Athens

The day after visiting Epidaurus and Mycenae, we toured Athens. Although there has been an excessive amount of news coverage about the protests and unrest in Athens, I found it to be rather uneventful. Yes, the country is in a huge economic downturn and the people are upset with the government over the cuts caused by austerity measures, but at no time did I feel in danger or threatened. I know several people were nervous when I told them I was going to Athens, but rest assured, there was no reason to be so.

Us in front of Parliament with a dog who was searching for shade.

Greek Parliament Building

Protest Signs

More Protest Signs. Protesters had camped out
across from Parliament in a tent city.

After visiting the Parliament Building, we went to The Acropolis. The Acropolis was still as impressive as it was the first time I saw it 10+ years ago. Most of the remaining building were built 2,500 years ago in the 5th century BC.

A picture of the Acropolis taken from Mars Hill.

A picture of Mars Hill taken from the Acropolis.
It was here that the Apostle Paul preached to the Athenians,
calling them to repent from idolatrous ways and come unto Christ.
(Acts 17)

Walking up to the Propylaea, the Gateway to the Acropolis.

Entering through the Propylaea.

The Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess, Athena.

Amanda and Me sitting in front of the Parthenon.

The Erechtheum

Amanda and Me on the other side of the Erechtheum.

Me with the city of Athens and the Temple of Zeus in the background.

A closeup on the Temple of Zeus

Temple of Hephaestus

Theatre of Dionysus

Odeon of Herodes

Mycenae

After leaving Epidaurus, we headed over to ruins of Mycenae. The city of Mycenae is a mixture of facts and fractions of mythology. The wonderful thing about this city is that people don't really know where the facts end and the myths begin. As someone who loves mythology and is a bit fanciful, I loved this aspect and tend to believe that there's some truth to the mythology. So, here's what we do know . . .

• Fact - Mycenae was a city that dominated southern Greece in the second millennium BC (that's right, over 3,000 years ago).
• Fact - The time period from 1600 BC - 1100 BC is known as the Mycenaean Era after the city of Mycenae.
  
• Fact - The Mycenaeans traveled, traded, and conquered around the Mediterranean. (And even beyond - Mycenaean artifacts have been found as far away as Ireland).
• Fact - The Mycenaeans defeated the Minoans, ending the Minoan Era (Middle Minoan Era: 2200 BC - 1500 BC).
• Fact - In 1874, archeologist Heinrich Schliemann began excavating Mycenae, believing it to be the city that defeated Troy in Homer's Illiad.

And here's a little mythology mixed in . . .

• Myth (or is it?) - Mycenae was founded by Perseus (that's right, the slayer of Medusa). Several historians believe that Perseus was an actual historical figure who founded the city of Mycenae. Of course, he wasn't actually the son of Zeus and he didn't actually kill mythological creatures, like the Gorgon, Medusa, but some historians believe he was an actual person. The guide I talked to in Mycenae explained that the myths about Perseus were stories created by the Mycenaeans to glorify the founder of their city. She compared it to the story of George Washington cutting down the cherry tree.
  
• Myth (or is it?) - The people of Mycenae later chose Atreus as their new king. Atreus had two sons, Agamemnon and Menelaus. Agamemnon would go on to inherit Mycenae, while Menelaus would rule Sparta. After Menelaus's wife, Helen, left him for Paris, the Prince of Troy, Menelaus and Agamemnon waged a 10-year war on the city of Troy, known as the Trojan War. Several historians and archeologists, including Heinrich Schliemann, believe that the tale of the Trojan War, as described in Homer's Illiad, is more fact than fiction. In fact, during the excavation of Mycenae, Schliemann found a gold burial mask in one of the tombs and declared, "I have gazed upon the face of Agamemnon."
• Myth (or is it?) - The city of Mycenae is surrounded by the Cyclopean Wall and the entrance is known as the Lion Gate. The Cyclopean Wall derives it's name from the fact that it was believed that the wall was so big that it could only have been built by a group of one-eyed giants called cyclopes. (Okay, Okay, this one is probably all myth).
  

Standing in front of the Treasury of Atreus
(sometimes referred to as Agamemnon's Tomb)

Seriously, it's huge.

The Lion Gate

The Lion Gate and part of the Cyclopean Wall.

Ruins of Mycenae

Ruins of Mycenae

Ruins of Mycenae

Me at the top of Mycenae

Epidaurus

The day after visiting Olympia we went to Epidaurus. This was absolutely my favorite place I visited on the entire trip. The Ancient Greeks believed that Apollo's son, Asclepios, was born in Epidaurus. Asclepios was known as the God of Healing so the Ancient Greeks established Epidaurus as a sanctuary for the ill in the 6th Century BC. The rod of Asclepios (a snake-entwined staff) is still used as the symbol of medicine today.

