Thank you for your prayers...
Today I went to the beach in Athens...it was beautiful with white pebble beaches with blue/aqua water. There were palm trees, mountians and sail boats in the distance, and men in thongs...(definately could have done with out that!) I tried to study a little Hebrew, but soon gave up to just watcht the waves come in.
After that I went back onto the tram and stopped at the city park/garden. I was enjoying strolling around the park, until I heard a man incessantaly yelling "Hello miss, hello, hello..." I tried to ignore it, but finally I looked back. The man, who was older maybe 55 or so, kept trying to talk to me in Greek and English, but I told him I that I didn't understand. I walked away, and thought that was the end of it. I decided to leave the park because I didn't want to accidently run into him again. As I was walking out of the park, the man came up beside me. He wouldn't leave me alone and was following me. He kept asking me where I lived, my phone number, if I would have coffee with him, and when he would see me again. I kept brushing him off and walking faster and faster into the metro station. Luckily we were in a very busy and public place. I tried to politely brush him off, but then I realized that he wasn't giving up that early. Then I told him that I didn't want to talk to him and please leave me alone repeatedly. I quickly walked almost jogged down the hallway to the subway. Luckily I was in a big metro station, and I saw a police man. I ran to him and explained what happened. The police man caught up with the older man and made him leave the station. I haven't really experienced anything like that in my travels. It was a minor incident where nothing serious happend (nothing was stolen and I wasn't hurt), but it shook me up a bit. I managed to get home without too much trouble. Although it took me a little bit to figure out where in the metro station I was because I was just trying to get away from the man and not looking where I was going. Thanks for all of the prayers for safety, I really felt them today. Don't worry, I still have my gaurd up while traveling-plus almost everyone knows what HELP! means. I miss all of you, and I can't wait to see you all again.
Okay...
My first day in Athens. I met my host Thanos, and I was a little off balance with everything because I had not had a good night of rest. I don't even have to sleep on the couch, I got my own room-which is great! After showering and unpacking my things everything started to look up. We went to the Acropolis (which is a big hill) that the Parthenon is located and walked around the grounds. There was an awesome view of the city because the city surrounds the hill. The city of Athens is realtively new, and the buildings are only 40-50years old.
After the Acropolis, we went to the Natioal Archaeological Museum that is filled with artifacts from 4000 years ago...or so they say. It's crazy to think about even if the things are "only" 2000 years old. Then we went back to the apartment that Thanos shares with his sister and his parents live upstairs. His mother cooked us a Greek Feast of stuffed zucchni, cauliflower, and bread with red wine from the Northern part of Greece. After dinner, we went to a outdoor Jazz Festival. In Italy, I had told my friend Angie that I really wanted to sit on the back of an Italian scooter because they are everywhere! But sadly, I never got the chance, but last night Thanos took me to the concert on the back of his motorcyle. So that is close right? The concert was great. We stayed for 2 acts. The first act was the Athens Big Band and the second was a trio of Belgians. Well I better go and try to reserve my ferry ticket because I am going to the Greek Island of Paros for 2.5 days.
Athens...
I landed in Athens at 2:30am today. I am just glad I got here. The subway to get to the aiport shut down while I was on it, and I was not sure that I would get to the airport in time. Since being on my own I have had horrible luck trying to get to my destinations due to missing the train by 20 seconds, not being able to get a hold my hosts for the city, and whatnot. But I am here. I slept in the aiport on the floor until 7am and took the bus into the city. I reached the city center and then met up with my couch surfing host. His name is Thanos, and so far he has been very hospitable. I think it will be a great visit. I can even read some of the words on the signs thanks to Dr. Wiema's Greek class. Well okay, I can sound out the words and I've recognized like 3 so far, but it's better than nothing.
Oh yeah, this post is for Albert and Kees. Angie and I stayed in Utrecht with one of my friend's brothers. It was a really good time. We got away from the business of Italy and Amsterdam. Also we went to one of the best choir concerts; it was the Death Mass...it was powerful with amazing soloists, orchestra, and large choir. After the concert we got a tour of the city and got to ride home on the back of 2 bicyles. Okay I better go...
In Germany
Sorry...I am still alive. I have been on my own for two days, and I am doing well. I am staying the night in Munich before heading to Vienna in the evenning tomorrow. Sorry I do not have any time to write, but I wanted everyone to know that I am okay.
Heading to the Homeland...well sorta
Angie and I spent about 8 hours on the train from Florence to Munich, and then tonight we are going to take an overnight train to Amsterdam. We are going to spend a day and half there. We are planning on visiting the Anne Frank House amongst otherthings. Well, I will check in again. Sorry for the lack of pictures...I cannot download my pictures from my camera. I will have to wait to do that until I get back.
Florence
Hey Everyone,
I am still alive. Within the last 24 hours I have climbed about 1000 steps. Yesterday, I climbed to the top of St. Peter's Basillica in the Vactian. The view was breathtaking of Rome. The church was gigantic and beautiful with all of the art inside of it.
We are in Florence now. It is beautiful minus the smog in the background. Our camping hostel (we sleep in tents without electricty) overlooks the city of Florence. The view is amazing. Today Michelangelo's David. Wow! It is huge...the I did not realize the scale that it was. It was surreal to see it in person after seeing so many images in books. I climbed 500 steps to Michelangelo's lanter at the top of the Duomo in the Cattedrale Di Santa Maria Del Fiopre. Again the artwork was amazing. Tomorrow, we leave for Munich and and then for Amsterdam. Wow. I cannot believe how the time has flown...
In Rome
Hey Everyone!
I am here in Rome and still alive. We are going to visit the Colossum today and the Vatican tomorrow. I will write more later, but my internet time is almost over. Miss you all!
We made it!
I am safe and sound in Bern, Switzerland. Angie and I just checked into our hostel and are feeling a little better about life. We had to spend 2.5 hours in McDonalds because our hostel was not open until 3pm and our backs were hurting from carrying our luggage. It was one of the longest 2.5 hours because we spent the entire time trying to keep ourselves awake. At least there was a tennis game playing on the flat screens. We wanted to keep ourselves awake until 9pm tonight to get on the time schedule here. I soon realized after trying to put my change in my money belt serveral times and then having the change roll down my pant legs that there was a large hole in it. Actually like two thirds of the seam had been undone. Luckily nothing fell out. We are planning on just taking it easy tonight by staying in for the night, and then we leave for Rome tomorrow.
Update to the post: It is 9:15 and I am not even tired yet. I hope to beat this jet lag quickly. Also, I made 2 new friends at the hostel. This adventure had a rocky start, but it is definately shaping up!
FINISHED!
Just got done with my last pastoral care exam...I don't know how well it ended up. It's DONE, and that is what matters. I'm going to repack for my trip by trying to lighten the load, and then catch about 2 hours of sleep before I head off the O'Hare airport. I'll try to email as soon as I can so everyone knows I'm still alive....
