By Ruth Aroni
I have languished
in cerebral slum alleys
And tiptoed past
Your midnight light.
Now I come to You
With singed fingers
Silence ringing in my years.
I chant Your prayer
Deep into the night.
I see cobwebs of indifference
Surrounding my patio chair
And now I know the answer-
I have to care.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Gracie, A True Lady of Greece
By Roberta Mark Engel
Did you know that my residence used to be in Thessalaniki, Northern Greece? I have given birth to over thirty five puppies during my seven years as a stray dog until my adoption over a year ago.
My parents were on holiday in Thessaloniki and took me to my new home in Athens. This was an easier life for me. I had a garden even though I lived in an apartment. I had two human brothers to play with and lots of food and water. I was loved until I became-pregnant. As you can guess, I appear to be quite fertile. I now had another liter-five adorable puppies.
But, my story has a negative twist. My parents drove me out to the country, took my collar off, stopped the car in a field in Xiropigado, and pushed me out of the automobile with my litter of four new pups. Yes, my parents chose the pick of the offspring for themselves. I was now a tramp in their eyes.
I have shaggy black fur. It is silky in texture, but uneven in appearance. I am chunky because I used to live on moths as a stray. Now that I live in the country, I have varied my diet with chicken eggs. I poach these eggs from Kiriakos Yiannis who has threatened to shoot me for my pilferage. He doesn’t care that I am sweet and docile. I am just a little hungry! Alright, I did bit the yiayia on the leg. She carried a big stick and it frightened me. Even though, I made this transgression, I am told that I have a wonderful personality. I am not very attractive, but I am quiet and attentive. I also have a talent of producing gorgeous puppies. Just look at them. What a proud mamma!
Aunt Carla found us! She lives in the big house across from the field of the brambles and thorns. She fed us every day. Unfortunately, my puppies stole my food. That is when I learned to survive on moths and chicken eggs. The moths were especially in plentiful supply, especially during the summer months.
Soon my life improved. After eight months, I was adopted once again. Unfortunately, mommy and daddy were in the U.S. every third month. But, they returned home to me over and over again. They took me to the doctor to get rid of my limp, severe allergies, worms, fleas and ticks. They even bathed me (the first one I ever had). It was cool! They have a dog in the U.S. so they know how to treat me like a lady.
Oops, I am pregnant again. I am sorry mommy and daddy. Thanks for preparing to stop my future reproductions, but my diet of eggs and moths has caused me to gain quite a bit of weight. Yiatros Visiles didn’t want to perform surgery until I lost weight. Yes, I am chunky or pleasantly plump. OK, obese.
I am living with Dimitris until mommy and daddy return. He is cool. He lets me hang out in the kennel office with him while he answers calls. I am his mascot and we are pals. What a cool life. He has me on a strict diet so I can lose weight. I am quite tired of giving birth. It is difficult.
I need to talk with you later. Mommy and daddy are here. I am going home!!
How am I doing now? I am quite healthy, happy, and just the correct weight. I eat proper dog food and food scraps. I am as friendly as ever, love people, and I am not afraid!
Did you know that my residence used to be in Thessalaniki, Northern Greece? I have given birth to over thirty five puppies during my seven years as a stray dog until my adoption over a year ago.
My parents were on holiday in Thessaloniki and took me to my new home in Athens. This was an easier life for me. I had a garden even though I lived in an apartment. I had two human brothers to play with and lots of food and water. I was loved until I became-pregnant. As you can guess, I appear to be quite fertile. I now had another liter-five adorable puppies.
But, my story has a negative twist. My parents drove me out to the country, took my collar off, stopped the car in a field in Xiropigado, and pushed me out of the automobile with my litter of four new pups. Yes, my parents chose the pick of the offspring for themselves. I was now a tramp in their eyes.
I have shaggy black fur. It is silky in texture, but uneven in appearance. I am chunky because I used to live on moths as a stray. Now that I live in the country, I have varied my diet with chicken eggs. I poach these eggs from Kiriakos Yiannis who has threatened to shoot me for my pilferage. He doesn’t care that I am sweet and docile. I am just a little hungry! Alright, I did bit the yiayia on the leg. She carried a big stick and it frightened me. Even though, I made this transgression, I am told that I have a wonderful personality. I am not very attractive, but I am quiet and attentive. I also have a talent of producing gorgeous puppies. Just look at them. What a proud mamma!
Aunt Carla found us! She lives in the big house across from the field of the brambles and thorns. She fed us every day. Unfortunately, my puppies stole my food. That is when I learned to survive on moths and chicken eggs. The moths were especially in plentiful supply, especially during the summer months.
