In Oak Cliff, Trick o'Treating starts at 11AM with middle-aged Hispanic women dressed as Jehovah's Witnesses.

No tricks! Only treats!

If you use YouVersion Bible on your iOS device, both NIV and NLT are available for free download until 11:59PM tonight:

http://blog.youversion.com/2011/10/niv-and-nlt-available-for-download-from-youversion—for-48-hours-only/

If you don't have a Bible on your iOS device, try the free YouVersion Bible app. The Saved prefer it two to one over all other Bible applications ;-)

Location:Casa de Miguel

Home, sweet home! And, that cologne I applied at Duty Free in Frankfurt is looong gone. Whew!

Taken at DFW Immigration

My curiosity and amusement at our awkward cultural difference was confiscated (with my dignity) by the gate agent. I'm done. Get me home.

Taken at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)

One Minute in Tel Aviv

I've been exploring the Carmel and Nahalat Binyamin Street Markets today. This is a brief video from the Star of David intersection of Ben Yahuda and Rehov Allenby on a Tuesday afternoon. How many unusual things can you spot in this one minute video?

Location:נחלת בנימין,Tel Aviv,Israel

What day is it?

Has it just been a week?! What day is it? I am overwhelmed. Dude. Since Monday, I've been traveling in Jordan, Palestine, and Israel. Unlike the previous 20 days (and my preferred mode of travel), I have met up with my parents and a group of retirees, all from their church just north of Ft. Worth. Had you asked me before meeting the group, I would've confessed my concern about traveling with a group at least 20 years older than me. Likewise, traveling by tour bus (see: large groups of slow-moving, camera-wielding, line-creating, purple umbrella-following, yellow-cap wearing clichés) is universally considered an anathema to the independent traveler (see: backpack-carrying, Chaco-wearing, dorm/floor-sleeping, Lonely-Planet toting, wifi-demanding, meal-skipping, not-so-good smelling, bizarre experience-seeking, couch-surfing, passport stamp-claiming, seeker of culturally rich experiences). Imagine my surprise to find myself truly enjoying the time spent not only with my parents, but also with this group of sweet people. It was like traveling with a bus-load of grandparents. Over this last week, I actually compiled a list of all the benefits I discovered of traveling with a tour group of Peepaws and Mimis:

• Although we were traveling by bus, we still managed to take bathroom breaks at least once an hour;
• The group always moves slowly and methodically. No matter how long I tarry, I'm always able to catch up to the group;
• Comfortable beds are a necessity, rather than luxury;
• Both breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotel, plentifully supplied with easy-to-chew and high-fiber options;
• Messages are repeated 14 times for various reasons: denial about needing hearing aids OR battery failure in said hearing aids OR folks were in the bathroom;
• If I forget anything - tissue, a warm scarf, how to use the elevator - I'm surrounded by those who, unsolicited, are more than ready to help me remember;
• Ironically, if any of them forget anything - the day of the week, where they are, their name - I am there to help them remember;
• I get to ride the elevator without shame everywhere we go...and they let me push the buttons!
• Buses - yes, those hated buses - pick us up at the very door of the hotel and whisk us to the very entrance of the scheduled sites, and are then waiting for us at the exit.
• And finally, I get to be the youngest person in any gathering, feeling downright vibrant and zippy by comparison!

I am also overwhelmed by the staggering number of places I have visited in just the last seven days. When I remember the places I visited in Greece and Turkey, it feels like that happened years ago rather than just a few weeks. The history and spiritual significance of what I have seen this last week has left me reeling. I think it will take me months - if not years - to really unpack all this in my mind and heart. Although this will not do the trip justice, here's a quick rundown of the last seven days:

Tuesday (Amman, Jordan)
• Petra: including the Treasury, the Monastery;



Traveling with a friend, at the Treasury, Petra, Jordan.

Wednesday (Jerusalem, Israel)
• Amman Tour;
• Mt. Nebo (Moses view into Cannan);
• Qumran (discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls);
• Masada;
• Damascus Gate and the Old City by night;

A 360° panorama of the Promised Land as seen by Moses on Mt. Nebo.

Thursday (Jerusalem, Israel)
• Palestine;
• Bethlehem;
• Church of the Nativity;
• Mount of Olives;
• Garden of Gethsemene;
• Church of the Agony;
• Caiphasus' House (Psalms 88);
• Ben Yahuda Street;



Ancient olive tree within the Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem.

Friday (Jerusalem, Israel)
• Southern Wall;
• Western Wall;
• Dome of the Rock;
• Israel Museum, Model of Jerusalem;
• Dead Sea Scrolls;
• Garden Tomb;
• Jaffa Gate;



Praying at the Western Wall of the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem.

