and was undergoing some restoration when we arrived. This monastery is built on the remains of an ancient Minoan site. The name means Virgin of the Golden Step and legend has it that the top step (of about 90 steps) is made of gold but only visible to the person who has known no sin. Obviously, none of us even saw a glimmer.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7Qmi1VmmpHlZOv-nj1XFyLkQe7Qub2-67kf7BW-gIUMC_pkxHk0-yNwbeOpe2fGWfmkVN6Ibwt0b_OJE5Lt5Jl_s91zgnmMfF7rmzgL6N46t4rfFyYlXJRkDBbPUkKo9nVVSE6DpYtI/s1600/DSCN5282.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7Qmi1VmmpHlZOv-nj1XFyLkQe7Qub2-67kf7BW-gIUMC_pkxHk0-yNwbeOpe2fGWfmkVN6Ibwt0b_OJE5Lt5Jl_s91zgnmMfF7rmzgL6N46t4rfFyYlXJRkDBbPUkKo9nVVSE6DpYtI/s400/DSCN5282.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471905794055437266" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Ginger, Melanie and the boys enjoyed the view from the top of the monastery.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2W1Dg2vdiTyC2Y32R-RMK6asHrfqfE_NblLXmvcV4UxWcNDoMv0yrut-bguEyviiNyiT9F7J3SHARujBy__bdt5Q2bZFqvaBqiCzaAi4oLgp4Uh0uCxrc2aJz9_Zh4vA2pFH5JzoA-CQ/s1600/DSCN5294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2W1Dg2vdiTyC2Y32R-RMK6asHrfqfE_NblLXmvcV4UxWcNDoMv0yrut-bguEyviiNyiT9F7J3SHARujBy__bdt5Q2bZFqvaBqiCzaAi4oLgp4Uh0uCxrc2aJz9_Zh4vA2pFH5JzoA-CQ/s400/DSCN5294.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471904294478726082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJT-v2BhFemLhtT253CaAn_Nw6xl7MZ1i_Z54FgegP1HBZ2aAK8XWIartFC_5Gjr1_EEA27fT4P-1taCROqbTM43HyokOAbuR0cz3nONQhVQi3EHWnG0J1xqUUSC0r2oViF4SJulI9Tk/s1600/DSCN5289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJT-v2BhFemLhtT253CaAn_Nw6xl7MZ1i_Z54FgegP1HBZ2aAK8XWIartFC_5Gjr1_EEA27fT4P-1taCROqbTM43HyokOAbuR0cz3nONQhVQi3EHWnG0J1xqUUSC0r2oViF4SJulI9Tk/s400/DSCN5289.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471904284596017970" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">When we finally made it to the beach at Elafonisi it was very windy but it didn't stop us from enjoying a nice swim.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizxPSV8Zo4_AOU5UNQaA4r-61QKotqcyNplN-Dl9js6IqIw1jZmrDVEXgrYmRddMDDpTRPV_idFklhsj0U8mi2HS17Sb_RpQijvQ5IXT5VfJto_5nvZqB4johvY9R7QZI5u-VzHL3r-4/s1600/DSCN5302.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizxPSV8Zo4_AOU5UNQaA4r-61QKotqcyNplN-Dl9js6IqIw1jZmrDVEXgrYmRddMDDpTRPV_idFklhsj0U8mi2HS17Sb_RpQijvQ5IXT5VfJto_5nvZqB4johvY9R7QZI5u-VzHL3r-4/s400/DSCN5302.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471904279243639394" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Elafonisi is a gem of a beach because the incredibly warm water is so clear, calm and shallow and the sand has a pink tinge to it. Elafonisi island can be easily waded to through ankle deep water on the sand bar. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBYKwKGgHTXcjY9fIUE47lq8hTqYfgGD5fbgYo-ZA7FJmwXI-oNEhoBULjYW9JKFkNnpUWMKp2yzKPryGlgDrbooKcHt3rLVQYbETj5wszJ-dpvTKWgxoADGYUOSyyx3zHxa9owPU3vI/s1600/DSCN5305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBYKwKGgHTXcjY9fIUE47lq8hTqYfgGD5fbgYo-ZA7FJmwXI-oNEhoBULjYW9JKFkNnpUWMKp2yzKPryGlgDrbooKcHt3rLVQYbETj5wszJ-dpvTKWgxoADGYUOSyyx3zHxa9owPU3vI/s400/DSCN5305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471904270256730338" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Every time we experience these wonderful sites we are reminded that God is so very near to us and thank Him for blessing us with the beauty of nature and friendships.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH08E79K28cRM39kXRoYQ7YEmUoYCBz_clHgaSAlV9knvd2eM92dMnlw3m1rXm-k9_gZYx-rktIzmRPUR2z7QP1I3vetYakEkYCTPkWCQ_mJHkbAOIxAmOE4N7wM2-MgzbwB18G-lsL9w/s1600/DSCN5290.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH08E79K28cRM39kXRoYQ7YEmUoYCBz_clHgaSAlV9knvd2eM92dMnlw3m1rXm-k9_gZYx-rktIzmRPUR2z7QP1I3vetYakEkYCTPkWCQ_mJHkbAOIxAmOE4N7wM2-MgzbwB18G-lsL9w/s400/DSCN5290.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471904265933512194" /></a><br /></div></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-11356636027387359482010-04-26T08:32:00.006+03:002010-04-26T09:36:17.260+03:00OUR VILLAGEFor those of you who are interested in a sampling of our daily lives here, come with me for a walk around our village of Horafakia. We start by walking up a little ways on the country road from our house and take in this view over the fields full of wildflowers.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQucdNhFekDXVXXKzFx3Zfqv17bIKGhd4Qcpi13I6a8MbdGEwgxEJrrHyvyvpkvdkUt_MJwEGvkYQag8tkntd3L2AQ1vOepxK2XKUK-F2dDdsOVV1Y0w0sYAE47Fg-9C-OloBeWmzCkug/s1600/DSCN4988.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQucdNhFekDXVXXKzFx3Zfqv17bIKGhd4Qcpi13I6a8MbdGEwgxEJrrHyvyvpkvdkUt_MJwEGvkYQag8tkntd3L2AQ1vOepxK2XKUK-F2dDdsOVV1Y0w0sYAE47Fg-9C-OloBeWmzCkug/s400/DSCN4988.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464321859157800674" /></a>Most of the homes in the village are older, functional and always stone.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85j7BgUw3v-X0Ev69MCPWwtFz9VHO48CLCBlkzTcVZZlQl_A_MdA6MjdJBGIxbswzxj6bE02pPpMPa4aj_V_G1xfqZJ0fV3MDdHiN0ZBe_UUigYY2RemS_Xl40cb6pxBdgqLMAzfvFOo/s1600/DSCN5020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85j7BgUw3v-X0Ev69MCPWwtFz9VHO48CLCBlkzTcVZZlQl_A_MdA6MjdJBGIxbswzxj6bE02pPpMPa4aj_V_G1xfqZJ0fV3MDdHiN0ZBe_UUigYY2RemS_Xl40cb6pxBdgqLMAzfvFOo/s400/DSCN5020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464321854839918018" /></a>The village church stands in a square at the entrance of Horafakia.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Xa7AUIlrsaSLS3-oQ54jMocz68Y81FvIl91TsKilG-Xzc905zbBwyqCXpIKK7kXYYmzg8O_KQQhP7yYtqYdpoMWalilTYKILzhxNI8e-hvJENP0Q3RwGFiD5BGjGYD1SsnZsqdh_G7o/s1600/DSCN4997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Xa7AUIlrsaSLS3-oQ54jMocz68Y81FvIl91TsKilG-Xzc905zbBwyqCXpIKK7kXYYmzg8O_KQQhP7yYtqYdpoMWalilTYKILzhxNI8e-hvJENP0Q3RwGFiD5BGjGYD1SsnZsqdh_G7o/s400/DSCN4997.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464321843064864146" /></a>Jiannis (John) is the owner of our local market where we stop in frequently for locally grown produce, fresh baked bread (psomee), eggs (avga) and cheese (mizithra, feta, graviera). The simplicity of local markets makes them very efficient. Truly a "quick stop", you can park right in front, run in for a few items and be on your way in a matter of minutes. (In the States it's rarely a quick trip to the grocery after finding a parking place in a giant lot, taking a hike to the back of the store and standing in line just to purchase a carton of milk. You know what I'm talking about!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlup09zGZyRh1Yo25LU9b3kTX9yYfPe-TCJVUe6on9bZ4pJLQyXoBRW08YLu6qxcipSlXt3pThL9k8cNONnumvExmcGYHFEUUy7GkUP3ML-raDcwYSZvbE8UG_SBRtFwaTJ6wFt5YBiCU/s1600/DSCN5016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlup09zGZyRh1Yo25LU9b3kTX9yYfPe-TCJVUe6on9bZ4pJLQyXoBRW08YLu6qxcipSlXt3pThL9k8cNONnumvExmcGYHFEUUy7GkUP3ML-raDcwYSZvbE8UG_SBRtFwaTJ6wFt5YBiCU/s400/DSCN5016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464321836067238370" /></a>Horafakia even has its own "Home Depot."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3Kh096kmD03i3Vgm9CfudvW5oympA41xb4R_QlDv0Z7Wyf7t0luy1sjX9KmUd3ypFDsyci2-Z6NsruYOyrqwEubh3Lh9IA1eQIwxyoNMRx1g1dhNh4iuvPLiaGIZMgsTTq-i34z-guk/s1600/DSCN4994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3Kh096kmD03i3Vgm9CfudvW5oympA41xb4R_QlDv0Z7Wyf7t0luy1sjX9KmUd3ypFDsyci2-Z6NsruYOyrqwEubh3Lh9IA1eQIwxyoNMRx1g1dhNh4iuvPLiaGIZMgsTTq-i34z-guk/s400/DSCN4994.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464321828148545202" /></a>Some homes are REALLY old and in shambles...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthb2a1PF7AETRjwsW0jvcr842HfHn2sD6BRo42-Nwc6douqeANsxfIxM5-sb4yamYbrHYVL76BvPlTqaZjRn8YvUg02IeQmtsLfZYcikCIiBBOnOacUf3mhDfzgTd8CT1BOODihmFXfU/s1600/DSCN5010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthb2a1PF7AETRjwsW0jvcr842HfHn2sD6BRo42-Nwc6douqeANsxfIxM5-sb4yamYbrHYVL76BvPlTqaZjRn8YvUg02IeQmtsLfZYcikCIiBBOnOacUf3mhDfzgTd8CT1BOODihmFXfU/s400/DSCN5010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464320316521823778" /></a>Others are relatively new and well maintained.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHuKdQJqNoRloGZzKSJImAssP8QijINHqSsPRHEAT37NgF3zqG3IYrOTyHHoQU4RtqFAj0kpJzgimQpe7KYCMhJ_UWjrh-QaXIFK8Oug5p8argjACr0tL4y3gkkXdgYS5OLeWljxNu1Q/s1600/DSCN5009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHuKdQJqNoRloGZzKSJImAssP8QijINHqSsPRHEAT37NgF3zqG3IYrOTyHHoQU4RtqFAj0kpJzgimQpe7KYCMhJ_UWjrh-QaXIFK8Oug5p8argjACr0tL4y3gkkXdgYS5OLeWljxNu1Q/s400/DSCN5009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464320309698312914" /></a>The local schoolyard ...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qywl3cKT-rQHZ3qNfMrIYn98Pk-bFMQTt83XH4eC5etyiwtsjKbUJkT81bdcHUscgisbbgnydPELNJB59bwDaKmLXLLN7vniEhfNi7p9Tv82htI-75PqxKl3p946Og8VKaLU7AHgfNY/s1600/DSCN5014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qywl3cKT-rQHZ3qNfMrIYn98Pk-bFMQTt83XH4eC5etyiwtsjKbUJkT81bdcHUscgisbbgnydPELNJB59bwDaKmLXLLN7vniEhfNi7p9Tv82htI-75PqxKl3p946Og8VKaLU7AHgfNY/s400/DSCN5014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464320300931810690" /></a>...and the "post office".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKLpINnlGcTPECpYWcPDtFiBYeZsOJki_nddg35PFf-FGWxsi8gNPzVqiY8ZjJWke5StdoqPNLCvWKioMKtv5iM5xdZfDOUEumOZerEEFVfonDRAXZ9TzFHiMCcIBnZ85_h51pUjOg6s/s1600/DSCN5015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKLpINnlGcTPECpYWcPDtFiBYeZsOJki_nddg35PFf-FGWxsi8gNPzVqiY8ZjJWke5StdoqPNLCvWKioMKtv5iM5xdZfDOUEumOZerEEFVfonDRAXZ9TzFHiMCcIBnZ85_h51pUjOg6s/s400/DSCN5015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464320289358107010" /></a>Everywhere on the island you see these shrines by the roadsides built to honor a deceased loved one. Almost all of these stand at the site of the fatal accident on the road. It's a daily reminder that Crete has a high auto accident fatality rate. (It's no wonder when you see how the motorbikes drive!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5FR8oZ-PBUF4ZtBdqCaAeUOEwc84QduUZx_b96Mpm2Z7F7bIsU-fl5-r0S3345139re0fRJALwOAEqp2MQpH0R1rdtDXj5t2F_5L2MIeW1ffZ8i_2c27qZKbfy13B6l8uTLAQrK-fr4/s1600/DSCN5005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5FR8oZ-PBUF4ZtBdqCaAeUOEwc84QduUZx_b96Mpm2Z7F7bIsU-fl5-r0S3345139re0fRJALwOAEqp2MQpH0R1rdtDXj5t2F_5L2MIeW1ffZ8i_2c27qZKbfy13B6l8uTLAQrK-fr4/s400/DSCN5005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464320283611065570" /></a>This sign (Agios Pavlos - Saint Paul) points the way to the abandoned monastery that is just past our house. These photos were taken during Holy Week when the whole village gets whitewashed - stone walls, tree trunks, sign posts, homes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGSn2T3OlvgzuP8pkcdWDYoDJjUPfIHBiHzRFiTDViRnoKAQxqGalitb-0cx3jH10md18RO1AYHtiXTR3pnxqw-QEHr66I-ybaGn5o-aq51Nfnawhf6N7rDSKaTXMUbjWGd0LHCQQhyU/s1600/DSCN4993.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGSn2T3OlvgzuP8pkcdWDYoDJjUPfIHBiHzRFiTDViRnoKAQxqGalitb-0cx3jH10md18RO1AYHtiXTR3pnxqw-QEHr66I-ybaGn5o-aq51Nfnawhf6N7rDSKaTXMUbjWGd0LHCQQhyU/s400/DSCN4993.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464317544356548322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr-oLE8wURoOSzGKgjjgBq44NgNLleI9T95Jxk6NqhYvDQ5RJZ1ZmRXz8CxrfXGIdQaFK-iQcTiWgnOIVEt9Sp7wgPos40J8JD1v4WVQ9nFRnBh5PzblEapgEbnQnAu43Np7UPNBNR-0/s1600/DSCN5011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr-oLE8wURoOSzGKgjjgBq44NgNLleI9T95Jxk6NqhYvDQ5RJZ1ZmRXz8CxrfXGIdQaFK-iQcTiWgnOIVEt9Sp7wgPos40J8JD1v4WVQ9nFRnBh5PzblEapgEbnQnAu43Np7UPNBNR-0/s400/DSCN5011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464317535365776978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FPiAyE3-nT1xcxkdh1pPeikztZ6r-VBtOxV36CTTzCs-29dhNvi9r8Vh6XW5x8tim3fyEUXLKbp5yFV1FkJQ4qcGmmy1G6w3lN1Yu06_VugJoZ54Sp1AjyVcKSdl4CJpa23wzca9vDU/s1600/DSCN4996.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FPiAyE3-nT1xcxkdh1pPeikztZ6r-VBtOxV36CTTzCs-29dhNvi9r8Vh6XW5x8tim3fyEUXLKbp5yFV1FkJQ4qcGmmy1G6w3lN1Yu06_VugJoZ54Sp1AjyVcKSdl4CJpa23wzca9vDU/s400/DSCN4996.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464317528921932546" /></a>We live in an agricultural area. At the beginning of Spring, these "green house" rows crop up everywhere. The farmers make good use of the land under the olive trees after harvesting the olives in the fall.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0kzYKVxkRiFYLfFc_7t_JlkEkeMDvvSHoOQXIlsNs0NvQ86y5Heyt5-PGiVxE_GYlE1EGrljbG1RcNeCDY2G4tgkMLldEL0QUrrX3Yk0jxbe4bFmb0YqU9Y27tcDMPtX8I20wQb_vV0/s1600/DSCN4992.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0kzYKVxkRiFYLfFc_7t_JlkEkeMDvvSHoOQXIlsNs0NvQ86y5Heyt5-PGiVxE_GYlE1EGrljbG1RcNeCDY2G4tgkMLldEL0QUrrX3Yk0jxbe4bFmb0YqU9Y27tcDMPtX8I20wQb_vV0/s400/DSCN4992.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464317518671668114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca4A1g9bGfQS0Pzr0KswlFYQXHEfJwAyvqyI-oGnyRteVFNDPJlVi1H6lbmGm7pDhb6qTsbRCcqUCceK-LqOn8hv2saYf6-t4BD5KOR27uXL8QBvqFaZd6lKDPoIs4njCjEcP4_FkAA4/s1600/DSCN4885.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca4A1g9bGfQS0Pzr0KswlFYQXHEfJwAyvqyI-oGnyRteVFNDPJlVi1H6lbmGm7pDhb6qTsbRCcqUCceK-LqOn8hv2saYf6-t4BD5KOR27uXL8QBvqFaZd6lKDPoIs4njCjEcP4_FkAA4/s400/DSCN4885.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464317511828758770" /></a>The new moving in on the old...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0r_IznK6Dn58S2sLVgNNI6H_jBnB8EEDt0hOd75HeCIs69S_U4Xsu0JMvpfW3W4k05wAmFCKTDEM5xY4jRwFxaF1PS-9BTcvahNnW-YtxHzGzDn3HBOnUVhHDt5Y442db3VfpTjo8Yg/s1600/DSCN5006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0r_IznK6Dn58S2sLVgNNI6H_jBnB8EEDt0hOd75HeCIs69S_U4Xsu0JMvpfW3W4k05wAmFCKTDEM5xY4jRwFxaF1PS-9BTcvahNnW-YtxHzGzDn3HBOnUVhHDt5Y442db3VfpTjo8Yg/s400/DSCN5006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464316008529802770" /></a>Grapevine lattices double as a clothesline<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOddi0X7pmcC_In9xTqKGWLAk0HqHvzUgzlfczsat9cuG0GJKGjLzt3heb0dAWH3cl5vzHhbsSwrS_0tI4BHhGm7WeWwzmcKmp3en270mbJUUSOCuDTrZApu7-e5RnPymBCoCx5oNX-I/s1600/DSCN5021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOddi0X7pmcC_In9xTqKGWLAk0HqHvzUgzlfczsat9cuG0GJKGjLzt3heb0dAWH3cl5vzHhbsSwrS_0tI4BHhGm7WeWwzmcKmp3en270mbJUUSOCuDTrZApu7-e5RnPymBCoCx5oNX-I/s400/DSCN5021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464316001738874850" /></a>Traffic jam in Horafakia<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoyU5rSO43RNrHXb7OYW6kpDKx2iA-NDosODjntzzSmhwvofvklJI-gUShpgumLx6w4hANaJshAl-Yo_i_bUY9HaM915T0VJEQsviN45YG6eeKBpQ0ce3OAEaI40S9doWVWZFBdLa_Sg/s1600/DSCN5213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoyU5rSO43RNrHXb7OYW6kpDKx2iA-NDosODjntzzSmhwvofvklJI-gUShpgumLx6w4hANaJshAl-Yo_i_bUY9HaM915T0VJEQsviN45YG6eeKBpQ0ce3OAEaI40S9doWVWZFBdLa_Sg/s400/DSCN5213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464315990960633730" /></a>View of Tersanas Beach Cove from the village<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqPDn1WjeeY9Nl4Id3mF1yBymp2nc-yQL4PrwEwe11TKRo3Cp6QN-nTp673_0a6U6K_CVdw59UmcF9Fz4rZGUC2n6QnOm80fN4nYFCmEZMaXwvBGDHWFjZyoDcrDF3K2iZgt1Rk9RDKY/s1600/DSCN5022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqPDn1WjeeY9Nl4Id3mF1yBymp2nc-yQL4PrwEwe11TKRo3Cp6QN-nTp673_0a6U6K_CVdw59UmcF9Fz4rZGUC2n6QnOm80fN4nYFCmEZMaXwvBGDHWFjZyoDcrDF3K2iZgt1Rk9RDKY/s400/DSCN5022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464315981347967906" /></a>The wild herbs and grasses in Crete are a feast for the eyes and nose!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsftyQh5lVBER7_q2RDd7KTxlfFIUsxI_hk6Oab4K-U5VqkbZsE0YebG5RI8lGaM1DGOUFcy0jL5yIBdTtniyiENsmtaRpTFUMGUOKM_fkyua3z2pzVRPo6E2HJAJRwM0f_18n9E5i-I/s1600/DSCN5026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsftyQh5lVBER7_q2RDd7KTxlfFIUsxI_hk6Oab4K-U5VqkbZsE0YebG5RI8lGaM1DGOUFcy0jL5yIBdTtniyiENsmtaRpTFUMGUOKM_fkyua3z2pzVRPo6E2HJAJRwM0f_18n9E5i-I/s400/DSCN5026.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464315975713160610" /></a>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-87568301390658471922010-04-18T20:01:00.008+03:002010-04-19T20:54:26.845+03:00Florence, ItalyFlorence...Firenze...the seat of Renaissance art and architecture, is a thriving city today dedicated to restoring and preserving its long heritage as curator of the best of the Renaissance. In fact, the historic city of Florence is one big museum and just a walk around the streets attest to this fact. One need not even step inside the famous museums to get a flavor of Renaissance Italy. On every street and in every piazza there are statues, churches, frescoes, palaces and homes that reveal the powerful influence that Florence had on the world of art and architecture particularly in the 15th - 17th centuries. It was the hotbed of creative expression, the birthplace of humanism in the arts, and today still attracts many who are passionate about art and art history. Masters of the visual arts such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, and Donatello all called Florence home as well as the scientific innovators Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci. <div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8sdbDh4yxiLCKX-CHlH6AOdZnQvVh1NyO46w4K0mjLTaLCFGk2fcUHaZJqMhE5fkO2vd7vYbBfrqNwKsaDIrqOjls0aPmFfzgAjPLTnVDBt4fxTChDwnDqrcPXLcwLrlboUvSKEYG7o/s1600/DSCN5090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8sdbDh4yxiLCKX-CHlH6AOdZnQvVh1NyO46w4K0mjLTaLCFGk2fcUHaZJqMhE5fkO2vd7vYbBfrqNwKsaDIrqOjls0aPmFfzgAjPLTnVDBt4fxTChDwnDqrcPXLcwLrlboUvSKEYG7o/s400/DSCN5090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461530121627638850" /></a>We landed in Rome and took the fast train to Florence. Richard is happy to go ANYWHERE if you just give him a cappuccino and put him on a train!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhkD5PN7XR2Skl5K0vzQnohrRsLO2GJbngG6ZmaFziUAay8Pd03IldGkbVydhml6XcZGIydjXxEz3Drxm6e7fR7rdK7lztysuBwg-ROgyczIODgRRgAAe3QasWBES8agD0L843R3qFz8/s1600/DSCN5032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhkD5PN7XR2Skl5K0vzQnohrRsLO2GJbngG6ZmaFziUAay8Pd03IldGkbVydhml6XcZGIydjXxEz3Drxm6e7fR7rdK7lztysuBwg-ROgyczIODgRRgAAe3QasWBES8agD0L843R3qFz8/s400/DSCN5032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461530118981657010" /></a>The street scape in Florence is tight but not oppressing. Evidence of the Medici dynasty 1434-1743 is everywhere - here you can see the Medici family crest on the corner below the balcony. Under astute Medici leadership, Florence enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity. The Medici, particulary Lorenzo, were passionately dedicated to nurturing new forms of art and preserving them for future generations.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkleXokZwsswqFSxg5c1Nf5UIus5W_aITDcNb_BO2CXi9SqL58q3sX8b7wkElH1r3gYa0mJQb4j1wnkmrUMMKB63-VOSO1g4o4QWACIhadJGcPEWE6HSYzKEzj-MBy9FbISg58wNeco90/s1600/DSCN5072.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkleXokZwsswqFSxg5c1Nf5UIus5W_aITDcNb_BO2CXi9SqL58q3sX8b7wkElH1r3gYa0mJQb4j1wnkmrUMMKB63-VOSO1g4o4QWACIhadJGcPEWE6HSYzKEzj-MBy9FbISg58wNeco90/s400/DSCN5072.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461530106456101730" /></a>Biking is a major form of transportation.