Soon my life improved. After eight months, I was adopted once again. Unfortunately, mommy and daddy were in the U.S. every third month. But, they returned home to me over and over again. They took me to the doctor to get rid of my limp, severe allergies, worms, fleas and ticks. They even bathed me (the first one I ever had). It was cool! They have a dog in the U.S. so they know how to treat me like a lady.
Oops, I am pregnant again. I am sorry mommy and daddy. Thanks for preparing to stop my future reproductions, but my diet of eggs and moths has caused me to gain quite a bit of weight. Yiatros Visiles didn’t want to perform surgery until I lost weight. Yes, I am chunky or pleasantly plump. OK, obese.
I am living with Dimitris until mommy and daddy return. He is cool. He lets me hang out in the kennel office with him while he answers calls. I am his mascot and we are pals. What a cool life. He has me on a strict diet so I can lose weight. I am quite tired of giving birth. It is difficult.
I need to talk with you later. Mommy and daddy are here. I am going home!!
How am I doing now? I am quite healthy, happy, and just the correct weight. I eat proper dog food and food scraps. I am as friendly as ever, love people, and I am not afraid!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Happy Trails
Are you interested in walking along the local paseos in your neighborhood? Do you prefer to hike in your hills? Or do you wish to drive your car to another location and walk through the locality? Do you have one, two, or three hours to spare during the week for pure exhilaration and enjoyment? If your answer is yes, then power walking may be for you and “Happy Trails”!
But, are you nervous that the endless paseo trails will lead you astray? Are you fearful that a search party will need to be sent out for you? If so, stay at home!
One of the greatest pleasures in my life is striding. Hiking as a couple, group or jaunting alone works well. Join a walking group that meets at specific locations and a planned program to accommodate the speed you desire. Or, take a brisk walk to meet a friend, buy groceries (great for a triceps/biceps workout) or shop in a department store which will provide built in rest stops. How about walking with your dog, especially if he is high energy like our hound?
I discovered walking in college. Thirty eight years after college, I have learned that I am neither the fastest nor the youngest walker in the universe. I have also realized that my final walking goal is racing against the clock (i.e., achieve the end by traveling at a fast pace, but by not having a heart attack).
As you have read, there is a partner for everyone including a walking colleague for your dog. Even if you are a "solo act," finding your “Happy Trails” is pleasurable. I have not purchased anything along the way except health and fun. I have been seriously into fitness since I turned thirty. If this is the ticket to a long life, I hope I am a winner.
by Roberta Mark Engel
But, are you nervous that the endless paseo trails will lead you astray? Are you fearful that a search party will need to be sent out for you? If so, stay at home!
One of the greatest pleasures in my life is striding. Hiking as a couple, group or jaunting alone works well. Join a walking group that meets at specific locations and a planned program to accommodate the speed you desire. Or, take a brisk walk to meet a friend, buy groceries (great for a triceps/biceps workout) or shop in a department store which will provide built in rest stops. How about walking with your dog, especially if he is high energy like our hound?
I discovered walking in college. Thirty eight years after college, I have learned that I am neither the fastest nor the youngest walker in the universe. I have also realized that my final walking goal is racing against the clock (i.e., achieve the end by traveling at a fast pace, but by not having a heart attack).
As you have read, there is a partner for everyone including a walking colleague for your dog. Even if you are a "solo act," finding your “Happy Trails” is pleasurable. I have not purchased anything along the way except health and fun. I have been seriously into fitness since I turned thirty. If this is the ticket to a long life, I hope I am a winner.
by Roberta Mark Engel
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Rescue Center
by Ruth Aroni
I work at the Rescue Center
and every morning around 11:00 my friend, Victoria,
who also works there but speaks little English,
says "coffee."
I go to the kitchen,
get out the instant Folgers and some sugar.
I fill up the two cups with hot water
and French Vanilla creamer
and bring the two cups back to our room.
We drink the coffee together,
two friends, united by our work,
although we cannot talk to each other
except by gestures and hugs.
I work at the Rescue Center
and every morning around 11:00 my friend, Victoria,
who also works there but speaks little English,
says "coffee."
I go to the kitchen,
get out the instant Folgers and some sugar.
I fill up the two cups with hot water
and French Vanilla creamer
and bring the two cups back to our room.
We drink the coffee together,
two friends, united by our work,
although we cannot talk to each other
except by gestures and hugs.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
A Walk on the Wild Side
Are you interested in a more in depth tour of Arkadia? Come join us for a “Walk on the Wild Side” of the most picturesque mountain villages in Arkadia. As an added bonus, we will tour Athens, Tripoli, and Olympia. Sit back, get your camera ready. We will look, walk, talk, take pictures, and eat!