Saturday (Jerusalem, Israel)
• St. Anne's Church;
• Pool of Bethesda;
• Via Dolorosa: EcceHomo, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Ethiopian Church;
• Upper Room;
• Jericho: Zaccheus's Tree, Temptation Mountain, Jericho Old City;
• Dead Sea;

Sunday (Jerusalem, Israel)
• Caesarea-Maretima (Acts 10);
• Mt. Megiddo, Jezreel Valley, Mt. Carmel in the distance;
• Precipice; Mt. Tabor;
• Cana;
• Tiberias;

Monday (Tiberias, Israel)
• Magdela (of Mary fame);
• Mount of Beatitudes;
• Sea of Galilee (Mark 4);
• Ancient Boat;
• Feeding of the 5,000; Church of the Loaves and Fishes (Mark 6; John 21);
• Capernaum, Peter's House (Matthew 8);
• Jordan River (baptisms of group members);
• Bet She'an (where David eulogizes Saul and Jonathan).

Wow. That is an itinerary I would have never expected of myself, ne'er to mention a group of sexta/septa/octogenarians. I have new-found respect for what travel agents, tour guides, and bus drivers do.

The trip has certainly had some funnier moments...if not to everyone, then at least to me. Here are some of the more entertaining comments I have overheard:

• "Do they call them 'mosaics' because they were made at the time of Moses?"
• "Boy, howdy. I bet those ladies sure are hot in their moomoos"...referring to Muslim women wearing burkas.
• "If I lived here, I'd be Greek Orthodox...because their churches use air conditioning."
• "Did they use some of the stones from the Egyptian pyramids to build the temple in Jerusalem?"
• "My feet are really hurting...but only when I walk."
• In the song Hosanna to the King, one woman sang "Hosanna, do your thing."
• 'I've never seen so many ancient things in one place.' [I confess. I said this one day after waiting interminably while an orthopaedic surgeon's dream-team boarded the bus.]

I've just sent my tour group back across the Jordanian border. They fly home from Amman tomorrow morning. I was supposed to join them for this last night, but it didn't make sense for me to go from Israel to Jordan only to come back across the border tomorrow to get to Tel Aviv tomorrow. SO, I'm finishing this blog entry from the back of a public bus, using their free wifi and commuting from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. Again, no hotel reservation awaiting me. But this makes for the most exciting kind of travel! I'll spend the night in Tel Aviv and next day exploring the city, ending up in the airport toward midnight. My flight home departs on Wednesday morning at 4:30AM and I'm anticipating a long process of getting through immigration.

Hoping to write some summary thoughts tomorrow. But we'll see. Much love, all. Thank you for reading along.

Michael

Location:יציאה לכביש 1,,Israel

Taking a stroll across the Sea of Galilee.

Surprisingly, the BBC and CNN International News Desk don't care too much about the Rangers. New Zealand Rugby, however, sure gets a lot of airtime.

Taken at Tiberias Promenade טיילת תבריה

Celebrating Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) with the other Chosen. L'chaim!

Taken at Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall

It keeps me cool and looks good. I suppose you could call it a 'Bedouin-Win' situation.

Taken at Petra In Jordan

I want to live in Turkey!

It has been much too long sınce I've sat down and wrıtten out my thoughts. Even now, I'm not certaın I'll be able to manage thıs on a Turkısh keyboard. Some of the most ımportant keys are ın dıfferent spots. You mıght notıce my lowercase "ı" ıs mıssıng ıt's dot. Congratulatıons on your attentıon to detaıl. I cannot for the lıfe of me fıgure out where that key ıs. Though ınterestıngly enough, İ can wrıte a capıtal İ wıth a dot just fıne. I'm certaın that's a metaphor for somethıng.

I've been ın Turkey for almost 10 days, traveling for 22, and stıll have 10 to go. I cannot belıeve how fast thıs trıp has gone and ıt has been quite an experience. Different than goıng on a one or two week vacatıon when I spend most of my tıme ın ıt's-so-nıce-to-be-away mode, beıng gone for thıs long really gıves the vacatıon's "newness" a chance to wear off. Soon enough, all the old neuroses, ınsecurıtıes, fears, habıts, and selfıshness shows up lıke lost luggage. It's been ınterestıng to me to watch how I've handled those thıngs dıfferently wıthout the companıonshıp of communıty. I fınd ıt ıs easıer to just set those thıngs asıde and go about my plans for the day of sıght-seeıng thıs or tourıng that and manage to forget whatever meddlesome struggle poked at me earlıer ın the day. I don't thınk thıs ıs necessarıly a good thıng. Some mıght say 'settıng thıngs asıde' sounds all peaceful and Buddhısh. Rather, it feels to me, more lıke denıal or closing my eyes whıle standıng on the tracks of a traın. I suppose we can add 'melancholic foreboding' to my list of stowaways.

