The Display that Caught My Eye

The display that caught my eye

This display actually made me stop in my tracks as I walked through Sears to find a camera float (which they didn't have). I couldn't help but wonder what age group this display is targeted at. The underwear is what originally caught my attention - bright pink with "BOYS" ("O" in the shape of a heart, of course) written all over them. That was already eye catching because of its overtly sexual connotations. Then put that in the context of its surroundings - bras and undies with Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, and Paul Frank cartoons. Kids cartoons. Maybe I am just getting older and more prudish, but honestly, I don't think I am the only one who sometimes has to stop and wonder… "What the **** is going on around here?"

Writing and Photography

I said in my last post that I would try and write every day... and I actually have been writing nearly every day, just not on my blog. But regardless of where I write, at least I am doing some writing. So good job me.

I have also been doing some photography around town so I can enter the photos in a these weekly contests over on Trazzler's Open Places. So far I have won two honorable mentions - one for the Santa Barbara Courthouse and another for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy - both of which you can see below:

View from the bell tower of the Santa Barbara Courthouse

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy 

It's Been A While

It's been a while since I have been dedicated to writing nearly every day. But I think the time has returned. I am not an incredibly superstitious person, but I do think that there are little markers in life that if you actively look for, you can more clearly see you path. Those markers have been appearing more and more frequently and my path is becoming more defined. I think writing will be a big part of my path, regardless of the destination, so I had better keep it up. Practice makes perfect. And I have some ideas churning in my head, so we'll see where they take me.

The Acropolis of Athens

My first full day in Athens was spent wandering around the ancient city. I began at the southern slope of the Acropolis. The usual entry fee is 12 Euros, but, happily enough, it happened to be a free day - I think because of the Easter holiday. I began my tour at the Theater of Dionysos, a grand theater first constructed during the 6th century BC and reconstructed several times by both the Greeks and the Romans.

Relaxing at the Theater of Dionysos

After sitting and taking in the surroundings, I climbed of the theater and headed to the Asclepion, built around a sacred spring to worship Asclepius, the physician son of Apollo. The worship of Asclepius coincided a sweeping plague in 429 BC.

The Asclepius

I then scrambled my way up to the top of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built in AD 161 by the Romans, for an overhead view of the southern slope of the Acropolis.

View from the top of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

After a brief stop to take in the view, I climbed up the steps and headed through the Propylaia, the grand entrance to the top of the Acropolis, and headed to the magnificent Parthenon.

The Parthenon, more than any other ancient monument, epitomizes the glory of ancient Greece. Parthenon means "virgin's apartment" and it is dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the goddess that embodied the power and prestige of the city, and is built on at least four previous monuments to Athena. The temple took 15 years to complete and was finished in 438 BC.

The Parthenon

Greek flag and the Parthenon

After rounding the Parthenon I headed to the Erechtheion, where Poseidon struck the ground with his trident and where Athena produced olive trees. The Erechtheion was completed in 406 BC and is easily recognizable by its six larger than life maiden columns.

The maidens of the Erechtheion watching over Athens

The Erechtheion

After this final stop I headed town the side of the Acropolis towards the Ancient Agora for a stroll through this once thriving market.

Arriving in Athens

I have arrived in Athens, Greece! From the airport I got straight onto the underground metro, and the first thing I saw upon arrival was this beautiful Orthodox Cathloic Church. It is Easter here for Orthodox Cathloics and from the church came these very loud and very deep voices singing, what seemed like, very old songs. They were the kind that are a bit sad sounding and eerie, but beautiful nonetheless.

First thing I saw when I arrived.

After a nap my host, Panos, took me out walking around the historic ancient Athens, an area called Plaka, which encircles the Acropolis.

Exploring Plaka in Athens, Greece

Exploring Plaka in Athens, Greece - The Acropolis

We then met up with two of Panos' friends, Theo and Gina, for dinner. They took me to a cafe and we sat outside and sampled a bit of everything, all of us sharing food, Greek family style. The food was excellent! While we were eating a small parade of people walked through the street chanting songs to celebrate Easter.

Exploring the streets of Athens at night.

After dinner we walked around Plaka some more before going to an outdoors bar for a drinki - in my case soda. Then we headed home. Quite a nice first day. See more photos

My new Greek friends.

Sunset from Goleta Beach

Sunset from Goleta Beach

After I took this photo today at Goleta Beach, I got in my car and drove to the store. While I was paying I noticed that my camera wasn't in my purse and figured that it must be in my car. I walked out to the parking lot and there was my camera - sitting on the roof. And to think.. I could have easily lost this nice photo!