Have you ever seen a more magnificent sight? (Greece)

Daytime...

Nighttime...

And a little something in between.

Wanna see what we did early in the morning? (Greece)

Welcome to the base of the trail at Lycabettus Hill. Every morning we joined the locals and hiked to the top. There is a gorgeous church at the top. Interestingly, there is a tram that goes to the top and even though we hiked the entire hill, we never found it.

A close up of the church and a bit of the trail. (Slight confession -- our hotel had the yummiest breakfast buffet ever. Nothin' but motivation.)

As if we needed more motivation -- the view from the top.

Rock Me Baby (Greece)

Here's the thing. I have little archaeological imagination. Okay, that's a stretch. I have no archaeological imagination. All I see are rocks. Orderly rocks. But they're just rocks.

See...orderly rocks. In rows, columns and geometric shapes. Jason tells me that this was once the "new" agora. Which is new to 200 A.D. Yeah, you read that right--new. An agora is a giant market place. Consider it the vibrant and bustling Roman town center. (A bit of history -- Jason insists -- the Romans used to run Greece.) Sorry, I am still seeing rocks.

Main street of the old agora. Funny, I think I have seen these rocks somewhere before.

Look at Jason. Sorting out the rocks. If you are wondering what he's doing -- well, he's reading the guide book, piecing ancient histories together, recreating the town center and loving every minute of it. (Me? I was a bit tired of the rocks. So I took a picture of Jason's back.)

Explorer Meghan (Greece)

"Yeah, I love this place. I could build a house right here. Look there's even a bit of a foundation to get started on!"

Whew! I need a break. This Parthenon is high! Who knew it was built on top of a giant rock?

Where's Waldo, oh wait, I mean Meghan?

Heights?!? Who's afraid of heights? It not really a big deal, I mean its only a hundred feet straight down just over that awfully little wall right behind me.

Wondering how to get around Greece?

My sweet ride! Twingo. Yes, even though I am taller than it, the top is made of cloth and the wheels are smaller than a child's bicycle wheels, it is indeed a real car.

If you prefer something larger and a bit safer, then this "hog" is for you!

For those of you not interested in motorised travel...old faithful is happy to lead the way! And across 4,ooo year old marble steps. Think you are the first to set foot here? Think not!

And lastly, for those of you who crave speed. This baby doesn't cut through the water, she glides across the top. Perfect for a quick trip to another island.

Well, It Can't All Be Work (Greece)

A Little Somethin' For Folks Back Home (Greece)

There's not much to say about these. We like them and think you might as well.

Mmmmmm...Venice

Venice (Italian: Venezia, Venetian: Venexia) is the capital of the region of Veneto and the province of the same name in Italy. Its population is 271,663 (census estimate January 1, 2004). It has a nickname, "Queen of the Adriatic".


The city stretches across numerous small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. The saltwater lagoon stretches along the shoreline between the mouths of the Po (south) and the Piave (north) Rivers.

St. Mark's Square - Venice

Isn't all that geography that nice to know? Now here's the really interesting stuff...St. Mark's Square, in the heart of Venice, has more tourists and pigeons per square mile than any other place on earth. My citiation isn't official here, its from my other half. But having been there in August. I can confirm. Its true. Birdflu be damned.

Even better, there are women and men who sell little packages of bread crumbs to feed the pigeons. Apparently, no tourist is complete without a photo of himself covered in pigeons. Do you really think this is sanitary?

Having said that, the Square is lovely, vibrant and interesting. The yellow and green tables in the picture above are outdoor cafes, where there are wonderful Italian muscians who will serenade you all through your cafe (coffee) or meal. Charming. Here on the Square, the architecture is also stunning and regardless of all the people, Venice is so enjoyable.

Basilica di San Marco (Venice)

St. Mark's Square. After being vaccinated for birdflu we ventured in. How lovely! We are standing in front the Basilica di San Marco. No longer officially worshipped in, it is open to tourists.

Jason is standing on the upper balcony at the Basilica di San Marco overlooking St. Mark's Square. Sweating.

Venetian Canals

A bit on the water...forget everthing you have heard. Its clean, flows nicely and really doesn't smell. Besides, its a charming way to walk around...

To walk out your front door

To have your appliances delivered on...

To buy your groceries on...

To take the bus on...

Venetian Smiles

Christ and Art

Look a church! Did you think we would cover our photos of Venice without one of these? And art? Those Venetians weren't into art!

Ahhhhh...Assumption of the Virgin (Assunta). Do you recognize this Titian? Its not Pleasanton Titian. Its Venetian Titian. (You know, the other lesser known one!) This picture was painted between 1516-1518. It hangs in the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. To see it up close is so amazing. Jason lost his marbles at its overwhelming beauty.

Finally, a happy Madonna. And not in a 1970's retro-leotard!

And A Sunset Shall Send Them Home (Venice)