We will see the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum, Lycabettus Hill, Philopapus Hill, the Presidential Palace, the Plaka, National Archeological Museum, and the Benaki Museum. The new Acropolis Museum is one of the most acclaimed museums in the world. After seeing the Acropolis, we will go and see the National Kalimarmaro Stadium that was originally built in 330 BC is made out of marble and is the only existing marble stadium in the world today. The Marathon of the 2004 Olympics ended in this stadium. Of course, while touring, we will see some monuments such as the Academy, the University and our National Library. Another important monument we will see is the “Marathon man” which is made of fiber glass and is located across from the Hilton hotel. It was built in dedication to the Greek soldier Phidippides who in 490 BC ran from the town of Marathon to Athens (about 26 miles) to announce that the Persians had been defeated. He shouted “nenikikamen!” which means “We won!” in ancient Greek and collapsed of exhaustion and died.
Continuing our tour, we will see the changing of the guards which takes place in front of the Presidential Palace. This is also one of the most expensive real estate areas in Athens (Herodou Atticou). Across from the Greek Parliament is the National Gardens where Athenians take a walk and relax during hot summer days. In front of the Presidential Palace is a unique show with fifty-two national guards (in their white uniforms) every Sunday and accompanied by a band (once a month on a Sunday), march down the street for a Change of the Guard Ceremony which ends in front of the Unknown Soldier monument. This is a wonderful event to witness!
Spend Saturday evening at the Grande Bretagne Hotel in a deluxe room and view across the street to the Presidential Palace on a Sunday morning. Shoot a video as you will hear the band quite well. This is the Soho area of Athens. The Athenians gather in Kolonaki Square to have Greek coffee and chat at the cafes nearby. Here you will see the real Greek culture. Kolonaki also has some of the best shopping stores of known fashion designers. We drive up through the narrow streets of Kolonaki to Lycabettus hill which is the tallest hill in Athens (its height reaches 277meters). We then head to the Plaka area which owes its name to a large stone slab found in the area of the church of St. George of Alexandria. We will have a wonderful lunch and then, we will head towards Tripoli.
Did you know that Tripoli is a large, metropolitan city of about 15, 000 inhabitants in the central part of the Peloponnese, in Greece? It is the capital of Arcadia. It was founded in the 14th century by settlers from Albania. It then became the seat of the Parsha of the Morea (ruler of Turkey). It was captured by Kolokotrinis in 1821, but it was eventually destroyed by Ibrahim Pasha in 1828. Trípoli is in the center of the surrounding agricultural region. Must seas are the sanctuary of Alea Athena and the Tegea Archaeological Museum. The temple is dated back the first half of the 4th century B.C.
The Archeological Museum of Tegea is newer construction from the 20th century. Professor Konstantinos Romaios was the first curator of the museum. The museum collections include early antiquities (sculptures, inscriptions, clay and metal artifacts, and architectural parts). We will spend one night at the Mainalon Resort Hotel which has been newly renovated. We also recommend the Cellar restaurant is located in the Kendriki Platia which is called Agios Vasilios. The restaurant has a street level. You must walk down into the restaurant level where the food is displayed and you order what is in season.
The following day, we begin our tour of the mountain villages which includes Agios Petros, Doliana, Vasta, Megalopoli, Koutroufa, Sitaina, Platanos, Kastanitsa, Lagadia, Kerasia, Tsakonia, Demitsana and Stemnitsa.
We will purchase cheese, at the local cheese store called Agiopetriko in Agios Petros. Agios Petros is mainly visited by pilgrims going to the Holy Monastery of Malevi. It has approximately 1, 000 inhabitants. In the village, there is a hotel, tavernas with local specialties, general stores, bakeries and delicious local sweets. Agios Petros is at an altitude of 900 m. It belongs to the Municipality of Northern Kinouria and it is 37 kilometers from Tripoli.
We will stop for lunch at Doliana at Peorgios. Doliana is a distance of 26 kilometers from Tripoli with an elevation of 920 meters. It is known since antiquity, but also later, because it produced marble of excellent quality. Doliana defeated the Turks on May 18, 1821.
Then, we will experience the tale of St. Theodora. You will enjoy this experience also! St. Theodora lived during the tenth century on the Peloponnesus in Greece, near the border between the regions of Messenia and Arcadia in a town called Vasta. When the area was raided by bandits, Theodora was determined to help defend her village, but, women were not permitted to do so. Even though, it was prohibited, Theodora secretly disguised herself as a male soldier in order to join the defense. Ultimately, Theodora did not survive.
