Lecture Series: Parthenon Sculptures (aka Elgin Marbles)

Join archaeologist/art historian Rolf Winkes for an interesting lecture on the issue of the Parthenon Sculptures.
Venue: Camden Opera House, Camden, Maine 

Date and Time: March 27 at 5:30 pm.

Presented by Eurynome Journeys and WanderWoman® Tours

This lecture is part of a series of events about the issue of the Parthenon Sculptures including Costal Senior College classes, other lectures, an educational tour to Greece in Spring 2019 and a public event in Midcoast with guests from Greece, which is planned for 2020.

Details:

Should the British Museum return the sculptures that Lord Elgin removed from the Parthenon, as requested by Greece? The Parthenon, its unique place in Greek art and architecture, its history, and the answer to this question will be the subject of the lecture and discussion.

The most precious possession of the British Museum is the Parthenon marble sculptures, which were removed from the temple by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. In his poem “the Curse of Minerva,” Lord Byron attacks Elgin, a contemporary, for this act. For decades Greece has campaigned unsuccessfully to have the sculptures returned to Athens. In the context of the Brexit this has become the subject of renewed public discussion in Britain, Greece and the world. In this lecture the unique role of the Parthenon in Greek art and architecture, the removal of its sculptures by Elgin and the spirit of his time, and finally the question of the return the so-called Elgin marbles will be discussed.

Rolf Winkes has taught and published on a diverse number of subjects ranging from the early Greek period until the rise of Christianity, and the influence of the ancient world on later periods. He spent 12 seasons excavating in Corfu, Greece and later worked at the site of Tongobriga in Portugal. Rolf is now Professor Emeritus of Classical Archaeology, the History of Art and Architecture, and Old World Archaeology and Art at Brown University. He and his wife Mary, a painter, live in Damariscotta, Maine.

Event will take place in the Opera House Tucker Room just off the main lobby. Event is Free and open to the Public. Greek wine and appetizers will be served.

Free Talk: Art and Religion of the Minoans with Art Historian Roger Dell

NEW DATE & VENUE
Roger Dell has offered to repeat the Talk on the Art and Religion of the Minoans.  The last talk at the Camden Opera House was a full house.  If you were unable to attend the first time, join Roger Dell at the Belfast Free Library, in Belfast Maine, 6:30-8:00 pm on February 7, 2017 .
The talk will provide an introduction to the aesthetic achievements and ritual practices of the Minoans, a prosperous, seafaring, matriarchal, culture that thrived 3500 years ago on the Greek Islands of Crete and Santorini.   Many scholars believe this highly-advanced society, which suddenly disappeared, to be the source of Plato’s Atlantis Myth.
Roger Dell in an art historian, museum educator and former Harvard lecturer residing in Rockland, Maine. For the past several years Roger was the Director of Education at the Farnsworth Museum, from where he retired in 2016.
Many years ago when visitng Santorini for the first time, Roger and his wife Nancy fell in love with the island. They decided to return and lived in Santorini for a year during which time Roger did research on Bronze Age Aegean civilization for a book he was writing.
During the talk on February 7^th, Roger will share his insights about the ancient Minoans and some of his experiences living in Greece.
In May 2017, Roger is leading a tour, organized by Eurynome Journeys, to Santorini and Crete, “In Search of Ancient Atlantis Among the Greek Isles.”
Address:
Belfast Free Library
106 High Street, Belfast, Maine 04915
Telephone: (207) 338-3884
Co-sponsored by Eurynome Journeys and the Belfast Free Library

What's up with Greece & what does it mean to travelers?

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Geia sou (Hello in Greek)!

As you have probably seen in the news, Sunday the Greeks voted NOT to accept the conditions of the bailout by the euro-zone.  This does not necessarily mean that Greece will leave the euro-zone or change their currency.   Even if Greece does exit the euro-zone, I think the worst case scenario for travelers this fall would be the need to bring cash, since euros, US dollars and British pounds would be in high demand if Greece went back to the drachma (the Greek currency before the euro).  Right now there is a restriction of €60 per day Greeks can withdraw from ATMs, but NO limits have been imposed on foreign debit card transactions. So travelers have full access to withdraw cash from ATMs.  However in central Athens expect long lines to withdraw cash.  According to Reuters banks in Greece will remain closed until Thursday.