I've realızed there ıs another reason I lıke travelıng: ıt really gıves me a break from the constant chorus of the 'other perspectıve' I have runnıng ın my head. Sometımes ıt ıs not untıl I am mıssıng somethıng that I realıze what a large part ıt usually plays ın my lıfe. Thıs sensıtıvıty to others' thoughts or perspectıves ıs usually helpful when ıt takes the form of empathy or wrıtıng wıth a voıce wıth whıch people mıght relate. Beıng alone for the better part of a month, gıves me a bıt of a break from the 'how am I beıng perceıved' or 'does thıs shırt go wıth these pants'. Rather than take thıs as lıcense toward hedonısm, I find myself to be more subdued than usual and wear the same clothes multıple days ın a row. [That remınds me, I need to pıck up my clean laundry ın the next hour or so.]

Beıng ın Turkey for thıs last couple of weeks has really remınded me what ıt ıs about ındependant travel I so enjoy. I have had a number of off-the-beaten-path experıences I probably never would have had were I travelıng wıth a large group or even my wıfe and kıds. Whıle the ısolatıon and ınabılıty to share my experıences with another ın vıvo ıs certaınly a drawback, beıng able to make spontaneous decısıons has gıven me the agılıty to put myself ınto some pretty wonderful sıtuatıons. It ıs late fall ın Turkey and has raıned for most of the days I have been here. In fact, ıt has raıned most every day for the last seven. Whıle I have met travelers who prefer to spend these days readıng, doıng laundry, or hangıng out ın the ınternet cafe, my phılosopy ıs to throw myself out there ınto the thıck of ıt, consıder ıt part of the adventure, and see what comes of ıt. Thıs seems to be a way of thınkıng much easıer for me to do whıle travelıng than when ın my routıne at home. Whıle ın Pamukkale (pam-oo-KAHL-ay) exploring the heıropolıs and travertınes, unbenounced to me the manager of my $17/nıght hotel arranged for me to have lunch at the mountaın vıllage home of hıs best frıend and hıs famıly. He ınformed me of thıs when I returned from sıghtseeıng, soaked to the skın and wantıng nothıng more than a hot bath and bucket-sızed Starbucks Amerıcano. Whether motıvated by the possıbılıty of a unıque cultural exchange or just a free meal, I wıll allow the humble reader to decıde. Regardless, ıt was a wonderful meal wıth the entıre famıly, a sweet (ıf not wholly confusıng) conversatıon between people lımıted to poıntıng and actıng out what they're sayıng. Were our lunch recorded and then vıewed wıthout the sound, you would swear we were playıng some crazy party game. How would you ask ıf the mılk you were drınkıng came from a cow or from a goat?










After lunch, I accompanıed Husseın and hıs wıfe, Emıne, to theır rug shop where they demonstrated how they and others from theır vıllage make both Turkısh rugs and tradıtıonal nomadıc kılım. Whıle I was there, groups of buyers from Istanbul, Ismır, and Ankara, came ın and took delıvery of large orders. It seems I had stumbled onto the manufacturer and wholesaler of Turkısh rugs! Later, Husseın told me he and hıs wıfe were actually featured on an Italıan televısıon specıal about theır regıon of Turkey (see 3:09). After all that good food, multıple glasses of çay, and the sweet hospıtalıty of some very kınd people, ıt would have been a travesty to leave wıthout a rug, especıally sınce he was wıllıng to gıve me hıs wholesale cost! Husseın and I are sıttıng, negotıatıng, and drinking tea in front of what would come to be my rug.