But, as she lay dying she uttered the following words: "Let my body become a church, my hair a forest of trees, and my blood a spring to water them." The villagers were moved by her bravery and her untimely death, so they built a church at the site of her grave. A local river was re-routed to pass directly under the church. Eventually, trees sprouted from the roof of the church. I noticed that the roots of were not visible under the roof nor outside the church as they have not been visible for hundreds of years. In addition, this chapel (St. Theodora in Vasta) supports 17 large trees that emerge from the roof and the walls of the chapel. Each tree weighs close to a ton and stands over 20 meters high. Locals could not find a scientific explanation for this church. Many researchers have spent years studying this structure, even x-raying the walls, but have no explanation for the roots of the trees. This In 2003, a geophysical report was presented at the 4th Symposium of Archaeometry in Greece. The results of this investigation proved that the roots followed the gaps existing inside the stone wall of the chapel. It created repulsion stresses between the stones on the ground. This caused a spring to come out from underneath the chapel.
Did you know that Megalopoli is a town on the western part of Arkadia? It was founded in 371 BC. It is 30 kilometers from Tripoli. In Byzantine and Ottoman times, the city was known as Sinanou until the 19th century. It was the first urbanization in the primative Arkadia. It has quite an upscale caffineo which will be great for afternoon relaxation.
Then, we will drive to Sitaina which has an ancient Byzantine Church. Platanos is southeast of Tripoli, 71 kilometers away. Platanos is built on the slopes of Mount Pamon and is surrounded by fir, chestnut, pine and plane trees. It is a settlement with narrow stone-paved streets, whitewashed houses. We will have chestnuts and tea in a caffineou in Kastanitsa which is a complete mountain settlement and is at an elevation of 840 meters. The famous feast if the “Feast of the Chestnut” is held every year in the last week of October. Kastanitsa has wonderful quaint hotels. Lunch is in the oldest village of Tsakonia dating back from 1293 A.D. The cobblestone alleys are mixed with the very tall stone towers and the other castle-like houses. At the center of the village is the church of the Transfiguration of Our Savior which is magnificent as it was built 250 years ago! Around the village you can count 20 chapels. Most in the main town were recently renovated or new. I am sure that you will enjoy the evening also. You will wake up to beautiful mountain air as we did.
Then, our “Walk on the Wild Side” continues with Lagadia which is an elevation of 960 meters and on the road from Tripoli to Olympia; we saw the most picturesque principal village or town of Arcadia. Lagadia is also surrounded by fur trees and the traditional stone-built homes are perched on the slopes of the mountains. The stone houses with two-four stories were creations of the renowned Lagardian master workers. One of the greatest sites besides the Deligiannis House is the Metropolitan Church of Taxiahes. Kerasia is to the right of Tripoli. It is a lovely village which is part of the municipality of Skyritida.
The return trip was through sister villages of Demitsana and Stemnitsa. From Tripoli to Pygros and after Kambeas, we meet the settlement of Karkalos, then we turn right, and after 8 kilometers, we enter Demitsana. We take a tour of the two statues and houses of Patriarch Gregory V and Germanos, Bishop of Patra and the Ecclesiastical Museum, the library, and the folk life collection. We then see Stemnitsa which is the seat of the Municipality of Trikolana. It houses five hundred inhabitants, but it can reach 1000-2000 inhabitants during the summer months. It was chosen as the headquarters of the first Senate of the Peloponnese. Traffic is quite heavy, even during the off times.
To continue with our “Walk on the Wild Side,” will be Olympia. We travel to the west of the Peloponnese towards Ancient Olympia. When night falls, we will sleep at a very nice hotel in Ancient Olympia. The next day, we will visit the village of ancient Olympia where we will see the ancient stadium, the temple of Hera, the Palaestra, Phidias’ workshop, the Philippaeum, the Temple of Zeus, the Leonideum, and the Roman Baths. Did you know that the sanctuary of Olympia is in a lush region irrigated by two rivers, the Alpheus and the Cladeus? The sacred grove of Zeus was filled with plane trees and wild olives that were dedicated to him who was the father of all gods and mortals.
Approaching the archeological site before you reach the museum parking area, we will cross a bridge over the Cladeus River. The riverbed remains dry for most of the year now but in ancient times it was one of Olympia’s vital rivers. We will need to enter the sanctuary on the north side and proceed along the length of the Gymnasium. The southeast section of the site that contained the Hippodrome has been washed away by the waters of the Alpheus River. Did you know that excavations began at Olympia in the 19th century, but continue to this day? Important finds included sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, the Nike of Paeonius, the Hermes of Praxiteles and many bronzes. In total 14,000 objects were recorded. Did you also know that Hercules measured the length (600 feet) of the stadium at Olympia by pacing it out himself? It measures 600 feet. The Temple of Zeus was the largest Doric temple in the Peloponnese and it was built to house the gold and ivory statue of Zeus. The first major excavation of Olympia began in 1975 which was funded by the German government. At night, we will return to Athens from the west of the Peloponnese accompanied with the view of the Ionian Sea. Then, we can view the athletic facilities and visitor accommodations (guest houses baths etc).
