Author: admin
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Rain, Wind and Spanish Hospitality in Basque Country
When it comes to Spain, I think we all have preconceived notions of the weather – hot, dry and dusty (think Clint Eastwod and the Spaghetti Westerns). Day three into my Camino these weather fantasies were shattered and the first trials of my pilgrimage began in earnest. Of course I had packed for foul weather…
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Camino de Santiago: Part One – Over the Pyrenees
Now I have entered the 2nd phase of my journey, leaving the glories of Greece and Crete behind and embarking on the ancient pilgrim path, the Camino de Santiago. I traveled all day Wednesday – Thursday (literally car, boat, plane, train and bus) from Crete, arriving St. Jean Pied de Port, France as the…
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Crete: One Final Diceroll – Diktynna
I woke up Tuesday morning with a choice. Safe choice: Drive 30 KMS from my hotel in Kissamos, to Chania, where i would check into my hotel, then check out the the archeological museum and learn about the rich history of Chania for my last day in Crete. Risky choice: drive 30kms north on…
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Cape Tripiti to Sougia Day Hike: Put this one on your Bucket List!
Well like many of you, I have taken a lot of great day hikes in my life, and eventually they all blur together in your recreation memory bank, collectively nourishing your need to be outdoors, walking the planet and communing with nature. Now with that said, certain hikes on certain days will have deeper…
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Byzantine Christian and Jewish Artwork in Greece and Crete + Lissos
In the spirit of the Easter and Passover holidays this week I bring you fantastic works of art I have stumbled upon in the course of my travels in Greece and Crete in the past week. I must admit that my knowledge of the Byzantine Empire is sketchy at best, but remnants of that period…
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Mardonius, Plataea and the Gargaphian Spring
After Nikos and I wrapped up our tour of Thermopylae, we turned around and headed back to Thebes, in search of the ancient battlefield of Plataea. Plataea was the site of the final, climatic showdown between the Greeks and Persians in 479 BC. Amazingly, this landmark of major historic significance in Ancient Greek…
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Leonidas, Thermopylae, and The Oracle of Delphi
On Friday I visited several famous battlefield locations of the Greece and Persian wars in 479-480 BC and today I journeyed to Delphi, the “navel of the world” in Classical Greece, where the Oracles of the Pythia served to forecast the destiny of those who sought her guidance. Say what you want about an…
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Of Gods and Men
The history of Classical Athens is a neverending story of human ambition, courage, deceit and subservience to the pantheon of Greek Gods who held the destiny of Attica in their hands. Over the past 2 days I have had the honor of meeting many of them. No that is not Patrick Swayze, but…
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Spring Equinox on the Acropolis
Today marked the first formal day of my historical wanderings, and I was up early to beat the crowds on the Acropolis. I entered the citadel at 8:30 am on the south side and followed the ancient Peripatos path to the entrance. Rounding the south side the Peripatos takes you past the Odeon of…
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Bon Voyage!
Well March 19th has finally arrived and that means my lifeshift has officially commenced. My pack weighs 27.5 lbs and inside I carry my life possessions which must carry me through for the next 60 days. First stop Athens, where I will spend 6 days exploring the historical majesty of Classical Greece, as well…