Updates and Adventures

It's been a while since I last posted. Yes, the original goal was to post monthly...so I'll be working back towards that goal (always smart and good to have a goal, right?). I'll be using this particular blog post to update you on the last 2 months or so and what has been going on....in pictures! I have been getting adjusted to living overseas for the first time and have been getting used to my new job here in Athens. I love my job and I have met some truly awesome people. There are some challenges, but they are completely surmountable and I'm working on knocking those challenges down :) I know I am incredibly lucky to have such an amazing family and very good friends who provide me with support and love...and for that I am truly blessed :)

FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Took a short weekend trip to Frankfurt in late September...a wonderful, clean and wholly German city. Even was able to experience a German Sauna and a huge flea market by the river...pretty incredible. Loved my time there tremendously.

One of the most awesome sights I have seen in a while...a "wheel of German meat and bread"...roasting and being prepared for sale...the wursts and bread were most delectable with mustard and onions :) Drank some good German beer, ate some wonderful schnitzel with frites and gravy, and just enjoyed the relaxation and time there.

Visited the Frankfurt Botanical Gardens and fell in LOVE with Dahlias...in LOVE....

 

BRUGGES, BELGIUM

Took a long weekend trip to Brugges (pronounced Brooj...which I found out I had been pronouncing wrong for years...ooops...ha) with my awesome friend and travel companion...adventures were had...some not fit for print... :) Even tried mussels (but not in Brussels)...coined the trip Chocolate, Frites and Fun...

This Rhino was made of chocolate! And of course he was surrounded by little bits of chocolate heaven as well. Ah Brugges....

Before taking a Brugges river cruise, we found the most incredible hot chocolate boutique...it was literally liquid, hot, chocolate that you mixed with warm milk...and then topped with whipped cream. HEAVEN. I was in a frite/chocolate coma by the time we caught the train back to Brussels that night... :) 

DELPHI, GREECE

While hosting a good friend from Cairo in October, we visited the ancient site of Delphi...it was a gorgeous, clear, sunny day...and the site was incredible.

From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delphi

The Athena Sanctuary at Delphi...surrounded by mountains...truly inspiring and beautiful.

HOME

Sunset view from the roof of my apartment. I love my home. I go up to the roof when I get home some nights just to see the city from afar and remember the beauty of this city...and to refocus as to how truly blessed I am to be here and doing what I am doing. It is easy to get bogged down some days and forget how lucky I am. 

ATHENS MARATHON

Observed the Athens Marathon in November...it ran the original route from Marathanos and finished in the original Olympic Stadium downtown Athens. Supporters were out on the roads helping the runners at different points along the route - yelling "Bravo", clapping, cheering, and holding up signs such as this one and others to keep runners going. Such an inspiring thing to see!! Brought back very fond memories :)

Always wonderful to see people smiling and helping each other so close to the end of the marathon!

And then you have these incredible people who just do something above and beyond for a cause or just for some reason we don't know about. Full Parliamentary Guard dress (with the shoes and all) carrying the Greek Flag the whole 26.2 miles. Amazing.

Barefoot. Full Spartan Dress. Running. Not 30 years old. Wow.

And this girl! :) My amazing friend who completed her first marathon (the Athens Marathon at that!) posing in front of the Running Man statue close to the US Embassy in Athens. I am so very proud of her accomplishment!

CORINTH CANAL, GREECE

Photo of me overlooking the Corinth Canal in November. From Wikipedia: The Corinth Canal (Greek: Διώρυγα της Κορίνθου, Dhioryga tis Korinthou) is a canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnesian peninsula from the Greek mainland, thus effectively making the former an island. The builders dug the canal through the Isthmus at sea level; no locks are employed. It is 6.4 kilometres (4.0 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships. It now has little economic importance.

KALAVRYTA, GREECE

View from the cog rail train ride up to the town of Kalavryta, Greece. Mountains, rain, snow (on the higher mountains) and a little ski village. During the months of January through March, this area becomes the ski area for the Greeks (and others from other places). Kalavryta was also the site of a horrible genocide of the Greek people by the Nazis in 1943 - a memorial to the event lies to the north of the city at the base of the mountains.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_Kalavryta

 

CAVE OF THE LAKES, GREECE

View of the inside of the Cave of the Lakes not far from Kalavryta, Greece...underwater lakes created by runoff and limestone...incredible formations and beauty.

 

HOME

And last but not least, my Christmas tree is up and proudly lit. Had a wonderful evening of fun decorating it with friends while watching A Christmas Story...yes, life is indeed good and I am wholly blessed and fortunate for everything I have in my life.

 



Until next time...from an overcast and cool Athens... Becky :)

Song in my head right now: "Safe and Sound", Capital Cities
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47dtFZ8CFo8