We hope you enjoyed an “A Walk on the Wild Side”. We personally toured the mountain villages last winter and Olympia several years ago. Each village had it’s own special feeling. You walked in our paths from Athens, Tripoli, Olympia, Agios Petros, Doliana, Vasta, Megalopoli, Koutroufa, Sitaina, Platanos, Kastanitsa, Lagadia, Kerasia, Tsakonia, Demitsana, Stemnitsa, Olympia and Athens. Please say yassas (hello) as you pass the villagers. They certainly will respond with herete (welcome).
“A Walk on the Wild Side” is a 1956 novel by Nelson Algren and later, a 1972 song by Lou Reed.
Roberta Mark Engel
We will see the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum, Lycabettus Hill, Philopapus Hill, the Presidential Palace, the Plaka, National Archeological Museum, and the Benaki Museum. The new Acropolis Museum is one of the most acclaimed museums in the world. After seeing the Acropolis, we will go and see the National Kalimarmaro Stadium that was originally built in 330 BC is made out of marble and is the only existing marble stadium in the world today. The Marathon of the 2004 Olympics ended in this stadium. Of course, while touring, we will see some monuments such as the Academy, the University and our National Library. Another important monument we will see is the “Marathon man” which is made of fiber glass and is located across from the Hilton hotel. It was built in dedication to the Greek soldier Phidippides who in 490 BC ran from the town of Marathon to Athens (about 26 miles) to announce that the Persians had been defeated. He shouted “nenikikamen!” which means “We won!” in ancient Greek and collapsed of exhaustion and died.
Continuing our tour, we will see the changing of the guards which takes place in front of the Presidential Palace. This is also one of the most expensive real estate areas in Athens (Herodou Atticou). Across from the Greek Parliament is the National Gardens where Athenians take a walk and relax during hot summer days. In front of the Presidential Palace is a unique show with fifty-two national guards (in their white uniforms) every Sunday and accompanied by a band (once a month on a Sunday), march down the street for a Change of the Guard Ceremony which ends in front of the Unknown Soldier monument. This is a wonderful event to witness!
Spend Saturday evening at the Grande Bretagne Hotel in a deluxe room and view across the street to the Presidential Palace on a Sunday morning. Shoot a video as you will hear the band quite well. This is the Soho area of Athens. The Athenians gather in Kolonaki Square to have Greek coffee and chat at the cafes nearby. Here you will see the real Greek culture. Kolonaki also has some of the best shopping stores of known fashion designers. We drive up through the narrow streets of Kolonaki to Lycabettus hill which is the tallest hill in Athens (its height reaches 277meters). We then head to the Plaka area which owes its name to a large stone slab found in the area of the church of St. George of Alexandria. We will have a wonderful lunch and then, we will head towards Tripoli.
Did you know that Tripoli is a large, metropolitan city of about 15, 000 inhabitants in the central part of the Peloponnese, in Greece? It is the capital of Arcadia. It was founded in the 14th century by settlers from Albania. It then became the seat of the Parsha of the Morea (ruler of Turkey). It was captured by Kolokotrinis in 1821, but it was eventually destroyed by Ibrahim Pasha in 1828. Trípoli is in the center of the surrounding agricultural region. Must seas are the sanctuary of Alea Athena and the Tegea Archaeological Museum. The temple is dated back the first half of the 4th century B.C.
The Archeological Museum of Tegea is newer construction from the 20th century. Professor Konstantinos Romaios was the first curator of the museum. The museum collections include early antiquities (sculptures, inscriptions, clay and metal artifacts, and architectural parts). We will spend one night at the Mainalon Resort Hotel which has been newly renovated. We also recommend the Cellar restaurant is located in the Kendriki Platia which is called Agios Vasilios. The restaurant has a street level. You must walk down into the restaurant level where the food is displayed and you order what is in season.
The following day, we begin our tour of the mountain villages which includes Agios Petros, Doliana, Vasta, Megalopoli, Koutroufa, Sitaina, Platanos, Kastanitsa, Lagadia, Kerasia, Tsakonia, Demitsana and Stemnitsa.