Throughout the six years of Greece’s economic crisis, I have led more than a dozen trips and have found the islands to be relatively unaffected…life on the islands is a zone of its own.  Most grow their own food and many have an economy based on tourism.  Some of the more remote islands may be more difficult to get to and from, should ferry services be reduced.  So if you are on a schedule you may want to keep to the islands with frequent daily ferry service and an airport with a few flights per day.

I always recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip delay and emergency medical evacuation when traveling, especially if traveling to the smaller Greek islands, which do not have hospitals.  Check with your travel insurance provider what is covered and not covered before purchasing.

By fall things are anticipated to be normalized no matter the decisions and outcomes.  We all know the media tends to blow things out of portion, therefore I always find it best to check with my Greek colleagues and friends to hear their firsthand accounts.  So we are a GO for all WanderWoman trips.  I will keep you posted as I learn more.  And of course, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about our upcoming trips.

Here are links to recent articles about the situation in Greece and the referendum: 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/29/opinion/paul-krugman-greece-over-the-brink.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0 

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33399718?SThisFB&fb_ref=Default

LIVE, LAUGH & TRAVEL!

Erja Lipponen, Owner/Founder
Eurynome Journeys LLC
WanderWoman® Tours & Retreats
go at wanderwomantours.com
WANDERWOMAN.COM

Traditional Greek Recipes from the island of Lesvos

Last October on our Greek Muse Tour we spent a lovely afternoon with Helen, at her outdoor kitchen in the harbor town of Molyvos.  During this fun hands-on cooking class, Helen shared with us the secrets of traditional Greek cooking.  After all was prepared, we feasted on an amazing meal complete with local wine!
Below are recipes for some of the dishes we learned to make. καλή όρεξη (good appetite in Greek)!
We'll be going back to visit Helen this fall, so if you'd like to learn Greek cooking hands-on, please join us!

Lamb of Lesvos

2 legs of lamb  [in our case they weren’t fresh; 20 days after the kill to ensure that they were soft]. 

Marinade for 24 hours in red wine (reserve marinade).

Place ingredients in a pressure cooker:

Lamb and onions

1/2 cup olive oil

1 onion chopped and sautée

Next add 1 cinnamon stick

Once onion is translucent add leg of Lamb

Add 1 onion studded with about 20 whole cloves

About 1 tsp. of cumin, paprika & chilli powder

2 bay leaves

Add marinate

500 gr tomato sauce

1 tbsp. tomato paste

3 tbsp. fig syrup (or sugar)

Add enough boiling water to cover

Add 1 cup washed rice

Stuffed Peppers

Cook on stovetop in a pressure cooker for 45 minutes or with normal boiling cook 2 hours.

Peppers stuffed with Feta cheese

Small sweet red and yellow peppers

Cut off the tops (keep for later) 

and remove seeds

Stuffing:
Feta mashed with a fork mixing in

One tsp of oregano, thyme sage, and mint

Finally chopped tomato

Finally chopped onion

¼ cup olive oil

Stuff peppers, place in a glass baking dish, and bake ¾ hour at 350-374 F

 

Stuffed Eggplant Lesbian Style

Cut off the tops and bottoms

Peel down 2 sides

3 or 4  cuts down each unpeeled sides so as to create squares at the top of long pieces but make sure to leave the last couple of centimeters of the narrowest end in tact/uncut.

Filling Eggplant with stuffing mixture

[Looking at from the bottom]

Stuffing:

Finely chopped red onions

Finely chopped tomato

Finely chopped zucchini

Parsley, garlic, cinnamon, paprika, cumin, mint

Add stuffing into the cuts and bake covered with water until cooked

Add olive oil towards the end

Stuffed onions- “savanya”

Peel and cut ½ way thru lengthwise

Boil until tender

Onion layers stuffed and ready to cook

Cool while preparing stuffing,

½ beef and  ½ pork 300 gr

Add mint, cumin, salt, and parsley

1/4 cup Raki - you may need to go the Greece for this one!