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwvSD7KkWjpH7GtXRcGeLZfYiHm4NOzjZQ9fCT1LT9z0QnR7Dqu8HE-tUrH0LFt0ww_K2LN2Uvh9QfCtuc-lNIWa3g044DhKot_7TghWYa_86b6XcB_ORsIZnMVA2iU91Ky8ZT5ptEjU/s1600/DSCN5070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwvSD7KkWjpH7GtXRcGeLZfYiHm4NOzjZQ9fCT1LT9z0QnR7Dqu8HE-tUrH0LFt0ww_K2LN2Uvh9QfCtuc-lNIWa3g044DhKot_7TghWYa_86b6XcB_ORsIZnMVA2iU91Ky8ZT5ptEjU/s400/DSCN5070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461530100028696802" /></a>The Piazza del Duomo is a magnificent pedestrian only area that includes the cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), the Campanile (tower) and the Baptistry. The buildings are clad in Tuscan green, white and pink marble. Brunelleschi's Dome dominates the city as it stands taller than any other building in the city. The engineering of this gigantic dome was a revolutionary achievement even in today's terms because it was built entirely without scaffolding.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaed4J_JqWunoINv_azNFVlA4dAoF9fA88hcUpq-212JQnC8f7kRL9ZXD8OXW-WftvTYY4U0FKpOAI2xLw0S0J6WwZrieTf_IBKne3XzlZCCCiq5YwnO1sr-w_PJ6CefqJPOEreNDvN4/s1600/DSCN5039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaed4J_JqWunoINv_azNFVlA4dAoF9fA88hcUpq-212JQnC8f7kRL9ZXD8OXW-WftvTYY4U0FKpOAI2xLw0S0J6WwZrieTf_IBKne3XzlZCCCiq5YwnO1sr-w_PJ6CefqJPOEreNDvN4/s400/DSCN5039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461530091245927842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv3Vk9PxQ9teguMiq-x9OnOmF4x4DhGTBEGYaP0g0IimlqxEHPxvTcEknlwNsGgUgpXfvknaqKSByv31_9X9UFEDzV59eBEtL24qnUOIMv1eauwMqh-VSfhOd8-Ss15qc_NZARmlms9U/s1600/DSCN5103.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv3Vk9PxQ9teguMiq-x9OnOmF4x4DhGTBEGYaP0g0IimlqxEHPxvTcEknlwNsGgUgpXfvknaqKSByv31_9X9UFEDzV59eBEtL24qnUOIMv1eauwMqh-VSfhOd8-Ss15qc_NZARmlms9U/s400/DSCN5103.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461529061819273762" /></a>The huge Piazza del Signoria was and still is the main meeting place for Florentines and tourists alike to come together for political, social and leisure activities. It is flanked by the Palazzo Vecchio, home of the Medici, and a unique outdoor sculpture gallery.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFp1FME008doV4cCkeAx6fPp6YK0nWtER6T8TNUjf7c-ZBX-Err5NibkXTOaJmO3PWF2JwO38u7Q61NcOLz8C59GFQ3rrzuMo5QOeK6pFHrgu672cmhkO0WTttLjfGcxLHc8bFGYOWcvo/s1600/DSCN5067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFp1FME008doV4cCkeAx6fPp6YK0nWtER6T8TNUjf7c-ZBX-Err5NibkXTOaJmO3PWF2JwO38u7Q61NcOLz8C59GFQ3rrzuMo5QOeK6pFHrgu672cmhkO0WTttLjfGcxLHc8bFGYOWcvo/s400/DSCN5067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461529057470513506" /></a>Giambologna's's sculpture "The rape of the Sabines" is a beautiful study in circular motion carved in a single block of flawed marble. It was made to view from all sides and truly is a marvel to study.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-VNyG9PBYbx2cAhdVGK3nHpd63UDXVcb0xFDTrWrQn5znARlHj2777twR7se331zPzeLkBx9kiYjB1hfWo1wnRz_MCjGwwS3CwIt-Ez7R9-h3_d18BkYlqhC22cvnNtBTTQLTb6NUnE/s1600/DSCN5066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-VNyG9PBYbx2cAhdVGK3nHpd63UDXVcb0xFDTrWrQn5znARlHj2777twR7se331zPzeLkBx9kiYjB1hfWo1wnRz_MCjGwwS3CwIt-Ez7R9-h3_d18BkYlqhC22cvnNtBTTQLTb6NUnE/s400/DSCN5066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461529045736780082" /></a>The Palazzo Vecchio's great bell in this tower used to ring out to call all citizens of Florence to a <i>parlamento</i> (public meeting) and to commemorate special events.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE5Ys19N3ZG2ZHp4VqyIXPdZwl3Irh4OtCuV_gAZWw3ARYswOMu7hr0JCmkV92xxVNU4oxR1ejkxqgKPUm79XV_KN3HPE2QKyRi00Z6-awJPOq1wDe9r4yMDQ2tbCrLst1g6f6l4V3FM/s1600/DSCN5118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE5Ys19N3ZG2ZHp4VqyIXPdZwl3Irh4OtCuV_gAZWw3ARYswOMu7hr0JCmkV92xxVNU4oxR1ejkxqgKPUm79XV_KN3HPE2QKyRi00Z6-awJPOq1wDe9r4yMDQ2tbCrLst1g6f6l4V3FM/s400/DSCN5118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461529043073553442" /></a>The Palazzo Vecchio had an exquisite courtyard adorned with sculpted columns, statues and frescoed walls.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9njJKLvO-3zbZECB9-p5DPXXiggNU9DSqKg2ZfNozsgtS79_wb3jVo9MtXKYq3kderKY1sRFdkxC1RgEiSX3jXRxGf0xc8LH_Hc-z_Pgo5iOVqhPc42_gll63gRJiG0FQUKvi4SI8prY/s1600/DSCN5140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9njJKLvO-3zbZECB9-p5DPXXiggNU9DSqKg2ZfNozsgtS79_wb3jVo9MtXKYq3kderKY1sRFdkxC1RgEiSX3jXRxGf0xc8LH_Hc-z_Pgo5iOVqhPc42_gll63gRJiG0FQUKvi4SI8prY/s400/DSCN5140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461529035256996786" /></a>We visited both the Uffizi museum (impressive collection of Renaissance art including "The Birth of Venus") and the Academia where the imposing statue of David by Michelangelo stands.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZUNqpTAkcMmmDVUwUyqRdSGMBR06m-7K3owJQ3E8Q6MoAo8siMFWVgQD6zkXGReWBSBseCTbeFlEpnhu7VE6-1B7_MR3knr0uM0X2-VK2CjX5eU2kQ-WSU5QrEm2_g1ONQ2rH6z5TfQ/s1600/DSCN5126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZUNqpTAkcMmmDVUwUyqRdSGMBR06m-7K3owJQ3E8Q6MoAo8siMFWVgQD6zkXGReWBSBseCTbeFlEpnhu7VE6-1B7_MR3knr0uM0X2-VK2CjX5eU2kQ-WSU5QrEm2_g1ONQ2rH6z5TfQ/s400/DSCN5126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461527983526066226" /></a>The most famous bridge in Florence - the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge (built 1345) was spared by Hitler when he bombed Florence because it is said he was so impressed when he visited it in an earlier time of peace with Mussolini. This photo was taken of us on the Ponte Vecchio looking up the Arno River that cuts through the middle of the city.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8ULrzd2dnWn8mO1Rj7yFvqiSL2svcMiaHVYzTYeMPLxpC6qZN0MZ7sWybXJvvOMXqcz3bu8y9akDPX3-0LxEhZe2m3qRkDk90AmPK_SPE-jHwENdUV-Mz-ujjUzVvNiyJ6Ff3wFOO1U/s1600/DSCN5144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8ULrzd2dnWn8mO1Rj7yFvqiSL2svcMiaHVYzTYeMPLxpC6qZN0MZ7sWybXJvvOMXqcz3bu8y9akDPX3-0LxEhZe2m3qRkDk90AmPK_SPE-jHwENdUV-Mz-ujjUzVvNiyJ6Ff3wFOO1U/s400/DSCN5144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461527977956598786" /></a>The Ponte Vecchio is covered with workshops and was the site for tradesmen such as butchers, tanners and blacksmiths until evicted by Duke Ferdinand I because of the stench and filth. After upgrading the overhanging buildings on the bridge, it is now a haven for gold and jewelry merchants. From the door on the street you can look through to the window that frames the river.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8lD0uUckMtiJaXs28EIuV5V9WpNW5du3o0-TqRYe0z42tsbNFU23VIB6CW5byGcnFwIAnvwlVP2iqeWea2vIDSI0WEZZmrD2OpZUqQHJ_yHRIFLwzpGxW4im_-FEA29Z_mf7wY2t4Uc/s1600/DSCN5149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8lD0uUckMtiJaXs28EIuV5V9WpNW5du3o0-TqRYe0z42tsbNFU23VIB6CW5byGcnFwIAnvwlVP2iqeWea2vIDSI0WEZZmrD2OpZUqQHJ_yHRIFLwzpGxW4im_-FEA29Z_mf7wY2t4Uc/s400/DSCN5149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461527971307655954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1C2vVnzIImB5foeVw5tFEnfm6KPpmlH36K5OSwtHBjZ7ok8O38m8g79AfrtvatenOhryvRvlvNwLd-OAFtyzq01Sv014oA4WiTZ29QM80AW-TPvocvi0GjXo1ueWn69d2-3aIMlUqFo/s1600/DSCN5148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1C2vVnzIImB5foeVw5tFEnfm6KPpmlH36K5OSwtHBjZ7ok8O38m8g79AfrtvatenOhryvRvlvNwLd-OAFtyzq01Sv014oA4WiTZ29QM80AW-TPvocvi0GjXo1ueWn69d2-3aIMlUqFo/s400/DSCN5148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461527966097954066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu8ulAHgnh8ssRMAXqhpLWr7O_Zu3KdN8amFSMjmMqfWE64H1Z6gofeKX1SiFoo2HMDxbv4UUuu35HJWrsbcKjFzs95tmHV_hQKhn0RzVxd3FV9zdD-p50Fq03cD4YwxpeDAWPEQdqFo/s1600/DSCN5110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu8ulAHgnh8ssRMAXqhpLWr7O_Zu3KdN8amFSMjmMqfWE64H1Z6gofeKX1SiFoo2HMDxbv4UUuu35HJWrsbcKjFzs95tmHV_hQKhn0RzVxd3FV9zdD-p50Fq03cD4YwxpeDAWPEQdqFo/s400/DSCN5110.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461527958216580034" /></a>One of the highlights of the visit was a guided tour through the streets of Florence on bicycles. Richard swallowed his biker's pride and pedaled off on a bike that didn't quite fit him, minus the pedal clips, fancy gears and spandex.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcSl8PNcuAIKclUGcEgkR975zCdFHFpOSebvoxcQy09wrGFA8BxPzF7Zghbv13HcEKrI_-ntQQ_TYqS0Gubcc-67uNDn_ITBa2OFAwDNvXcMtndPezrCY0GDNzztpVwM8COgjVF48vbY/s1600/DSCN5055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcSl8PNcuAIKclUGcEgkR975zCdFHFpOSebvoxcQy09wrGFA8BxPzF7Zghbv13HcEKrI_-ntQQ_TYqS0Gubcc-67uNDn_ITBa2OFAwDNvXcMtndPezrCY0GDNzztpVwM8COgjVF48vbY/s400/DSCN5055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461526497311836066" /></a>The New Market Square was originally a central market for silk and other luxury goods and was also known as "The Straw Market" because goods woven out of straw, such as baskets and hats, were sold here. In the market there is a little bronze fountain Il Porcellino (the little boar) with a shiny gold nose thanks to the superstition that anyone who rubs it will return to Florence someday. Mel figured a kiss would really guarantee it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEaDcMdEbhqjGL0KzR_7Y4bc8OAEgM9GRXYRO2AVhos3Szac_z5ZAY-Mfdwu-T9XA6Ot1BsgxQFyINel8AmeBNInjxqxujE1Jr5VF6hNPbJ3mrXq6jYrl3Qff8TmEF-STkuAQgVxiQPI/s1600/DSCN5068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEaDcMdEbhqjGL0KzR_7Y4bc8OAEgM9GRXYRO2AVhos3Szac_z5ZAY-Mfdwu-T9XA6Ot1BsgxQFyINel8AmeBNInjxqxujE1Jr5VF6hNPbJ3mrXq6jYrl3Qff8TmEF-STkuAQgVxiQPI/s400/DSCN5068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461526487347857122" /></a>Our B&B (Soggiorno Panarei) in the heart of Florence was fit for a king. Here's King Richard on his royal laptop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VWq3B9sIWmkZKk533mOATbDut95kNgeLoJ83uLEsLC9BcTlMwSK1_gZ7Rs-5OGnj1puziTHn1qmN_M_V-MfsmSyhwvJEcF7YMBGtctOg3apbqiOhBjnQnitt7NqiL0pI-0nGA2jQluw/s1600/DSCN5117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VWq3B9sIWmkZKk533mOATbDut95kNgeLoJ83uLEsLC9BcTlMwSK1_gZ7Rs-5OGnj1puziTHn1qmN_M_V-MfsmSyhwvJEcF7YMBGtctOg3apbqiOhBjnQnitt7NqiL0pI-0nGA2jQluw/s400/DSCN5117.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461526482388175234" /></a>In most European cities, you can find a room either with a great central location or one that's quiet - but not both. We got lucky on this one. Located only 3 blocks from the Piazza del Duomo we enjoyed a peaceful stay in our room that looked out over an inner courtyard.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PzgKGOscm944TjnpwbfMvWq6zDG6pcZVsaNXhwsWIaDGp24DH0flQLOwQ1aQpt_PkDwHmh-XQ4IW2jcGeDMNRRCnWVWEL0E_pLyZA8NIetchIo4eN_TqHVwck7zSjCh5jCigm6RCYLs/s1600/DSCN5040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PzgKGOscm944TjnpwbfMvWq6zDG6pcZVsaNXhwsWIaDGp24DH0flQLOwQ1aQpt_PkDwHmh-XQ4IW2jcGeDMNRRCnWVWEL0E_pLyZA8NIetchIo4eN_TqHVwck7zSjCh5jCigm6RCYLs/s400/DSCN5040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461526476657441122" /></a>A beautiful afternoon was spent on the grounds of the Palazzo Pitti. This palace was built by the Pitti's - a rival family of the Medici's. It was a huge undertaking that eventually bankrupted the Pitti heirs. Guess who bought it and moved in - the Medici!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIR58JvLLRGUGoa6WeJRYAD69zCzn7pjRelvtw06hEoiDYbrV50bHEjyREMgS-kzdlBNxPzITKvz2UzhA8wiUPvDq_6n5DdOI-CiWafeliJlspK2RP8e36oaKmwAjTTVDB3ZmKaDfFA0/s1600/DSCN5101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIR58JvLLRGUGoa6WeJRYAD69zCzn7pjRelvtw06hEoiDYbrV50bHEjyREMgS-kzdlBNxPzITKvz2UzhA8wiUPvDq_6n5DdOI-CiWafeliJlspK2RP8e36oaKmwAjTTVDB3ZmKaDfFA0/s400/DSCN5101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461526467287596306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-kONEdQI8_fwvBfUfjhO028NkLI9jWsYm2mIhzgrqUTobXVkL_vOV8GDFb1UQRGgrRE85umdhim2hxdnbS-0KaHWRwwPz26ztWZk1yUWlA4NiIb7_bWEiIcC_YgQQdBjzGduhI3P2MM/s1600/DSCN5084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-kONEdQI8_fwvBfUfjhO028NkLI9jWsYm2mIhzgrqUTobXVkL_vOV8GDFb1UQRGgrRE85umdhim2hxdnbS-0KaHWRwwPz26ztWZk1yUWlA4NiIb7_bWEiIcC_YgQQdBjzGduhI3P2MM/s400/DSCN5084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461525448016321154" /></a>The Boboli Gardens of the Palazzo Pitti were laid out for the Medici and are a perfect example of stylized Renaissance gardening with many box hedges, wild groves, profuse flowering plants and trees, fountains, ponds and of course, statues.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouNL7vabPoza3N3_BZfwQc53w92QeXGi901ZD80y32G8-WmYw3X8U92-_7JdEamoEPvI4ZMqRFcbqqEYYo7D9kz2mGMajzwUIzXFE8nsxP_-fDvRyhrU-cM_brBqu1lzTzRTjtoPtYE0/s1600/DSCN5085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouNL7vabPoza3N3_BZfwQc53w92QeXGi901ZD80y32G8-WmYw3X8U92-_7JdEamoEPvI4ZMqRFcbqqEYYo7D9kz2mGMajzwUIzXFE8nsxP_-fDvRyhrU-cM_brBqu1lzTzRTjtoPtYE0/s400/DSCN5085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461525441840784050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNSh0an7g-RjXExAZ_bRxaEufEqbDBXsYgK__XElb9Wp5OboPRNU7mCgBS4Vo6AZSmBmZYmEfZGbYqzH0yof55b7gKGmDKG3Z4C8yLKpgCylYOEinZUwJ0Qk6CrteIQpE8sIrdE1nhM0/s1600/DSCN5095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNSh0an7g-RjXExAZ_bRxaEufEqbDBXsYgK__XElb9Wp5OboPRNU7mCgBS4Vo6AZSmBmZYmEfZGbYqzH0yof55b7gKGmDKG3Z4C8yLKpgCylYOEinZUwJ0Qk6CrteIQpE8sIrdE1nhM0/s400/DSCN5095.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461525433814719042" /></a>Seems as though the standard Florentine color scheme was yellow with green shutters. Still the case today.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SkEV5sCiy6ycD_VlgR6fF7abuXWQFDnyvTiysHAnkGJGF2WqJB3Mhc05w6gQvbcnIvjauqLJZJ6GceqU6sG3AhZi_j600XAkYiy1YpzeRblRrbxjT3PIyiW3VHGQGKu7nNmgkNuYJuU/s1600/DSCN5086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SkEV5sCiy6ycD_VlgR6fF7abuXWQFDnyvTiysHAnkGJGF2WqJB3Mhc05w6gQvbcnIvjauqLJZJ6GceqU6sG3AhZi_j600XAkYiy1YpzeRblRrbxjT3PIyiW3VHGQGKu7nNmgkNuYJuU/s400/DSCN5086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461525426246092034" /></a>The Viottolone is an avenue of cypress trees lined with Classical statues and provides a beautiful shaded walk through this little corner of Tuscany. A wonderful trip and we hope to return again!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPPsUdyGPAasCX7cQ9pFZuMru9ep_YtO55vZKex6pV97DH773AM4ENRtTFA8qX6Cv0GoDf_xhp2lsmymutManH5A4UskQNmg5vQEmw3n4fj7e-Fg4SZyPfyUqxWTHB12CtZkqvv-jTW4/s1600/DSCN5091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPPsUdyGPAasCX7cQ9pFZuMru9ep_YtO55vZKex6pV97DH773AM4ENRtTFA8qX6Cv0GoDf_xhp2lsmymutManH5A4UskQNmg5vQEmw3n4fj7e-Fg4SZyPfyUqxWTHB12CtZkqvv-jTW4/s400/DSCN5091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461525418300906834" /></a><br /></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-987228287361803622010-03-29T11:58:00.008+03:002010-03-29T13:44:46.077+03:00ROMA!What started out as a afterthought, ended up as one of our most favorite destinations - ROMA!<div>When we scheduled our trip to the Amalfi Coast we figured that since we'll be so close we should spend a day or two snooping around the city that everyone says not to miss. Wow! Were they ever right! </div><div>We limited our sight-seeing to the core of historical Rome - the city centre. With our trusty "Rick Steve's Rome" book in hand, we devoted one full day to leisurely wandering around Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum and of course, the Colosseum.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc01gYG6xA2NPDZ1ejwVeY2nwxunZhq0-6-wClx4nJjDzs65vzJD6BnH56TMgFMOjsd-NGP_qra4YXfpP5Uk32zg88jXweh6tP3LuFQnPoCCdjCOD4u0dwzQ1Cz8sLkFvlgPUPOvXqbvs/s1600/DSCN4849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc01gYG6xA2NPDZ1ejwVeY2nwxunZhq0-6-wClx4nJjDzs65vzJD6BnH56TMgFMOjsd-NGP_qra4YXfpP5Uk32zg88jXweh6tP3LuFQnPoCCdjCOD4u0dwzQ1Cz8sLkFvlgPUPOvXqbvs/s400/DSCN4849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453982024544973058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wrpk49mcoth7qwqayWpNCuZvldemzpfIILVKRVhOKRsrIwbpdV9SYlHBBz5yZXjLOSYEMx6lyEeJXFC4MxJiak6fX1YP-R4uiJ8xBoiS68QDdm6kaw4gqtvWLkX-qhzPMV0j-b1CZuE/s1600/DSCN4841.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Wrpk49mcoth7qwqayWpNCuZvldemzpfIILVKRVhOKRsrIwbpdV9SYlHBBz5yZXjLOSYEMx6lyEeJXFC4MxJiak6fX1YP-R4uiJ8xBoiS68QDdm6kaw4gqtvWLkX-qhzPMV0j-b1CZuE/s400/DSCN4841.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453982019034414786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpCq0EEtBtMxGEIi9CvJrU9xxBs0S0XzswIiZmRSUssKP_zhOe7XUo_JSplB-dYo2luyYmUwwYJi86hOfvdr6zYkrQeBIfaXTKaeFl3bLxpxAG8NmQj81wEr2GWwTCrBcunGgnzhzNIs/s1600/DSCN4868.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpCq0EEtBtMxGEIi9CvJrU9xxBs0S0XzswIiZmRSUssKP_zhOe7XUo_JSplB-dYo2luyYmUwwYJi86hOfvdr6zYkrQeBIfaXTKaeFl3bLxpxAG8NmQj81wEr2GWwTCrBcunGgnzhzNIs/s400/DSCN4868.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453982010128536274" /></a>The Colosseum is MASSIVE, awe-inspiring and a little unsettling when you think of the violent events that the early Romans deemed as "entertainment."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWrRsTYQik71D5lhzPZG_yRYorg6QqX8h08Caxfb0QerxKI06pyJb3VACl3KYMridlPCQ4XmfNSmdBioHCN2AUvhHhiwi8-KqHpX5YmkDs7y1_jg_YIgmlME3wjxjmfwXsO-PWw2fxa4/s1600/DSCN4869.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWrRsTYQik71D5lhzPZG_yRYorg6QqX8h08Caxfb0QerxKI06pyJb3VACl3KYMridlPCQ4XmfNSmdBioHCN2AUvhHhiwi8-KqHpX5YmkDs7y1_jg_YIgmlME3wjxjmfwXsO-PWw2fxa4/s400/DSCN4869.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453980690257566274" /></a>The south entrance into the Forum area has a great view of the colosseum from the Arch of Titus.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWyfZ3oCsWEpb9Opok6w6lcL96-jgrUtpRLb9eXEKcPkVBEVbBX0Vbpiy1ZWRAr0vT3NW2zYMEHXEEBLqDrPSXTSwe_8qA38MeHhcjp2gCUiudSlkHI9fesCyb941JuwkAogHQBqOQS8/s1600/DSCN4848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWyfZ3oCsWEpb9Opok6w6lcL96-jgrUtpRLb9eXEKcPkVBEVbBX0Vbpiy1ZWRAr0vT3NW2zYMEHXEEBLqDrPSXTSwe_8qA38MeHhcjp2gCUiudSlkHI9fesCyb941JuwkAogHQBqOQS8/s400/DSCN4848.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453980684002692994" /></a>In the Forum the ruins are puny compared to the immensity of the original architecture that graced this area.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscsV-Ru5iXPMPIQQZGI4axGldZl8QMJKAvzNR0I7QdYyESq37wvXNE6NWrcVKQ559IMrgfk8wRMTExzdR_feU9mn-HFnuy4ARAxM8OskXG1RASC8xJ6osU8R-lTqZICjB8cbbOSDPpqg/s1600/DSCN4858.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscsV-Ru5iXPMPIQQZGI4axGldZl8QMJKAvzNR0I7QdYyESq37wvXNE6NWrcVKQ559IMrgfk8wRMTExzdR_feU9mn-HFnuy4ARAxM8OskXG1RASC8xJ6osU8R-lTqZICjB8cbbOSDPpqg/s400/DSCN4858.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453980678985025330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32oDStOOm0KsDenUqt-YA12L5a1LZA8iibMLdFHjBhFveTZWrZRsQCwwMyruTICPhhl_RD43j8T6sxRvAovLioT5EaSFdjULnyPL_M_OTS8qWyDmgfJM7v-XEkmzjTPAtG3PWBO6uBT0/s1600/DSCN4843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32oDStOOm0KsDenUqt-YA12L5a1LZA8iibMLdFHjBhFveTZWrZRsQCwwMyruTICPhhl_RD43j8T6sxRvAovLioT5EaSFdjULnyPL_M_OTS8qWyDmgfJM7v-XEkmzjTPAtG3PWBO6uBT0/s400/DSCN4843.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453980672295530786" /></a>We took shelter from an afternoon rainstorm in a neighborhood cafe huddled in a cozy corner with two cups of cappuccino. And then back to our room at the Sistine B&B to rest up and plan for more sightseeing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTU6nUXHvobwFIzjVfn5C8sBtPDdCkMfKrx0Yhdw8VD0Ib9Fm_9MP1B6-dSGDp-7S39-p-CX2SZF9wTNh85gvJXC3YLLLE7LEcUapeQWTNeyH8A5MO4rivQpI5iSUhZRlYV45x0CML8I/s1600/DSCN4799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTU6nUXHvobwFIzjVfn5C8sBtPDdCkMfKrx0Yhdw8VD0Ib9Fm_9MP1B6-dSGDp-7S39-p-CX2SZF9wTNh85gvJXC3YLLLE7LEcUapeQWTNeyH8A5MO4rivQpI5iSUhZRlYV45x0CML8I/s400/DSCN4799.