We will purchase cheese, at the local cheese store called Agiopetriko in Agios Petros. Agios Petros is mainly visited by pilgrims going to the Holy Monastery of Malevi. It has approximately 1, 000 inhabitants. In the village, there is a hotel, tavernas with local specialties, general stores, bakeries and delicious local sweets. Agios Petros is at an altitude of 900 m. It belongs to the Municipality of Northern Kinouria and it is 37 kilometers from Tripoli.
We will stop for lunch at Doliana at Peorgios. Doliana is a distance of 26 kilometers from Tripoli with an elevation of 920 meters. It is known since antiquity, but also later, because it produced marble of excellent quality. Doliana defeated the Turks on May 18, 1821.
Then, we will experience the tale of St. Theodora. You will enjoy this experience also! St. Theodora lived during the tenth century on the Peloponnesus in Greece, near the border between the regions of Messenia and Arcadia in a town called Vasta. When the area was raided by bandits, Theodora was determined to help defend her village, but, women were not permitted to do so. Even though, it was prohibited, Theodora secretly disguised herself as a male soldier in order to join the defense. Ultimately, Theodora did not survive.
But, as she lay dying she uttered the following words: "Let my body become a church, my hair a forest of trees, and my blood a spring to water them." The villagers were moved by her bravery and her untimely death, so they built a church at the site of her grave. A local river was re-routed to pass directly under the church. Eventually, trees sprouted from the roof of the church. I noticed that the roots of were not visible under the roof nor outside the church as they have not been visible for hundreds of years. In addition, this chapel (St. Theodora in Vasta) supports 17 large trees that emerge from the roof and the walls of the chapel. Each tree weighs close to a ton and stands over 20 meters high. Locals could not find a scientific explanation for this church. Many researchers have spent years studying this structure, even x-raying the walls, but have no explanation for the roots of the trees. This In 2003, a geophysical report was presented at the 4th Symposium of Archaeometry in Greece. The results of this investigation proved that the roots followed the gaps existing inside the stone wall of the chapel. It created repulsion stresses between the stones on the ground. This caused a spring to come out from underneath the chapel.
Did you know that Megalopoli is a town on the western part of Arkadia? It was founded in 371 BC. It is 30 kilometers from Tripoli. In Byzantine and Ottoman times, the city was known as Sinanou until the 19th century. It was the first urbanization in the primative Arkadia. It has quite an upscale caffineo which will be great for afternoon relaxation.
Then, we will drive to Sitaina which has an ancient Byzantine Church. Platanos is southeast of Tripoli, 71 kilometers away. Platanos is built on the slopes of Mount Pamon and is surrounded by fir, chestnut, pine and plane trees. It is a settlement with narrow stone-paved streets, whitewashed houses. We will have chestnuts and tea in a caffineou in Kastanitsa which is a complete mountain settlement and is at an elevation of 840 meters. The famous feast if the “Feast of the Chestnut” is held every year in the last week of October. Kastanitsa has wonderful quaint hotels. Lunch is in the oldest village of Tsakonia dating back from 1293 A.D. The cobblestone alleys are mixed with the very tall stone towers and the other castle-like houses. At the center of the village is the church of the Transfiguration of Our Savior which is magnificent as it was built 250 years ago! Around the village you can count 20 chapels. Most in the main town were recently renovated or new. I am sure that you will enjoy the evening also. You will wake up to beautiful mountain air as we did.
Then, our “Walk on the Wild Side” continues with Lagadia which is an elevation of 960 meters and on the road from Tripoli to Olympia; we saw the most picturesque principal village or town of Arcadia. Lagadia is also surrounded by fur trees and the traditional stone-built homes are perched on the slopes of the mountains. The stone houses with two-four stories were creations of the renowned Lagardian master workers. One of the greatest sites besides the Deligiannis House is the Metropolitan Church of Taxiahes. Kerasia is to the right of Tripoli. It is a lovely village which is part of the municipality of Skyritida.
The return trip was through sister villages of Demitsana and Stemnitsa. From Tripoli to Pygros and after Kambeas, we meet the settlement of Karkalos, then we turn right, and after 8 kilometers, we enter Demitsana. We take a tour of the two statues and houses of Patriarch Gregory V and Germanos, Bishop of Patra and the Ecclesiastical Museum, the library, and the folk life collection. We then see Stemnitsa which is the seat of the Municipality of Trikolana. It houses five hundred inhabitants, but it can reach 1000-2000 inhabitants during the summer months. It was chosen as the headquarters of the first Senate of the Peloponnese. Traffic is quite heavy, even during the off times.