¼ cup uncooked rice

Once cooled remove hearts and chop up into the stuffing mixture

Before rolling meat into the onion layers, remove film from in between the  layers

With cut at bottom, place in saucepan

Add 1 cup of beef stock

Olive oil

Make sure they’re covered with liquid; add plate to keep them down; add saucepan lid

Boil for ½ hour

Reminder: January 15 is Greek Dinner Around the World Day!  

So, try one or two of these delicious dishes.  I recommend the Savanya (or stuffed onions) . And for a tasty Greek wine try Domaine Gerovassiliou 2012 White Wine from Epanomi, Greece.  καλή όρεξη!

 

Art, Archaeology & Greek Culture!

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Archaeology & ancient history enthusiasts and Hellenophiles! 

Join Eurynome Journeys on a rare opportunity to explore the Art, Archaeology & Culture of Greece

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with an archaeologist and art historian as your traveling companion. 

OCT 16-24 or with post-tour extension OCT 28, 2013

Fully escorted small group tour - only 15-22 participants (women & men)

Please reserve your space early to avoid disappointment.

Email or call 207.236.0110 for tour details and information packet

Rolf Winkes, Professor Emeritus at Brown University, will share his knowledge and passion for the ancient world, as you tour with him not only the iconic "must see" sites, but also lesser-known ones.  As we travel through Greece, you will enjoy informative talks in preparation for museum and site visits. Throughout the journey Rolf will focus on select artifacts, illuminating important aspects of Greek culture.  The highlight of the tour will be a visit to the archaeological site that Rolf himself excavated for more than a decade.  Join us on this special journey, a valuable and fascinating opportunity for the first time traveler to Greece or those returning for another look!

In Athens :
Tour the archaeological site & museum of the Kerameikos, the ancient cemetery; the Agora, the ancient marketplace, & the Agora Museum; the Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum; the National Museum of Archaeology; the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art; and the Melina Mercouri Cultural Center. 

Delphi: A full day excursion visiting the ancient site of the Oracle of Apollo and museum.

On the Island of Corfu: 

Tour the site Rolf himself spent twelve summers excavating, at the Palaiopolis with its Mon Repos Museum; tour the island’s scenic countryside and traditional villages; visit the National Gallery Annex and Byzantine Museum; and experience the monuments of Corfu’s rich contemporary history as well as the beautiful 19^th century Achilleion palace.

An optional extension:

Travel to mainland Greece, through the rugged mountains of Epirus to its capital Ioannina, with its rich and unique history, on to Metsovo, famed for its cheese and wine, and ending with the incredible cloisters of Metéora, suspended high in the cliffs above!

More about our Archaeologist: Professor Rolf Winkes grew up in Germany, where he did his graduate study in Classical Archaeology, Ancient Greek, Ancient and Prehistoric Archaeology, as well as Egyptology and Early Christian Art and Philosophy. In 1969, he was invited to Brown University, where he taught art and archaeology until 2008.  He co-founded the Center for Old World Archaeology and Art, which was renamed the Joukowsky Institute and today is one of the leading archaeological institutes in the world; and has traveled to two dozen countries on three continents. Rolf spent 12 seasons excavating the Palaipolis of Corfu, beginning in 1986, and later worked at the site of Tongobriga in Portugal. He has taught and published on a diverse number of subjects ranging from the early Greek period until the rise of Christianity, and the influence of the ancient world on later periods. He is now Professor Emeritus of Classical Archaeology, the History of Art and Architecture, and Old World Archaeology and Art at Brown University. He and his wife Mary, a painter, live in Damariscotta, Maine, where he volunteers his time teaching courses at Coastal Senior College.

Click here for tour details 

Women travelers! LAST MINUTE SPECIAL to the GREEK ISLANDS!

We have a great last minute deal on our small group women-only tour to the beautiful Greek Islands!  Due to a cancellation we have a double occupancy room we need to fill!

Dates: May 30-June 11, 2012
Price: $3399.00 (save over $300 each!)
Airfare from east coast from $1275 and from the west coast prices start at $1425!

So tell a friend, grab you passport, and join us! Opa! Or for Mother's Day plan a mother/daughter trip to Greece!