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453980661200665330" /></a>One of the huge blessings to traveling off-peak season is that there are virtually no crowds. We spent an afternoon strolling around St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Museum and the Basilica. At one point we stumbled on to a free tour given by young students who are studying to enter the priesthood. They really knew their church history and gave a very enlightening tour.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82d8ma5THIrM8llzLmPQ_KG1tNFjb_jk8ddQOkoeYNi5nxvYHaW3mVkcEYAPreZpwH_RHsIKJiQZ8s-sYfPenx953_69jzmKrCu-wzTryUHzC4wG524kj519Qr0vkn0zmcsSVbXFV8S8/s1600/DSCN4800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82d8ma5THIrM8llzLmPQ_KG1tNFjb_jk8ddQOkoeYNi5nxvYHaW3mVkcEYAPreZpwH_RHsIKJiQZ8s-sYfPenx953_69jzmKrCu-wzTryUHzC4wG524kj519Qr0vkn0zmcsSVbXFV8S8/s400/DSCN4800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453979579434438594" /></a>The dome of St. Peter's Basilica<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RDduEKp8MV2PcR8Hrwot_-ULeVS-CHicbVqzVvPyzmC6pDWTg9-HRcHCdw439R5XoiQzu0teAj05CUoKkmozJ3EHM2-v7UrunPazpHb3UVv6eb_ENCQFVPj_VbNuKrgUK56u9qbgHXY/s1600/DSCN4815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RDduEKp8MV2PcR8Hrwot_-ULeVS-CHicbVqzVvPyzmC6pDWTg9-HRcHCdw439R5XoiQzu0teAj05CUoKkmozJ3EHM2-v7UrunPazpHb3UVv6eb_ENCQFVPj_VbNuKrgUK56u9qbgHXY/s400/DSCN4815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453979570879269154" /></a>St. Peter's Basilica was designed by Baroque architect Bernini and the interior is even more beautiful than the outside. Among other treasures, it houses Michelangelo's sculpture "Pieta" depicting Mary holding the dead body of Christ after he was removed from the cross. Rather than creating a figure from a random piece of marble, Michelangelo believed that each piece of marble already had a sculpture imprisoned in it and after carefully selecting his marble, he passionately sought to free that form as he gently chiseled away. The Pieta is a stunning and absolutely stirring piece of sculpture made all the more amazing when you think that its creator was only 24 years old when he sculpted it. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfLHBoiRfqKlcDZ9VcaMv4uZPMIDkhJuDYK5vSAHcUxC-74h-i8O1ZWsUrzTAcp78a8xZ-gwmEd4GymaIK_H8oqi-PjZclxinZz1OcWDLBFe8nUO27-7BYzQ8PQguc6M9Idc7LhjBVBo/s1600/DSCN4801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfLHBoiRfqKlcDZ9VcaMv4uZPMIDkhJuDYK5vSAHcUxC-74h-i8O1ZWsUrzTAcp78a8xZ-gwmEd4GymaIK_H8oqi-PjZclxinZz1OcWDLBFe8nUO27-7BYzQ8PQguc6M9Idc7LhjBVBo/s400/DSCN4801.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453979548679093298" /></a>The Vatican Museum is an extraordinary journey starting from rooms that display relics from Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt (think mummies!). A long, vaulted hallway filled with tapestries, statues and maps lead to the Renaissance rooms of Raphael's paintings and finally culminates with the crown jewel of the Museum - the Sistine Chapel. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J3x4uDdqOoucJwK1mWX9oDrCwg6mr5GvyjBCx177T_2mNXwou_WddnYgJI3J4HvGz-I2qKcHfbRraAF1nato-AiynmRYTMTb7dI0l8DkJ_WdTMwHeGZJlO2kT-fM7IhbNJLXqWtknS8/s1600/DSCN4819.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J3x4uDdqOoucJwK1mWX9oDrCwg6mr5GvyjBCx177T_2mNXwou_WddnYgJI3J4HvGz-I2qKcHfbRraAF1nato-AiynmRYTMTb7dI0l8DkJ_WdTMwHeGZJlO2kT-fM7IhbNJLXqWtknS8/s400/DSCN4819.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453979539414588002" /></a><div>No photos are allowed in the chapel but it would be impossible to capture the immense detail of Michelangelo's creation. A little history here: When Michelangelo was first asked to paint the chapel by Pope Julius II, he declined. He saw himself as a sculptor, not a painter. After much nagging and threatening, he relented on the condition that he could have total artistic license ("I'll do it MY way!")</div><div>"Julius had asked for only 12 apostles along the sides of the ceiling, but Michelangelo had a grander vision - the entire history of the world until Jesus. He spent the next four years (1508-1512) craning his neck on scaffolding six stories up, covering the ceiling with frescoes of Bible scenes." (Rick Steves) </div><div>The wall behind the altar was painted later in 1535 by Micheangelo and depicts "The Last Judgement" with Christ at the center. The few of us in the Chapel that day sat stunned, and gazing up at that dramatic ceiling we seemed to quietly agree - without exception, this must be the greatest work of art created by any one human being. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the Vatican City out to the streets of Rome, we wandered around and stumbled upon many beautiful fountains - this one in the neighborhood of our B&B.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU_-5z2BtGClB2Nj-tpZKMD1hBUcPHiGAvsicwNCQIUhedVle98J3ZLdS0XG_4mlTPsiE-NhM-e7hClM0q5dBYCz0tyhBpgDndstL49UXuZT_0dqQwzDOcQ6k_35OA9VgZGo95H0bmV0/s1600/DSCN4874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU_-5z2BtGClB2Nj-tpZKMD1hBUcPHiGAvsicwNCQIUhedVle98J3ZLdS0XG_4mlTPsiE-NhM-e7hClM0q5dBYCz0tyhBpgDndstL49UXuZT_0dqQwzDOcQ6k_35OA9VgZGo95H0bmV0/s400/DSCN4874.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453979528454626706" /></a>Our "Night Walk across Rome" included Campo di Fiori, </div><div>the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Colonna (not pictured),<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobcxbi_6YVbrKFEyo8PbYrz5xcXox_NHXcYk48AqBVp9JEBhfmNCHU5EWZYd5g7fNaicbdM7A0MmKBUjDC3iRW57MRWOG1GN-pj6EPv3aMcDxaNt7gJ4bfGHBN7tJ4VOyrSnWdPOzBnA/s1600/DSCN4880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobcxbi_6YVbrKFEyo8PbYrz5xcXox_NHXcYk48AqBVp9JEBhfmNCHU5EWZYd5g7fNaicbdM7A0MmKBUjDC3iRW57MRWOG1GN-pj6EPv3aMcDxaNt7gJ4bfGHBN7tJ4VOyrSnWdPOzBnA/s400/DSCN4880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453978357103428914" /></a>Piazza Navona<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKHVt8wE4MDGSY-knlDcWjbCY9MqUWa4ZXDk1oNSJ04JdKYa3l5yhnYaqfHhMt1SmjIpCWTLR_eDx-biWWdEi9qwAkgS5jMvQWPOJB2YnaBPJ17zSJmE1I1iRslTJA_oK_61Ynfd3qbw/s1600/DSCN4878.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKHVt8wE4MDGSY-knlDcWjbCY9MqUWa4ZXDk1oNSJ04JdKYa3l5yhnYaqfHhMt1SmjIpCWTLR_eDx-biWWdEi9qwAkgS5jMvQWPOJB2YnaBPJ17zSJmE1I1iRslTJA_oK_61Ynfd3qbw/s400/DSCN4878.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453978347147017266" /></a>and our favorite night spot - Trevi Fountain.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusVgbPlpOjaFhT_a8uAB54RpskT7dNmRM0_4QxET45EEadrwNkWbY9rKZDf3hcyj6tpv10Pf_0iPAdHLyisur9CEGRgeb40339eWqQRahp0kGKG7TbQMJ9vq-W1UHleWsnF3QFHLNGGo/s1600/DSCN4830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusVgbPlpOjaFhT_a8uAB54RpskT7dNmRM0_4QxET45EEadrwNkWbY9rKZDf3hcyj6tpv10Pf_0iPAdHLyisur9CEGRgeb40339eWqQRahp0kGKG7TbQMJ9vq-W1UHleWsnF3QFHLNGGo/s400/DSCN4830.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453978331758641762" /></a>The streets of Rome seemed quiet and just when we were wondering where everyone was, we heard the excitement before we saw it. Turning the corner we were greeted by a large crowd of locals and tourists all playfully taking in the night life by the fountain.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlRE8ooQN4VdDVghAI_1LxhoxDPFHp_ofi8CLY_PxakgM0Kj2fkzbNSf_2jvcv7uhky0jkKWfZLMStM9n8fmhejFGfNzR3sTxkdr8JKmz5seRTdQD1I7w6T-Ye2NCnZSUdvUtzxSzcKI/s1600/DSCN4836.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlRE8ooQN4VdDVghAI_1LxhoxDPFHp_ofi8CLY_PxakgM0Kj2fkzbNSf_2jvcv7uhky0jkKWfZLMStM9n8fmhejFGfNzR3sTxkdr8JKmz5seRTdQD1I7w6T-Ye2NCnZSUdvUtzxSzcKI/s400/DSCN4836.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453978324780574578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmbxgPZIiIXhdHTndqrxrp_p6gLWTXSylMUIB4kd6mfqZdDQagbvOJUbL354CLfrI4LXwSn63OsGv491OxTuJt6B2vZL89COUUDSUXx3krdKfunTDiApePYWc_2hNl8Loilo2OLwT_to/s1600/DSCN4832.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmbxgPZIiIXhdHTndqrxrp_p6gLWTXSylMUIB4kd6mfqZdDQagbvOJUbL354CLfrI4LXwSn63OsGv491OxTuJt6B2vZL89COUUDSUXx3krdKfunTDiApePYWc_2hNl8Loilo2OLwT_to/s400/DSCN4832.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453978314040420642" /></a>Ahhh...La Dolce Vita! We WILL return!</div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-26947474833675922102010-03-17T09:37:00.009+02:002010-05-17T08:04:41.011+03:00AMALFI COAST, ITALY<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">"The gift of life unwraps itself through time;</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">All we need to do is sit back and enjoy its contents."</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDs6eK6kV4U3sIWC5ZPWG1zFAl2moIVj8qjffQNN2mk0aGPiKI8a67yB4o8ZG45BsT9EbEuG_aVsnFrA1vXAB0EF-ywgD8rS3czqwpWEbP7nRV5ZuIo38gq9D8g9p-KrhGKZQL42xEeo/s1600-h/DSCN4706.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDs6eK6kV4U3sIWC5ZPWG1zFAl2moIVj8qjffQNN2mk0aGPiKI8a67yB4o8ZG45BsT9EbEuG_aVsnFrA1vXAB0EF-ywgD8rS3czqwpWEbP7nRV5ZuIo38gq9D8g9p-KrhGKZQL42xEeo/s400/DSCN4706.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449571372741189298" /></a>I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">n March, Richard's brother Dan along with other family and friends made the trip across "the Pond" to Italy where we joined them for four days. Dan secured a villa on a hillside near the coastal village of Massa Lubrense just south of Sorrento. The view from the house was spectacular and the surroundings were just like you'd imagine the Amalfi Coast would be like. The first day we hiked down to the sea walk from our "tree house" perched up on the hill. The expanse of water across the Bay of Naples from so high up was almost too much for the human eye and definitely too much to contain in a camera. The sea walk led us to a little fishing port village where we indulged in a cappuccino at Angelo's Cafe.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sorrento's seaside buildings seem to be ready to tumble into the sea below but for centuries have defied the elements and continue cling to their rocky posts. This bustling town had much to offer in the way of eating, shopping, sight-seeing, people watching and of course, crazy drivers. The roads in and around the Sorrento area are winding little ribbons of pavement that go where no man with any sense should go - the outer limits of insanity. We soon discovered that the car we rented (small by American standards) was too large to negotiate many cramped streets and curves (not to mention parking places). Fortunately, Richard has become quite adept at European driving so we just held on tight and off we went. A word to the wise: DON'T attempt to drive here during peak tourist season unless you're OK with joining the parade of cars moving at a snail's pace crawl for miles and miles. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdULyWTRhLV6SNAN3e0CagKo5F65ZleS5KYrf8QTdIMuTOQU6exX_KwLclT5IhvymLNe3kC4TPoJqdjmbuJY5XEE5kaGqnj31-VdkhUffodsScs_Aisn98H-PMEoMFc3YkgMJgapoRj_E/s1600-h/DSCN4728.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdULyWTRhLV6SNAN3e0CagKo5F65ZleS5KYrf8QTdIMuTOQU6exX_KwLclT5IhvymLNe3kC4TPoJqdjmbuJY5XEE5kaGqnj31-VdkhUffodsScs_Aisn98H-PMEoMFc3YkgMJgapoRj_E/s400/DSCN4728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449571366486031618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETQWr-CTBN5q4mxvQYru97zU0vMOobY9vYkAq2B0IDVOEqDa0bV5XVa598jEhmBOSvS7Mn0tzte5bcKoY-BIbgSxL0BWP2DZ-Q10W7Lp0Nl0zrqPOwTfh99PzsmP0ISbagRRTBJJUn_U/s1600-h/DSCN4730.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETQWr-CTBN5q4mxvQYru97zU0vMOobY9vYkAq2B0IDVOEqDa0bV5XVa598jEhmBOSvS7Mn0tzte5bcKoY-BIbgSxL0BWP2DZ-Q10W7Lp0Nl0zrqPOwTfh99PzsmP0ISbagRRTBJJUn_U/s400/DSCN4730.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449569977400951042" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This area of Italy is famous for its lemon and orange groves. We visited a "limoni" farm where they had a factory producing the sweet, tart liqueur - limoncello. </span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3enYNf0jdBXdwgnzqMIIzKRCADqkvEwyl28vAHiZD05euMg5-4KLGzoSilrN8tQGBiJ7Y_Bet7AmlTLLAS61eNQ5EASOw_u-i5yiFFRhiK3eiUCj6ZBjLk_1h1F7yMCwFn-sb5yn2Pc/s400/DSCN4720.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449569956844174002" /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Dan and Richard in yet another quest for the perfect cappuccino</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInWzWvIRYpebWKiKY_6W7aC1V6ninoUurPf1xtYTjUNuuqLXwq1QlO8Zw_7w6mRWR4vPG0Kvg4OUMA2KSWmjVb8AFl5y0xpeITpPhDE3S_ViMB8Xo8Eg3Cl5We_BGszMvbvfc8iqqhuI/s1600-h/DSCN4795.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInWzWvIRYpebWKiKY_6W7aC1V6ninoUurPf1xtYTjUNuuqLXwq1QlO8Zw_7w6mRWR4vPG0Kvg4OUMA2KSWmjVb8AFl5y0xpeITpPhDE3S_ViMB8Xo8Eg3Cl5We_BGszMvbvfc8iqqhuI/s400/DSCN4795.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449569948956696674" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">During the week, we piled into two cars headed out on the Amafi Coast road. The scenery was spectacular as we traveled in and out of little towns like Positano, Amalfi and Veitre. Dan was our very skillful driver so we could enjoy the white knuckle views over the edge of the roadside. Thanks Dan! </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGh2hK7zWHWY_ZpGtau5x8kTBcoHoaFOXlDgNRCWvW9ERzJo-4GtnrlEPzQEIs349s2QCmNBftbIAHo80MDZLph4OLzPlht4V-8s5Y5gZQKTkv_e8YGjmfUzA4MDI_sAB4PnfenAH7ngM/s1600-h/DSCN4779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGh2hK7zWHWY_ZpGtau5x8kTBcoHoaFOXlDgNRCWvW9ERzJo-4GtnrlEPzQEIs349s2QCmNBftbIAHo80MDZLph4OLzPlht4V-8s5Y5gZQKTkv_e8YGjmfUzA4MDI_sAB4PnfenAH7ngM/s400/DSCN4779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449569934834148578" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In Amalfi, we stopped for a picnic on the dock. Marty really knows how to pack a gourmet lunch.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkr_92R0YWNmpMMDDH-sL-8uPj83xONR2iDQb2XAFTpn_v7Oqa8QhhuFlLysmyKN_qVSMGIfDo87vvFqXxe2hh15IbdTLvmiVMkluOOiYLAXIo_M6IgM5vaz5pcMA4dI3GH3FrY6r1k0/s1600-h/DSCN4785.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkr_92R0YWNmpMMDDH-sL-8uPj83xONR2iDQb2XAFTpn_v7Oqa8QhhuFlLysmyKN_qVSMGIfDo87vvFqXxe2hh15IbdTLvmiVMkluOOiYLAXIo_M6IgM5vaz5pcMA4dI3GH3FrY6r1k0/s400/DSCN4785.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449566660501250242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0XRDkzclYSIxJkup-56HzaV_K48S76Pe3YhSFIzOXI2_0K9caYzCk6Qo6fsZIkGx-8Va4Q6VQwIyH6IFnJGfWZDRcuTkO10UG5yi0XlxGIN9YBpa1AfqOWlzd-3_NWL58voNnjP7slA/s1600-h/DSCN4784.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0XRDkzclYSIxJkup-56HzaV_K48S76Pe3YhSFIzOXI2_0K9caYzCk6Qo6fsZIkGx-8Va4Q6VQwIyH6IFnJGfWZDRcuTkO10UG5yi0XlxGIN9YBpa1AfqOWlzd-3_NWL58voNnjP7slA/s400/DSCN4784.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449566648877025714" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">..and ANOTHER cappuccino later....</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKBNDC4PvLkRFqJYEWT3oPtAFULme1hK-LJEZX-bZTwp29Ur5chjuA-SWdgfvrjMsUvZx0fQ5MUpCLzukYj3a73RWrdtx06F6eTL-6B0ZYl_241FMwtUTUAdBkLlgoheAkQb3hQHlsxU/s1600-h/DSCN4788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKBNDC4PvLkRFqJYEWT3oPtAFULme1hK-LJEZX-bZTwp29Ur5chjuA-SWdgfvrjMsUvZx0fQ5MUpCLzukYj3a73RWrdtx06F6eTL-6B0ZYl_241FMwtUTUAdBkLlgoheAkQb3hQHlsxU/s400/DSCN4788.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449566639834536466" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">...we headed down the road past a fruit stand with GIANT lemons the size of small watermelons!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CppaVquPFL1gObHaAA0A37u6_CwMbluiJWQo7Mz7n-l7HbR30kYRib4kt44E2UTYK2pDdV4CnZLmwqkW7lS6dxEwX2ZE9PHXhqxu1XsaTXrnXZKte4zCCEsRDMYz0xD3NpdIYnlX9DI/s1600-h/DSCN4793.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CppaVquPFL1gObHaAA0A37u6_CwMbluiJWQo7Mz7n-l7HbR30kYRib4kt44E2UTYK2pDdV4CnZLmwqkW7lS6dxEwX2ZE9PHXhqxu1XsaTXrnXZKte4zCCEsRDMYz0xD3NpdIYnlX9DI/s400/DSCN4793.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449566628927911458" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The village of Vietre is known for its Italian pottery and beautiful tile work.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6WUedAhIiSHKjjjm1SOy04RI1695bquBzCI5Vu_Q-uSKT7LkCMV1tto_FzPAyZ3QsczN1rhN7GVU4Wa793W7nk3uhNDJp8DcrfWJU-JSgwfw4om84Xj5eoaLUmipy_SKoOQPk5Xs3hs/s1600-h/DSCN4792.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6WUedAhIiSHKjjjm1SOy04RI1695bquBzCI5Vu_Q-uSKT7LkCMV1tto_FzPAyZ3QsczN1rhN7GVU4Wa793W7nk3uhNDJp8DcrfWJU-JSgwfw4om84Xj5eoaLUmipy_SKoOQPk5Xs3hs/s400/DSCN4792.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449566616899859250" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">But by far, our favorite destination was the island of Capri. A short 40 minute ferry ride from Sorrento, this little island is home to some surprising hidden gems of Italian culture and nature. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUgKCFfzpQqmp9oyauhXDAOY4Kp7uBbAvvxsndftkTQFnMAYi0esRJ7VUMvBuXriwgNlCZzKg4zqlLWjBb0J4eMLXfgNw5Ve_fbOB1lBjmNwxn2GYZaqokIeAUK1UOshkdw454FZcRs0/s1600-h/DSCN4740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUgKCFfzpQqmp9oyauhXDAOY4Kp7uBbAvvxsndftkTQFnMAYi0esRJ7VUMvBuXriwgNlCZzKg4zqlLWjBb0J4eMLXfgNw5Ve_fbOB1lBjmNwxn2GYZaqokIeAUK1UOshkdw454FZcRs0/s400/DSCN4740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449506171292881698" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Apart from a few roads that link the port with the two villages, the towns are pedestrian only. The skinny little streets weave up and out of the village of Capri between villas and beautiful greenery.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxcRLZNHJjS8pdE1BX5v-v3Gcj1sDiObv2SMUhoriVaGQLcoRiYaZeTYlyidn2Re1neK3rQvOJGhoYoKb31kM5u0mdaGxf2PWmF4C04vn1IuJUhY17YXRHU2KATdlVi4q_WbFpy4Sbv8/s1600-h/DSCN4754.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxcRLZNHJjS8pdE1BX5v-v3Gcj1sDiObv2SMUhoriVaGQLcoRiYaZeTYlyidn2Re1neK3rQvOJGhoYoKb31kM5u0mdaGxf2PWmF4C04vn1IuJUhY17YXRHU2KATdlVi4q_WbFpy4Sbv8/s400/DSCN4754.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449506160291994370" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The local streets are just wide enough for people, motor scooters and an occasional "taxi" (little red wagon)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYEt5pKKwLlClcgH9GC5CL6DHrXBr45EjdjLFrwypp-V5tu9WAOo6cQk-YlVZwS8il2kgEiRDNjsYPwQqq46JovaYlzNsjOpkYJnc3-DVrORs9K6yFevavb0S1loe-S2KdTPy5g6qYFM/s1600-h/DSCN4751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYEt5pKKwLlClcgH9GC5CL6DHrXBr45EjdjLFrwypp-V5tu9WAOo6cQk-YlVZwS8il2kgEiRDNjsYPwQqq46JovaYlzNsjOpkYJnc3-DVrORs9K6yFevavb0S1loe-S2KdTPy5g6qYFM/s400/DSCN4751.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449506149011113506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58hS7meVIiMEeeFg2k7gvkE9wchahWAqVf1vzz4Mqyszm6s7li9qYqzhzsp_dH7zYrASDGfSBKR-u0ZS8YavZQcE4uIqi_OaHIqQlOTmzaqunT8dPh0KqJjlJyBq8W07UU8SqVMVAPD8/s1600-h/DSCN4755.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58hS7meVIiMEeeFg2k7gvkE9wchahWAqVf1vzz4Mqyszm6s7li9qYqzhzsp_dH7zYrASDGfSBKR-u0ZS8YavZQcE4uIqi_OaHIqQlOTmzaqunT8dPh0KqJjlJyBq8W07UU8SqVMVAPD8/s400/DSCN4755.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449506137176186290" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We spent most of the afternoon walking the nature trail along the east coast. It took us up to the well preserved ruins of Villa Jovis built by Emperor Tiberius around 25 AD. It was from here that he ruled the Roman Empire until his death in 37 AD. The narrow path led us through dense forests, endless hillside steps, breathtaking vistas, down to a natural arch high above a hidden cove and back up to the town of Capri - always with an astounding view of the crystal blue water over our left shoulder. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBkVSrPVZPITwh9pRu_-2Z6ZQOwP94YbtMjE5f0NhcE_0ocy4zav310iSeOPAm50x2HZKMQGlEMr3-AV3_r9wqqnWHTCFZvBA29T_0JinD5g5mt2QJ7bZqsnRGQbcde-X2MRf_MFxcFs/s1600-h/DSCN4758.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBkVSrPVZPITwh9pRu_-2Z6ZQOwP94YbtMjE5f0NhcE_0ocy4zav310iSeOPAm50x2HZKMQGlEMr3-AV3_r9wqqnWHTCFZvBA29T_0JinD5g5mt2QJ7bZqsnRGQbcde-X2MRf_MFxcFs/s400/DSCN4758.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449506127953985218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFS-wvy3XvCK3vwxN-hsQMWO-1pKJV-rQEG6Pu_hN8grPDVLLBQpCY7nzbk5HIj9VHC7FwPnFvMunVAsi0WQvvoc6f75hznZQFaq9qwOAXGPaHoNqIyTNcM56VwmHQovfm7ygX3qHbWE/s1600-h/DSCN4768.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFS-wvy3XvCK3vwxN-hsQMWO-1pKJV-rQEG6Pu_hN8grPDVLLBQpCY7nzbk5HIj9VHC7FwPnFvMunVAsi0WQvvoc6f75hznZQFaq9qwOAXGPaHoNqIyTNcM56VwmHQovfm7ygX3qHbWE/s400/DSCN4768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449505066132433954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooyaFDW81y53sEqxbj-f7C9g-gyMuex2U841WkcHQPr4yPYVBtBqO2BzRifk4JQcLYB6GT8ZaHZtPjzplN7B6U0RjMb-tJ5AoZf8dPxwxXDEv9Lap5Mu-7PgfQGgosi-_7Lgi2suYVuI/s1600-h/DSCN4770.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooyaFDW81y53sEqxbj-f7C9g-gyMuex2U841WkcHQPr4yPYVBtBqO2BzRifk4JQcLYB6GT8ZaHZtPjzplN7B6U0RjMb-tJ5AoZf8dPxwxXDEv9Lap5Mu-7PgfQGgosi-_7Lgi2suYVuI/s400/DSCN4770.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449505057424597442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJh0sJu4gwGekL7-5P-iJTmLs9C4Px0ymx2mqJ-6wv3BU1VwudHzdn00FJBpGxOlXOkD4NQDYy0BZKET244iMV2rv770btvpFsNxozmk-8eJMQMzq_EmHpVr__PGXtst2SCpinhxf7QU/s1600-h/DSCN4757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJh0sJu4gwGekL7-5P-iJTmLs9C4Px0ymx2mqJ-6wv3BU1VwudHzdn00FJBpGxOlXOkD4NQDYy0BZKET244iMV2rv770btvpFsNxozmk-8eJMQMzq_EmHpVr__PGXtst2SCpinhxf7QU/s400/DSCN4757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449505047650088642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXWLQftgR-DJ3LFep_0qlb9mKRdM4SMjRxSIEJXmSvW61EMz81y64FVV2caP768WGEgcFadQOiKk3G9Nz-lcyWf2E_3kPFUcqqgZrFMnEjwP7IFut0E4msAY2VnTyAQV-S9lAMK1Vh8k/s1600-h/DSCN4762.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXWLQftgR-DJ3LFep_0qlb9mKRdM4SMjRxSIEJXmSvW61EMz81y64FVV2caP768WGEgcFadQOiKk3G9Nz-lcyWf2E_3kPFUcqqgZrFMnEjwP7IFut0E4msAY2VnTyAQV-S9lAMK1Vh8k/s400/DSCN4762.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449505036447757026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibY1pRK4YgxWfVPBjuweMbKB55MTbNdRllVhc4azngdtmDA7igIlYNdJyAYopbNJEtLl_4XnWSV3kGme1hFNG4I3HshXAhBh9Aq8Qs8rQ4VcOakCOnkyDsw7eFIHgYgcmhYI08tq4RECg/s1600-h/DSCN4750.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibY1pRK4YgxWfVPBjuweMbKB55MTbNdRllVhc4azngdtmDA7igIlYNdJyAYopbNJEtLl_4XnWSV3kGme1hFNG4I3HshXAhBh9Aq8Qs8rQ4VcOakCOnkyDsw7eFIHgYgcmhYI08tq4RECg/s400/DSCN4750.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449505015225603330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">There are just some places in this world that refuse to be captured within a miniscule photo. These are the times when you have to put down the camera, open your arms to the wind and wish you were a bird.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">Next stop: ROMA!</span></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-74227661786094394472010-02-22T07:51:00.016+02:002010-02-22T11:04:20.117+02:00Winter Road Trips<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">TO THE MOUNTAINS - OMALOS TRIP</span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-yliTKYlNMLCrbqmWugAMl5QdhwAcVphboaChlItl54zyblxZeLFzvyiJ3QMpkUWRkIatacZmkrNBUzq4t289PSAQyk4RiCypGS55WuyeP1onINXwS-MypwHOnI6YGH_Md2nG3kh7AY/s1600-h/DSCN4533.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-yliTKYlNMLCrbqmWugAMl5QdhwAcVphboaChlItl54zyblxZeLFzvyiJ3QMpkUWRkIatacZmkrNBUzq4t289PSAQyk4RiCypGS55WuyeP1onINXwS-MypwHOnI6YGH_Md2nG3kh7AY/s400/DSCN4533.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440973431434818130" /></a>Almost every weekend, we jump in the car and go explore a different part of the island. After a particularly rainy week, we couldn't wait to get up into the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) and see some snow.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">(Is that a potential ski run??! YESSSS!)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0Rqd3r-OCj0xl1KHQlGhEEYYY2wDlk4tpvdiAIkgUTKKxbplgFR4lH_6DnD7NpJfaM0h5XkXzsk1-HEN2WjFOusVF38gL2uwmtVZjzGzHPlYsS4n4_kd6yHgYjSkB-JjW67JXK41sp4/s1600-h/DSCN4510.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0Rqd3r-OCj0xl1KHQlGhEEYYY2wDlk4tpvdiAIkgUTKKxbplgFR4lH_6DnD7NpJfaM0h5XkXzsk1-HEN2WjFOusVF38gL2uwmtVZjzGzHPlYsS4n4_kd6yHgYjSkB-JjW67JXK41sp4/s400/DSCN4510.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440966362368978978" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>We headed up to Omalos - a small village whose claim to fame is that it is the trailhead for the largest gorge in Europe - the Samaria Gorge. This amazing national park draws multitudes of busloads of visitors during the peak summer months who hike the most popular hike on the island - 11 miles down from the top of the gorge to where it spills out at the Libyan Sea on the south side of the island. The gorge is closed during the winter months but we have plans to hike it in the Spring before the torrent of tourists - another blog to come!</div><div><div><br /><div>At the top of the gorge is a taverna with breathtaking views from our table inside. These peaks soar up to almost 8000 feet. Doesn't sound like much from a Colorado point of view (our home in Evergreen is at 8000 feet!) but remember that we start here at sea level not too far away.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggefYhaj0_NZi2x2o6DZIk3OA02X77pmK5uhL66yrC5-qwQrJfT43SZTo4V0WhfDDDJ9TSzARO2xUysVMxaxl17a-Agn3oPcHQ6VcjBuqkIDAIUu9OnmcGrk96hOCwDQnA38dp8iJ5xXw/s1600-h/DSCN4524.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggefYhaj0_NZi2x2o6DZIk3OA02X77pmK5uhL66yrC5-qwQrJfT43SZTo4V0WhfDDDJ9TSzARO2xUysVMxaxl17a-Agn3oPcHQ6VcjBuqkIDAIUu9OnmcGrk96hOCwDQnA38dp8iJ5xXw/s400/DSCN4524.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440962106694743490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dni4_OrmQYI89Hh5xXpGkzYOD4j-BZABVvPBN9JVI9QsD7N_lsRcpiH6y5KDvuAerruMps5cz0UhNTbcmd8UyLoixh7wuGM1YpHLTMVGLpfj6L_UmDccRen76GRMUHNp7JDsbgIb7eI/s1600-h/DSCN4530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dni4_OrmQYI89Hh5xXpGkzYOD4j-BZABVvPBN9JVI9QsD7N_lsRcpiH6y5KDvuAerruMps5cz0UhNTbcmd8UyLoixh7wuGM1YpHLTMVGLpfj6L_UmDccRen76GRMUHNp7JDsbgIb7eI/s400/DSCN4530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440962093524785554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjGQ-qsIctXrc_Q82jNJQ1hFkD5jA8GOADV4ufR-9bXtAfGSkgCzugo5WNuf4jebhT_h2JO59WvHR0xLOGeT_7DKHIOr4CkkeAgMhmVmGv-iR6TfYfbpnxw8ElZWEYyexitKih1Q925Q/s1600-h/DSCN4521.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjGQ-qsIctXrc_Q82jNJQ1hFkD5jA8GOADV4ufR-9bXtAfGSkgCzugo5WNuf4jebhT_h2JO59WvHR0xLOGeT_7DKHIOr4CkkeAgMhmVmGv-iR6TfYfbpnxw8ElZWEYyexitKih1Q925Q/s400/DSCN4521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440962079312379858" /></a>The E4 trail (European Mountaineering Footpath starting in southern Spain) traverses the island from west to east and crosses many mountain ranges including the Lefka Ori.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW0OqADZjmTXkm-A3-zpfXMAoIcxjTbWcnv1I-txquRWvTVcACle6cUf2jfrvaERqPrwYryhhYSZKuwDg4Tf5W5H7QBKXlO-pKX7tkcXcwl-MpdBoWIU6hobpJ_yOPLCC6jYEqMqUAho/s1600-h/DSCN4511.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW0OqADZjmTXkm-A3-zpfXMAoIcxjTbWcnv1I-txquRWvTVcACle6cUf2jfrvaERqPrwYryhhYSZKuwDg4Tf5W5H7QBKXlO-pKX7tkcXcwl-MpdBoWIU6hobpJ_yOPLCC6jYEqMqUAho/s400/DSCN4511.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440962076955347666" /></a>Mel takes a breather on the E4 trail scaling Mount Gingilos above the Samaria Gorge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UaUGVmL_lze6Uk8IE4yh5uyuxDLwW61OoYvd-IA7v9kf19nAp_CNS0UK4QhwiCDSxVmHyI4xX5Pcax6VJMLVwUJH4ysq93zpJd3cHlMEKC3fTEvjiGiU0PHFpDfOs6SM80sLQRVugY8/s1600-h/DSCN4522.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UaUGVmL_lze6Uk8IE4yh5uyuxDLwW61OoYvd-IA7v9kf19nAp_CNS0UK4QhwiCDSxVmHyI4xX5Pcax6VJMLVwUJH4ysq93zpJd3cHlMEKC3fTEvjiGiU0PHFpDfOs6SM80sLQRVugY8/s400/DSCN4522.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440960837663724610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFVwdfkK56kHWjgxsWHdsByndcusGIr8VwtY7bXTvyw6rFF4G2MLPj8wXsYDetBVtwOiFnMgv9jikQV7yjJRXedJaew4mH_UuSbzg0cal7Nu6cY5dTqgPp-va1T4C2OGY3PFbp1Jvrq8/s1600-h/DSCN4517.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFVwdfkK56kHWjgxsWHdsByndcusGIr8VwtY7bXTvyw6rFF4G2MLPj8wXsYDetBVtwOiFnMgv9jikQV7yjJRXedJaew4mH_UuSbzg0cal7Nu6cY5dTqgPp-va1T4C2OGY3PFbp1Jvrq8/s400/DSCN4517.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440960832217318498" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Omalos Plateau is a fertile valley in the shadow of the Lefka Ori.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoxDamkCMOhlOkbTO5Tr2rUfDrnL_2JW7BTOm3-Ndu6Z1v_x0ialbttrEmZrD10KYZzY_YGE9CD1WxYLVe7iIZLuZOe7Oume_P_3Gp0MyU5OYSNMb8828NMGuX5RZwPg-6RGSxXaWQ0k/s1600-h/DSCN4509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoxDamkCMOhlOkbTO5Tr2rUfDrnL_2JW7BTOm3-Ndu6Z1v_x0ialbttrEmZrD10KYZzY_YGE9CD1WxYLVe7iIZLuZOe7Oume_P_3Gp0MyU5OYSNMb8828NMGuX5RZwPg-6RGSxXaWQ0k/s400/DSCN4509.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440960822939487554" /></a><br /></div><div>One of the towns we passed through on the way home was Fournes where they claim the sweetest oranges on the island are grown. We believe it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLLGeratQU1AIY3uYFxOOb1HjTweyk_0RJXLZWoPtNeVE5pfQ4jg3d0T3pGXUePKckZeW-4cWlO5bpohkzBJczqGkqvYCPO43FoEwLkIFz9fgfIP2vBcjYhBvuBJ3y2AW9MoykldZLTY/s1600-h/DSCN4539.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLLGeratQU1AIY3uYFxOOb1HjTweyk_0RJXLZWoPtNeVE5pfQ4jg3d0T3pGXUePKckZeW-4cWlO5bpohkzBJczqGkqvYCPO43FoEwLkIFz9fgfIP2vBcjYhBvuBJ3y2AW9MoykldZLTY/s400/DSCN4539.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440960820441411138" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">GRAMVOUSA BIKE TRIP</span></span></div><div>Last weekend we strapped our bikes on the car and headed west to the Gramvousa Peninsula located on the northwestern tip of the island. We started our trek from just outside of a large seaside town called Kissamos (or the old timers still call it by it's original name - Kastelli). It was a beautiful blue sky day with very little wind and cool temps - perfect for biking.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDp3525G1CjaCXQG9z4oiNkU6HPmcgl8j3XE7bF4YA_PYFhrSg2s0IM4FGV2LVZxDPCrshgIyFKiCzEMhDYbbM0qvcu73LIFYffoMm5b_AJcVdC1CED6mGgE40JjyntWG-nvvnWw0vVhE/s1600-h/DSCN4588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDp3525G1CjaCXQG9z4oiNkU6HPmcgl8j3XE7bF4YA_PYFhrSg2s0IM4FGV2LVZxDPCrshgIyFKiCzEMhDYbbM0qvcu73LIFYffoMm5b_AJcVdC1CED6mGgE40JjyntWG-nvvnWw0vVhE/s400/DSCN4588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440949590753954130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLZRRF-mP4BsqeFzbgLUvDig_wIVG3RCaZy14EyAr4uFZZnOmYzYDC9rKnGwRy9tey6eq6L7FEJdB_D_yAa_8FFN4nsTLXaKkr_1NG61QBozoyZjNoDBkhzNgrp59CBlNQkJ8hjjuTyo/s1600-h/DSCN4587.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLZRRF-mP4BsqeFzbgLUvDig_wIVG3RCaZy14EyAr4uFZZnOmYzYDC9rKnGwRy9tey6eq6L7FEJdB_D_yAa_8FFN4nsTLXaKkr_1NG61QBozoyZjNoDBkhzNgrp59CBlNQkJ8hjjuTyo/s400/DSCN4587.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440949579082496354" /></a>Wherever you go on the island you can always be sure you'll run into some curious goats. This guy was especially friendly when Richard opened the potato chip bag.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeb8bVnpT22_ws08fIwge0YjQdHmm4sDwkZA-k4_vaa5IAkJ65L3f1nmwkvAML6Ut1xN_BXkqy5E8eCaxlbdg9f7oEL5OBPgxQqDfKz5dbHBP9noRkgwZhdytPpCHbvPVoaTvl_Te9G8/s1600-h/DSCN4590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeb8bVnpT22_ws08fIwge0YjQdHmm4sDwkZA-k4_vaa5IAkJ65L3f1nmwkvAML6Ut1xN_BXkqy5E8eCaxlbdg9f7oEL5OBPgxQqDfKz5dbHBP9noRkgwZhdytPpCHbvPVoaTvl_Te9G8/s400/DSCN4590.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440949574663791954" /></a>The ride ascended gently up the east side of the peninsula on a jeep trail of sorts that hugged the side of the hill and offered spectacular views of the sea.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfeSuTjiMQIuvel2JP6v0hyxDQqep2yoA7f6ByD3D94VenuHG5eLx9zgGdonzpd4QHev0TNxLMXLLKG_MLmFTPids8UF0sNmb8yGJMy2W41NLSYh361iaMCSBPkmd03l5aZJoBki7lAQ/s1600-h/DSCN4607.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfeSuTjiMQIuvel2JP6v0hyxDQqep2yoA7f6ByD3D94VenuHG5eLx9zgGdonzpd4QHev0TNxLMXLLKG_MLmFTPids8UF0sNmb8yGJMy2W41NLSYh361iaMCSBPkmd03l5aZJoBki7lAQ/s400/DSCN4607.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440949566355697826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNyzrINsR-joCueBqW2rbKWignfFgndSAxRXU9P-J2TdQF-5tvui6AmSD-dbNXnk1fLhkDhE2ALW4lvnvaybanoaR1pu8GaGakxWLJf038eYK1S8voht0sRsQyWfWP-uQFnV1Hgy53ro/s1600-h/DSCN4596.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNyzrINsR-joCueBqW2rbKWignfFgndSAxRXU9P-J2TdQF-5tvui6AmSD-dbNXnk1fLhkDhE2ALW4lvnvaybanoaR1pu8GaGakxWLJf038eYK1S8voht0sRsQyWfWP-uQFnV1Hgy53ro/s400/DSCN4596.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440948432927713298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3AjK6DXf71rQONBl_MiZZqgKQFv_un8XUtA5FNFg-urqLBFlOsbjjqMqzz0t1sX2XJvqFhj0_Eisv3Z86bqFKHcIIGUinpc_NcysWb8OarJF6JudN6O9mOEk7i7tSOg2TV1xO1YCmoU/s1600-h/DSCN4594.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3AjK6DXf71rQONBl_MiZZqgKQFv_un8XUtA5FNFg-urqLBFlOsbjjqMqzz0t1sX2XJvqFhj0_Eisv3Z86bqFKHcIIGUinpc_NcysWb8OarJF6JudN6O9mOEk7i7tSOg2TV1xO1YCmoU/s400/DSCN4594.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440948422175529954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AqUxkAn7i1Q6RYp9RPmwK-hGgHDJKkCYRBUNSnKH-US6RUIk8z2qBrRK3dlB4kNYQQ7H-J9ieNb3VKN1zH1Aw_1gkwsUq7f7gzwn2Xv4OHn75LQQbSpV6ye5LyLgR8ydHaROkZ41lz0/s1600-h/DSCN4597.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AqUxkAn7i1Q6RYp9RPmwK-hGgHDJKkCYRBUNSnKH-US6RUIk8z2qBrRK3dlB4kNYQQ7H-J9ieNb3VKN1zH1Aw_1gkwsUq7f7gzwn2Xv4OHn75LQQbSpV6ye5LyLgR8ydHaROkZ41lz0/s400/DSCN4597.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440948416505350498" /></a><br /></div><div>When we reached the end of the "road" we ditched our bikes to take the hiking trail over the ridge to see the west side of the peninsula. As soon as we crested the hill, the west winds blasted us nearly off our feet but we forged ahead and were rewarded with the views over Balos Bay. Gramvousa island (in the distance to the right) is the site of a very important Venetian fortress and castle that held out against the Turks long after the Cretan mainland had fallen.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9L7cH-BnX8Hg28nLldouNhPW_rGwjMsQcOK0KxPu-x_lsiffBQYNrMN9Tb61bHr5mSr2lsrU8W2cxAr-AzyGXwSMS8dmaHk5weL5gNCrADqDiFXfmzC1-N5ztm19qy3ewMUMTlfkd2w/s1600-h/DSCN4601.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9L7cH-BnX8Hg28nLldouNhPW_rGwjMsQcOK0KxPu-x_lsiffBQYNrMN9Tb61bHr5mSr2lsrU8W2cxAr-AzyGXwSMS8dmaHk5weL5gNCrADqDiFXfmzC1-N5ztm19qy3ewMUMTlfkd2w/s400/DSCN4601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440948408901274514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdKsHYlruq0JMg1mRTlr1GohVrl6FXb_ukO6DWzfl45lH4tIEUn_H9W39DGp8h9f_sDRTzBYeLA9oErTPtdLjEg9pl5FT5tzz1ViAIThKjIT_YZq7QYQJLTdnvJS1sFVLCoE7xcYhhe0/s1600-h/DSCN4598.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdKsHYlruq0JMg1mRTlr1GohVrl6FXb_ukO6DWzfl45lH4tIEUn_H9W39DGp8h9f_sDRTzBYeLA9oErTPtdLjEg9pl5FT5tzz1ViAIThKjIT_YZq7QYQJLTdnvJS1sFVLCoE7xcYhhe0/s400/DSCN4598.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440948402321684066" /></a><br /></div><div>That night we treated ourselves to dinner at a local fish market taverna right on the port of Kissamos.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOE-wYYHNk-PaMK9eFjhfOMXH42vRrDLd45KLsNQuTWA5ikwSzraZgFahnLGbc4WcdkYXlp942r2VISOrDivzmQqQc26lk0YeSx0a3munZQhXzTgWiP2vs7GRrXBahoBymArgLXoyoBg/s1600-h/DSCN4623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOE-wYYHNk-PaMK9eFjhfOMXH42vRrDLd45KLsNQuTWA5ikwSzraZgFahnLGbc4WcdkYXlp942r2VISOrDivzmQqQc26lk0YeSx0a3munZQhXzTgWiP2vs7GRrXBahoBymArgLXoyoBg/s400/DSCN4623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440947363574362642" /></a>After a delicious dinner of sea salad (local plants harvested from the sea), grilled octopus and cuttlefish, we finished off the meal with the traditional shot (or two) of raki.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjcN29Wsyc3MTmjbyLpfZHapeUVi-eXw_c64F2Mjwyym72vi0kBn7hvTRiQ0QP-cv0emPY7FRe_CMA_urFvSVyt4gJi-2m0dKX-HnATZPjpc5dEJMWc7PaNsibDiboqp7kS6mgB7qRXQ/s1600-h/DSCN4618.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjcN29Wsyc3MTmjbyLpfZHapeUVi-eXw_c64F2Mjwyym72vi0kBn7hvTRiQ0QP-cv0emPY7FRe_CMA_urFvSVyt4gJi-2m0dKX-HnATZPjpc5dEJMWc7PaNsibDiboqp7kS6mgB7qRXQ/s400/DSCN4618.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440947354091338850" /></a><br /></div><div>The next morning (Sunday) was the start of the Greek Lenten season. Traditionally, every small village and big city holds parades and festivities - Greek Mardi Gras. Many of the floats were very elaborate...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLHL5fMgf-qcuEaso5kJjPPZPijCHYbegYKOPVA84n_bm3WUc4n-TkEEWwzttG-1xXaHBdq875q3pPD05nF1WhlzXHbukYCng7A5Dl55XupFpRoyuO38wZrazY0p6QrjFeCsQm2fJ0eg/s1600-h/DSCN4673.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLHL5fMgf-qcuEaso5kJjPPZPijCHYbegYKOPVA84n_bm3WUc4n-TkEEWwzttG-1xXaHBdq875q3pPD05nF1WhlzXHbukYCng7A5Dl55XupFpRoyuO38wZrazY0p6QrjFeCsQm2fJ0eg/s400/DSCN4673.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440947345182625922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrNhjqAMDPWHunDQS4M_4bMUOzBYL5weJRB0vQzanayJ4Sz-6R7dJIkpf5uLGvv4pRmKg8DwNZUOZB9Dc1Zl084SVTKDKfgrk6bzP-mU6ykMg1U216Dl8CXoSwksnZ2ZJRnVQfoFR2To/s1600-h/DSCN4661.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrNhjqAMDPWHunDQS4M_4bMUOzBYL5weJRB0vQzanayJ4Sz-6R7dJIkpf5uLGvv4pRmKg8DwNZUOZB9Dc1Zl084SVTKDKfgrk6bzP-mU6ykMg1U216Dl8CXoSwksnZ2ZJRnVQfoFR2To/s400/DSCN4661.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440947339624277778" /></a>...and others..well, not so...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGJ2mCLD1vwShebfoFpFrLq86abIq6t7fQxdo5LFUvqE8Y36YYU6ACZH2cwrmlQO5VnbpiOmAPyx7rioBLE-ZL_fZP6r1_58OQm-1P7V84BWcmjDbS2ZovMQuXPb9PqgUDGOlTxRxhW8/s1600-h/DSCN4666.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGJ2mCLD1vwShebfoFpFrLq86abIq6t7fQxdo5LFUvqE8Y36YYU6ACZH2cwrmlQO5VnbpiOmAPyx7rioBLE-ZL_fZP6r1_58OQm-1P7V84BWcmjDbS2ZovMQuXPb9PqgUDGOlTxRxhW8/s400/DSCN4666.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440947331177057826" /></a>We noticed that there seemed to be more participants in the parade than observers. Some floats had up to 50 or more adults and kids all decked out in elaborate costumes. This little guy could barely walk but did his part!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TXvBwtN714zAnt5sfa8_q3hykZbGIHzAQFKDOew25dzR2rI9OnHzC8mKxpARJc0neGxjG4GlfZyyFcW-lTIBzlyoN6kTyJMI1HNaLCvqkIBj1noP2FyxZozkmPQ60JNreCtY_lKDbNc/s1600-h/DSCN4654.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TXvBwtN714zAnt5sfa8_q3hykZbGIHzAQFKDOew25dzR2rI9OnHzC8mKxpARJc0neGxjG4GlfZyyFcW-lTIBzlyoN6kTyJMI1HNaLCvqkIBj1noP2FyxZozkmPQ60JNreCtY_lKDbNc/s400/DSCN4654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440946430653434322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikl3DQR1ReihsjAN78N6744SfD7wPp-9RR-M7_ASuXNQAwmjAlWUw8ZP8NoLJ8SdCyd4PftaM6XYypdrtBRmf9T67XTPhsj-eHuYtvxuou1eDUqAaxxFijuLiSw0Mi9HidNjGrL0oVVjE/s1600-h/DSCN4662.