To continue with our “Walk on the Wild Side,” will be Olympia. We travel to the west of the Peloponnese towards Ancient Olympia. When night falls, we will sleep at a very nice hotel in Ancient Olympia. The next day, we will visit the village of ancient Olympia where we will see the ancient stadium, the temple of Hera, the Palaestra, Phidias’ workshop, the Philippaeum, the Temple of Zeus, the Leonideum, and the Roman Baths. Did you know that the sanctuary of Olympia is in a lush region irrigated by two rivers, the Alpheus and the Cladeus? The sacred grove of Zeus was filled with plane trees and wild olives that were dedicated to him who was the father of all gods and mortals.
Approaching the archeological site before you reach the museum parking area, we will cross a bridge over the Cladeus River. The riverbed remains dry for most of the year now but in ancient times it was one of Olympia’s vital rivers. We will need to enter the sanctuary on the north side and proceed along the length of the Gymnasium. The southeast section of the site that contained the Hippodrome has been washed away by the waters of the Alpheus River. Did you know that excavations began at Olympia in the 19th century, but continue to this day? Important finds included sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, the Nike of Paeonius, the Hermes of Praxiteles and many bronzes. In total 14,000 objects were recorded. Did you also know that Hercules measured the length (600 feet) of the stadium at Olympia by pacing it out himself? It measures 600 feet. The Temple of Zeus was the largest Doric temple in the Peloponnese and it was built to house the gold and ivory statue of Zeus. The first major excavation of Olympia began in 1975 which was funded by the German government. At night, we will return to Athens from the west of the Peloponnese accompanied with the view of the Ionian Sea. Then, we can view the athletic facilities and visitor accommodations (guest houses baths etc).
We hope you enjoyed an “A Walk on the Wild Side”. We personally toured the mountain villages last winter and Olympia several years ago. Each village had it’s own special feeling. You walked in our paths from Athens, Tripoli, Olympia, Agios Petros, Doliana, Vasta, Megalopoli, Koutroufa, Sitaina, Platanos, Kastanitsa, Lagadia, Kerasia, Tsakonia, Demitsana, Stemnitsa, Olympia and Athens. Please say yassas (hello) as you pass the villagers. They certainly will respond with herete (welcome).
“A Walk on the Wild Side” is a 1956 novel by Nelson Algren and later, a 1972 song by Lou Reed.
Roberta Mark Engel
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Get Well Wish
by Anna, Gary, David, Ruth and George
Rita is sun warmed like an apricot in early summer
Dreaming up mischievous notions from the heights of a tree house
She makes me feel it's always a good time to call
Makes me want to look under the hospital bed
and rescue her mojo back from the wicked dust bunny...
Rita is bright yellow dancing behind a sly white smile
and a mischievous grin
She is like finding a leprechaun at the end of a rainbow
and wondering in so many ways
How am I going to spend this wealth and good fortune?...
Rita reminds me of a yellow calm
and she makes me even more peaceful
She can laugh at herself
which makes her a success at all she does...
Rita is a vibrant pink
like a fresh picked rose
Her smile is like a summer morning, sunny and new
She is always optimistic, laughter in the wind
I want to hug her silently and draw her to me...
Rita is like a rainbow, multicolored
and full of surprises...
(Feel better!!)
Rita is sun warmed like an apricot in early summer
Dreaming up mischievous notions from the heights of a tree house
She makes me feel it's always a good time to call
Makes me want to look under the hospital bed
and rescue her mojo back from the wicked dust bunny...
Rita is bright yellow dancing behind a sly white smile
and a mischievous grin
She is like finding a leprechaun at the end of a rainbow
and wondering in so many ways
How am I going to spend this wealth and good fortune?...
Rita reminds me of a yellow calm
and she makes me even more peaceful
She can laugh at herself
which makes her a success at all she does...
Rita is a vibrant pink
like a fresh picked rose
Her smile is like a summer morning, sunny and new
She is always optimistic, laughter in the wind
I want to hug her silently and draw her to me...
Rita is like a rainbow, multicolored
and full of surprises...
(Feel better!!)
Friday, December 18, 2009
HOME AND DRY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
By Roberta Mark Engel
Are you prepared to restore your house? What have you done in preparation to begin this interesting and exhausting episode in your life? Have you acquired that "how to" book? Have you begun to make the needed repairs toWhat have you done in preparation to stay “Home and Dry for the Holidays”? Have you thought of hiring a decorator? This affair will definitely be an education. Did you know that renovate means to make new or like new, repair to restore to its original condition? If so, let us keep your “Home and Dry for the Holidays”. With one repair, you are on your way!
What did I do to restore our house? I made a schedule, allotting for workman problems I left three days in between the personnel I hired as the general contractor. No, I do and don’t have a Contractor’s license, but I researched and managed each job within each renovations project. The preparations are essential to the completed project. I decided which items to do in each room, while completing one space at a time. I found that it was easier to hire these people during and after the holidays because these recruits needed extra cash and were willing to give deeper discounts.