Click here to view Greek Island Hopping travel itinerary.

Check flights on www.kayak.com
US Air: www.usair.com
Delta: www.delta.com
Call today! 207.236.0110 or email: go@wanderwomantours.com

PLANNING TO TRAVEL SOLO?

SAVE BY SHARING ACCOMMODATIONS WITH ANOTHER TRAVELER -- Room shares available on upcoming women-only, small group tours to Malta & Sicily in April, Greek Island hopping in June, and Ireland in August. Roommates & single rooms arranged on all our tours. Contact Eurynome Journeys WanderWoman® Tours by email go@wanderwomantours.com or call 207.236. 0110. Find us online at www.wanderwoman.com.

GREECE: Room Share Available!

Greek Islands: June 1-13, 2011
Save cost of single supplement (filled)
Sorry this tour is FULL
See our fall Greek Islands Getaway

Visit Athens, and some of the most beautiful and fascinating islands of Greece: Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos!

Stay at small quaint local inns on the islands and a 5-star hotel in the heart of Athens.

Small group size (appox. 10), leisurely pace, fully escorted by WanderWoman™ tour director, privately guided tours by local specialists, delicious Mediterranean Cuisine...

For tour details see ITINERARY or call 207.236.0110

We hope you can join us!

Featured destination: CRETE

Crete is the largest island in Greece. The coastline offers sandy beaches, medieval port cities and quaint fishing villages. The interior of the island has fertile plains, mountains with traditional villages, and amazing hiking trials.

Best time to visit: May-early October

Weather: May to June warm and sunny. July and August are very hot, sunny and can be windy. September and October are less windy, and not as hot, still lots of sunny days. By October there can be a couple of rainy days, but nice for enjoying the outdoors and many of the tourist have gone home and there are more opportunities to experience local activities.

What to do: Explore archaeological sites from Minoan to Byzantine, gorgeous hikes, sea kayaking, quant seaside & mountain villages, medieval post cities, cooking lessons, wine tasting, markets with local crafts, sandy beaches and eco-resorts, dancing and music!

MUST SEE: Knossos archaeological site, Heraklion Museum, Samaria Gorge, small villages, Venetian old port city of Chania

GETTING THERE: There are several daily flights from Athens to Heraklion (HER), Chania (CHQ), as well as charters in the summer time from the UK and other Europen points.

The NEW Olympic Air

Aegean Airlines

Ferries also run regularly between Piraeus (Port of Athens) and Crete. From Piraeus overnight ferries go to Heraklion in Central Crete and Souda (Port of Chania) in western Crete. There is also a port in Eastern Crete, Agios Nikolaos/Sitia, the route is via Santorini and Milos. From Sitia there is also service to Rhodes.

Ferry schedules http://www.ferries.gr/greek-islands-ferry/ferry_crete.htm

For info about Crete visit: http://www.explorecrete.com/

KNOSSOS and the beginnings of Cretan Archaeology:

Crete is an island of myth and magical beauty. Already in classical times myths about the legendary King Minos of Crete inspired the works of poets and arts. According to myth King Minos demanded an annual tribute of seven youths and maidens from Athens, who were sacrificed the Minotaur, a terrible beast that was half man and half bull.

It wasn’t until excavations in the late 19^th and early 20^th century that evidence was found indicating that a highly evolved civilization thrived on Crete over three and half thousand years ago. The archaeological site of Knossos, just miles from the modern capital of Heraklion, appears to be a palace complex complete with an underground labyrinth. This find of the maze-like corridors on the lower level of the building led “archaeologist” Author Evans to coin the term “Minoan civilization,” after the legendary King Minos. Evans believed this civilization to have worshipped the Great Mother Goddess, as is suggested by the numerous female figurines unearthed by Evan's and his team (which included the grandfather of our guide on Crete).

The first British female classicist Jane Ellen Harrison visited Evans during his excavation. The finds at Knossos supported Harrison’s theories of an ancient goddess cult in Greece prior to the Heroic period of the Iliad. However Harrison was blackballed by most of scholars of her time and her work was not resurrected until the 1970s, decades after her death. Many of Harrison’s theories have become popular among scholars today.

