The ancient Greeks also believed that as humans we were here not to attempt to attain god-like status, but instead to think, to create, and to manage all that the gods gave us.
I am now home in Nantes after a truly wonderful vacation with my parents and my aunt in Sicily, Athens, Ephesus (Turkey), Crete, Rome, and Paris. I’m not going to apologize for how long this post may be… it was all good and I should write about all of it. Read if you please.
I met my family in Rome Saturday evening. One of the first things my airport taxi driver asked me was if I had a boyfriend. Gah I love the Italians… (but I really only love one Italian/American).
In Palermo, Sicily we ate connolis outside the Opera House that can be seen in the 3rd Godfather movie (shooting and death of the daughter scene). Here is my dad’s best mafia pose outside this gorgeous building.
The history of Sicily is incredible (and violent)… we visited some catacombs displaying the preserved bodies of monks and nobles (separate areas for holy men, for professionals, for nobles, for women, and for childrens’ bodies. Virgins were dressed in white, adorned with a crown, and locked behind a separate gate…) Some of the bodies still had hair and skin. It was bizarre and eerie and just altogether a little oddly amazing. 
Our day continued to the Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri which was used by the Spanish Inquisition… really a terrible part of history. Some of the artwork done on the wall was created by prisoners… the colors were created from their blood as they dug into the walls/earth… they created biblical scenes in the hopes that they would convince the Inquisition that they had converted to Catholicism. The square where women/”witches” were burned at the stake is just outside and now a beautiful garden.
There is a beautiful wooden ceiling in this building that portrays many biblical scenes and also proves the existence of unicorns.
Onward to Athens, Greece, and perhaps my favorite day, perhaps so much so because of our tour guide. What I love so much about travel is the opportunity to interact with new people and hear different perspectives, and this man did not disappoint. He was clearly passionate about his country, upset with his government, but also extremely hopeful for the future of Greece. Our first stop was the Acropolis. I cannot give the Acropolis justice in words. It’s something you have to feel. I advise you to go feel it for yourself.
We entered through the exit because our tour guide said that is how the ancient Greeks designed it so it made more sense for us to break the rules. I love that rebellious spirit! We were greeted by dogs- a lot of dogs that call the Acropolis home. They just kind of weave in and out of the crowds making sure things are going as they should… guardians of the Acropolis, and most likely gods reincarnated to protect their temple.
The Acropolis is so mysterious. We still don’t know exactly how they made it. We cannot replicate it. My best guess is that it was created by aliens. Live long and prosper friends.
Other highlights of Athens: visiting the first modern Olympic stadium (made completely of marble and used for the first time in 1896). We heard a lot of really neat stories about the Olympic Games held there- again our tour guide was incredible. As you can see I was simply overcome with a love of sports and athleticism.
As our bus tour continued, our guide expressed his opinion on the political scene in Greece at the moment. I admit I had been a little nervous about our visit after researching the recent riots. City workers had been on strike and garbage was not collected for 22 days… they were still playing catch-up when we were visiting.
We were on one street full of gorgeous cultural buildings- Athens first university, the library etc on one side, and across the way many banks and political buildings. This street was the scene of the violent riots (that were actually started by police dressed as civilians in an attempt to ruin a peaceful protest… the media doesn’t tell you that part) but the only buildings that were affected, broken windows, red paint splattered etc were the political buildings and the banks. Even in riots, the Greeks respect all that is thought, culture, art, and history. The side of the street dedicated to what I mentioned earlier- to think, to create, to manage-was beautifully preserved while the other side demonstrated disgust with the government and banking. Really a poignant juxtaposition.
Our ship next sailed to Kusadasi, Turkey. Go visit Turkey. Really. The history and landscape is stunning. The people are friendly. Turkish men will make you feel like you are the most beautiful woman to ever step foot in their country.
Here we visited what is believed to be the last place where Mary, Mother of Jesus, lived before her assumption into heaven. We visited the house and drank from a spring that has been flowing since the 1st century AD… the water is revered as holy water with healing properties. The site is also home to a prayer wall where visitors leave their written prayers. 
