Month: September 2019
Family in Epidavros, Greece
Danny’s dad is a dark curly haired handsome Greek with beautiful brown eyes, gorgeous olive skin and dashing smile. It’s where we get the last name Govatos from, and we are very proud of it. We made contact with our family that lives in Epidavros, which is located in the eastern part of Argoils Peninsula. Our drive over from Athens was absolutely gorgeous.
Olive, almond and fig trees dot the landscape everywhere, mixed with pine, pomegranate and jacaranda, and the Aegean Sea is an inviting blue the color of peace. We passed several fish farms, where sea bass and sea bream, are farmed.
We passed by Old Epidavros, which was a scene that will never leave my mind – sailboats in the bay and a quiet town nestled in the olive trees.
Kathy and Richard are some of the biggest hearted, generous, beautiful people I know, and we had so much fun spending time with them.
They live in a beautiful home with a breathtaking view of citrus orchids, olive trees, the quaint town of New Epidavros down in the valley, with the Aegean Sea and Greek Isles as a backdrop.
When we awoke from an amazing nights sleep in a beautiful suite in their home, we were greeted by Kathy with home made coffee cake, greek yoghurt with honey and delicious juices. Richard took us out to the back yard to pick fresh purple figs, which were standing healthy and tall amidst olive trees and grape vines. Heaven on earth! The figs were sweeter than any I’ve tasted!
We drove to the Epidaurus Ancient Theater, where in the 4th Century, 34 rows were built to seat admirers of dramatic performances.
In Roman times, another 21 rows were added, making it possible for 14000 people to be seated.
As we walked the rows and sat on the seats, Danny and I imagined the people, their clothing, voices and performances – all there right where we sat. What incredible history!
Large rectangular arches mark the entrance and exits, and in the center of the arena, a gentleman stood and sang opera just to see and feel what it would have been like all those years ago. It sounded beautiful and was easy to see why this theater was admired so much for its acoustics. The view and breeze up high was wonderful.
We sat and quietly chatted, trying to absorb it all, then continued in to the museum close by.
Several statues and sculptures lined the walls, including remnants of columns and artifacts.
Our next stop was Napflia, which according to mythology, is a beautiful little town founded by Napflios, the son of Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus Anymone.
Not far off shore is Bourtzi, a picturesque Venetian fortress that was at one point connected to the main palace by a huge metal chain, which secured the fort against enemy ships.
The view of Napflia can be seen from high roads that reach beautiful towers,
and looking over into the bay on the backside of the peninsula, more beautiful shoreline continues on for miles.
The town of Napflia is gorgeous, with old buildings overflowing with character and the smell of delicious foods in the air. Together we enjoyed a meal from heaven, overlooking the inviting clear waters.
There’s never enough time to spend with family, and it was difficult to say ‘see you later’ to Kathy and Richard. But, we’ll be back for sure, and when we return, we know that view will still be there, and more importantly, those wonderful warm hugs.
The Acropolis
The Acropolis eclipses all else, demanding complete attention as it monopolizes the hill of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
A winding rock path of well worn slippery marble meanders up a hill through olive trees and dry dirt, and a sense of reverence and awe hangs heavily in the air.
The first structure we encountered was the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Philosopher, Tiberius Claudius Atticus Herodes built it as a memorial for his wife in 160 AD. The 3 stories of arches, windows and columns are incredibly beautiful, with Athens as a spectacular backdrop, and the theater can seat about 5000 people.
Farther up the winding path, are stairs and more stairs that lead to several impressive ancient structures including the Parthenon.
The Parthenon is massive (101ft wide and 228ft long), and was designed in an incredibly genius way: Tilting each column 6 cm inward, which causes it to look even more grand than it already is!
While walking the grounds, it was interesting to imagine what it would have been like in 438 BC when it was built. The back breaking, finger smashing, sweat pouring grunts and groans that went into day after day for nine years.
The Erectheion, Temple of Athena Nike, The Propylaea and several other structures are also at the Acropolis.
Acropolis means ‘summit of the city’, and due to it’s setting up on the highest hill, it was considered the perfect location for safety.
It was believed that Poseidon struck the rock of the Acropolis with his trident, and water appeared, streaming out to provide water for the people in the city, and that a horse leaped out from the point where the trident struck. Athena then responded by striking a nearby rock with her spear, and an olive tree sprouted from the ground. The olive would later become a source of wealth for Attica.