Knossos archaeological site http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh352.jsp?obj_id=2369

Bio of Evans http://www.dictionaryofarthistorians.org/evansa.htm

Bio Harrison http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=harrja

Live, Laugh & Travel to Crete!

NEW: women's travel adventure

Flavor of Crete:

Myths, Medieval ports & Mountain Villages
Discover the beauty of Crete, Greece's largest Island. Explore ancient sites & caves where the Great Mother goddess was once worshipped and the oldest convent on Crete with its 2000 year old myrtle tree. Sample local olive oils. Visit one of Greece's best wineries. Stay in traditional mountain villages and meet local artisans. Learn Cretan dancing and healthy island cooking and feast on traditional Cretan cuisine.

Dates: Sept 26-Oct 6

Early Booking Price: $3169.00 pp

Small group size

Tour details visit: wanderwoman.com/crete

Planning a trip to Egypt, Greece, or London...?

If so you will most likely visit the major archaeological sites and museums that are amidst the controversy over ancient treasures discussed in Sharon Waxman’s book Loot, The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World.

Anyone who has traveled to Greece, Egypt, Turkey or any country with a rich ancient past has heard the words "...and the original is now at the British Museum.." or the Louvre, or the Berlin Museum, etc. The issue of who has the right to ancient treasures of the world was brought back into the public spot light with the 2002 Athens Olympics. Greece took the Olympics as an opportunity bring publicity to their request for the return the Parthenon Marbles (or Elgin Marbles as the British Museum refers to them). But the Marbles still sit in London. And the famed bust of the ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti (on book cover to left) sits not in her homeland, but in Berlin.

Hear interview with Sharon Waxman on NPR.

Visit Sharon Waxman’s blog about her travels as she researched her book, a must read for travelers and museum goers!

What is the best time of year to visit Greece?

Greece has something to offer year around, but for the first time visitor to Greece early summer and early fall are best.

May to June the climate is perfect, not too hot, but warm and sunny. This time of year is also the most beautiful. With many flowers in bloom in early summer even the usually dry dusty places, such as the small island of Delos, are a live with color.

In July and August the hordes of tourists arrive. In the islands among the hordes are vacationing Greeks from the main land. Prices are inflated and options are limited. And the summer heat can be unbearable. So avoid these moths if possible.

By mid Sept and into Oct the crowds dissipate and prices fall. I especially love Greece during the first half of October, the hoteliers and shopkeepers have made their money for the season and now they are relaxed and enjoying local life. You never know what wonderful local event you might stumble upon!

The only down side of travel in early summer and early fall is the ferries start running less frequently to some of the smaller islands and the number of flights decrease.

Kalo taxidi (happy travels)!

Greek Wines....

A great resource about Greek wines is www.allaboutgreekwine.com.
"Wine has been an important part of Greek culture for over 4000 years as the numerous archeological discoveries throughout Greece have revealed. The ancient Greeks knew well the nutritional value of wine as it became an inseparable part of their daily regimen. Wine also played and important role in the evolution of the local economy.

For the ancient Greeks the culture of wine was embodied in the deity, Dionyssus. The son of Zeus and Semeli, Dionyssus was one of the most worshiped of the Greek Gods inspiring artists, philosophers and the lives of everyday people." (read more on allaboutgreekwine.com)

But most travelers are not familiar with Greek wines. To sample some Greek wines while in Athens visit Berttos in the Plaka. They now offer flights of wines from various regions of Greece.

ATHENS covered with SNOW (or Khione)!

(Photo AP Acropolis covered with snow)

"Snow covered many parts of Greece, including the Acropolis in central Athens, yesterday. Flights were disrupted and tens of villages, mainly in central Greece’s Evia and the Aegean islands, were cut off due to the snowfall, the result of two cold fronts moving south from Russia and Scandinavia. Authorities warned drivers to be more cautious today due to the icy conditions expected. Experts forecast improving conditions as of today."
Read full story in Kathimerini

THIS is not typical weather in Greece!
For temperature, rainfall, and sunshine averages in Athens, Greece visit: HOLIDAY-WEATHER.COM
Weather averages for Crete click here.