From there we ventured into the ancient city of Ephesus… come on all you friends that have been through years of Catholic school teaching- Paul’s letters to the Ephesians? Incredible ruins… and they let you (and many cats) scamper all over them. Only 10% of the city is excavated, so someday when I get to return to Turkey, because I will, maybe I will see a completely different Ephesus. This city from the early centuries of AD had so many modern aspects- plumbing, bathrooms, a library, a medical university and facility, indoor heating... How are some people still living without those things right now in our world today?
We lost my mom here. It was crowded and she couldn’t find the group and for about a half hour my dad and I ran around the ruins searching for her, while my aunt waited with the tour group with hopes that she would find them. Turkish security got involved. I cried. Here we are in Turkey and the only thing I know about their culture is that bargaining in shops is a common practice. My mom thought we were ahead of her and was waiting by the bus so we couldn’t leave without her… it was all fine in the end. Knowing so little about the culture and knowing nothing of the language, we did the right thing by choosing to explore Turkey with a guided tour. You’ve got to respect differences and sometimes acknowledge your own ignorance to be a smart traveler… and even when you do that things can be confusing.
After that emotional ordeal, we shared a traditional Turkish meal together. Here are the desserts. Because I love desserts. And you should always have something sweet after you have been through a stressful situation.
Finally it was time for shopping in Turkey! They take all forms of money, most people speak English, and they compliment women like it is their job. We left a rug shop where one of the salesmen had spoken in French with me, and before I knew it he had followed us into the next shop to give me his email address. In a jewelry shop where I purchased some earrings I received a free bracelet. This particular man also said if we missed our ship that we should come back to his shop, stay with him, and then made a joke about Harem rings. Oy. The Turks were quite friendly, and we had a lot of fun making jokes with them, drinking traditional apple tea, and attempting to bargain with them for better prices.
Moving onward to Crete. Crete has a really stark beauty with breathtaking views. When we visited Athens we saw a lot of the damage from the riots and learned a lot about the political scene in Greece. When we visited Crete we saw a lot of the effects of Greece’s struggling economy. Greece is beautiful. I hope the very best for their country. And I hope life for the people there improves greatly.
Some highlights of the cruiseship… I ate the most delicious duck ever, and also had escargots for the first time. I didn’t have to boil my own water to make my coffee (it was a harsh transition back to reality in Nantes). My dad and I took a ballroom dance class. We all spent one entire day lying in the sun on the upper deck. We saw a lot of fun shows at night. And where else can you come home at night and find these towel animals wearing your sunglasses on your bed?
After spending a day in Rome- St. Peter’s Basilica, Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and a wonderful meal of spaghetti and wine- our plan was to fly Rome-Paris-Nantes so my family could see where I live. Our flight from Paris to Nantes was cancelled because of a French strike. Like any healthy relationship, I adore France most of the time… but sometimes it does something that greatly disappoints me or makes me quite angry. We flew Rome to Paris and instead spent the night in Paris. Paris is so so lovely… so if we had to be stuck somewhere Paris wasn’t so bad. But I was disappointed. We ended up having a really wonderful night there though, and although my mom and aunt had already seen Paris it was really wonderful to show off France’s famous city to my dad. 1 point to France because my dad liked Paris better than Rome!
At our hotel the next morning I saw one of my campers from last summer. Small world. Look at me, randomly running into people I know in Paris. Amvil friends- if you’re reading this it was Cornflakes, that sweet little girl who fell down the hill and hung out with Chocolate Milk all the time.
It was hard to say goodbye to my family that morning. I have a really great family. And I miss the people from my America life so much. I am a little confused why everyone I love hasn’t decided to move here to France and live this fabulous life with me!
But coming back to my little studio here in Nantes really did feel like coming home.
Bravo if you made it to the end of this. Happy Adventuring. As always, Bises!