When leavıng Pamukkale, I almost made a gametıme decısıon to skıp Antalya altogether. I am so glad I dıdn't. So far, the two days I spent ın Antalya have been the best two days of my entire vacation so far. It may or may not surprıse you to know the only hotel reservatıons I have had were upon my arrıval ınto Athens at the end of September. Sınce leavıng Athens, I've been showıng up wıth eıther Euros or Lıra ın one hand and wıth my Lonely Planet ın the other, lookıng for a room. Thıs typically works out great when I arrıve someplace early ın the day. However, I had traveled by bus for 5 hours from Pamukkale to Antalya, arrıvıng a lıttle after mıdnıght on Sunday, 9 October, and was stıll a lıttle damp from walking around ın the raın lıke a fool (allow me say ıt for you) wıth my 50 lb.+ backpack. I'll admit it was not the ıdeal sıtuatıon ın whıch to be lookıng for a nıght's lodgıng. After I struck out wıth the fırst few places, a 21 year old ran up to me and ınvıted me to stay ın hıs hotel. After droppıng my stuff ın the room, I went back downstaırs so see ıf the night shift could rustle me up some grub. Fatıh was on desk-duty for the nıght and was wıllıng to fıx me a sandwich and then offered to share his bowl of ıce cream. I stayed up for the next few hours hearıng about the lıfe of thıs young Kurdısh man, far away from home, tryıng to survıve ın a socıety where both he and hıs fellow Kurds are frequent vıctıms of racısm and ethnıc vıolence. Whıle I had certaınly read about the racıal tensıons between Turks, Kurds, and Armenıans, thıs put a face and a narrative to previously dry BBC reports. It was facınatıng to talk wıth Fatıh. Both he and hıs fellow Kurdish coworker, Yahya, had opened the Tropıcal Adalıa Pansıyon ın Antalya a year earlıer and were attemptıng to get a foothold ın the tourıst market. Because I am travelıng at the end of tourıst season - and not to dıscount the raın - I belıeve I was one of the only guests ın the Tropıcal Adalıa. The fırst full day I was there, Yahya took me all around hıs cıty, showıng me the behınd-the-scenes experıence of Antalya. The next day was clearer, and Fatıh accompanıed me to see the parks, monuments, and museums, none of whıch he had ever seen, whether because of cost or his sıngle-mınded focus on gettıng the hotel off the ground. We had a fantastıc day, usıng Google Translator on my ıPhone to dıscuss topıcs typıcally ınaccessıble to new frıends wıth uncommon language. Fatıh even took me to hıs favorıte place to drınk çay and play backgammon with friends.










It was really the most fantastic kind of day, precisely the type of serendipitous connection with another human being who embodies the culture I sought to explore in Turkey. That type of mutual exchange of information, culture, friendship, and life cannot be planned, purchased or prompted. It can only be received for the gift it is. I think Fatih was as curious about me and America as I was about him and Turkey. At the end of the day while accompanying me to the bus station for my nine hour, overnight bus to Cappadocia, Fatih began to spontaneously sing. Whether prompted by our conversation or the the joy we were both feeling from sharing such an enriching day, it was really something special. Although the quality does not do the content justice, I hope my set-up helps capture the sweetness of the moment.



After leaving Antalya, I continued to Cappadocia and then on to Istanbul, both fantastic beyond my ability to describe. My hope was to write more while in Turkey. I have become so enchanted with the people and culture of Turkey, I have elected to be a participant rather than observer. While I could have muscled through and stayed on my itinerary, being open to these serendipitous experiences has deepened and enriched my experience of Turkey in a way I could not have imagined. And yet, I feel as if I barely scratched the surface. Fatih and Yahya have invited me to return to Turkey and with advance notice, to accompany them to deep east Turkey as their guest and recipient of their families' hospitality. I can't wait to return!

As I am writing this entry, I am flying from Istanbul to Amman on Royal Jordanian Airlines. Once I arrive, I'll be meeting up with my parents and their church tour group, comprised of 30+ "active seniors", as promoted by my mom. For the next 10 days in Jordan and Israel, I will be traveling very differently than the previous three weeks: all my food, accommodations, and tours are pre-paid and pre-decided. While it is a nice break to have a set hotel and itinerary, that way of traveling potentially sanitizes the experience and removes both risk and serendipity. However - I remind myself - the purpose of my trip is to have a wonderful shared experience with my parents and see this ancient part of the world. While independant travel is always my preferred medium of engaging the world, there are times when other priorities take precedence. I'm putting this into print to remind myself, you understand. And, after all, who's to say routine of going to bed at 5:30PM and eating a high-fiber diet won't be good for me in the long run, anyway!

The next time I write, I will be in Jordan. Shallah! Thank you for reading along, friend!

Michael

PS Dıd you happen to catch on the news thıs week that Turkey beat Real Madrıd, securıng theır spot ın the European Soccer Play-offs? It dıdn't slıp past the Turks. I caught theır celebratıon comıng down Istıkal Caddesı thıs afternoon. I have to admıt, however, at fırst I dıdn't know whether to thınk 'protest, rıot, or demonstratıon'. Regardless, ıt was very excıtıng.

Location:Istanbul, Turkey

Look at me! I'm a Tusken Raider on Tatooine!

Taken at Cappadocia, Turkey

It's 5:08AM. I'm on hour 7 of a 9 hour of an overnight bus trip. No coffee in sight...and the Turk next to me is a snuggler.

Taken at Yesilova Kasabasi

I love you, Dad. Happy 67th birthday today. Let's celebrate together next week!

After 1 taxi, 2 buses, 2 ferries, and 4 espressos...TURKEY!

Taken at Selçuk

And just when I was thinking 'eating alone' was getting old.