The Greek word for "snow" is Khione.
In Greek myth "KHIONE (or Chione) was one of the nymphs, a daughter of Boreas, god of the north-wind, and Oreithyia, the lady of mountain gales. Khione was herself probably the goddess of snow (khiôn)."

To learn more visit: http://www.theoi.com/Nymphe/NympheKhione1.html

A Winter Traveler’s Epiphany

Epiphany celebrations are a wonderful way to end the holiday season. Below is a brief explanation of the symbolism associated with this Christian holy day and descriptions of Epiphany celebrations that are annually held at some of my favorite winter destinations.

The Epiphany is on 6 January, and marks the last day of the 12 days of Christmas. The word epiphany comes from the Greek and means “appearance or revelation.”

“Epiphany is celebrated by both the Eastern and Western Churches, but a major difference between them is over precisely which historical events the feast commemorates. For Western Christians the feast primarily commemorates the coming of the Magi, while in the East the feast celebrates the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan. However, in both cases the essence of the feast is the same: the manifestation of Christ to the world (whether as an infant or in the Jordan), and the Mystery of the Incarnation."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(Christian)


ATHENS, GREECE
In Greece, since this day symbolizes many things including the baptism of Jesus Christ, the celebration involves the blessing of the waters. In every port city and town a procession carries a blessed crucifix to the water into which it is then thrown. Each Greek port town has its local variation of this age-old tradition. I once spent the Epiphany in Athens. The procession took place in the Piraeus, the port of Athens. The ferries that transport thousands of travelers each year to the Greek islands and the Greek naval fleet were lined up in the harbor for the blessing. Priests in full regalia carried a large crucifix followed by marching bands and Athenian notables. Loud speakers made the blessing audible to the hundreds that had gathered for this annual ritual.

Added bonus: on the Epiphany, as on other holidays, most archaeological sites and museums have free admission.



FLORENCE, ITALY
An ancient Florence tradition, the "Cavalcade of the Magi" or Procession of the Three Wise Men was resurrected in 1997. On January 6, at 2 pm from Piazza de' Pitti the procession begins and makes its way to Piazza del Duomo.

This is a spectacular event! The year I was in Florence for the Epiphany our room at the Hotel Brunelleschi overlooked the avenue leading to the Doumo, so we watched the procession from the warmth and comfort of out hotel room.

“The three Magi on horseback, wearing Renaissance costumes inspired by …Benozzo Gozzoli's frescoes (see image), are preceded by a cortège of hundreds of other costumed personages, among whom the members of Florence's Historical Football Association and representatives of towns in the Province of Florence, along with horsemen, banner throwers, footmen and standard bearers.”
Source: http://www.florencehotel.com/eng_festa_dei_magi.html


BOAR’S HEAD TRADITION?
I just returned from an epiphany celebration that involved bagpipers, jugglers, lords and ladies regally dressed, and a boar’s head. Perhaps you are familiar with this Anglo tradition. However it was not in the British isles I attended this medieval event, it was in Palm Beach Florida. The sky was sunny and the temperature was 80 degrees F.

Every year for the past 30 years or so Bethesda by the Sea Episcopal Church has reenacted a Boar’s Head procession in honor of the Epiphany. The tradition of a boar’s head procession dates back to medieval times. At Queen’s College, Oxford in England a student was reading a book by Aristotle in the woods when he was attacked by a wild boar., explained the minister of the church. Fearing for his life the youth crammed the book into the attacking boar's throat, killing the beast. This incident came to symbolize the triumph of reason over brute force. Somehow this event became incorporated into the celebration of the epiphany by the Church of England, from which the Episcopal church broke off during the American revolution. In Palm Beach the head of an actual wild boar that was killed in the Palm Beach area (100 plus years ago) is a part of the procession. The bagpipes, the singing, and the costumes are magnificent! The procession is held twice, at 2:30 and 4:40 pm.
Get there early to get a good seat!

To learn more visit: http://www.bbts.org/special/boarshead.html

BELOW ARE SOME LINKS TO HELP YOU PLAN A WINTER TRAVEL EPIPHANY:

Winter is a great time to find DEALS for European travel. To find the best deals travel after Christmas through the end of February, and avoid travel during school breaks, if possible.