In the 4th Century BC, the Ancient Greeks built a Greek Theatre in Epidaurus. The theatre held 15,000 people and had excellent acoustics. I climbed to the top of the theatre (all 55 rows) and was still able to hear the speaker who was speaking center stage. It was amazing!!

The Theatre

Us girls sitting front row:
Amanda, Chelsea, Tanya, & Me
Ali, Sandra, Steph, & Amy

Me listening to the speaker from the top row.
Can you believe I could hear her talking?!

Me from the top the row.

Olympia

After leaving Pompeii, we drove to Brindisi, hopped on an overnight ferry and headed for Greece. I was way excited for this part of the trip. I'd visited Greece before, but only seen Athens and Delphi. I was way excited to see other parts of the country. When we arrived we headed straight for Olympia. Olympia is the sight where the Ancient Olympic Games took place from 776 BC to 394 AD. It was also the place where the Statue of Zeus was housed. The Statue of Zeus is considered one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World (we ended up visiting the places where 3 of the 7 were located). Olympia is also important to the modern day Olympics. Every 2 years, the modern day Olympic Torch is lit in front of the remains of the Temple of Hera and then transported to the host city.

When we arrived in Olympia, it was pouring rain. Because of this, we didn't spend as much time as we probably would have if the weather had been nicer. I had really wanted to run in the Olympic Stadium, but it was so muddy. I kept sliding all over the place just trying to walk in the mud so there was no way I was going to try to run. I could just picture myself having to drive to our next destination, soaking wet and covered in mud. Anyways, here are a few pictures:

Temple of Hera (circa 590 BC)
This is where they light the Modern Olympic Torch.

The Philippeion

The Palaestra (circa 3rd century BC)
This is where they had the boxing and wrestling matches.

Me standing on some ruins in Olympia.
I'm not sure what building these ruins belong to.

Me pretending to run in The Stadium.
If you look closely, you can see my sliding marks in the mud.

Pompeii

After two days in Rome, we headed for Pompeii. The city of Pompeii was originally founded in the 8th century BC. It continued to grow and became a thriving port along the Bay of Naples until it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. During the eruption, Pompeii was covered in ash and remained a lost city until it was excavated in the 18th century AD. I had first visited Pompeii in 1998 and loved seeing this perfectly preserved city. This time around, I still loved it.

Mount Vesuvius

I look awful, but here's me in Pompeii.

Building Remains

More Remains and the Center Forum

Pompeii Bathhouse

Ceiling of the Bathhouse

Seriously, look at this street. 2000 years old!!

Paintings in the market place.

Rome

On June 13th, I flew to Rome with 7 of the coolest girls I know. We spent two days there before continuing on with the rest of our adventure. Although I'd been to Rome before and seen all the sights, it was good to see everything again. After landing, we headed straight for the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps.

Some Pretty Sweet Girls:
Me, Amy, Sandra, Ali, Tanya, Amanda, Steph, & Chelsea

Me at the Trevi Fountain

Taken from the top of the Spanish Steps

Me and Rome, taken from the top of the Spanish Steps

The next day we visited the Colosseum and The Roman Forum. It was super hot and a very long day, but the standing in the midst of the ancient Roman ruins was an overpowering experience.

Me in front of the Arch of Constantine

Me & Amanda waiting to get into the Colosseum.

The Colosseum

Inside the Colosseum

Arch of Septimius Severus located inside the Roman Forum

Me inside the Roman Forum

We also visited the Vatican. I love the Vatican. St. Peter's Basilica is so beautiful and the artwork in the museum is amazing. The first time I visited the Sistine Chapel, I was rushed in and out, but this time I found a seat along the wall, sat down and stayed for about 20 minutes. No pictures are allowed inside the chapel, but our tour guide told us that our cameras should be our eyes and heart. I loved this!! You truly have to capture these pieces of art with your heart. Because no pictures were allowed in the chapel, I don't have any, but I've included a picture of Michelangelo's Last Judgement from the internet. I know everyone always talks about Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, but I've always loved his Last Judgement more.