Taken at Patmos

"It's a European Shoulder Bag"

I'm really doing a lot of moving around on this trip. I've not stayed in one place more than two nights. While that's typically long enough to see both the sights and sites and get a sense of the hamlet I'm visiting, my preference would be to go someplace and stay there for a while. For now, however, that really doesn't fit with my philosophy of travel: while I'm "young" and able, I want to see/do as much as I can. I am assuming I will eventually arrive at the point in which I am no longer able nor interested in hiking to the tops of mountain fortresses or lugging a 40 lb. backpack around. Then, my plan is to return to some of the favorite places I've visited, rent a place and spend my time wandering around town, meeting my neighbors, and discovering the bakery with the freshest bread.

That day may be closer than I want to believe. I'm certain the general neglect of my physical health plays a big part, but I'm noticing I'm not snapping back quite as quickly as I have in the past after a full day of climbing, exploring, and traipsing. After leaving Kardamyli, I traveled to the 13th century castle of Monevasia on the southeastern tip of Greece. I'll let you research the specifics, but suffice to say this Gibraltar-like landmass was originally held by the Ottoman Empire, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and finally by the Greeks.


Now, the entire walled village at the base is a Unesco World Heritage site, inaccessible by car, and completely surrounded by water, save a small isthmus connecting it to the mainland. Monemvasia (moh-mehm-VAH-see-ah) actually means "one entrance". I stayed in a 450 year old bedroom converted to a hotel room:

Although normally outside my lean-and-mean travel budget, I've discovered traveling at shoulder-season, showing up at dusk with no reservation, and having cash-in-hand softens those prices right up. And it was worth it! The setting was incredible. I felt like a 13 year old as I explored narrow passages, hiked up and down cobblestone streets, and managed to get lost more than a few times. The day before I left, I hiked to the very top of the rock and explored the citadel:

I took many more photographs during my time in Monemvasia than I can include here. But I will share the sunset I captured on my first day there:



If you've done any traveling in Europe over the last few years, you've probably noticed the disturbing trend of men sculpting their eyebrows. I'm not talking plucking or a general trim, but rather an aggressive, time-consuming, all out effort to reduce the overall footprint of said brow. Although I find it makes the man look like a depilated mannequin, I have just chalked this up to being one of any number of differences I notice in people when traveling. I've just hoped the trend will go the way of the man-purse and stay on this side of the pond. I'll be happy to make an exception for Greek men, however. Did you know Bert is Greek?



Although I have a strong preference for independent travel, there is a large contingent of the world that visits far off lands by tour bus. These buses are lined up at most locations like Baptists at Luby's Sunday lunch. I usually endure their large amorphous mass as it slowly moves from one shady spot to the next, following their obnoxiously entitled, purple umbrella toting tour guide. I have the advantage: I'm alone, informed, and agile. I'm a gazelle. However, after many long days of travel, more than my share of Greek salads, and accommodating the disproportionately misrepresented number of Germans, I get a little passive-aggressive. Today at the Mycenae ruins just to the south of Athens (think home of Agamemnon, Achilles, Odysseus, and givers of the Trojan Horse), I acted out a little. At the very end of the path through the ruins, there is a very deep, dark tunnel leading to the underground cistern:


Using the light on my iPhone, I had traveled very deeply, all the way to the waterline and was working my way back up the stairs when I heard the melodic tones of German teenagers decending the stairs...sans flashlight. I quickly turned off my light and waited in the shadows. As the girls came around the corner, eyes still adjusting to the center-of-the-earth darkness swallowing them, I quietly began making my very best angry vampire noise...and moving toward them. I'm really not sure what happened next. I just started shrieking and running toward them, past them, then emerging from the mouth of the pit before they could regain their wits. I do remember the echoes of their screams still ringing in my head as I contentedly strolled toward the museum.

As I'm writing this missive, I am currently aboard the Blue Star 2, crossing the Aegean and headed toward the island of Patmos, the island to which the apostle John was exiled from Ephesus. This is the same John, the disciple who Jesus loved, who wrote the book of Revelation. I can't wait. However, this is not the friendliest of travel itineraries: the only boats to Patmos leave at 7PM and arrive at 2:15AM...just a little over three hours from now. Because my sources tell me people with rooms to rent meet the arriving boat, I have not made any arrangements for my accommodations. Worst case scenario, I can pull out my sleeping bag and sleep in the park. [This is exactly the type of detail I intentionally omit when sharing my itinerary with my mother.] I figured if John could do it, I can handle it for one night. But I'm certain it'll work out. Famous last words... I'll be on Patmos until Friday and then travel to Kusadasi, the southwestern Aegean port of Turkey, and gateway to Ephesus!

Thank you for reading, praying, and staying in touch with me, friends. I'm having a great time but I'd be lying if I didn't say I am feeling a bit of the isolation that comes with traveling alone...or with a bunch of people who don't speak my language. Wish you were here!