Getting to ATHENS, Greece:
Visit Olympic Airlines for great winter specials to Athens (ATH).

British Airways' One World Alliance also has great winter promotions to destination throughout Europe. Consider staying a couple of nights in London on one segment of your trip. More on London winter getaways coming soon!

Athens Hotel favorites:
Electra Palace Hotel is my favorite place to stay in Athens. It has the best breakfast in Athens, an indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, rooftop restaurant-some rooms have acropolis views and it is within walking distance to the Acropolis and major sites. Nightly rate: $215 (photo of hotel lobby)

Herodion Hotel is also a nice hotel with a great location near the Acropolis and Plaka. Winter rates are approximately $127 per night.

Plaka Hotel in the heart of the Plaka district near main sites, in a somewhat busier area, has great roof top views and is less pricey. Sorry no URL, some blogger seems to have swiped it. Check on Hotels.com for description. Nightly rate: $106

Cecil Hotel is also near major sites, it is a smaller property with 40 rooms, offers less amenities, but it has character- a good budget choice at $91 for a double.



Getting to FLORENCE, Italy:
Alitalia has great specials on flights to Florence (FLR) and packages including hotels. Also check British Airways.





Florence Hotel favorites and great winter special:
Hotel Brunelleschi has a great location, and the architecture is historically interesting, however the property is a bit tired, but a great value during the winter months (not worth the money during other times of year). It is located just 100 meters from Doumo. Nightly rate: $210

Hotel Calzaiuoli is a modern hotel located in the center of everything and offers great winter deals and a terrific website with interesting information about Florence.

Wonderful smaller hotels:
DEGLI ORAFI is a charming boutique style hotel with 42 rooms on the Arno River just steps from the Ponte Vecchio. During the winter months save up to 60%. A double standard room is regularly $560 per night, but until March the rates can be as low as $235 per night. There is no restaurant, but there are great views from the top floor breakfast room.

(Photo of Hotel Monna Lisa)

The Monna Lisa has 47 rooms and lots of charm and a great location. No restaurant other than a lovely arched breakfast room.

Hotel Cesstelli is very small hotel with just 8 rooms in the heart of Florence has double room en suite for about $150 (100 Euros) rooms with shared bath are less.


Getting to PALM BEACH, Florida, USA:
Of course winter in Florida is high season, but it’s a quick getaway from the cold northeast and even worth a trip from farther away. In November and early December, before most to the snowbirds arrive, some great winter deals can be found and no worries about the wilting value of the US dollar against the Euro.

Jet Blue flies into West Palm Beach (PBI) from most major US cities.
For a list of all airlines with service into PBI visit the official airport website: http://www.pbia.org/guide/airlines.aspx

Flagler Museum in Palm Beach Forida

Hotels choices in Palm Beach Florida:
The Breakers Hotel is right next to Bethesda by the Sea Episcopal Chruch and it is Palm Beach at its best, but rates start at about $580 plus per night . But if you are looking for an authentic Palm Beach experience, look no further.

The Ocean Front Inn in South Palm Beach, about a 20 minute drive from Palm Beach is a funky little low-rise hotel on the ocean, no thrills, but it has a pool overlooking the Atlantic ocean, a beach (the beach has just been brought back after a storm that washed it away) a fun little pool bar, and a restaurant with ocean views and it is within a short walk to great Ice cream (the Ice Cream Club-try Bear’s Claw), the Florida Stage theater and a couple of good restaurants restaurants and the Ritz Carlton-a favorite brunch spot. It’s not the Breakers, but its only about $150 per night.


Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriot-affordable, but on the Lake Worth side of A1A, across the street from the ocean. But its just a short walk to the Lake Worth beach on the Atleantic Ocean and across the bridge from downtown Lake Worth and its many restaurants. Nightly rate approximately : $160


Of course don’t forget about the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton, but for the price you might as well stay at the Breakers (but be sure to check Hotels.com for any specials). The Chesterfield, a boutique hotel in downtown Palm Beach on Palm Row, is just three blocks from the beach starts at $400 per night.


Note: All prices are estimates and may vary depending on travel dates. Prices are subject to change.

