a walk down an olympic memory lane...

My first trip to Greece was in 2004 with a group of students and two teachers from Centenary College. It was part of a module required for graduation. This trip was probably one of the most monumental in my experience traveling abroad to date. I still remember it so vividly. I loved the Greek culture from the moment I stepped off the plane. I loved the fact that the trip was planned out by the teachers, so it was literally carefree. I enjoyed not knowing anyone in the group before leaving, but returning with new friends. The trip was filled with educational landmarks with enough time in each location to get lost and take it all in. In fact, the tour bus did leave me behind in one location because I had wondered off exploring... thank goodness someone noticed 15 minutes later that I wasn't in my seat or I might still be there! It was such a growth opportunity for me at a mere 20 years old.

Every time the Olympic Games roll around I think of this trip to Greece and our time spent in Athens, as they were just few months out from hosting the event in 2004. We got to view the stadium, stand next to the Olympic flame, and even run where the first Olympic Games took place. Did you know that the first ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece in 776 BC? Let's take a walk down memory lane...

 Yes, we saw Troy in Greece! Can you believe they had an intermission for a smoke and bathroom break?!

The beaches were in-cre-di-bly beautiful! I may or may not have gone to a topless beach...

 The little old ladies in the small towns were the cutest, dressed in all black dresses and scurrying through the narrow streets. Most of them really did look like the My Big Fat Greek Wedding grandmother, Yia Yia.

These pictures make it look like I went to Greece in 1972! Isn't amazing how technology has changed so much in 8 years! I hope you all are watching and enjoying the Olympic Games as much as I am.

Ευχαριστώ πολύ 

for visiting.

dreamers...

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer.

Always remember, you have within you

the strength, the patience,and the passion

to reach for the stars to change the world."

                                                           ~ Harriet Tubman

a dreamer's holiday: rooftop taverna

a dreamer's holiday: The Acropolis

This isn't exactly like the video we watched at the Acropolis Museum, but it helps paint the picture of the Partheon and its constant "remodeling."

a dreamer's holiday: The walk to the Acropolis

The New Acropolis Museum is one of the most amazing museums I have ever been in. The artifacts of every day life and the statues from the Parthenon blew me away. Since I am a very visual person I thoroughly enjoyed the video that showed in detail the Parthenon's transformation through the ages. They didn't allow any photos inside the museum or you know they would be on here too :) After the educational experience at the museum, we walked toward the Acropolis passing the Herodion Theater before reaching the Parthenon.

{previous Athens posts here}

evening light...

There is something about this picture that I love- that draws me in...the warm  sunset casting it's orange hue through this tiny street in Athens, the man crossing the street, the romantic dining table set up on the side of the road.....minus the woman's elbow in front of this shot I think it would be one of my favorites ever! :)

a dreamer's holiday: Syntagma Square

Athens sightseeing is fascinating. A week before the violent riots took place in front of Parliament, we watched the changing of the guards. There were signs up everywhere and tents of people camping out in protest. Even spray paint covered the marble steps displaying the anger of the citizens. The best (or most memorable) part of visiting Parliament was witnessing one of the guards slip up on his footwork and wipe out while marching to his post in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. All 400 pleats of his fancy skirt- splat- right on the marble entrance floor! I was so stunned as he gathered his rifle and composed himself to continue the grand progression that I didn't even think to take a picture. Poor guy!

a dreamer's holiday: The Plaka

The Plaka is such a nice area to walk around at night. There are tons of restaurants to choose from and shops to peak in. We wandered around for awhile until stumbling upon a quaint little side street restaurant with a great view of the Acropolis.

a dreamer's holiday...

Hey y'all,

I have returned from my little trip to Greece and Turkey! It was such a wonderful time. I have been pondering the daunting task of going through the 3 memory cards I filled up while on vaca...I took pictures non-stop. I have decided to share at least one picture a day. *Note: It may take until the end of the summer to share my favorite moments, but if you want to come along for the ride check back here everyday to go on a dreamer's holiday :)