It was judged that Athena, who is the Goddess of wisdom and courage, won the contest between the two, and she became the protector of the city.
The cities name was changed from Kekropia to Athina to honor her.
Incredible work continues to be done to preserve these amazing monuments as three main focuses are constantly monitors and worked on: Mechanical damage, caused by earthquakes, explosions, fires, and freezing; Chemical damage, a result of acid rain and air pollution which has eroded the marble; and Biological damage, caused by plant roots, molds, and bird dropping etc.
It makes me happy to know that each day as we are busy with our lives – running errands, working on projects, meeting with loved ones, the Acropolis is still there – being restored, cherished and admired, and we can always come bak and once again feel the beautiful energy.
Temple of Poseidon
Greece is incredibly striking due to the contrast between desert and the beautiful clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Our friends, Alex and Jen, were kind enough to let us stay with them in Athens, and during that time, one of the places we explored was the Temple of Poseidon. On our way there we drove along the coastline and came to a gorgeous beach. The water was calm and cool and a perfect breeze dried the perspiration on our faces. We watched as elderly people made their way into the water on a lift that gently slid them into the turquoise Aegean Sea.
We knew we wanted to swim at some point but decided that it’d be best to wait till after walking around the Temple of Poseidon, but I did want to stroll the shore just for a second first. Perfect smooth pebbles in a variety of colors, littered the shore, and the water felt so wonderful on my legs. I wandered past where people were swimming and once secluded, stripped down to my underwear and plunged in. I simply couldn’t resist! Danny commented that he knew all along that I wouldn’t be able to as he smiled at the wet patches seeping through my clothes.
Many ruins still stand tall across the country side, keeping the rich feeling of history, sacrifice and hard work, in the forefront.
The Temple of Poseidon is on a hill overlooking the Cape of Sounion, and was considered a sacred area dating back to the Bronze Age, but the structure was built between 444 and 440 BC.
The large marble columns are about 20 ft tall and 3 ft in diameter, and the entire structure is approximately 90ft X 40ft. It is difficult to imagine the amount of work that went into cutting away and forming each of the huge blocks that are stacked as foundation as well as walls around the grounds, and the detailed carving on each column.
The view from the temple is exquisite. The deep blue of the Aegean Sea surrounds two thirds of hill, and the town of Sounion lays peacefully at its base.
After hiking around and admiring the temple, Danny and I walked down to a little restaurant below, and enjoyed a simple yet incredible meal of freshly baked bread, mounds of tzatziki and bowls of blood red tomato, thinly sliced green bell pepper and purple onion, kalamata olives and a fat slab of fresh feta.
The view from our comfortable seats in the shade were of the Temple of Poseidon, and I could just imagine the Greek God and his brother Zeus, wrestling in the surf , breaking boulders and shifting dirt, creating the beautiful alcoves we admired as we drove in.
Luzern, Switzerland
The craziest thing happened! Without knowing, my wonderful friend Elayne, traveled to Zurich within just a few hours of Danny and I. She didn’t know – we didn’t know, and we hadn’t seen each other in five years.
So, we found each other, finally met her wonderful sweetheart, Eric, and spent the day exploring Luzern (AKA Lucerne), which is a 45 minute drive from Zurich.
Luzern is the most populous town in central Switzerland, and is so picturesque on the Reuss River. One of it’s famous landmarks is Chapel Bridge, which was built in the 14th century.
Part of the bridge, is an octagonal 113ft tall Wasserturm, which translates to water tower. The tower existed about 30 years before the bridge did, and has been used as a prison, torture chamber, and municipal archive as well as a local treasury.
The beautiful bridge Kapellbrucke, is a footbridge that spans the Reuss River, overflowing with red geraniums, and was named the Chapel Bridge because St Peter’s Chapel is on the river close to it.
In the distance behind Luzern Jesuit Church, is Mount Pilatus which is part of the Swiss Alps.
Construction of the baroque Jesuit Church began in 1667, and was consecrated in 1677, though some parts of the interior were not completed yet. Upon entering the front doors we became speechless, as our minds and vision were whisk away by angelic choirs and intricate art.
Rich milk chocolate wood pews neatly lined the floor and various shades of peach paint rose up from floor to ceiling in breathtaking detail, accented with gold.
Every inch of every detail molded, filed and painted to perfection, and brilliant chandeliers illuminate each masterpiece as if each were the only treasure.