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikl3DQR1ReihsjAN78N6744SfD7wPp-9RR-M7_ASuXNQAwmjAlWUw8ZP8NoLJ8SdCyd4PftaM6XYypdrtBRmf9T67XTPhsj-eHuYtvxuou1eDUqAaxxFijuLiSw0Mi9HidNjGrL0oVVjE/s400/DSCN4662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440946421719697618" /></a><br /></div><div>Dancing souvlaki pitas - now that's something you won't see in an American parade!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcEe0kUrLCaMwnrQvQq7isiibABoQvorGleXzye_ot9xjsXYdCJIbre8H0_mQ9bR3hMDnTuCPdoVU0v0qBOVahqLr565cve3Aa29uEz35uXfBIekrCIA31I4-mExEbznJF1a1cmyV2Lc/s1600-h/DSCN4657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcEe0kUrLCaMwnrQvQq7isiibABoQvorGleXzye_ot9xjsXYdCJIbre8H0_mQ9bR3hMDnTuCPdoVU0v0qBOVahqLr565cve3Aa29uEz35uXfBIekrCIA31I4-mExEbznJF1a1cmyV2Lc/s400/DSCN4657.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440946413179586498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8swkyacTsdzAzBmFU8SEViWplSQmuvJKs2y2YdrclbMDPDc6MiRY94c2ObK5jtmwlVw2mnnL516N7m_821C_ox0lhiPoPYUp7tO43DrzgSsFpEizCXKhbkcLtRb7ToFsrNMUpYlhB-aE/s1600-h/DSCN4663.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8swkyacTsdzAzBmFU8SEViWplSQmuvJKs2y2YdrclbMDPDc6MiRY94c2ObK5jtmwlVw2mnnL516N7m_821C_ox0lhiPoPYUp7tO43DrzgSsFpEizCXKhbkcLtRb7ToFsrNMUpYlhB-aE/s400/DSCN4663.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440946410188505282" /></a><br /></div><div>The extravagant colors of the parade participants were in sharp contrast to the typical local Greek dress.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnOLwljrbRKRAfi9wJ7xPIZrbXllJKQH6FCQMA2DG4xNzAWGSC9hXpOwGNHD4OX6NvZq_2eiren5-CB59z5JmegOtf8kRA2h8bv8Ab1Ia8o89-XKGDAuEcfEZr1bMRDO8Lg_H8kTYwVU/s1600-h/DSCN4652.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnOLwljrbRKRAfi9wJ7xPIZrbXllJKQH6FCQMA2DG4xNzAWGSC9hXpOwGNHD4OX6NvZq_2eiren5-CB59z5JmegOtf8kRA2h8bv8Ab1Ia8o89-XKGDAuEcfEZr1bMRDO8Lg_H8kTYwVU/s400/DSCN4652.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440946402090608162" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The following day was "Clean Monday". The whole town turns out and the beaches and parks are full of people enjoying picnics, dancing, live music, and kite flying. This is the last day that meat is eaten as the forty day Lenten fast begins in preparation for Easter. We went down to our favorite local beach (Stavros beach - about 5 minutes from our house) to watch all the festivities.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDByfvvEw1TxNdpkT54nve6ho35alf9RkCap-Hjf_vHvkWgmo8UVBGCwHa5oWVdxE4zi0F-eW778EmxqjB2PeqJtu-DnQeTcNTDwBJwr74V8OQhFkavlKmA-TiVOnasWBDJ2RKc8jaK8/s1600-h/DSCN4684.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDByfvvEw1TxNdpkT54nve6ho35alf9RkCap-Hjf_vHvkWgmo8UVBGCwHa5oWVdxE4zi0F-eW778EmxqjB2PeqJtu-DnQeTcNTDwBJwr74V8OQhFkavlKmA-TiVOnasWBDJ2RKc8jaK8/s400/DSCN4684.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440943666424689186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuNS2yhwbfMc4fBh_vY6yetbLAtNlGwyuV8Uyy72bHtC7fhd_UY1TS1SzK_WeAwgVpoGAHJaxX9ab_Ud7kGfrbMpzNByYEArRu_3eaGljz6W31puqvJ-ni5WoFMDchvl2E4bQlxuMzF8/s1600-h/DSCN4676.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuNS2yhwbfMc4fBh_vY6yetbLAtNlGwyuV8Uyy72bHtC7fhd_UY1TS1SzK_WeAwgVpoGAHJaxX9ab_Ud7kGfrbMpzNByYEArRu_3eaGljz6W31puqvJ-ni5WoFMDchvl2E4bQlxuMzF8/s400/DSCN4676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440943659765033810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdN7vYok6EwIRawyjiZ14rKwQZP_KIxfNpbTm3vq-sAjvauIZycQoywgA3jDh-bRGmJQmIdX9h1u9qfXLzex05QmcEgsDqtli83F01lXPN_nebY3rNZXHa3tG6bs61fwIUqx_IkgMI_Y/s1600-h/DSCN4683.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdN7vYok6EwIRawyjiZ14rKwQZP_KIxfNpbTm3vq-sAjvauIZycQoywgA3jDh-bRGmJQmIdX9h1u9qfXLzex05QmcEgsDqtli83F01lXPN_nebY3rNZXHa3tG6bs61fwIUqx_IkgMI_Y/s400/DSCN4683.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440943650765527826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk7UQ_ZzMhAKyVrAm97jjqtjWBm1FjLebkD4zR3J2NpCtrI1cJmbfrLKnB0Dp0IAUWbZTbaHunmxrpC6Wvle5KJfPxy1w3mbj7jP0MyFo88SlDvwkM5pbBstKDKmG0XnHLoyvRtm_CYA/s1600-h/DSCN4678.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk7UQ_ZzMhAKyVrAm97jjqtjWBm1FjLebkD4zR3J2NpCtrI1cJmbfrLKnB0Dp0IAUWbZTbaHunmxrpC6Wvle5KJfPxy1w3mbj7jP0MyFo88SlDvwkM5pbBstKDKmG0XnHLoyvRtm_CYA/s400/DSCN4678.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440943644714741410" /></a>We've been told that Easter is the most important religious holiday in Greece and a very unique experience. So, we are gearing up to enjoy all that has to offer including a very moving midnight mass at the local monastery. But before that, we will be posting our next blog from Italy where we join Richard's brother in Sorrento on the Amalfi coast for a week and finish off our trip in Rome (ROMA!) So, check back in with us. We always love to hear your comments! </div></div></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-53483347526588195862010-02-16T09:30:00.009+02:002010-02-16T12:01:07.083+02:00NAPLES, ITALY<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">BUON GIORNO!</div><div>In November, Richard attended a ten day training at the US Naval Base in Naples, Italy. Any chance to go to Italy is high on the priority list for Mel so she joined him for a week. The visit was made even sweeter because of the beautiful accomodations at the Hotel Excelsior situated in the popular Lungomare (waterfront area) www.excelsior.it. From the rooftop terrace there is a stellar view of the marina and the oldest castle in Naples, Castel dell'Ovo (Castle of the Egg). Medieval legend has it that its name is derived from a magical egg that the classical poet and sorcerer Virgil hid in the castle and if the egg is ever broken then the castle and the city are doomed to destruction. Obviously, it's still intact and is used today to house exhibitions and special events!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFS8Y2BbUgzygMxGrq15h4jxVzdbYKUdy7-oPdv2MHmcTCqNIeB1DTRH6VaK07vMwp682CYNtfTPWcHXyax3olqNmdQ7mOmEvMSVzBV98m239R2nNvLv9xKvqG0ET0N41aPXl-dgl2iA/s1600-h/DSCN4224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFS8Y2BbUgzygMxGrq15h4jxVzdbYKUdy7-oPdv2MHmcTCqNIeB1DTRH6VaK07vMwp682CYNtfTPWcHXyax3olqNmdQ7mOmEvMSVzBV98m239R2nNvLv9xKvqG0ET0N41aPXl-dgl2iA/s400/DSCN4224.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438744338288064258" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>View of the Hotel Excelsior from the Castel dell'Ovo and Borgo Marinari<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfm2x5d3ZE3oTwSUcVvTIDQPkO0Qs3irfRtfVLK2Dm-1wiDyVlOoREBGT7ZFKqkoQy6T8n1f9O0DDhYm7Bw1IsQcwuxVAZHwp9gL49mVHKvUJNz8Eqi0eigKvfKPsl1MztAmZDQ5ngpM/s1600-h/DSCN4204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfm2x5d3ZE3oTwSUcVvTIDQPkO0Qs3irfRtfVLK2Dm-1wiDyVlOoREBGT7ZFKqkoQy6T8n1f9O0DDhYm7Bw1IsQcwuxVAZHwp9gL49mVHKvUJNz8Eqi0eigKvfKPsl1MztAmZDQ5ngpM/s400/DSCN4204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438744326206709202" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The city street scape is unbelievably claustrophobic especially for a Colorado mountain girl who likes her wide-open spaces. Despite the dark and dirty streets and noisy clamour there is a certain charm that is distinctly "Naples". A perfect place for people watching because there's LOTS of them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbac0WDWC9QbLIg7laURkaPs5WfTv_kVNlCo_rxSetQrUmw8sUXNeGrNZSHPcILhRJCbYR-Tj0Waycl8zpfGP74WNhrrj7RmMjnl_XsXV632VynFkrZfEthO8I6zbRvlCm0rQU-cgndpM/s1600-h/DSCN4127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbac0WDWC9QbLIg7laURkaPs5WfTv_kVNlCo_rxSetQrUmw8sUXNeGrNZSHPcILhRJCbYR-Tj0Waycl8zpfGP74WNhrrj7RmMjnl_XsXV632VynFkrZfEthO8I6zbRvlCm0rQU-cgndpM/s400/DSCN4127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438744323443255810" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The large pedestrian square Piazza del Plebiscito was originally built by Napoleon's brother-in- law who ruled Naples in the early 1800's. He apparently was dissatisfied with the chaotic jumble of buildings opposite the Palazzo Reale (restored to its original grandeur where one can wander leisurely through its opulent rooms and imagine the nobility that lived there) and rebuilt the entire area. Today it continues to be the center of city life and many gather here for various ceremonies, festivities and military parades. One of the days we were here, the piazza was being used for a military school graduation ceremony.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBls19dHCfvqJG2O_prUpnmqvf9hloF1ONvoVRnNckeJi0ZdiWmuXlQtQvCVffn2gCc0YKU9qSVfsITq6DzkB4781JotxUQTSboaSEl49GERdfnblWijzZnQ2haSaMSdbzVYmSwO3rjcE/s1600-h/DSCN4137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBls19dHCfvqJG2O_prUpnmqvf9hloF1ONvoVRnNckeJi0ZdiWmuXlQtQvCVffn2gCc0YKU9qSVfsITq6DzkB4781JotxUQTSboaSEl49GERdfnblWijzZnQ2haSaMSdbzVYmSwO3rjcE/s400/DSCN4137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438744312889801714" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Richard boards the Funicular to ascend up the hill to the Vomero neighborhood where the views of the city are outstanding.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcGV04SneEUJ_Y_QIJ2rbUzNKf6g1jwzmBR7WQMPwO6gMfpb0lNOnecGJAWrKh5YSl63hKPw0Wbx2nOrzgd9sOqjxVjdC85RkuzcwgzSbjESq3LGSYfYmYL0J_dR7ktYzCBmlwXZ6lek/s1600-h/DSCN4138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcGV04SneEUJ_Y_QIJ2rbUzNKf6g1jwzmBR7WQMPwO6gMfpb0lNOnecGJAWrKh5YSl63hKPw0Wbx2nOrzgd9sOqjxVjdC85RkuzcwgzSbjESq3LGSYfYmYL0J_dR7ktYzCBmlwXZ6lek/s400/DSCN4138.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438743173895784242" /></a>Once in Vomero, the phenomenal 15th century Certosa di San Martino is not to be missed. The elaborately decorated church shares the hilltop with the Castel Sant'Elmo, the Chiostro Grande courtyard and the first-rate Museo di San Martino.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Efn-LnVsFWE2sNzIQDxN_FsgNz63mgKv6SWk6VzhWRl9fu7cBxObCpM8USx1jG18KccFumI7zzvnJlz9qA5rDNWxP9ebWpQzzWrIPAoaMv37Wi4rMvFAVadtmMF7ATbUUyYQV1lunzI/s1600-h/DSCN4141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Efn-LnVsFWE2sNzIQDxN_FsgNz63mgKv6SWk6VzhWRl9fu7cBxObCpM8USx1jG18KccFumI7zzvnJlz9qA5rDNWxP9ebWpQzzWrIPAoaMv37Wi4rMvFAVadtmMF7ATbUUyYQV1lunzI/s400/DSCN4141.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438743166797549762" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKmgQUe-ovbHtjT0wa6W3TJ49AuQ5ZPLPqFqywCcLRnHdtvF0CIr4anJrGwm8-dTDj5kAhyVF1k4w62BbYoResFozPBKsd3JiVfPEBQ1MO0n-qMrw9aks4Dj-Ye1JI0PgSNmOx2Ji-DA/s400/DSCN4156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438775104326865218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMye8lASvcFOpRJd2sQi6S7bcVe-ev5ih7iP8YDzkznou2yy6iuIFuIIgoy2CIdj1M6t32qyBtv0OdscjTjDIPfXiBw_0p_xl2bgagJ14aEREcSQWCPtZ91lkclT3YEX53L26-5hMulE/s400/DSCN4145.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438775097834186978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>Now a grand museum on beautiful grounds, the Museo di San Martino was enlarged and redecorated by Carthusian monks whose vision was to document Neopolitan history and culture through displaying different art media including paintings, sculpture, costumes, porcelain, glass work and, most famously, the nativity scenes. The nativity scenes set mostly in large pastoral scenes that fill the room, tell a story through the elaborately carved figures down to the most finite detail of each man and beast. No two characters among the hundreds depicted are alike. Truly remarkable. Highly recommended google search!</div><div>In the the view looking south, you can just barely make out Vesuvius over the cloud of pollution and haze.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-4Rtyabz_gSqEduWR3o6JiXsTk-6B3bfZVEXwfBA4dxy9-woDB0cX6EuOB9MCfg5JxvO33EGUkG95QMSpAGVYOKsiIgKXrP6UJA1trMzdu8Tzd7rrq_L1gwNY8hZUF323oBxBwu-glI/s1600-h/DSCN4150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-4Rtyabz_gSqEduWR3o6JiXsTk-6B3bfZVEXwfBA4dxy9-woDB0cX6EuOB9MCfg5JxvO33EGUkG95QMSpAGVYOKsiIgKXrP6UJA1trMzdu8Tzd7rrq_L1gwNY8hZUF323oBxBwu-glI/s400/DSCN4150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438743159451107874" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>On a clearer day, we ventured out to Pompeii and were not expecting the enormous size and scope of this ancient city that was completely destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD73Zn7DTMKEYSVABzWVu-TV2MgpcSTZvr0uqCt8zpS2wYm3VvJq9xXGFw3P6LjzEickHL8LofFZ5CrjESukRdJQXg7p2g0TlcUWE4ZYi2GHNN6lIKt5mTiStax9zZJEUQJuzF21MBsxE/s1600-h/DSCN4191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD73Zn7DTMKEYSVABzWVu-TV2MgpcSTZvr0uqCt8zpS2wYm3VvJq9xXGFw3P6LjzEickHL8LofFZ5CrjESukRdJQXg7p2g0TlcUWE4ZYi2GHNN6lIKt5mTiStax9zZJEUQJuzF21MBsxE/s400/DSCN4191.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438743151765240562" /></a>The city was buried under 20 meters of ash and pumice and many artifacts and remains were discovered to be completely intact. The stunning preservation of Pompeii gives us a glimpse of daily life in this beautiful Roman city as it came to a sudden and complete halt during the horrible two day eruption beginning on August 24, 79 AD.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oNo_1vMTZ9-7oyU6TuySd3T2JVc4odCWealmRnf-0XbVP9yHqzGhUmsfdUA0qtoaX3RKOH0YqOFnJGzLl3XNtdPZVrDCmvC4LQYxT3HnztqIVXtwFm5n_aKnsw1o52SU8Z7SYPWIsf8/s1600-h/DSCN4169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oNo_1vMTZ9-7oyU6TuySd3T2JVc4odCWealmRnf-0XbVP9yHqzGhUmsfdUA0qtoaX3RKOH0YqOFnJGzLl3XNtdPZVrDCmvC4LQYxT3HnztqIVXtwFm5n_aKnsw1o52SU8Z7SYPWIsf8/s400/DSCN4169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438743144893364994" /></a>The intricate mosaics still intact on many of the floors communicate stories as well as basic information. This one at the entrance of a home warns "Beware of dog".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I6m_aVNF_6Aef05clI9yBiWgcPLrQH5lDwkyI7yADXKM7P6znjwjtaBA6kcvi0NkBK8w3BKs6DVWXNVeLQiOSAw5fhupGFgsLX0Fx44_7J5z-NG0oUR-QXNSfhNBSkfcj0zHuzcsX24/s1600-h/DSCN4189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I6m_aVNF_6Aef05clI9yBiWgcPLrQH5lDwkyI7yADXKM7P6znjwjtaBA6kcvi0NkBK8w3BKs6DVWXNVeLQiOSAw5fhupGFgsLX0Fx44_7J5z-NG0oUR-QXNSfhNBSkfcj0zHuzcsX24/s400/DSCN4189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438741235301763010" /></a>The cobbled streets of Pompeii show the worn carriage tracks in the street and the well-planned sidewalks and building structures give testimony to the fact that the Romans were top notch architects, engineers and city planners.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are more fantastic sites in Pompeii - too many to post on this blog but so worth the visit. Because it is so well preserved, it's easy to get lost in your imagination about the every day lives of the people of Pompeii.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ihLAc355-mMSyGYUGLxZOY09b4FlciBfxMFmRyckLhFjy1KSxM4I3vcRnI7T9JIsAw4Z33vzZk6pA2ZK7Qur-FmRx8gVTUOoLPTHgqY1Md8DBTQSeFlYfyXgTigus7kwQ2dKCgvBaKg/s1600-h/DSCN4176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ihLAc355-mMSyGYUGLxZOY09b4FlciBfxMFmRyckLhFjy1KSxM4I3vcRnI7T9JIsAw4Z33vzZk6pA2ZK7Qur-FmRx8gVTUOoLPTHgqY1Md8DBTQSeFlYfyXgTigus7kwQ2dKCgvBaKg/s400/DSCN4176.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438741226165568306" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Back in Naples, another castle of note is the Castel Nuovo (new castle) built in 1443 is now the site of the Museo Civico and town council meeting rooms. The dungeons have many legends about them including the claim that crocodiles once lived here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQa4kuTj-98BrGIt3LnJspN5SJ0WQ6AmA8o8vm7UnhEeC6IGvyCgA-1PICS89qSa0a9uQfDtn_2wefGc02hTVto_if0moK5bTFJOnXKN3KPbgJ5DwMQ1TRm2V-zBUkeRMNBGqT5JdCSmM/s1600-h/DSCN4196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQa4kuTj-98BrGIt3LnJspN5SJ0WQ6AmA8o8vm7UnhEeC6IGvyCgA-1PICS89qSa0a9uQfDtn_2wefGc02hTVto_if0moK5bTFJOnXKN3KPbgJ5DwMQ1TRm2V-zBUkeRMNBGqT5JdCSmM/s400/DSCN4196.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438741216548029394" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunrise over the sleeping giant - Vesuvius.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojDXTvuirhI4ntQ_DWs-s86PuCZEcDWOqRejN5C3MrjY4jCyOmuyfMLcu-3Dycwqh1rXEaLHrfE2mSJO8bzRd-C0iS1mTBf3g0zUbOlZjBbRmLNeoZN_PJmT4E4v6sIz8_1IcIW34_J8/s1600-h/DSCN4219.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojDXTvuirhI4ntQ_DWs-s86PuCZEcDWOqRejN5C3MrjY4jCyOmuyfMLcu-3Dycwqh1rXEaLHrfE2mSJO8bzRd-C0iS1mTBf3g0zUbOlZjBbRmLNeoZN_PJmT4E4v6sIz8_1IcIW34_J8/s400/DSCN4219.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438741208154073570" /></a>The day we arrived in Naples, we hiked up to the rim of Vesuvius and looked down into that gigantic crater. (Before you get all impressed with us, we have to admit that we drove the road nearly to the top!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqsUBtSuGfj57JeBqRQ1WSlt7OB21MGLwBE-87i1ip3Sz88bjsj4Ft9lwlvQM4YapAQ_RbYDsjoHF50GLhiYAvWWKgQkhIGWpsffGJuEeC_e82vrhbjiT8VPgGPiI6vsLt-Y1Gnz8x9Y/s1600-h/DSCN4231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqsUBtSuGfj57JeBqRQ1WSlt7OB21MGLwBE-87i1ip3Sz88bjsj4Ft9lwlvQM4YapAQ_RbYDsjoHF50GLhiYAvWWKgQkhIGWpsffGJuEeC_e82vrhbjiT8VPgGPiI6vsLt-Y1Gnz8x9Y/s400/DSCN4231.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438741203402417378" /></a>All in all, a phenomenal Neopolitan experience (especially the food!) but we were happy to get back to the peace and fresh air of island living.</div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-74659794585095486752010-02-09T10:06:00.009+02:002010-02-09T11:48:25.876+02:00HOME SWEET CRETE HOME<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aQi4i2aANxVFW9Y2U5ZsymQUG9S-A81KWh0o0Juay9qWtQMUmtMF0AhjWJJ6CItyXMkcZKqLvFsw4aIUw4ntXEzpwfq2KNe262VKzc4ogEFAiM2N0ZjovxOJcDoXjdZvkH6kir4qhpk/s1600-h/DSCN4569.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aQi4i2aANxVFW9Y2U5ZsymQUG9S-A81KWh0o0Juay9qWtQMUmtMF0AhjWJJ6CItyXMkcZKqLvFsw4aIUw4ntXEzpwfq2KNe262VKzc4ogEFAiM2N0ZjovxOJcDoXjdZvkH6kir4qhpk/s400/DSCN4569.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436178283123527858" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After three months of searching, we finally moved into our new "digs" out in the country near a village called Horafakia. Perched on a rise above the countryside we get lots of sunshine, sea breezes and great views. But the best part is that it's only a five minute drive (or 10 minute bike ride) to the beach.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Come on in...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcU7YQz-NiZfxUhZU7rCoFsHU7WanlEGAdyGN6wctQWN5JRiBUxdrRUaiTglq-9CEcfhEYr8tFhT1DrM8zchSkwAbjSczOw1ddAlBihSHlLEsGyONH1FWnEd4ieDdlT-byjf4QI6GySQ/s1600-h/DSCN4566.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcU7YQz-NiZfxUhZU7rCoFsHU7WanlEGAdyGN6wctQWN5JRiBUxdrRUaiTglq-9CEcfhEYr8tFhT1DrM8zchSkwAbjSczOw1ddAlBihSHlLEsGyONH1FWnEd4ieDdlT-byjf4QI6GySQ/s400/DSCN4566.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436166355014039314" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "> </span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the living area with stairs up to the loft above. We enjoy our Saturday morning coffee up here while taking in the scenery. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDjteoVci2riWfB5Ntjk4zEL9MU4RpIsRgWAbmAbwjetL1nj45MOf18UO5eY4fQ30-5HJYPx-XKxdIotbqCH7wfXP8O4GdZJQrCCdlX41wiuwn2vSC2MLY4QffY2dUWT8hJGIwVEqYM8/s1600-h/DSCN4563.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDjteoVci2riWfB5Ntjk4zEL9MU4RpIsRgWAbmAbwjetL1nj45MOf18UO5eY4fQ30-5HJYPx-XKxdIotbqCH7wfXP8O4GdZJQrCCdlX41wiuwn2vSC2MLY4QffY2dUWT8hJGIwVEqYM8/s400/DSCN4563.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436161643189843650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">View South</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Recent rainstorm down here meant snow on the Lefka Ori mountain range)</div><div style="text-align: center;">***Remember you can double click on any image to enlarge - highly recommended!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsAHMbdrI7gtH1yRolvhTDr0IuiLBeb_Vefe8Hqz3ACzg-_fbripcjZw979LDGcGwfwbfXsirvVobNj5FNOvDLBRydF8TbTJ_0UbbwaqlITT9gTPyfYGvZu5PcXEC_5U5QbqdDPD2EuM/s1600-h/DSCN4541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsAHMbdrI7gtH1yRolvhTDr0IuiLBeb_Vefe8Hqz3ACzg-_fbripcjZw979LDGcGwfwbfXsirvVobNj5FNOvDLBRydF8TbTJ_0UbbwaqlITT9gTPyfYGvZu5PcXEC_5U5QbqdDPD2EuM/s400/DSCN4541.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436161633385882082" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">View east from the loft</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUErUAh8TkqURPJv0lhUGwpGzfVsQuxLaAEuEUHv3BaVUBOtxhtmtp-3MFa8-TAshXWgtfKi2GJNf7-h3Ri4eNMlVGDhDnql2ZAK66l4VRevbOwPt8jAapnnMlv9XlO7GHAVwA-CxFOM/s1600-h/DSCN4421.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUErUAh8TkqURPJv0lhUGwpGzfVsQuxLaAEuEUHv3BaVUBOtxhtmtp-3MFa8-TAshXWgtfKi2GJNf7-h3Ri4eNMlVGDhDnql2ZAK66l4VRevbOwPt8jAapnnMlv9XlO7GHAVwA-CxFOM/s400/DSCN4421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436161627958430002" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">View north to the sea</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70-aRy9E9_8mF7KAF7A4mLTCaGu6rxBiFTmOZWTPZ-UqcreDwDHRX-YhgjgGnTvMZ8WfHWPnhDZ35yzRIKiFjM3bgL1swhm77welIYHPXosF0GLqRqTAaWu-0qjKWeBCRN2R3YMKTm2c/s1600-h/DSCN4416.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70-aRy9E9_8mF7KAF7A4mLTCaGu6rxBiFTmOZWTPZ-UqcreDwDHRX-YhgjgGnTvMZ8WfHWPnhDZ35yzRIKiFjM3bgL1swhm77welIYHPXosF0GLqRqTAaWu-0qjKWeBCRN2R3YMKTm2c/s400/DSCN4416.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436161617063615330" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">View west towards the Rodoupou peninsula (the sleeping dragon)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YPbIU_CHyhLueNZPWILiuVbMocqAoUKwRNYbv7klPxW-K2YAu1uvhM7g3fV0wIwkIFAyi7nJ3-6EbqOoFM7-2EOLOMTZzLhvRytADO2fgQgmhJnowI14A_-n2fl8htw_krUEupHJG_s/s1600-h/DSCN4543.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YPbIU_CHyhLueNZPWILiuVbMocqAoUKwRNYbv7klPxW-K2YAu1uvhM7g3fV0wIwkIFAyi7nJ3-6EbqOoFM7-2EOLOMTZzLhvRytADO2fgQgmhJnowI14A_-n2fl8htw_krUEupHJG_s/s400/DSCN4543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436161612680586850" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">One of our neighbors</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUWRjQDNhCThsQqlCRH0X7fWZyChn6zqDKN0dyMmkFwEhLwYhpzy8RsheXOf6VGljwsNLY2DvSxbyhbWHWJ0gBT1QE0a99ayQz0iqYDtD2boHRvL0c4K3bQHQKv8luMqmJBwq3tlTGrI/s1600-h/DSCN4571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUWRjQDNhCThsQqlCRH0X7fWZyChn6zqDKN0dyMmkFwEhLwYhpzy8RsheXOf6VGljwsNLY2DvSxbyhbWHWJ0gBT1QE0a99ayQz0iqYDtD2boHRvL0c4K3bQHQKv8luMqmJBwq3tlTGrI/s400/DSCN4571.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436159917293527490" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">It always amazes us to see the contrast between the clear blue sea water and the high white mountains this time of year. Almost looks photo shopped even in real life!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuUsdxHnL-vhDxV7Cu0QZClYgQ5zMhILUUxJMfMv3gHUjcfJoisg1QAZqk0fne4RyI1L8qsEzXcmmJAkFy6QoyHDatuESJyRkjX7gCEECPpwdbyaQ87PVPrkpnbiRn4EE2MHIgbqXVbY/s1600-h/DSCN4549.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuUsdxHnL-vhDxV7Cu0QZClYgQ5zMhILUUxJMfMv3gHUjcfJoisg1QAZqk0fne4RyI1L8qsEzXcmmJAkFy6QoyHDatuESJyRkjX7gCEECPpwdbyaQ87PVPrkpnbiRn4EE2MHIgbqXVbY/s400/DSCN4549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436159907835768722" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">About every other Saturday, we go to Hania to the local market (laiki) to stock up on fresh produce. The citrus this time of year is absolutely delicious. Richard loves the mandarin oranges.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgJHwXm7mJEkOuP8fEGnRmedSVkMYS53BNGZzYyJKwBxFLKNllqvaPNwXmL1g5IX-ZSIZdIs2I97wYGK-J6verYeFgiZFPds2KhTVv4x-uFyBKvikLXtePXLrUkosSELScx-K_pdO_HU/s1600-h/DSCN4435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgJHwXm7mJEkOuP8fEGnRmedSVkMYS53BNGZzYyJKwBxFLKNllqvaPNwXmL1g5IX-ZSIZdIs2I97wYGK-J6verYeFgiZFPds2KhTVv4x-uFyBKvikLXtePXLrUkosSELScx-K_pdO_HU/s400/DSCN4435.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436159898434722258" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The laiki is a good place for good conversation too. Here Mel passes the time with a local Greek gentleman who loved talking about weather and the mountains. In the background the table is set left to right with local red wine (brown wine that tastes like watered down sherry), raki (Cretan spirits that can taste like jet-fuel), and thyme honey (always tastes fantastic!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">And of course, a few green bottles of virgin olive oil are there, too. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8gZqsp-WH2IXbZgOXhsr_zqbKMzGsnNma3z-TgNlb6kVi9dZzhMk5_CW4_nW9w51-AIXMXKwOz0gwqQFSEYBpSAXOgPI9Y6owoTAd5t7SucYcP3YqtLm2tcH0xgWniZZaaDXECMRVzU/s1600-h/DSCN4434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8gZqsp-WH2IXbZgOXhsr_zqbKMzGsnNma3z-TgNlb6kVi9dZzhMk5_CW4_nW9w51-AIXMXKwOz0gwqQFSEYBpSAXOgPI9Y6owoTAd5t7SucYcP3YqtLm2tcH0xgWniZZaaDXECMRVzU/s400/DSCN4434.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436159893520418802" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Once in a while we get a beautiful beach day even in January!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH8WOjeHCzCB4vCt7Dq2VppbzlBDD0doPWCnpbOx4ke-c7WkFs2URJS8zYCqcccMzFxiDt_vqkegENT3Q1s691C6wZROPJg2fkAroUmGpbtKcc6ccfTlzex53GPL2rbIf1spidTVmt3o/s1600-h/DSCN4428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH8WOjeHCzCB4vCt7Dq2VppbzlBDD0doPWCnpbOx4ke-c7WkFs2URJS8zYCqcccMzFxiDt_vqkegENT3Q1s691C6wZROPJg2fkAroUmGpbtKcc6ccfTlzex53GPL2rbIf1spidTVmt3o/s400/DSCN4428.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436159885621534610" /></a></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-11229234776753185222010-02-03T14:44:00.005+02:002010-02-03T16:06:29.354+02:00Athens Anniversary<div>First of all, Xronia Polla (pron. KRONya PolLA) - Happy New Year! </div>
<br /><div>We toasted the birth of 2010 somewhere over the Atlantic near Rome on our way back from visiting the States at Christmas. What a wonderful time we had visiting with our family and friends. We can truly agree with these wise words - </div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div><font color="#cc0000">"Though I have seen the oceans and mountains, though I have read great books and seen great works of art...there is nothing greater or more beautiful than those people I love."</font></div>
<br /><div><font color="#cc0000"></font> </div>
<br /><div><font color="#000000">Here's to you, dear friends and family!</font></div>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2opApCx5CdoFi1794vYGF28wS11steniz7xLZhv8DrQ8VFI1C1XTMddipC9ik-mGyUS2Xa4ZlEMYL4RqNCUwNaHbPoSLnMosunX4Cv2kLjefJgRw15YIJuIqhEbtCeBRs7RrimQIouMM/s1600-h/DSCN4414.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434001594066719842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2opApCx5CdoFi1794vYGF28wS11steniz7xLZhv8DrQ8VFI1C1XTMddipC9ik-mGyUS2Xa4ZlEMYL4RqNCUwNaHbPoSLnMosunX4Cv2kLjefJgRw15YIJuIqhEbtCeBRs7RrimQIouMM/s400/DSCN4414.JPG" border="0" /></a> November 4th, 2009 was our 3rd wedding anniversary and we celebrated in style by discovering Athens. After a short 45 minute flight from Crete, we checked in to a hotel in the Plaka area with this view of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace.<br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP6FEjwA54u9qD1aGUwCrbryfgs7lt8AcFRtN7rNjSPN5IXtc2CDrmI_WE4fs0et7Phqh7Z3pN3RJvJi6wJCeSBWd7BEV6O9w9kP_MVMhrDFjh0b8c5zyB1wlZIah5QeizAFu3MqZTSc/s1600-h/DSCN3964.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434001587964374850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsP6FEjwA54u9qD1aGUwCrbryfgs7lt8AcFRtN7rNjSPN5IXtc2CDrmI_WE4fs0et7Phqh7Z3pN3RJvJi6wJCeSBWd7BEV6O9w9kP_MVMhrDFjh0b8c5zyB1wlZIah5QeizAFu3MqZTSc/s400/DSCN3964.JPG" border="0" /></a> We walked from our hotel to the beautiful new Athens Museum of Archeology and then trekked up to the top of the Acropolis. Astounding views and impressive ruins if you use your imagination to grasp how advanced the ancient Greek culture was in terms of architecture and engineering. And to actually stand in the birthplace of democracy was significant. The ancient Athenians put a high value on ideas, law, philosophy, beauty, education and freedom. We were astounded at how many gods (and temples built to house them) were integrated into their living and working environments. <br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-gHRpIP5HpOopYTx_a0PZluDQFKt_U42DsHP2TfaUtOVli89XbufkCFRi9kCUwVZoOomupx9xEnup5SWuMzsxfRDEql-VTu3WyxKtW2zrcCaEBak7EQ67BGb3UqTQ4IJP_i4edLZYkg/s1600-h/DSCN4015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434001578755841490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-gHRpIP5HpOopYTx_a0PZluDQFKt_U42DsHP2TfaUtOVli89XbufkCFRi9kCUwVZoOomupx9xEnup5SWuMzsxfRDEql-VTu3WyxKtW2zrcCaEBak7EQ67BGb3UqTQ4IJP_i4edLZYkg/s400/DSCN4015.JPG" border="0" /></a> From the Acropolis, you can see a great view of the city and what's left of The Temple of Zeus. Try to imagine an ancient city with hundreds more temples and buildings in the classical Greek architecture on a collosal scale!<br /><br /><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_ZJKINn79V_VjGaB9az92XKlTQxCtuFhb-nf9Tr1krOk-26AKxF1GfYZDLtkQyD2dq8KReIjoVJloNMKgdhbIfpjBsHOsl60o4syk_590iAlix0OTQxLLJonNA2HB9dgw_CUI4Rtzn8/s1600-h/DSCN3998.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434001575383271698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_ZJKINn79V_VjGaB9az92XKlTQxCtuFhb-nf9Tr1krOk-26AKxF1GfYZDLtkQyD2dq8KReIjoVJloNMKgdhbIfpjBsHOsl60o4syk_590iAlix0OTQxLLJonNA2HB9dgw_CUI4Rtzn8/s400/DSCN3998.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's the touristy photo of us in front of the Parthenon on the Acropolis.<br /><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdprLrrKp6lIaQ0AUm94MHQkkGFi2Zm2MY2Zju2PZes4MPul-rPeTDFC3c1jU7ZMkR8djsR906guRSiP4rw5UK0e15kn20C72rRtCCMSN5eFdNvq9qSZ5yUjZClI8FcPVg3T1uHgd-gw/s1600-h/DSCN4004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434000890700693298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdprLrrKp6lIaQ0AUm94MHQkkGFi2Zm2MY2Zju2PZes4MPul-rPeTDFC3c1jU7ZMkR8djsR906guRSiP4rw5UK0e15kn20C72rRtCCMSN5eFdNvq9qSZ5yUjZClI8FcPVg3T1uHgd-gw/s400/DSCN4004.JPG" border="0" /></a> We paused to rest at the place where Paul delivered his famous "Men of Athens" speech. </div>
<br /><div>(See Acts 11). It was a daunting realization that he stood here in the shadow of the gigantic Acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena and looked down on the Agora (market/meeting place filled with intellectuals, statues of gods, politicians, heavy thinkers of the day) and boldly claim that Jesus was their "unknown god". Needless to say he wasn't wildly popular but he spoke the truth and centuries later Christianity lives on while the gods of Athens are in ruins.<br /><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWfu4XpclQcOQJvgDAuL__ROKy2-H_D-Uj-Oe7oA7tHUMyI28OK_dlYRkgIC27U-x0NpUjaw5riIiK1C0l81q8ywkHuK14dWlrSvlSWkY4_ohojPGnxRHGSCMoagJipGlm93wxwCoBLA/s1600-h/DSCN4010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434000884580448706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWfu4XpclQcOQJvgDAuL__ROKy2-H_D-Uj-Oe7oA7tHUMyI28OK_dlYRkgIC27U-x0NpUjaw5riIiK1C0l81q8ywkHuK14dWlrSvlSWkY4_ohojPGnxRHGSCMoagJipGlm93wxwCoBLA/s400/DSCN4010.JPG" border="0" /></a> In Greece, they never tear down a chapel to accomodate progress. They simply build around it. This was a view down from our hotel! Never did figure out how they got to the door.<br /><br />
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_IX0oVXLZ6UVD5Xp1CYEMXHfwm_utnkmBYaykdRCPV0m625ADIIdznwqIkN95TuJyI2YtA1ig74PnkzD9xKclnvk_DfPGDSzilQMZl8LLTtWFOBnRTJmqL8fqT6v0sQqde2_vfi50kI/s1600-h/DSCN3971.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434000881992848114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_IX0oVXLZ6UVD5Xp1CYEMXHfwm_utnkmBYaykdRCPV0m625ADIIdznwqIkN95TuJyI2YtA1ig74PnkzD9xKclnvk_DfPGDSzilQMZl8LLTtWFOBnRTJmqL8fqT6v0sQqde2_vfi50kI/s400/DSCN3971.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The street market in Athens was bustling, loud and very colorful. This is a bead shop with every kind og bead you'd ever imagine!<br /><br /><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jhrhrVnqis7Mgh0yxLMpp-rDW2V78vlI4ogjTnn-9zTGZrN1awP1g1zxywKULQTFrqkcSGemTN3XElwMk9voTyhyIsAnNLpTYf73hZYW43ae5Z0XYyIx_pJqwndJ63ntP_fvLd2ccaw/s1600-h/DSCN4063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434000870225835554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jhrhrVnqis7Mgh0yxLMpp-rDW2V78vlI4ogjTnn-9zTGZrN1awP1g1zxywKULQTFrqkcSGemTN3XElwMk9voTyhyIsAnNLpTYf73hZYW43ae5Z0XYyIx_pJqwndJ63ntP_fvLd2ccaw/s400/DSCN4063.JPG" border="0" /></a> Of all the treats we had (including grilled squid and octopus) there's always room for gelato!<br /><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuUrcd5ozHBj-Bx8MA8G11329CuakarACGuVJH5wq3f1F6XQkXpinv1dDSvlehfmh_ORAwYmIxLzL_1vHvC7dfZscrF_5xczw3QpSZuWN1CWQ4TSBgcgukZb1DS__9pv1zbspCMKRf9s/s1600-h/DSCN4043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434000866995907714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuUrcd5ozHBj-Bx8MA8G11329CuakarACGuVJH5wq3f1F6XQkXpinv1dDSvlehfmh_ORAwYmIxLzL_1vHvC7dfZscrF_5xczw3QpSZuWN1CWQ4TSBgcgukZb1DS__9pv1zbspCMKRf9s/s400/DSCN4043.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lost in Translation: funny story -</div>
<br /><div>After we found a house to rent in Crete, our housing representative from the base (Sotiris, a local Greek) met with us and the landlords to sign papers, get keys, etc. After all the business was done we were all standing out on the front patio and Sotiris turned to us and said, "Now you have to kiss." I'm in a little bit of a panic thinking what is this? One of those crazy Greek customs to seal a deal with the "two cheek peck"? Then it hits me. What he said was, "Now you have two keys." We still laugh about that one!</div>
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<br /><div>Here's another one: A collegue of Richard's was excited about going on a business trip and staying in a nice hotel. She remarked, "I hope they have a Jacque Jose" What's that? A Mexican/French man? She was trying to explain, "You know. One of those small swimming pools with bubbling hot water." Ooooohhh - a jacuzzi!</div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div>Just one more example of "expect the unexpected" when you live in Greece!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-80631399002481874842010-01-25T15:11:00.008+02:002010-01-25T16:07:57.357+02:00Winter in Crete<div align="center">Winter in Crete brings some of the most drenching downpours of rain that are usually paired with high winds (so dubbed "sideways rain" by the local expats) so it feels like a hurricane moving over the house. But then there are magnificent rainbows to soothe the soul after the torrent. This one dissappeared into the sea at a point near Stavros Beach. Note the "blocked" look of the rock that is the shoreline. This was the site of an old quarry where blocks of volcanic rock were cut and ferried down by ship to the Old Harbor to build much of the fortress walls in the Venetian era. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s8bGeV7rrl5zgbqsehDcfVBY6oKxTOvhvKMIl14qH3tfjYY4Xwwq32kbCqBXuF9uM_igslZhDnbQb5YtRZzihysVou-luL1dVS9_Kxzc4iFilk3j68XJNodQs0qcXyiGqKqkNqJFFwo/s1600-h/DSCN4070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430670788266473074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s8bGeV7rrl5zgbqsehDcfVBY6oKxTOvhvKMIl14qH3tfjYY4Xwwq32kbCqBXuF9uM_igslZhDnbQb5YtRZzihysVou-luL1dVS9_Kxzc4iFilk3j68XJNodQs0qcXyiGqKqkNqJFFwo/s400/DSCN4070.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Another beautiful day at Stavros Beach<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bc_HT8Pwz-eaQTdwCO0qYf1rfuD5UOgl2PYTkJrHkPWrolAdC76OikGSK7DrL1DIVwJQxhBRWxqC6rzHe_SgbmmRdLKUT17SwhiSoAWK3kqUHiPdWnxATwVGV-5hkgyonQDXeQXSZ8c/s1600-h/DSCN4235.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430670779282203170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bc_HT8Pwz-eaQTdwCO0qYf1rfuD5UOgl2PYTkJrHkPWrolAdC76OikGSK7DrL1DIVwJQxhBRWxqC6rzHe_SgbmmRdLKUT17SwhiSoAWK3kqUHiPdWnxATwVGV-5hkgyonQDXeQXSZ8c/s400/DSCN4235.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pumice stones at Blue Beach<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2rhMA2qPGHTdpFQnaEdPMPWpmIJpCyLU-fUJxM7sd1IhsE-fhtGQPwHMXihC1G38tfVuaQYIuIE_GZqlhTNyds0rOrSRc0tVZuIfJ2Pi5Nh18E9XIdvHn_PGNFn2iP6E0w6_S4kjhgI/s1600-h/DSCN4257.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430670773804457618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2rhMA2qPGHTdpFQnaEdPMPWpmIJpCyLU-fUJxM7sd1IhsE-fhtGQPwHMXihC1G38tfVuaQYIuIE_GZqlhTNyds0rOrSRc0tVZuIfJ2Pi5Nh18E9XIdvHn_PGNFn2iP6E0w6_S4kjhgI/s400/DSCN4257.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3y-oRsWQsjqaNSCyYyjOoAL7CL7vMdok6rP_07GAr6JpqnPxuepFErJ3ccA_K4Tjjygj0XMTwAhDBgoT8lWBvWW0xlFseS0BT4VLT6C43F5JSYlw3V1hn0j-82shCUYjcteX2Pi6Z7k/s1600-h/DSCN4259.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430670768422830114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3y-oRsWQsjqaNSCyYyjOoAL7CL7vMdok6rP_07GAr6JpqnPxuepFErJ3ccA_K4Tjjygj0XMTwAhDBgoT8lWBvWW0xlFseS0BT4VLT6C43F5JSYlw3V1hn0j-82shCUYjcteX2Pi6Z7k/s400/DSCN4259.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Back in Colorado, our winter activities included skiing. Here in Crete, winter is citrus harvest! Our Greek friend, Katerina Manis invited us to her family's home village, Modi, where we tramped through her orchards and picked bags and bags of the sweetest oranges you've ever tasted! Efharisto poli, Katerina!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhILWLHXzPFjNH9XQhiG70fIOhBOvfl0y0PCixEKN8qwQIvP18_gaQZHdCTRr28bCjwyb0tppLBgR9_25r37uX3P4HSf30M-VF_vSZhqa3e8ZyblalVmPm9bTlfHMhjkozIpqQwiZu_-w/s1600-h/DSCN4455.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430668770573485474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhILWLHXzPFjNH9XQhiG70fIOhBOvfl0y0PCixEKN8qwQIvP18_gaQZHdCTRr28bCjwyb0tppLBgR9_25r37uX3P4HSf30M-VF_vSZhqa3e8ZyblalVmPm9bTlfHMhjkozIpqQwiZu_-w/s400/DSCN4455.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0z1ztRjhjR6BHPYQNL9ekQvoiCHzDHkHEJ4-55ZbkgJO31F25agoA9ISrI2vkCPG8GT1f_i3Ogp3AVU6hhW6_e4WGvCZk4C-irPtKYVqa5RCrR_Q9dWrCaBCdmG_Lb3EA2Y235UbRUjA/s1600-h/DSCN4448.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430668768938161026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0z1ztRjhjR6BHPYQNL9ekQvoiCHzDHkHEJ4-55ZbkgJO31F25agoA9ISrI2vkCPG8GT1f_i3Ogp3AVU6hhW6_e4WGvCZk4C-irPtKYVqa5RCrR_Q9dWrCaBCdmG_Lb3EA2Y235UbRUjA/s400/DSCN4448.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItEKNZC6o00AqWNnQfoJfF44nWtSKD8ud9r2nq94on6Vi6FtGstEILi6OJuO8sSJIvs3Oz0y7ERexebCB9wQh-OVM1zswLpwLHJ7fERQAPD0phT_Lfy-ROENPY6aeNTJiJ_oAow9K5PQ/s1600-h/DSCN4458.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430668759631430754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItEKNZC6o00AqWNnQfoJfF44nWtSKD8ud9r2nq94on6Vi6FtGstEILi6OJuO8sSJIvs3Oz0y7ERexebCB9wQh-OVM1zswLpwLHJ7fERQAPD0phT_Lfy-ROENPY6aeNTJiJ_oAow9K5PQ/s400/DSCN4458.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />And on those cold, rainy nights, we look back on the fun we had on our kayak trip last September and look forward to warmer days.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsv6a2trsU8ZGDdEFEQiNMgFB41gqu4FZDkuA-NfY50VXSgSiojSqjdZtYc4ACTCJdw3lH0u5kQUv40ODmidxhBYbwu8FDZJL9_4wE-NoC27oja3o3ZrRF8Zk9fljXCT1BZbIIhNXBl8/s1600-h/DSCN3735.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430668753836125570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsv6a2trsU8ZGDdEFEQiNMgFB41gqu4FZDkuA-NfY50VXSgSiojSqjdZtYc4ACTCJdw3lH0u5kQUv40ODmidxhBYbwu8FDZJL9_4wE-NoC27oja3o3ZrRF8Zk9fljXCT1BZbIIhNXBl8/s400/DSCN3735.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Richard with the boats lined up at Marathi beach. Ready to shove off!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbyOLyI-h8ZVN-bOTmhh_9rhVPcGsRPtMyQmp-onVMRX_lyDBXWiAVfkKAy-AgmfA8ivW8kN34r2shkcnDF8jDzAvAJhBgPWnfX8LPBLXBpICtXHaVZNsTb9GXPwu8bMlnREE8bSK4hE/s1600-h/DSCN3733.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430668746030541506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbyOLyI-h8ZVN-bOTmhh_9rhVPcGsRPtMyQmp-onVMRX_lyDBXWiAVfkKAy-AgmfA8ivW8kN34r2shkcnDF8jDzAvAJhBgPWnfX8LPBLXBpICtXHaVZNsTb9GXPwu8bMlnREE8bSK4hE/s400/DSCN3733.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Short blog this time - next week look for pics of our new home and of our trip to ATHENS!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-60337758966705843182009-12-19T19:04:00.000+02:002010-01-25T14:06:53.624+02:00Kala Hristouyenna (Merry Christmas!)<div><font color="#ff0000"></font> </div>