New Year’s Traditions

SAVE Single Supplement-Share accommodations!

Greek Island Hopping for Women Sept 7-21, 2007
Room share available.
$3649.00 including transatlantic airfare to Greece.
(After June 2 a late booking fee may apply)
www.wanderwoman.com

A hike in the Samaria Gorge in Crete, Greece

This monologue was inspired by a hike in the Samaria Gorge on the Island of Crete in Greece (and there really was someone wearing platform shoes hiking in the gorge!). Learn more about image

Eurynome
By Marilyn Malone

(Eurynome is walking and talking. You can only see the top half of her. She is wearing an over one shoulder toga. She’s walking behind a wall with forest scenery painted on it)
You can imagine my father and mother trying to feed the whole Greek water nymph family. What with 2999 sisters, and 3000 brothers. Maybe you’ve heard of my sisters? Metia was the first wife of Zeus, and Amphitrite married Poseidon. Yes, they’re the pretty ones.
We’re not gods, exactly, although a couple of my brothers think they are. And basically, we like humans, except that war thing of yours is getting a little old. I’m Eurynome, the patron nymph of wandering around. And I’m not aimless, no matter what you heard. Sure, I had a little fling with Zeus that led to my beautiful three Graces--- Splendor, Festivity and Rejoicing. But Metia was well over Zeus by the time we hooked up! The Graces are grown now, and thank Gods, all employed, bringing peace and happiness to Aphrodite on Cyprus. Zeus pulled a few strings to get them the job, but it was the least he could do! They do some weaving of her robes, and bathe her while she waits for her husband. He’s always at war too.
It’s too nice a day on Crete to rehash all that again. Let’s just enjoy the walk down to the Iron Gates, where the rocks almost completely close off the Samaria Gorge. Of course, if we get that far, we might as well squeeze through and walk the rest of the way to the water. Yes, I know it’s really rocky, and takes most of the day to get from the mountains to the sea, but the sky is so blue and the sun so bright. (Looks to her side.)
Watch out! Let those skinny Italian tourists run past on their platform espadrilles. They’ll end up being carried out of here on the back of a donkey.
(jerks slightly, reaches forward and turns off treadmill. Comes around the wall in workout attire, her toga top is her towel which she swings off of her shoulder.)

Whew, seems like half an hour on the treadmill takes all day!

Kalo Pascha-Happy Easter

This year Greek orthodox Easter coincides with Catholic and Protestant Easter celebrations. Most years Greek Easter is celebrated on a different date because the orthodox church follows the Julian calender rather than the Gregorian calender (Learn about calenders). Easter is a wonderful time to visit Greece! Below are some links about Greek Easter and Easter dates for the next few years.
Lean more: www.greekcity.com.au
Learn about Greek food: www.ultimate-guide-to-greek-food.com/

(photo: Easter in Leonindion from greekcity.com)

Celebrate Greek Orthodox Easter in Greece!
Dates:
2007 - Easter Sunday - April 8th *
2008 - Easter Sunday - April 27th
2009 - Easter Sunday - April 19th
2010 - Easter Sunday - April 4th*
2011 - Easter Sunday - April 24th*
*same are Gregorian calendar

A Unique Easter in Corfu:
"Celebration of Easter in Corfu is a unique experience, different from anywhere else in Greece and particularly more impressive for first-time visitors to the island.
Easter is a huge festival, in which various components come together harmoniously, the Orthodox Christian faith, pagan traditions, the powerful presence of Saint Spiridon, the Roman Catholic community, the Venetian influence, genuine Corfiot humour, the music of the philharmonic bands and of course the spring atmosphere.
Holy Week throughout Greece is characterised by its church services, by fasting, and by the anticipation of the Resurrection...We recommend that during Holy Week you venture out of Corfu Town and into the villages to see all of the Celebrations.
Also if possible take a drive into the countryside and you will notice that the Island is moving towards springtime and the season of fertility and renewal, and enjoy its scents, after the dullness of winter, with its rain and cold weather, the sunlight underscores the fresh colours of nature, the white, yellow, mauve and green of the wild flowers, the blue of the sky and the sea."
Read more about celebrating Easter in Corfu at source: www.holidaycorfu.org/