13 September 2009

Greece

July 30 - August 20, 2009

An incredible, unbelievable adventure through the Cyclades.

Santorini. Only the start of Vespas! An archipelago of volcanic islands. Black sand beaches in Perissa. Burning my feet on small pebbles trying to reach the water. Sharing the small passageways in Fira with donkeys. Discovering the heightened colors of Ia. Mud baths for the skin. Tasting local wine at the vineyards. An introduction to a culture I've often wondered most about.

Milos. They say Milos is for lovers. But they also say all couples visiting Milos end shortly after. Sailing around the island on a pristine, beautiful catamaran. Discovering the untouched coves of the island. Snorkeling around rusted ships just beyond the smooth white rock formations. Taking in the spectrum of creatures living under the Aegean. Having faith. Enjoying Greek mass with typical, black-clothed women. Sharing ouzo afterwards. Overlooking the harbor lights.

Naxos. A meeting place of unforeseen, genuine friendship. A sandy beach only a step from the balcony. Wind and kite surfers' paradise. Rock climbing for a better photo op. Fresh caught octupi on strings outside restaurants. Greek wine beginnings followed by dancing to all the Greek hits. Discovery of THE unique, metal working artist.

Amorgos. Lengthy ferry adventure full of French campers anticipating the site of The Big Blue. Arriving into Katapola. Watching the best sunset and scenery on the ride to Aigiali, the smaller port. Seven males in a house with the best sunset-watching balcony in Greece was our home. Watching the meteor shower on the beach. Touring the tiny monastery overlooking the breathtaking cove, Agia Anna. Located just around the bend from tiny, charming Chora. Taking the path to a more secluded, rocky cove. Swimming in the crisp, clear water. Becoming family with the ones you only just met. The end of the Raki bottle went into my glass. Meaning I will have a great marriage. The whole restaurant cheered! Celebrating into the night, into the morning, until my ferry left. The island stole my heart.

Tinos. The winds picked up. Not a fun ferry ride. Walking without being blown over was difficult. Riding on the back of a vespa was the best solution. Finding the best fig trees for picking the ripened fruit. Women on their knees crawling 800 meters to the Panagia Evangelistria at the top of the hill. Virgin Mary. Marble artists flock to the island. Their works grasping everyone's eyes. Sharing my final night with Greek loves.

You can’t count on your ferry to arrive on time. Or even come at all. You can’t count on quick service. You can't count on the internet. Or phones. But you can find the freshest seafood. Cheese. Tomatoes. Peaches. Nectarines. Watermelon. Figs. The nicest, most generous people EVER. Endless flow of Raki and Ouzo. Continuous, incredible hospitality. Lax minds and lifestyle. Refreshing, salty water. Remarkable sunsets. And sunrises. The best scooter adventures. Unparalleled architecture. Discovery of the undiscovered. Faith. And love.

Switzerland

July 14-20, 2009

Bern. Hometown to my cousins, Pascal & Philip. Growing up across the world but relatable in every way. Strolling along stone streets through the capital passing clock towers, churches and numerous statues. Catching up on life. Climbing to the hillside rose garden to overlook neutrality. Relaxing at the local 'beach' while sharing stories of the past years. Raclette with pickled onions! Watching local Swiss to big name bands at the Gurtenfestival. Starting as a beautiful, warm day turned to cold, pouring rainstorm. Standing underneath covered tents listening to the combination of rain and live music. Unreal. Fresh pastries from the bakery just as it opens.

Luzern. My cousin, Jill's home. A clear, magnificent sight to Mount Pilatus. Sipping on the locally brewed beer of the small town with the best of company. Looking out on the beauty from the wall of watch towers. Reading Rousseau in his home country. Made me smile. Crossing the bridges over the Reuss river. A home cooked Swiss meal ending with freshly picked blueberries with cold milk and sugar.

A drive through this country's many cantons will make you gasp at the environmental wonders our world holds. The high alps sprinkled with snow, the flat fields filled with vegetation, crisp, vast lakes and giant glaciers. All create endless picturesque views. Bicyclists are intermittently dispersed along the road every rally racer and car aficionado dream to drive on. Watching the old steam train climb the steep pass. Crossing over open bridges trying to conquer my cousin’s fears. Enjoying meringue! Watching the endless number of parasailers jump from the high peaks. Precisely choosing from the best chocolate.

Paris

July 11-14, 2009

Along with the Notre Dame and Sacre Couer is a desolate, yet welcoming park bench in a rose garden perfect for enjoying a novel. Or quaint French cafe to sip espresso and taste delicate pastries. Noticing the big intertwined with the small is what makes a city beautiful. Admiring the well thought out, dreamy fashion boutiques. Or just the people within the city. To untangle the crowd of a city into straight lines of beauty.

Seeing the historical sites. Appreciating the art of each time period. Whether you prefer it or not. From the art inside the Louvre. Or in the park outside. Or even the Louvre itself. Slight rain turns to thunder. The sun vanishes yet the city’s light is almost better seen. Everywhere you turn is another huge monument built many years in the past. Sight of the massive Arc de Triomphe, busy Champ Elysees and distinguished Eiffel Tower from my balcony. A true gift.

Experiencing Bastille Day. Watching the parade. Streets lined with artillery. Uniformed military representing their country. Some say a symbol of the modern nation. Flights overhead of numerous jets, planes and helicopters, different sizes and formations. Red, white and blue. It made up for missing the fourth in the USA. Fireworks!