UPDATE: I arrived at 2:15AM this morning on the ferry. As I was hoping, I met a woman at the port named "Susanna" who rents little studio apartments to travelers. [She's a single mother of three girls - 7, 11, 16 - who meets 4-5 boats a day, apparently at all hours, to keep her rooms full and make ends meet.] Turns out to be one of the most comfortable AND cheapest I've stayed in so far. I've rented a 4-wheeler and am exploring the island...or will as soon as I've checked the interwebs. First things first, after all. I've also found out there is a special liturgy tonight from 8PM-1AM at the St. John the Apostle church. Susanna is going and has invited me to join her. Let's hope it's not my wedding I've been invited to attend ;-)

Location:Middle of the Aegean Sea

Left Piraeus Port, Athens, almost 5 hours ago, sailing toward the island of Patmos. Arriving at 2:30AM.

Taken at Aegean

I'm in Sparta, home of the legendary Spartan warriors...and all I can think of is Will Ferrell.

Taken at Sparti

Sunset from a turret.

Taken at Castle Of Monemvasia

Just keep your eyes straight ahead, mate!

In my reading about Greece, I have come across an interesting statistic: per person, the average Greek citizen consumes 63 pounds of cheese and 7 gallons of olive oil per year. That's a little more than one pound of cheese per week! But I can see how it could happen. Try as I might to order something different, every single meal I somehow end up with what I suspect to be the principle culprit, a Greek salad. My Greek language acquisition is so atrocious, I don't blame the poor Taberna waitstaff. For all I know, they hear me saying, 'Blahblah toothpick blahblah doorknob blahblah wheelbarrow blahblah bring me a Greek salad and don't be stingy with the olive oil or feta!' In addition to the fresh tomatoes, purple onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and handful of Kalamata olives thrown in, last night's salad had about half a cup of fresh olive oil and a slab of feta the size of your average heart monitor. I had to ask for two extra slices of toasted peasant bread to sop it all up.

After leaving Delphi yesterday, I took an unintentionally scenic drive through the Peloponnese countryside, eventually arriving at Olympia, the site of the first Olympics, dating back to 1,162 B.C. It absolutely astounds me that there has been civilizations around that long. When I was in Athens, I visited the National Archeological Museum and saw some intact Cycladic sculptures dating back to >2,500 B.C. I'm not sure what it is that makes the idea of humans existing (and sculpting) more than 4,000 years ago so amazing to me. Perhaps I am just that narcissistic. Anyway, Olympia was fantastic, as was Delphi. I'll have more than enough pictures to keep you engaged, should you want to see them. But I'll tell ya, seeing all these ancient sites, is just gonna ruin future visits to those new-kids-on-the-block-by-comparison Aztec and Maya temples in Mexico. Here's a shot of the Temple of Athena in Delphi. The Oracle did her thing in the less-photogenic Temple of Apollo, just up the hill.


I mentioned taking a scenic route to Kardamyli yesterday. One of the more useful things I brought with me is a GPS I picked up before this trip. I planned to do some driving in both Greece and Turkey, and knew I would need a little help navigating. It has been a lifesaver, if not entertaining at times. For example, while on my way to my current base, Mr. Garmin routed me through Kalamata. Yup, same as the olive. [I had always assumed Kalamata was in Italy, but turns out to be in Greece.] I had planned to at least stop there and take a picture, but Mr. Garmin convinced me otherwise. To keep myself entertained, I've changed the GPS voice to have an Australian accent, a generally pleasant lilt reminding me of fun times, knives, and having shrimp with Barbie. Now, you and I pronounce Kalamata as kah-lah-MAH-tah. Alex the Aussie pronounces it as "calamitous". After my visit with the Oracle the day before, I thought it prudent to avoid bad omens. Here's me having both an espresso doppio and French press this morning in Kardamyli.


I don't think I've made a point to say how beautiful Greece is, from the city to the coast. Of course, when I'm on vacation in unfamiliar locations, I find even the local laundromat exotic. This afternoon I had lunch in the village of Themales, while sitting in a courtyard shaded by grapevines. Currently, I writing this blog entry seated in the shade of an old olive tree, watching as the sun sets into the turquoise Messinian Gulf. Although it had not occurred to me before sitting down, I now recall European women frequently swim topless. It seems that is also the case at this beach. So let's tally the score: free alcohol on the plane, topless women at the beach, and unlimited romantic settings. If they didn't have espresso machines on every corner, I might think I was on the wrong vacation.


Thanks for reading, friends. It's great to read your comments, too. As an introvert, I convince myself into thinking I can never get enough "alone time". However, drop me in a country in which the locals and I share just enough common language to negotiate the price of postcards, and it leaves me alone with my thoughts for days at a time...a scenario those who know me best would say still requires supervision. I miss you, friends.