Michelangelo's Last Judgement,
completed 30 years after the ceiling.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica

So, I had been inside St. Peter's Basilica before, but this time I learned something new. I was following our tour guide and she was discussing the Altar of Transfiguration. As I was looking up at this amazing piece of art, she said something about it being a mosaic. It looks nothing like a mosaic. My jaw dropped in shock and I turned toward her to ask if I had heard correctly. She obviously noticed my disbelief because she pointed at me and stated, "Ah, Doubting Thomas. Go closer and look." So, I did. I walked right up to it and sure enough this image is made of tiny mosaic tiles. Very, very cool!! My picture does not do it justice, but there are some great images on flicker, just google Alter of Transfiguration and you'll find them.

Altar of Transfiguration

Me in front of St. Peter's Basilica

Mixed Feelings

Today as I got online to check out mlb.com (it's set as my homepage), I gasped as I read the top headline, "Posey Likely Out for the Rest of the Season." Nooooo!!! I thought. I quickly clicked on the link and read the article about Posey's fractured bone and torn ligaments. I had a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. I love watching him play and he's one of the main reasons I purchased All-Star tickets this year. I've already maxed out my All-Star votes voting for him (a move that has created some friction between me and my parents - They're both rooting for Miguel Montero). What awful news, I thought.

But then I began having mixed feelings. Yes, it's awful that my favorite player (Posey) is injured and most likely out for the rest of the season . . . But on the other hand, it could be very helpful to my favorite team (Diamondbacks). Right now the Diamondbacks are second in their division, just behind the Giants - In fact, their only 1.5 games behind. With Posey out of the picture, the Diamondbacks have a reasonable chance to lead the division - Seriously, lead it!! I know, I know, Posey's injury is awful and I feel awful about it - I really do. But, also a little giddy.

You Say Yee-Haw

Let me set the scene: My family has just finished Sunday dinner. Everyone at the dinner table is listening to my dad, Ronnie, recount a story. That is, everyone except my 3 year-old cousin, Mitch. Mitch is sitting on the floor right next to my dad talking to himself. He does this all the time - he'll have entire conversations with himself. Well today, my dad's story and Mitch's conversation with himself collided to create a hilarious moment.

My dad: So, I had left the game (Diamondbacks/Cubs game) and made it to the parking lot. I had just gotten in the car and pulled up to leave the parking lot. There were still a lot of people leaving the game so I had to wait. Among the crowd of people were three women in Cubs shirts. As these three women were walking in front of the car, one of them turned to face the car, opened her shirt and flashed me!!

All of us: What?! (Laughing)

My dad: Yeah, she flashed me.

Mitch [to himself and totally unrelated]: When that happens, you say yee-haw.

Spring Break

Spring Break was awesome. I spent the time in the 90 degree heat of Arizona. It was great fun to spend the time at the pool and at Chase Field. Unfortunately, I was enjoying myself too much to take many photos. Here's the only moment that was captured on film.

Me & Mary at the D-backs/Giants Game.

New Recipes

So, at the beginning of the year I wrote that I was going to start cooking more often. My first attempt didn't go over too well, but I didn't give up. After my attempt at not-so-good taco soup, I found a new taco soup recipe that was delicious. I also have found a pretty good corn chowder recipe. It's not a super strong corn chowder and requires quite a bit of salt and pepper to flavor, but it's might tasty on a cold day. Anyway, here are the two recipes:

Taco Soup

1 lb hamburger
1 onion, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (do NOT drain)
1 can corn (drained)
1 can kidney beans (drained)
1 cup water (approximately)
1 package dry taco seasoning
1 package dry ranch dressing

1. In a large pan, brown hamburger with the chopped onion.
   
2. While hamburger is browning, place remaining ingredients in large pot. Heat on medium heat.
3. When hamburger is cooked, drain and add to pot.
4. Simmer 5-10 minutes.

A-Maize-ing Corn Chowder

12 slices bacon (and bacon drippings)
1 onion, chopped
3 potatoes, peeled & cubbed
1 can chicken broth
1 pint (2 cups) whole milk
1 Tbs corn starch
2 cans cream-style corn (do NOT drain)
2 cans corn (drained)
salt & pepper (lots!!)

1. In large pan, fry bacon. Crumble and set aside.
2. In same large pan, saute chopped onion in the bacon drippings.
3. Add chicken broth and potatoes to onion mixture. Cover and simmer until tender (15-20 min).
4. In a separate pot, place cream-style corn and regular corn. Heat on low.
5. Add pan contents to pot and turn up heat to medium.
6. Set aside about 1/2 cup of milk. Add the rest to the pot.
7. Combine corn starch and 1/2 c. milk. Whisk, then whisk into pot.
8. Simmer all contents 5-10 minutes.
9. Top each bowl with a generous amount of crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper.
   