<br /><div>In the short three months we've lived here, we have found ourselves winding down and actually enjoying the simpler life. We are reminded each day to slow down and keep our eyes wide open to the "God Sightings" all around us including the magnificent snow covered Lefka Ori mountain range that shadows Hania and the Aegean Sea in Western Crete.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6PLCEup2uQwfV9uanUi6enf89yumf0Bw70WjEmwlaeCdvG5z3K9uurUyAI0tkabBTjgk7py7KncOMHgSAM4jWKYh_m9MyBP8EfQkoroAi44lCxEXqUOiVMevqQa0RxtCBi8GzZ4Coeg/s1600-h/lefkaori-soudabay2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416994686699803762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6PLCEup2uQwfV9uanUi6enf89yumf0Bw70WjEmwlaeCdvG5z3K9uurUyAI0tkabBTjgk7py7KncOMHgSAM4jWKYh_m9MyBP8EfQkoroAi44lCxEXqUOiVMevqQa0RxtCBi8GzZ4Coeg/s400/lefkaori-soudabay2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_BzJj8j2_R60pOO4qI3KVsksqsZnamM2Kjy92Klc_UleRv1ZaOvC-RVqyYiXDgVTaGVHV0madi5Uq1_EpJeEsCMQaHb-zusWY3PG7QwND5QtJRgHcvmxI3fQXyPAIQ61u0s4WC5-A-Y/s1600-h/omalos-winter2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416994682462141090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_BzJj8j2_R60pOO4qI3KVsksqsZnamM2Kjy92Klc_UleRv1ZaOvC-RVqyYiXDgVTaGVHV0madi5Uq1_EpJeEsCMQaHb-zusWY3PG7QwND5QtJRgHcvmxI3fQXyPAIQ61u0s4WC5-A-Y/s400/omalos-winter2.jpg" /></a> We've learned that we can live very comfortably with a fraction of our belongings, that life doesn't revolve around Blackberrys and overcommitted agendas, that there's always time for lunch and a long walk (even if it's Greek style - 3 hours!) and that a smile and an easy "hello" is the universally understood sign of kindness no matter where in the world you are. Maybe it's the water - it just seems second nature to slow down and enjoy.<br /><br />
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDBVcI8zZbZSC1ELXQEWk590NIGcH4n5-kDPwmBWbbjEAbm6qaUKCqu-BHe9SlgHDQiY_mQtLpzSl9Ddvsfuo1V21tGTzR_1O9nO4cok3rHeb-P9Dk6jmAvgwcouQhmL4zmZCqIV4a4g/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416994674717670946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDBVcI8zZbZSC1ELXQEWk590NIGcH4n5-kDPwmBWbbjEAbm6qaUKCqu-BHe9SlgHDQiY_mQtLpzSl9Ddvsfuo1V21tGTzR_1O9nO4cok3rHeb-P9Dk6jmAvgwcouQhmL4zmZCqIV4a4g/s400/027.JPG" /></a> But most importantly, we've learned to lean into God during these times of exciting and challenging change because we are convinced of His steadfast love that supercedes over all languages and cultures, time and space.</div>
<br /><div>So, as you celebrate our Saviour's simple birth, we pray you will find a quiet moment to reflect on the miracle of God coming in the flesh to "dwell among us" all because of His extravagant love for you.</div>
<br /><div>May His deep peace wash over you this holiday season and may you find more joy than you could ever imagine in the simple things He brings into your life throughout the coming year.</div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULvDZwez4t8FMGyYn1Ix6UBwyPVJ3xgjEgWxENCTfniZ5Voh5mBspcZy5Z1uCJ7K1mfMjBUTI9jEYzLkQA5wBITujQULtTzw2ZBLuAcR8NSVeotu5ANjA44mQWTVbVisMCAPN3tri-Js/s1600-h/036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416994668135431506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULvDZwez4t8FMGyYn1Ix6UBwyPVJ3xgjEgWxENCTfniZ5Voh5mBspcZy5Z1uCJ7K1mfMjBUTI9jEYzLkQA5wBITujQULtTzw2ZBLuAcR8NSVeotu5ANjA44mQWTVbVisMCAPN3tri-Js/s400/036.JPG" /></a><br />With love to all,</div>
<br /><div>Melanie and Richard<br /><br /><br />
<br /><div></div></div></div></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-62858489872818841482009-12-08T20:12:00.000+02:002009-12-08T21:16:07.367+02:00Road trips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zNahWV1xLp_-VgMdTr2DP-lLRCV12KTnRbBZ9MfiPSu-FroT3adFdTQL8Pnug3BMY8tynLafTiRsNGG3Y0JM-Uj94DwNwF2PDNwa4K7JGAYfCk58jgqTPyXNyFquk3IQj1SpWiBxx9g/s1600-h/DSCN3886.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zNahWV1xLp_-VgMdTr2DP-lLRCV12KTnRbBZ9MfiPSu-FroT3adFdTQL8Pnug3BMY8tynLafTiRsNGG3Y0JM-Uj94DwNwF2PDNwa4K7JGAYfCk58jgqTPyXNyFquk3IQj1SpWiBxx9g/s400/DSCN3886.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412942332487361394" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Kalimera,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">This morning we woke to a reprieve in the drenching rainy weather we’ve had for the past few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The sun is peeking out but the Lefka Ori mountain range is still obscured by a thick blanket of menacing clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are getting snow in the “high country” and when the clouds lift we will be treated to one of the most beautiful sights on the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s quite a paradox to stand with your feet in the sea while looking up at the snow-covered mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Seeing the snow makes us all the more excited for our upcoming Colorado Christmas with family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Greeks here just shake their heads at our excitement to get to play in the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When Richard showed some pictures of winter sports like snow shoeing to a colleague, she just asked, “Why?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Of course, you have to understand these people are in full winter gear now (boots, scarves and DOWN coats) because the temps have dipped below 60 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No wonder we got funny looks last week when we went to the Laiki and Richard was wearing shorts!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">We’ve been here 3 months now and can finally say we are settling in thanks to pieces of home arriving here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We picked up our car from the ferryboat last week and heard that our furniture should be here this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The best news is that we found a house to put it all in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’ve come full circle in our thinking about permanent digs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At first, we thought an apartment in the city was for us but soon found out that Hania is not really “European” city living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And the more time we spent out in the country riding our bikes, walking to the beach and enjoying the quiet (relatively speaking depending on if your neighbors own a barnyard full of chickens - hence, roosters) the more appealing country life looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our new home sits on top of a small hill above the village of Horafakia (about 5 km from where we are now) and is set in an olive grove surrounded by a stone wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s a pretty new home, contemporary design, with a kitchen to die for!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The best part is the view of the sea and the mountains from the loft and balcony upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We really feel blessed that this place opened up for us at just the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Once we get moved in and after we return from the States, we can take up our exploring beyond the Akrotiri again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <div><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US">This fall was full of little side trips and one of our first outings was enjoyed with our friends Daphne and Reg who took us to a nearby Roman settlement called Aptera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like most ruins, they are built on top of even older Minoan ruins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were amazed at the size of the cisterns designed and used by the Romans for their water storage and usage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><!--EndFragment--> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruTsPaCxDT0K3giFYs7-O4jHPQkasytdBwZoIZAgWMkmKATY40cr2hUbM24WebPXuO598kGaaBlgf7jY0JAf_eCDfWft1wtdn_puxuPBOzgryqFWMxWIvwOPj8yNmaBkYiijJOkI-2r4/s1600-h/DSCN3808.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruTsPaCxDT0K3giFYs7-O4jHPQkasytdBwZoIZAgWMkmKATY40cr2hUbM24WebPXuO598kGaaBlgf7jY0JAf_eCDfWft1wtdn_puxuPBOzgryqFWMxWIvwOPj8yNmaBkYiijJOkI-2r4/s400/DSCN3808.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412942327274674146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w8xB5ejhKyoySXD74Z5eulF0iuE1Q2l5sV7Rl3BTpnQCTUOOD8PaLnL_g75a7iWto5UbJpK2B6WxqxMCU0U9-R-oqmbcQMX0l6RkZMyeR5PqrXMY3PSzetPSNYRoEMFlEgpIv5Jh6mc/s1600-h/DSCN3799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w8xB5ejhKyoySXD74Z5eulF0iuE1Q2l5sV7Rl3BTpnQCTUOOD8PaLnL_g75a7iWto5UbJpK2B6WxqxMCU0U9-R-oqmbcQMX0l6RkZMyeR5PqrXMY3PSzetPSNYRoEMFlEgpIv5Jh6mc/s400/DSCN3799.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412942322104189858" /></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US">And the maze of Roman baths were testimony to that important social ritual in their every day lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Because of the time of year, we had the place virtually to ourselves with our own private, very knowledgeable tour guides.</span><!--EndFragment--> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3r2RAKwr8hscuBP0UaZ3VvsZ1TOnRMlnsPNK50svEa9v6fg9CDQre7SX2-aDdSnsOTCcCdHqXOnE8cPiP3bYYasBvPlcXga9FHNT0vnFYM-IU1STSjr1nSv_8nFcsW9jBEiSA2OyiBdg/s1600-h/DSCN3810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3r2RAKwr8hscuBP0UaZ3VvsZ1TOnRMlnsPNK50svEa9v6fg9CDQre7SX2-aDdSnsOTCcCdHqXOnE8cPiP3bYYasBvPlcXga9FHNT0vnFYM-IU1STSjr1nSv_8nFcsW9jBEiSA2OyiBdg/s400/DSCN3810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412941719959306258" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">After poking around the ruins, we enjoyed lunch at the local taverna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A great day especially because we shared it with good friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZw9_DLjPjhDO9dLSnuL37R9Ig1tFc_kk0h0az5RgDSfTNvRkvxNxmYFANPyoXU31f0rHqoEyNArGFgDv0DnsXdfMMAvRcEyStknVa3esW1VeqI5rae36VMP-SpM66pDzNgnbVnTo8t8/s1600-h/DSCN3826.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZw9_DLjPjhDO9dLSnuL37R9Ig1tFc_kk0h0az5RgDSfTNvRkvxNxmYFANPyoXU31f0rHqoEyNArGFgDv0DnsXdfMMAvRcEyStknVa3esW1VeqI5rae36VMP-SpM66pDzNgnbVnTo8t8/s400/DSCN3826.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412941709909777266" /></a> <!--StartFragment--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US">About 30 minute drive to the West of us is the Rodoupou peninsula and a little exploring there bought many wonderful sights and surprises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><!--EndFragment--> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYTPR7SbKLkEPi5QG_brr8K3o4iGNM2EmWaQJt6HJc4cELkOLv7JyrruP1Lp-vC0N253iLgxy7GYY_KGNjrZQsxHK-YARCMcVnLUzvTrFX4UIE2TLhHOUh4XpHXrRLU82rxOHmECG1y0/s1600-h/DSCN3744.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYTPR7SbKLkEPi5QG_brr8K3o4iGNM2EmWaQJt6HJc4cELkOLv7JyrruP1Lp-vC0N253iLgxy7GYY_KGNjrZQsxHK-YARCMcVnLUzvTrFX4UIE2TLhHOUh4XpHXrRLU82rxOHmECG1y0/s400/DSCN3744.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412941707525735746" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Before heading up on the high road that skirts the coast, we indulged in lunch at a fish taverna in the seacoast village of Kolimbari.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As is the norm, the proprietor ushered us back into the kitchen and opened the icebox to let us pick our fresh fish for preparation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We chose a smaller variety and they cooked it up with loads of olive oil and after spending way too much time trying to pick out the bones, we washed it all down with wine and water and headed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Rodoupou road hangs way up above the seacoast and precariously winds its way around and through some absolutely gorgeous scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Once in a while, there is a little bit of a shoulder to pull off on and take pictures of the sea view and chapels carved into rock or hanging on a cliff above the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Of course, the whole time, Richard is lamenting that he’s not on his bike and I’m thinking, “What?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Are you crazy?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(Most hard-core bikers are.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It really would have been a white-knuckle road trip if I hadn’t been so distracted by the beauty of it all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"> <!--StartFragment--> </span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Speaking of chapels, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of little stone chapels tucked away everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You see them in monasteries, in caves, in seemingly inaccessible gorges, along roadsides and in back yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some are very intricately decorated inside and others are very simple and rustic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But all of them are always kept very tidy and clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Many of them are “name chapels” that may be used only once a year on that name day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(Name days are more celebrated in Europe than birthdays).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW8RhQgwyQ1UeWs9jHRvAF1liMI8qmT5ykkPY4_QUTuFB9p4TKQr24N5Zn1MRwOqEcvDu9qDuIPPy1kGjCCsPmP_ahNWBoFKovnPIEXX7xgNcsxQGICM_rzxj1uQoXcbKUuJWBEHrknA/s1600-h/DSCN3766.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW8RhQgwyQ1UeWs9jHRvAF1liMI8qmT5ykkPY4_QUTuFB9p4TKQr24N5Zn1MRwOqEcvDu9qDuIPPy1kGjCCsPmP_ahNWBoFKovnPIEXX7xgNcsxQGICM_rzxj1uQoXcbKUuJWBEHrknA/s400/DSCN3766.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412941695377823906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRz-TMFwVKa1oJGH-WrDJYtKf45svY8FeRrbkJnZamHvKHK-1cQwN2s3Zg5RgtpAwWJWCOzCAFZBQjmFgU1ORXZr8i74QpBxsfdKe7LgyhKlEKE58fS7eOhdDhi35DzBOLDogJnyEpl8/s1600-h/DSCN3882.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRz-TMFwVKa1oJGH-WrDJYtKf45svY8FeRrbkJnZamHvKHK-1cQwN2s3Zg5RgtpAwWJWCOzCAFZBQjmFgU1ORXZr8i74QpBxsfdKe7LgyhKlEKE58fS7eOhdDhi35DzBOLDogJnyEpl8/s400/DSCN3882.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412941687265502690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z_n5hvzVpB_jCJC2f23bTht_2ijO1OINBYPvi_6gkLjMfuup7bNmFJxLyzjMpb65Y-paGotTfpaOxrAisiOchgTO5JvSyk8Q0t19QMHBBrnY67oj8VkrajsiMFfkdihqZ5-zd4S-I7s/s1600-h/DSCN3692.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z_n5hvzVpB_jCJC2f23bTht_2ijO1OINBYPvi_6gkLjMfuup7bNmFJxLyzjMpb65Y-paGotTfpaOxrAisiOchgTO5JvSyk8Q0t19QMHBBrnY67oj8VkrajsiMFfkdihqZ5-zd4S-I7s/s400/DSCN3692.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412940491220686706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdaT-1HOPgvFDN7JR_LpNdjOnqIdAmHH0knRYK16AFmjO-M1aCc-JwfAISYCJprUd5yf36fmKryUTmNsZEaN0yoalTtv7_RrJB46zafdppFEeGhbz0PHn01EjD7BuDiGdz_J1JghwpN0/s1600-h/DSCN3754.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdaT-1HOPgvFDN7JR_LpNdjOnqIdAmHH0knRYK16AFmjO-M1aCc-JwfAISYCJprUd5yf36fmKryUTmNsZEaN0yoalTtv7_RrJB46zafdppFEeGhbz0PHn01EjD7BuDiGdz_J1JghwpN0/s400/DSCN3754.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412940482543784370" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif; ">One of the chapels we went into was at the Preveli Monastery on the South coast.<span> </span>It was very ornate inside with frescos and icons.<span> </span>One of the Greek Orthodox practices is to hang an icon with an image that represents a personal prayer for healing (eyes, legs, etc.)<span> </span>The Preveli monastery is beautifully set above the sea and has made its mark in history as a safe haven for British and Australian troops who had fled there and were helped by the priest to evacuate to Egypt during the German invasion of the island in WWII</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTU0S_xOWi18BIGWiFFUSFojdAZF0B5HnNRgZC7CVyp4dTutdaz5hpYyiO_qxv5gUH_ypSC5keg_pwOenZDg0iIEfc-aimM29v4liuVFl6o-ix44lG1q7hi8_yn7tfaZ3X10OepMnrkQ/s1600-h/DSCN3816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTU0S_xOWi18BIGWiFFUSFojdAZF0B5HnNRgZC7CVyp4dTutdaz5hpYyiO_qxv5gUH_ypSC5keg_pwOenZDg0iIEfc-aimM29v4liuVFl6o-ix44lG1q7hi8_yn7tfaZ3X10OepMnrkQ/s400/DSCN3816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412940475378650002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltolCKBDxqx4blvDOiNFbjYKu2u_s6WqeNtoPjRTIAEazdecysSph2ImGdpVqOFI9ctm_oZo_fr7PnUgKhOdOVxfHIZfIRGPevlzpIkP_xFsNbcx7PX4yimWkH1lsMxGP9Gw9FzOrIXg/s1600-h/DSCN3815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltolCKBDxqx4blvDOiNFbjYKu2u_s6WqeNtoPjRTIAEazdecysSph2ImGdpVqOFI9ctm_oZo_fr7PnUgKhOdOVxfHIZfIRGPevlzpIkP_xFsNbcx7PX4yimWkH1lsMxGP9Gw9FzOrIXg/s400/DSCN3815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412940469148894898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HRaeCER2jGSrP7G9wIWLK6_MqYR_sZRRBHoyC8SXNeosDqXZ9zMMIT38md30FGSshXl58SL6tFKUzefAXBF8RLtfn5iFwU6NTE9WxQUiUtKJc5dus40tW9sGH87iIQWHnlil1ITJSKY/s1600-h/DSCN3872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HRaeCER2jGSrP7G9wIWLK6_MqYR_sZRRBHoyC8SXNeosDqXZ9zMMIT38md30FGSshXl58SL6tFKUzefAXBF8RLtfn5iFwU6NTE9WxQUiUtKJc5dus40tW9sGH87iIQWHnlil1ITJSKY/s400/DSCN3872.