Location:Mani Peninsula, Greece

Now, the coffee is waiting on me.

Taken at Kardamyli

Yes, just like JR Ewing.

I realized today there are a number of things I do when I'm traveling that I never EVER do when I'm home:

• When people see me, often their first question is (and lately, with a Greek accent), "Wherrre arre yoooou, frahm?" I'm not criticizing, but rather just trying to accurately represent the experience. Rather than start with the 'United States' - and maybe this is just the Texan in me - I just say 'I'm from Dallas.' Without exception, young or old, male or female, I receive one of two replies: "Like JR Ewing?" or "Dallas Cowboys!" Yes, 80's drama and Pro Football are our exports. I do suppose that's better than being known for Rick Perry or George W. Bush;

• Language is another big area of difference. Learning Greek is just not an option, so my new friends and I default to English. To ease their transition and to be understood, I speak clearly, slowly, and use a first grade vocabulary, 'I like your city. It is nice. People are friendly.' Or as the day wears on, I eliminate articles and go straight to the salient nouns, 'espresso, ice, big, no sugar'. If you've never listened to the story of David Sedaris learning to speak French, give yourself a gift and listen to Jesus Shaves;

• Sight-seeing in an urban center is different than touring the countryside or staying in some resort somewhere. Besides the obvious differences, the main obstacle than comes to my mind is 'Where can I use the restroom?' Now, you'd think this was simple enough as to just go into any building and ask. But that solution has already occurred to every Mauricio, Ian, and Svetlana also touring this city. And the shopkeepers have responded with a resounding, "WC for customers only". This further complicates things as now I have to coordinate purchases and the potty. So here's my confession, and I'm not proud of this, but sometimes I will pretend to shop only to duck into the restroom and lock the door when the merchant is not looking. This usually works out, but there are times when I'm the one who is surprised.

Today was my day to sightsee in the city of Athens. I got my bearings yesterday, and today was all about the Acropolis, the National Archeological Museum, the Agora, and a walking tour of the city. It was a full, but exciting day with more than a few surprises. While visiting these wonders, I had two separate men, probably in their 80's, initiate conversations with me. Both had lived for a time in the United States, but based on their English, it was either a long time ago or they stayed mainly with other Greeks. In addition to using the Greek version of personal space, they both were very insistent on me going with them to a.) a bar to try ouzo and orange juice, and b.) come home with them and meet their daughters. And by 'very insistent' I mean they took me by one arm and put the other around my waist and began walking me down the street. By the second guy, I had my story down: 'Thank you but I have a woman waiting for me...if you know what I mean .' Of course, I meant Martha, the receptionist at my hotel.

I had timed my walking turnoff the city for me to be at the Areopagus or Mars Hill by sunset. This was the site on which the apostle, Paul, addressed the Athenian scholars, philosophers, and teachers of the day. In later centuries, this same area would host Socrates, Plato, and Arisotle. What a rush to worship on top of Mars Hill and read Paul's words from Act 17, spoken almost 2,000 years ago on this very spot:

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands." Acts 17:24

With the Acropolis clearly visible in the distance, Paul was making a powerful point both about the culture he was addressing and about the God we worship.

Good night, dear friends. Tomorrow, I hit the road!

Location:Αν. Ζίννη, Athens, Greece

Day 1: Dallas -> Frankfurt -> Athens

Well, I finally managed to get everything done, closed up my house, office, and life in Dallas for a while and begin my journey. It is a big undertaking to prepare to be gone for a month: there's all the financial and logistical prep required to make certain Michael, Inc., keeps rolling and paying the bills even when I'm gone, then getting everything settled at work, and finally, actually preparing to see the places I'm going. Unfortunately, I was so consumed with getting ready to leave, I didn't really feel any excitement or anticipation until toward the end of this last week when I began to see an end in sight. Further complicating matters, I had an unusual bout of anxiety over the last two weeks or so.

Before I go any further, I want to especially thank my employer, Salesmanship Club, for allowing me this much-needed mini-sabbatical. [Personally, I've come to think of it as my little equivalent to maternity leave...except I give birth to a much refreshed and culturally-expanded me.] Thank you also to my work colleagues, church community, dear friends, and family for your patience with my frenetic, anxious, and unfocused demeanor for this last month or so. If it helps in your mind to expand this 'month' to the last decade, more or less, you should feel free to do that, too. I have leaned on you too much at times, but am so thankful to have you in my life. How do people "do life" in isolation? For all my neuroses, life would be so much worse without being surrounded by those who know and love me...or are master thespians.