She's Definitely a George

Despite the lack of hair, Amelia is definitely a George. Although she was surrounded by an array of toys, she went straight for the Diet Coke bottle.

Spring Pedicures

With all us girls in town and most of us flying to Phoenix next week, we decided it was a good time for spring pedicures. Here are pictures of my mom, sister-in-laws, and me at the salon.

Mindy, Jackie, and Me

Megan & my mom

Top 10 Things in my Future

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm so done with work. All I can think of are the fun things I have planned in the near future. Here are the top 10 things I'm excited for, in no particular order:

1. Family - Kyle, Megan, and Amelia are coming into town this weekend. I haven't seen them for awhile so I'm pretty excited. We shall see how big Lil' Mil' has grown.
   
   
2. Arizona - I'm going to Arizona in 10 short days. My time in Arizona is split doing one of three things - laying out and reading by the pool, going to baseball games, and watching movies. Can you think of any better ways to spend your time? I know, I can't.
   
   
3. Baseball - I know it was already covered, but it needs to be mentioned all by itself. I have desperately missed Chase Field. It's one of my favorite places on Earth. I love the people, the hot dogs, and of course, the baseball. Ten more days until I'm once again wandering the stadium's corridors. I have tickets to two upcoming games - Diamondbacks vs. The Giants. I'm way excited. I love the Diamondbacks out of loyalty, but love The Giants out of awesomeness. I'm crossing my fingers, in hopes that Lincecum is up to pitch during one of the games and that Posey hits it into the pool.
   
   
4. Europe - Nine more weeks 'til I board a plane and set off for two wonderful weeks abroad. Destination - Italy and Greece. I love Italy and Greece. They are my favorite vacation destinations!! Last time I went I spent 10 days in Italy and 4 days in Greece. This time, I'm switching it and plan on spending 4 days in Italy and 10 days in Greece. No new sites are planned for Italy (St. Peters, Sistine Chapel, Coliseum, Pompeii), but I have lots of new sites planned for Greece (most excited for Rhodes and Santorini).
   
   
5. Sleeping In and Watching TV- I love not working. Most of the days during my summer are nicely planned and scheduled, but there are quite a few that are not. On those days I sleep in and spend the entire day in my pjs lounging on the couch. I'm looking for a good TV series to watch this summer. Last summer, I re-watched all six seasons of LOST. This year I'm thinking of re-watching The X-Files or maybe something new like, Greek. Any suggestions?
   
   
6. Ruth - My annual trip to see one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world!! Spending time with her uplifts my soul. I spend the entire week laughing and have a permanent smile on my face while I'm in her presence. Plus, she's in Hershey, PA and that entire town smells like chocolate. Sweet!! (Literally)
   
   
7. Home Improvement Projects - I've been in my house for over 5 years. During that time, I've accumulated a lot of junk. This summer I want to de-junk my house, organizing my storage room, garage, office, and craft closet. Lots of work, but since I love to organize, this is going to be fun!!
   
   
8. Baseball, again. I know, I know, I already mentioned it, but my dad and I are going to this year's MLB All-Star Game!! First of all, I love that I'm going with my dad. He's the best dad and the best person to attend baseball games with. Not only does he buy me bottled water, pretzels, and sunflower seeds, but he and I get pretty worked up when we're together. Second, it's the All-Star game!! And honestly, it's not just the game, it's really an entire week of events - Fan Fest, Legends Game, Homeroom Derby. It's going to be awesome. Tickets were a little steep, but I figure it's a once in lifetime opportunity.
   
   
9. Book Club - So, I'm loving being in a book club. This month I choose the book - The Know-It-All: One man's humble quest to become the smartest man in the world by A.J. Jacobs. I'm way excited to read it and plan on doing so pool side in AZ. Last summer I lounged by the pool and read Jacobs' other book, The Year of Living Biblically: One man's humble quest to follow the Bible as literally as possible. Book club will be at my house at the end of the month. Stay tuned to see how it turns out.
   
   
10. Road Trip - Lesli, Alina, Christi, and I have a tentative road trip planned this summer. We still have to work out the details, but right now we plan on driving to Northern California to see the Redwoods, then up through the Oregon Coast to Vancouver, WA. While road tripping, we plan on doing a lot of hiking and general outdoorsy things.

Spring Fever

Spring Fever is here. How do I know? I don't want to be at school and when I am, I'm having the hardest time focusing on work. I have a few things I could be doing at work, but because they don't have to be done right away, I've been procrastinating. Instead of actually doing work before/after school and during my conference period, I've been watching episodes of The Daily Show on hulu. Is that so wrong?