In Athens, you say "good morning" not "squid !"

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A good tour guide will instruct you on the correct pronunciation of the language. So here we are, in Athens, practicing "Kalimera!", meaning "good morning" in Greek. It is not pronounced "Calamari!" You always want to try to fit in when in another country, but saying "Squid!" first thing in the morning may give you away.

One trip to Greece is not enough to see what this country has to offer. We thought of taking a beach vacation, but decided to see the ancient sites, and are still in awe of what we were able to see in such a short time!
Keith has been reading the myths of the greek gods to try to put the temples and sights into perspective, but it is such a soap opera of relationships!
We are going to be traveling around visiting the ancient archeological ruins, so this is the first of several entries I'll write. The plan is to leave the city of Athens and travel in the mountains up to Delphi, and then cross over to the Pelopennese Mountain villages. See Olympia, a few coastal towns, and finally over to the island of Hydra.


Some of our favorite moments - Sitting in view of the Acropolis and realizing the impact of this ancient society on our modern world. Democracy, western philosophy, literature, political science, needless to say - this is an inspirational place! To see the Parthenon, such a recognizable sight, for the first time, is a moment that we hope will stay with us long after we have returned from living abroad.

-The dogs and cats that roam. There are said to be thousands of "strays". Before the Olympics in 2004, the city supposedly rounded all dogs up to be vaccinated and neutered. Then returned them to their old neighborhoods after the games were over. The ones we saw near our hotel and near the Acropolis were very content and well fed. A lot of fat dogs! They wear collars, and are usually found napping near water and food bowls.


-And the "evil eye"! There is the ancient superstition throughout the Mediterranean that we all have the negative power with in us. Therefore, staring at someone, like a baby, or something as in a new car, is a channel for the "evil", or envy. Blue is the protective color, so many people will wear an amulet or charm, to avoid the ill effects of the evil. Those with blue eyes are said to be immune, and may indeed cast the "spell".

Keith has blue eyes and therefore, cannot be jinxed. Although a strange uncharacteristic situation did occur. He is usually reserved, and doesn't bring alot of attention to himself. But there was a moment during this trip where he really got caught up in the Greek way of enjoying life. I usually have a camera with me, but darned if I didn't for this shot. Fortunately, our travel-mates have shared this priceless image with us, in order for me to have proof. One night at supper, Keith and a few others, volunteered to participate in Greek dancing! "Push-ups with alcohol" as one of our friends put it! To any of you who know my husband, this was one of those moments to remember! Greek, or otherwise! Thanks to Staci, Randy and David for "volunteering" with him! Opa!!

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Photos

full moon in September
this was taken from the Areopagus, the rocky hill next to the Acropolis. Paul preached from here during the Roman era

Parthenon
Athena's Temple

Erechtheion
and its beautiful porch

meditation on the hill of Areopagus
overlooking the city

reflection
the Parthenon reflected in the glass wall of the new museum

what a view
look closely in the distance to see the Parthenon

looks like an alien
maybe lamb

Plaka
pedestrian tourist friendly, shops and restaurants

neighborhood dog
not really strays, as they may have been born on the streets, and live their lives there. These Plaka dogs don't have cars to deal with. All the dogs we saw here were very well fed

Comments

[katie carter]

What is my Dad doing?!?!?!?!?! You guys are having too much fun

[5 Swedish Meatballs]

I can't wait!
Our only trip without the kids will be to Greece - and your photos (which are spectacular - LOVE the full moon!) have re-ignited my interest in going. I was in a mindset of just wanting to go home (2 months of sabbatical left), so thanks for curbing that... I also hope we have a moment where Jeff is on the floor with the locals! Maria