How did the repairs and remodeling get completed? I began by looking up renovations on-line by searching through information about renovations. Some of the sites will have a step by step guide which you can mold to your specifications. I also suggest that you contact an interior decorator depending on your economic situation. This person has far more of an extensive knowledge base than you do.
The modernization project began with throwing away or donating unwanted items. I did this act several times, classifying as I proceeded. It is helpful to keep your house constantly organized and updated so the preservation of the house is quicker. My mistake though was not to rent a large garbage receptacle. Next project, I will. It helps with the organization, maintenance and debris.
How did the transformation project begin? We found a leak in the great room which was caused by a gift from the builders-a leak in the shower pan. Our reconstruction began with the bathroom. In addition, we re-upholstered furniture and updated our knickknacks. We originally thought that we would so a minor cosmetic update in the bathroom. Then, we renovated one room at a time. I tried to hire local workers so I could give back to the community. The two largest projects were the bathroom ad kitchen. The bathroom renovations project took approximately one month that encompassed new tiling, fixtures, cabinetry, electrical and plumbing. It was difficult to store our personal items. Get cartons to store these items which will reduce the allergens you breathe plus keep you organized.
Our next project was the kitchen which took a couple of months to complete. This project included installation of cabinets, appliances, granite, flooring, electrical and plumbing. The downside was going out to eat all of the time! Did I miss the most difficult item? The installation cabinet process requires the removal of all drawers and contents. I kept items in boxes once again. We needed to move our computers, televisions, piano, for carpet installation and painting. We also had the windows and draperies cleaned. Then, the carpets were installed. Eventually, all the rooms were completed. The entire production process with the interior and exterior of the house painted.
Now, are you looking forward to your participation in the renovation process and know that it is exhausting, but proper research will help your successful venture. Before long, you be thankful that you chose to be “Home and dry for the Holidays”.
Are you prepared to restore your house? What have you done in preparation to begin this interesting and exhausting episode in your life? Have you acquired that "how to" book? Have you begun to make the needed repairs toWhat have you done in preparation to stay “Home and Dry for the Holidays”? Have you thought of hiring a decorator? This affair will definitely be an education. Did you know that renovate means to make new or like new, repair to restore to its original condition? If so, let us keep your “Home and Dry for the Holidays”. With one repair, you are on your way!
What did I do to restore our house? I made a schedule, allotting for workman problems I left three days in between the personnel I hired as the general contractor. No, I do and don’t have a Contractor’s license, but I researched and managed each job within each renovations project. The preparations are essential to the completed project. I decided which items to do in each room, while completing one space at a time. I found that it was easier to hire these people during and after the holidays because these recruits needed extra cash and were willing to give deeper discounts.
How did the repairs and remodeling get completed? I began by looking up renovations on-line by searching through information about renovations. Some of the sites will have a step by step guide which you can mold to your specifications. I also suggest that you contact an interior decorator depending on your economic situation. This person has far more of an extensive knowledge base than you do.
The modernization project began with throwing away or donating unwanted items. I did this act several times, classifying as I proceeded. It is helpful to keep your house constantly organized and updated so the preservation of the house is quicker. My mistake though was not to rent a large garbage receptacle. Next project, I will. It helps with the organization, maintenance and debris.
How did the transformation project begin? We found a leak in the great room which was caused by a gift from the builders-a leak in the shower pan. Our reconstruction began with the bathroom. In addition, we re-upholstered furniture and updated our knickknacks. We originally thought that we would so a minor cosmetic update in the bathroom. Then, we renovated one room at a time. I tried to hire local workers so I could give back to the community. The two largest projects were the bathroom ad kitchen. The bathroom renovations project took approximately one month that encompassed new tiling, fixtures, cabinetry, electrical and plumbing. It was difficult to store our personal items. Get cartons to store these items which will reduce the allergens you breathe plus keep you organized.
Our next project was the kitchen which took a couple of months to complete. This project included installation of cabinets, appliances, granite, flooring, electrical and plumbing. The downside was going out to eat all of the time! Did I miss the most difficult item? The installation cabinet process requires the removal of all drawers and contents. I kept items in boxes once again. We needed to move our computers, televisions, piano, for carpet installation and painting. We also had the windows and draperies cleaned. Then, the carpets were installed. Eventually, all the rooms were completed. The entire production process with the interior and exterior of the house painted.
Now, are you looking forward to your participation in the renovation process and know that it is exhausting, but proper research will help your successful venture. Before long, you be thankful that you chose to be “Home and dry for the Holidays”.
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