OK, enough of that and back to my travels. In October of 2009 my work BFF (and travel companion to Banff, Canada, November 2010), Welby Pinney, made me aware of a "miles amassing opportunity" with the soon-to-be-merged Continental and United Airlines. The scam completely-legal-but-highly-involved project required me, over the course of a year, to open a number of Chase Bank accounts, credit and debit cards, make a number of transactions, and then once Continental and United made it possible in February 2011, merging the accumulated miles into one account. Besides the time and attention to detail it took, the entire effort only cost me $60 for one year of credit card fees...which I eventually got back, as you'll see. When it was all said and done, I had accumulated 120,000 Continental Airlines miles, more than enough to fly First Class on Lufthansa from Dallas to Athens and then an economy return to Dallas from Tel Aviv, both via Frankfurt. By redeeming these miles through the Star Alliance program, I was only required to pay the taxes on my flights, totally $116. And because I paid that charge using the $60 credit card I mentioned, my bag fees of $75 were waived. Although finding good deals is no unusual for me, this was definitely one of my better scores.




Because I don't fly first class that often...if ever, I was more than a little excited. But at the same time, I wanted to keep my cool and avoid declaring to the world , "OH MY GOODNESS!! THEY'VE GIVEN ME HOT NUTS!" That being said, I do still enjoy a bit of quiet reveling.

The flight to Frankfurt on Lufthansa was luxurious! What a great way to begin a vacation. As this was an overnight flight, one of the perks was the 180° recline on the seat to become a bed, fully 2 meters long. Before going to sleep, however, I had an awesome meal, beginning with cavier and crostini. And of course, now that I don't drink alcohol, I'm a free booze magnet. Regardless, the meals have been fantastic. Where else but on European flights do they serve sushi with your scrambled eggs and croissant?







I arrived in Frankfurt at 9:15AM local time (2:15AM, Dallas time). While I'd been scheduled for a 2:30PM flight to Athens, I noticed on the monitor the 9:10AM was delayed until 10:10AM. Score! I hustled to the Lufthansa Customer Service station - using the super-convenient First Class HOV lane - and after about three vünderbahs Helga scored me a seat on the earlier flight to Athens...and more importantly, made certain to have my checked luggage come out first in Athens! Vündabah indeed, Helga!

Well, I've finally arrived at my hotel in Athens, having had a few minutes to finish this blog on the metro. Now, I have just enough time to see the Acropolis Museum!

Location:Athens, Greece

40 Hours and Counting!

Well, I've committed to keeping a blog updated of this little journey I'm about to take. So I had might as well get started.

By my calculations (of questionable quality at 12:45AM), I'm 40 hours away from departure. In case you have somehow avoided being sucked into my vortex of trip preparations over the last 6 months or so and are in the dark as to what I'm referencing, I'll give some details.

On Saturday, September 24, I'll be traveling from Dallas to Athens, Greece, for the first part of my little journey. After 10+ days exploring the Peloponnese Peninsula, I'll cross the Aegean Sea by boat through the Greek Islands and eventually take land in Kudsadasi. This begins the Turkey leg of my trip. I'll finish up my 10+ days traveling around Turkey in Istanbul, when on October 17 I'll fly to Amman, Jordan. Once there, I'll meet up with my parents and a pre-arranged tour group of those well-eligible to receive the full value of their Social Security benefits. For the last third of my trip, I will be spending 10+ days visiting holy sites in Jordan and Israel with my mom and dad.

It's gonna be a great trip. After months of planning, I think I'm actually ready to go. I'm even a little excited! Forgive my understated enthusiasm. I've been consumed with buying travel insurance, informing credit card companies I'll be traveling internationally, buying sink-washable articles of clothing, and learning all I can about the countries I'll be visiting.

Tonight, I actually went ahead and prepped my backpack. While I've been gathering things for a while now, tonight - two days before I leave - is when I like to pack in anticipation of needing to leave as much time as possible before I leave for unexpected developments. So far, so good. Here's what my uncompressed bag looks like:


Of course, 'Quito is more than curious about all this movement and preparation around the house. For those pet-lovers out there, my parents will take care of the "grandcat" until they leave, and will then pass off the scooper to a trustworthy neighborhood child. You'll notice his plaid carrier on the lefthand side of the picture. This is his cat-carrier. I've learned the hard way to get this out a few days before I leave. This saves me a last-minute freak-out trying to extract my anywherebuthomeaphobic cat from behind the dryer.

OK, I'm sleepy and need to get some rest before tomorrow. I only slept 4 hours last night and need to catch up tonight.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment, share the blog with your social networks, or eat an entire pan of brownies. What do I care? I'm going on vacation! Good night, friends.

Location:Still in Dallas...

I don't buy it. Maybe she's saying she lives with her pot-addicted kid (Dopey) and under-employed husband (Grumpy)?

Taken at Starbucks