Our eyes were drawn heavenward and found above us a ceiling covered in perfectly framed murals – each containing detail and color of scenes like the Glory of Saint Francis Xavier, who was a patron of Luzern’s Jesuit Church.
Marble side altars – each a perfect work of art, are displayed within each of the arches on either side of the main chapel.
The streets and alleys of Luzern are also works of art. Lush ivy and cobblestone streets frame each scene.
Incredible rich paintings decorate the exterior walls of already amazing architecture – an overwhelming buffet of color and texture creating a mood of reverence even in the streets.
Many of these beautiful buildings have quaint restaurants beneath them, serving nothing but deliciousness like fondu, baguettes, hundreds of cheeses, Raclette and Älplermagronen, accompanied by fines wines and freshly brewed beers.
Clock towers, hotels that look like castles and ancient steeples add to the romance,
each with their own perfect door and threshold.
Our day in Luzern is one that will be fondly remembered and spoken about years from now…and one day, we will bring our grandchildren and walk the same cobbled streets and they will feel the beauty and be left standing in awe, too.
Switzerland countryside
Remember the scene in Mary Poppins where she jumps into a painting and is instantly immerse in a magical scene…well, the countryside in Switzerland, actually everywhere in Switzerland, feels that way. Everywhere you look is beautiful. Greens are greener, the sky has more character, flowers are fuller, and crops growing are large and healthy. It’s jaw dropping. Overwhelming. Breathtaking.
Danny and I went for a drive just a few miles out of picturesque Zurich, and found ourselves in a the countryside. Most of the fields were so lush it just seemed unreal! Old farm houses were like those from picture books with splashes of color in every scene.
Beautiful homes with bulging window boxes filled with geranium, sweet potato vines and aster, complete each glance in a thousand directions, so magically.
Tiny villages dot the landscape, each with their own history of families living and working together to create their bliss.
Churches with beautiful steeples stand proud and tall, holding within them memories of beautiful brides, grand sermons and weeping mothers.
Even a lonesome weathered cross seemed perfectly placed…the spot where a loved one lays overlooking the endless beauty.
Though three quarters of cultivated areas are flowing with thick meadows and pasture, sugar beets, wheat, apples, grapes, carrots and potatoes are the main crops of Switzerland. Like patchwork quilts, we looked over fields of varying color and texture of leafy greens and onions.
Just around the bend we were met by a thick grove of hornbeam trees, forming an irresistible tunnel leading to a perfect light.
The feeling of peace in the woods was overwhelming, and just when we emerged on the other side feeling like our surroundings couldn’t be any more peaceful or beautiful, a farm immersed in flowers lay before us.
Endless rows of gladiolus reached heavenward like a rainbow of angels, and sunflowers gathered in a congregation of yellow heads humbly watching their sermon from the sun.
Switzerland is a spiritual experience. Its the whole meal including appetizers, drinks and a delicious dessert. I love this place. Where else, does a bicycle leaning up against a home complete an already perfect picture?
Zurich, Switzerland
Not even 48 hours before leaving for Switzerland, did I know I was going. Danny received a last minute email requesting he fly the BBJ to Switzerland for maintenance, so he booked me a ticket to meet him, and the two of us are celebrating our birthdays a month early by exploring this beautiful country, and then flying on to Greece to explore it too.
Zurich is so picturesque! Every street we wander down, is overflowing with beautiful architecture,
perfectly placed window boxes and cascading vines,
Incredible exterior paint jobs…
and perfect attention to detail around every corner.
I have fallen in love with Switzerland. I love the vibe, the history and the people, and everything makes sense and is peaceful and relaxed.
Zurich is a global center for banking and finance and is sprawled out along the Limmat River.
It was settled over 2000 years ago by the Romans, who named it Turicum, but some settlements in the are date back over 6400 years.
German is the official language of Switzerland but the main language spoken is a variant of an Alemannic Swiss German dialect.
We walked the streets admiring quaint alley ways,
Bookstores that looked like they had been in business for centuries,
and enjoyed brat with delicious fresh bread and mustard. For dinner we feasted on fondu.
I feel so at home here as I walk through places where just maybe, some of my ancestors walked before crossing the ocean to Africa in 1652.
I told Danny I just want to stay. Live in the country and have a cow for fresh milk. Make my own cheese and butter, sew quilts, bake breads and grow vegetables, and go on a photo expedition every day!
It’s comforting to know that no matter how crazy things get in the world, there are still calm, peaceful places like this existence…
Adventures of a Tribe 