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412940462206012802" /></a> <!--StartFragment--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US">The road trip to the South coast was especially scenic as we crossed the island from north to south at the skinniest point following a road that took us inland through a gorge, past fertile valleys and back out to the sea on the south side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><!--EndFragment--> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFAdNq49nwYhO2xtc-VuxUVyXBZMyJPq0h25to-C6woXoi4kk-AD3403A3LpjopuXAjpyPmT17brSlg0TFlr60zQm3IU865ZfohrdZ8a9nklDX9uv0BhsCwZdTR6ugdnYtwTvTt4yH-0/s1600-h/DSCN3833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFAdNq49nwYhO2xtc-VuxUVyXBZMyJPq0h25to-C6woXoi4kk-AD3403A3LpjopuXAjpyPmT17brSlg0TFlr60zQm3IU865ZfohrdZ8a9nklDX9uv0BhsCwZdTR6ugdnYtwTvTt4yH-0/s400/DSCN3833.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412939156820785250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLWphKsalKPjU_pM7E658ftWDbxyxaXMWKS5qdGir6aIMtPgcZWxPGoM_OgaRncjVwnOx-vAPjActV9GUkXY9IEF9Gs-TRL-NIIDjqc73GYZ4aGKETXTS5_FXNcJ0uI6BU1wuhQQax_4/s1600-h/DSCN3878.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLWphKsalKPjU_pM7E658ftWDbxyxaXMWKS5qdGir6aIMtPgcZWxPGoM_OgaRncjVwnOx-vAPjActV9GUkXY9IEF9Gs-TRL-NIIDjqc73GYZ4aGKETXTS5_FXNcJ0uI6BU1wuhQQax_4/s400/DSCN3878.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412939147843934018" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, serif; ">We stopped and jumped in the ocean for a refreshing swim at the site of Frangokastello, an old castle fortress built originally in 1371 and inhabited by Venetians, then Turks, then finally a Cretan revolutionary named Daliani in 1828.<span> </span>He and his small force of rebels were martyred there and have become heroic legends that, according to locals, appear as ghosts in the morning mist around dawn every year on May 17<sup>th</sup>. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeCT9OL0MuJHPyLph7jQp7jUrzSVWRmGPaF67gmj5QhHNiLfp5hdZcB5mIywouVdLyxbCLM6haoe10odhJHVQ-Oaze7woTDGEJNxjZWwsUtH1FugQQMG5ccvkckqXWjeVoas0CVcZy0U/s1600-h/DSCN3838.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeCT9OL0MuJHPyLph7jQp7jUrzSVWRmGPaF67gmj5QhHNiLfp5hdZcB5mIywouVdLyxbCLM6haoe10odhJHVQ-Oaze7woTDGEJNxjZWwsUtH1FugQQMG5ccvkckqXWjeVoas0CVcZy0U/s400/DSCN3838.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412939140501400818" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">From Frangokastello, we continued along the coast and ended up staying the night in a beach town called Plakia where we dined on fresh fish and watched the sunset from the sea wall.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzyF3BWQA8PS88zPGcKhQJjwR3DnQTdHOubJi6fctOd4Ki5-ypr22rXfNRabMZnB3ZIo215vtvF3EJlSJQBGaOBtL_BAltQDtxp_g6KhDqd_GjsmpNMmeQtYpimlPNqMjdVYkI_hISDY/s1600-h/DSCN3851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzyF3BWQA8PS88zPGcKhQJjwR3DnQTdHOubJi6fctOd4Ki5-ypr22rXfNRabMZnB3ZIo215vtvF3EJlSJQBGaOBtL_BAltQDtxp_g6KhDqd_GjsmpNMmeQtYpimlPNqMjdVYkI_hISDY/s400/DSCN3851.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412939133726983266" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">As I look back on these photos I’m amazed at how dry and brown the landscape looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now that the rains have come, everything is greening up even though it’s winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The previously brown olive groves are now decked out with a lush carpet of bright green clover that I would swear popped up overnight!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Enough for now! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Ya sas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(Standard greeting and farewell meaning, literally, “health to you”!)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz8dhQgXaeLpc9r_ddKY9fyW83ayL1JMCtGnR3ZKN4kJJYEMfDM3FCHEJHhZhqqto8a5NHA0TCiWcgKOph62Aevf8Kszw8lQOoCTtsXVn3ozIeqD_6CNF9_NLonR-C6BcGcyyv2At0CE/s1600-h/DSCN3858.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz8dhQgXaeLpc9r_ddKY9fyW83ayL1JMCtGnR3ZKN4kJJYEMfDM3FCHEJHhZhqqto8a5NHA0TCiWcgKOph62Aevf8Kszw8lQOoCTtsXVn3ozIeqD_6CNF9_NLonR-C6BcGcyyv2At0CE/s400/DSCN3858.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412939129378549730" /></a><br /></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-20929813472779855702009-12-03T16:47:00.008+02:002010-02-11T08:39:07.523+02:00Around the "neighborhood" - first impressions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8BJeonfnYqgYG3EjYo7nmZXkBwmxnVT-HCKEUMp5BPYOvQYIAxTsR71sP3N7i-zVlwhGSoGfmv19EDFdViGwkRsSM0N2tq_05sF3YQc_OHxYHUNYm_YKVwIP8LQtV2ELSateJEig8WE/s1600-h/DSCN3700.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8BJeonfnYqgYG3EjYo7nmZXkBwmxnVT-HCKEUMp5BPYOvQYIAxTsR71sP3N7i-zVlwhGSoGfmv19EDFdViGwkRsSM0N2tq_05sF3YQc_OHxYHUNYm_YKVwIP8LQtV2ELSateJEig8WE/s400/DSCN3700.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411289926310304226" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Hi all,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">If you are new to our blog, forgive me if it seems like I’ve jumped ahead.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">These photos are in reference to some of correspondences I sent out as “Crete Journal” emails <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>before the blog was set up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, if you were on my mailing list starting in September when we moved here, you might remember me talking about some of these places and events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But as they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words” so I’ll just start with some sunsets that left even me speechless!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDU5-5EigQESO76re3mjlXwMYWFrd7JqrII8wwu2ZULKUXVpjXZSRpUkdT8GXtqgFKSgvrOQiEKls41xgH7yhA-btOcJbqHPgaL53zH1Nc9Z3aQ-RScsu8AeMZXvayyP7cZNu8sepWoI/s1600-h/DSCN3730.JPG"><img style="float:right; 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margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqp1NzyWTCsSEAFRcTzwFFJROdWx_UvB40Cs5-TEtLgKwXkRaRJ2CqqlLVWI8moW16-02Ov-zXmSYklz-wqjXG0wFM6YlaRbSkEM4Rr6oQWJ_nf0zKOAA3vofxYK9fnhPtcJmGABaPbU/s400/DSCN3670.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411288842163750930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ppg2qSQEs1k_OSECjweKiXx8KlP9V4ozKbIr_4M-hlpYcPsF6UpaVVaOZRbHINKgJGgTPmJZxZSpQMYURubBFWWKDzU7R56AupJT9RmaA8-ac0aA60nt8r4EX1i39grQuGhZEBMED5E/s1600-h/DSCN3830.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ppg2qSQEs1k_OSECjweKiXx8KlP9V4ozKbIr_4M-hlpYcPsF6UpaVVaOZRbHINKgJGgTPmJZxZSpQMYURubBFWWKDzU7R56AupJT9RmaA8-ac0aA60nt8r4EX1i39grQuGhZEBMED5E/s400/DSCN3830.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411284624885155490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYfFXzLd-1qRHmxgvcnot57eDKasmIZ0EyUVRwUK2L6bNv1X_ZOnW6Uu_8ZDEBR5gjWBuiwB3u9975x1Vu0tsNOhhGrNLvLh3n6Q10KySYehz4PC6gt0wo4JnD7dU33_C3PpcfCDbXiE/s1600-h/DSCN3771.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYfFXzLd-1qRHmxgvcnot57eDKasmIZ0EyUVRwUK2L6bNv1X_ZOnW6Uu_8ZDEBR5gjWBuiwB3u9975x1Vu0tsNOhhGrNLvLh3n6Q10KySYehz4PC6gt0wo4JnD7dU33_C3PpcfCDbXiE/s400/DSCN3771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411284616465124930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVNxv9MQFK1Ns_gt88yeE3vqlfSIbKYAWFNKJSygvr6qaSpconUrhwNhsUdMSvyTchnRmbHHVKzJgYGYbsjCTsh427GOPob2e7W_gMLY_zqtzEx0DNb-SL7OSpVCelSvVQYBJzWbhWmk/s1600-h/DSCN3736.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVNxv9MQFK1Ns_gt88yeE3vqlfSIbKYAWFNKJSygvr6qaSpconUrhwNhsUdMSvyTchnRmbHHVKzJgYGYbsjCTsh427GOPob2e7W_gMLY_zqtzEx0DNb-SL7OSpVCelSvVQYBJzWbhWmk/s400/DSCN3736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411284614362376226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5xeWs_pKmY5DFYlRisK18Sj1Yay-TCLH93Xj98wljlZ7Cpf4oa7V5iAQH4nhuHtjHahSNmaDOv1eQ-nTOt7pgiIQ8Bq9oujOiIzsMoyizA4ydKwABO8ouvMQ3-ibY8IQ401H83ucuvc/s1600-h/DSCN3727.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5xeWs_pKmY5DFYlRisK18Sj1Yay-TCLH93Xj98wljlZ7Cpf4oa7V5iAQH4nhuHtjHahSNmaDOv1eQ-nTOt7pgiIQ8Bq9oujOiIzsMoyizA4ydKwABO8ouvMQ3-ibY8IQ401H83ucuvc/s400/DSCN3727.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411284605243618050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrkSOR-AAKFupAAiuJbpiHqxBzzHB7TxZZBIJdnMHQTupYTyGdnIz7_MqYpnGkdD1Nq99CIRK-OzlgiSisV9fVlzcPqiNR8Vdf2mVBfmB3XtzyyAkH43vATWOPKL5sM_vZJRmzSa7bx8/s1600-h/DSCN3713.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrkSOR-AAKFupAAiuJbpiHqxBzzHB7TxZZBIJdnMHQTupYTyGdnIz7_MqYpnGkdD1Nq99CIRK-OzlgiSisV9fVlzcPqiNR8Vdf2mVBfmB3XtzyyAkH43vATWOPKL5sM_vZJRmzSa7bx8/s400/DSCN3713.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411284594451088354" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family:Arial, serif;"></span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrkSOR-AAKFupAAiuJbpiHqxBzzHB7TxZZBIJdnMHQTupYTyGdnIz7_MqYpnGkdD1Nq99CIRK-OzlgiSisV9fVlzcPqiNR8Vdf2mVBfmB3XtzyyAkH43vATWOPKL5sM_vZJRmzSa7bx8/s1600-h/DSCN3713.JPG"></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrkSOR-AAKFupAAiuJbpiHqxBzzHB7TxZZBIJdnMHQTupYTyGdnIz7_MqYpnGkdD1Nq99CIRK-OzlgiSisV9fVlzcPqiNR8Vdf2mVBfmB3XtzyyAkH43vATWOPKL5sM_vZJRmzSa7bx8/s1600-h/DSCN3713.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;">Every chance we get, we explore our little part of the world and always manage to discover something new along the path…</a></div><div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, serif;">through grape vines…</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, serif;"><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">past shepherd huts…</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">past typical Cretan mailboxes…</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">meeting up with a local bee keeper (Giorgio)…</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">and a local farmer…</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">and sometimes ending up at the neighborhood corner taverna for a robust “Café Alinika” (Greek coffee). Footnote to the Greek coffee – we really tried hard to acquire a taste for this thick, muddy liquid but finally gave up and have resorted back to a good old fashioned espresso.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">After a full day of taking in the sights, we return to our little apartment in Stavros which serves as our temporary digs until we find a permanent home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s quite comfortable with beautiful views of the cliffs…</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">the pool and sea beyond…</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">and a flower bedecked “garage” for our island beater (the car!)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the kitchen, Richard prepares a great Greek salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, a big slab of feta cheese sprinkled with fresh oregano and topped off with some local extra virgin olive oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(The secret ingredient is “freshness”!)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">And when we stop for a moment to relax from all the sightseeing, we indulge ourselves by finding a quiet cove where we can just sit still, read, pray and thank God for blessing us with each other, for old friends and new, and for creating another beautiful spot in this world to enjoy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold"font-family:";"><i>“God’s word and our prayers make every item in creation holy.”</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold"font-family:";"><i>(1 Timothy 4:1 The Message)</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div></div></div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-79199336780882893132009-11-29T21:18:00.002+02:002010-02-11T08:45:37.290+02:00Akrotiri Peninsula<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">Crete is divided into four regions. We live in the northwest region called Hania named after it's major city. The Naval base (NSA Souda Bay) and our new home is on a helmet shaped penisula called the Akrotiri Penisula. We are presently living in a town called Stavros and it's big claim to fame is that Zorba the Greek (starring Anthony Quinn) was filmed here. I can see why they chose this location...beautiful secluded beach cove and stunning cliffs.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypeEKK-IHaDqSzAd1daAenTogVQePTP_5j2Fqam5DF6gmUtVxJEYLb2GkKy_B5l7Dc1DFwtjXb7OsmHGMpcMjDGo6OBydlOssYb3rfyGmqeS4NWAE6_hURiy6CqLDGeReOgAN0JZ2guE/s1600/DSCN3888.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypeEKK-IHaDqSzAd1daAenTogVQePTP_5j2Fqam5DF6gmUtVxJEYLb2GkKy_B5l7Dc1DFwtjXb7OsmHGMpcMjDGo6OBydlOssYb3rfyGmqeS4NWAE6_hURiy6CqLDGeReOgAN0JZ2guE/s400/DSCN3888.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409611799190512914" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">A long hike up to "the Zorba cave" revealed some really amazing views over the peninsula but the cave itself was merely an enormous cavern completely filled with goat droppings. I didn't stay long - just long enough to score some great photos.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZox1Gt4VNJNZKE5VAFK8oZ75qTIiMpFbVCd74Mdg-cQs16kG0TRYAeGCUQIVGN2BeBiXzjnAdw0V1itX0-Ots36zLnRkbO913qQmGyEMl4BDo2moFf5MR9eNLDZr8Xvu9KuDJj3kqyo/s1600/DSCN3887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZox1Gt4VNJNZKE5VAFK8oZ75qTIiMpFbVCd74Mdg-cQs16kG0TRYAeGCUQIVGN2BeBiXzjnAdw0V1itX0-Ots36zLnRkbO913qQmGyEMl4BDo2moFf5MR9eNLDZr8Xvu9KuDJj3kqyo/s400/DSCN3887.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409611794410732274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPqMw3ALqNXOKFTWj1Gawdnd9LuJMwpGl3kX3JTRmCf_eNRLJ5h4YIC6TBGYgYP-N3_okYyxlkskhWomteiVsIZn0qibQuPVrqdN7auA0s9fnOx6XDvcUekx2uOsk3f31X3mBIrKzi_M/s1600/DSCN3897.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPqMw3ALqNXOKFTWj1Gawdnd9LuJMwpGl3kX3JTRmCf_eNRLJ5h4YIC6TBGYgYP-N3_okYyxlkskhWomteiVsIZn0qibQuPVrqdN7auA0s9fnOx6XDvcUekx2uOsk3f31X3mBIrKzi_M/s400/DSCN3897.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409611790749524994" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">The day after we arrived on the island we couldn't wait to explore so we set off for a hike up in the hills starting at an old monastery called Agia Gouverneto. The rocky path started at the top of a hill and descended quickly down to the ruins of Kathaliko Monastery. Eventually the path winds down through a giant gorge and ends at the sea. This hike has continued to be our favorite to this day.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9KM4vsdLBU1vVvC12RvrJrOX7huCvuNIhf7fauKC0VDxAO3UkMwKm_wdYeQQc3AOshTtV5quP3Aw0ViqSq5tVf6VNPmcjcBIrS_F-hM2ZZWPhez3_Yc9wiycj7jzOfGNOIpFLJO_zSY/s1600/DSCN3685.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9KM4vsdLBU1vVvC12RvrJrOX7huCvuNIhf7fauKC0VDxAO3UkMwKm_wdYeQQc3AOshTtV5quP3Aw0ViqSq5tVf6VNPmcjcBIrS_F-hM2ZZWPhez3_Yc9wiycj7jzOfGNOIpFLJO_zSY/s400/DSCN3685.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409611000137857794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDJo5s5aLj77di4A20wos9KldnkVLPXSfzU2dQjwulKyFW7id9FtG88V4Vjl6ZuWMtHuGuPLn9svuU-a90JK4IIVEoEeMNo10rgJfkNkIJDRGli3sTZzuJ2lnWQ9M8DH3kFv-TMQqFz4/s1600/DSCN3689.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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font-size: medium; line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2420401472461850338.post-73743318688446230872009-11-28T22:41:00.001+02:002010-02-11T08:46:11.802+02:00Cretan blog up and running!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAZb0SGUe2fCZ7q4AFNZ71SVpraAbDh0Sm-3Vyacs5lkCEr3sSGX-8E5NAsJK5Y7yG1DXDLfQswD0r_XuLr_zAhTfxNsdUEyRhXtcReAszGfBS4Gajme6WlrkRSTHzmt4ijx6SVO9bv4/s1600/DSCN3677.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAZb0SGUe2fCZ7q4AFNZ71SVpraAbDh0Sm-3Vyacs5lkCEr3sSGX-8E5NAsJK5Y7yG1DXDLfQswD0r_XuLr_zAhTfxNsdUEyRhXtcReAszGfBS4Gajme6WlrkRSTHzmt4ijx6SVO9bv4/s400/DSCN3677.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409260229808567506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIzNQKaEnyX7rUJc2yjTnFT5usMW5zXm8XFnAZ_bbXPCYNGhh6qI8b5E6uC_hySMcsj8aprchOucNlw5oHzWasVLRbInb_dAQbDOv0KjwqjnQbJnkFCZ_rzpkpO9AIQNo_39ASRO3yiM/s1600/DSCN3827.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIzNQKaEnyX7rUJc2yjTnFT5usMW5zXm8XFnAZ_bbXPCYNGhh6qI8b5E6uC_hySMcsj8aprchOucNlw5oHzWasVLRbInb_dAQbDOv0KjwqjnQbJnkFCZ_rzpkpO9AIQNo_39ASRO3yiM/s400/DSCN3827.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409260219947604402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg941_uNAwZ_k6WcnT-W1O_JGCbiQMm9Kf6RAJvdZ9xEGU8qi2ZJrS1OaFWyFvmwvGBwtHXKsOvj8BYujRRT9GwPgcEEewH6R84eyZMfbErUViOEh401ayYZzddt5doMZI9hy_nWDNWyBg/s1600/DSCN3679.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg941_uNAwZ_k6WcnT-W1O_JGCbiQMm9Kf6RAJvdZ9xEGU8qi2ZJrS1OaFWyFvmwvGBwtHXKsOvj8BYujRRT9GwPgcEEewH6R84eyZMfbErUViOEh401ayYZzddt5doMZI9hy_nWDNWyBg/s400/DSCN3679.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409260212934536482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDBsBLfdERs0-03aBB6pNtg7AKvX3PCnm056a2u5E74_sWjNOOvFxFZvY22H9GTSxaEfu3f0Zwp8f4l7Vcdsw8Vuca_DskJWkJlvBjcEeA4KDb_rZeFydTvh4DC9sR481QAg7WY8Rc3w/s1600/DSCN4079.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDBsBLfdERs0-03aBB6pNtg7AKvX3PCnm056a2u5E74_sWjNOOvFxFZvY22H9GTSxaEfu3f0Zwp8f4l7Vcdsw8Vuca_DskJWkJlvBjcEeA4KDb_rZeFydTvh4DC9sR481QAg7WY8Rc3w/s400/DSCN4079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409260205549899906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE86frojfStjaDvT5F0ZH6HqY63ES9kzGompt2587hMYsNw_8vg79D3kav5fsuHzFE2RTewvTSvdTpVaZeNaRPYBoe4E6p99iljljF8w_708ES-FKY8AX3lFQ7A7khP9drayOAE5rcQ-4/s1600/DSCN3946.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE86frojfStjaDvT5F0ZH6HqY63ES9kzGompt2587hMYsNw_8vg79D3kav5fsuHzFE2RTewvTSvdTpVaZeNaRPYBoe4E6p99iljljF8w_708ES-FKY8AX3lFQ7A7khP9drayOAE5rcQ-4/s400/DSCN3946.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409260197707996642" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE86frojfStjaDvT5F0ZH6HqY63ES9kzGompt2587hMYsNw_8vg79D3kav5fsuHzFE2RTewvTSvdTpVaZeNaRPYBoe4E6p99iljljF8w_708ES-FKY8AX3lFQ7A7khP9drayOAE5rcQ-4/s1600/DSCN3946.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">Hello (Ya sas!) Melanie and Richard here in Hania, Crete. We are finally blogging and have so much catching up to do. We'll start with some photos and post a little more each week. Enjoy!</span></a><div><br /></div><div>A typical Greek "kafenio" where the Greek men (and an occasional woman) hang out in the afternoon and tell stories, argue politics and converse (loudly) over a bottle of raki.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a typical street in the Old Harbor section of the town of Hania. The merchants sell their wares such as olive oil, wine, leather goods, clothing, knives, artwork and lots of souvenir trinkets.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Cretan hills are harsh and forboding, accented by sheer cliffs and deep gorges. But the thousands of olive groves that dot the landscape in the shadows of the mountains are proof that the fertile soil produces abundant agricultural crops.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Aegean sea is the color of liquid jade. It's unbelievably clear and warm - perfect for a relaxing swim!</div>Melanie and Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16660452820350532307noreply@blogger.com5