A view from the train after it came through a tunnel- looking down on a beautiful valley of flat farmland. Felt like we were in an airplace.View of Meteora from our deck when we arrived.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Sunday photos
A view from the train after it came through a tunnel- looking down on a beautiful valley of flat farmland. Felt like we were in an airplace.View of Meteora from our deck when we arrived.
SUNDAY TRIP TO METEORA
Big news! I got my ears pierced. Don’t worry. It was just a dream I had last night – a bad dream. No one liked them, including me. Don’t know where that dream came from!
We are now on the train to Kalabaka and Meteora. Clear sunny day so far. Our three days in Athens have been worth every moment! Walking where Paul walked, hiking up to the Acropolis where temples and idols abound, walking by the large temple devoted to Zeus, sitting in the ancient marketplace imagining Paul listening to everyone talk about the latest ideas and then passionately share Jesus with them. Walking with Paul up Mars Hill to the Aeropagus where he is invited to join the council and answer questions. Three days of living with Paul in Acts 17 – enough to make our whole trip worthwhile! We had lots of time to just sit under olive trees and meditate, walk up and down side paths where tourists are not found, read scriptures, journal and pray. Thank you God for this blessing!
And the worship service Saturday evening was a wonderful way to end our experience in Athens – so much to ponder – walking with present day missionaries and new believers in West Africa, walking with Paul in Rome and Athens, and walking with other saints throughout history, visiting and observing Christians in Italy and Greece worship God today. And in the midst of it all – attempting to integrate it all in our context in New Holland, Lancaster county, North America.
As we now head north through Greece, the hills and mountains are green with pine trees. Greek towns and villages populate the valleys along with olive groves. A large valley to the east has just appeared. Now passing by beautiful farmland – some freshly plowed, some vineyards, some flowering orchards. In the distance, high mountains are covered with snow. We arrive at Thiva. It is becoming much more hilly and rocky, very few trees or growth of any kind.
Looks like one last valley before entering the mountains. The valley narrows, but continues with beautiful snow-capped mountains to the left. The mountains become more numerous, the farmland disappears. We slow down. We are climbing mountains. We enter tunnels. After exiting one of them, the landscape changes. We are now high on a mountain, surrounded by even higher mountain peaks. More tunnels. More breath-taking mountain scenery. Reminds me of Ecuador. Train now going very slow – enter another tunnel, then over a high bridge overlooking a deep canyon.
The train comes to a stop. We wait until a train passes us going the other direction. The tunnels and bridges are single track. No houses or people seem to live up here – only beautiful wildflowers in full bloom. We exit the tunnel and look down on a beautiful valley of flat farmland hundreds of feet below. We slowly wind our way through the mountains as we descend into the valley. And five hours after we began, we arrive in Kalampaka where we take our first taxi to the place we are staying. We have a small balcony overlooking high rocks sticking hundreds of feet straight up. On the top of many of these outstanding rock formations are hermitages that have existed since the 12’th and 13’th centuries.
We walk up the winding road and then climb the path that leads to the top of one of the hermitages right before it closes. Another very different way of following Christ – more to ponder. We walk back down and around town as the sun is setting. All of the restaurants are not serving food. Most are full of men watching soccer games. Can’t find anything to eat. We keep asking and are told about one that is likely open. We walk to that one and are treated with warm Greek hospitality.
The cloudy cold rainy weather has not yet arrived. Very grateful!
We are now on the train to Kalabaka and Meteora. Clear sunny day so far. Our three days in Athens have been worth every moment! Walking where Paul walked, hiking up to the Acropolis where temples and idols abound, walking by the large temple devoted to Zeus, sitting in the ancient marketplace imagining Paul listening to everyone talk about the latest ideas and then passionately share Jesus with them. Walking with Paul up Mars Hill to the Aeropagus where he is invited to join the council and answer questions. Three days of living with Paul in Acts 17 – enough to make our whole trip worthwhile! We had lots of time to just sit under olive trees and meditate, walk up and down side paths where tourists are not found, read scriptures, journal and pray. Thank you God for this blessing!
And the worship service Saturday evening was a wonderful way to end our experience in Athens – so much to ponder – walking with present day missionaries and new believers in West Africa, walking with Paul in Rome and Athens, and walking with other saints throughout history, visiting and observing Christians in Italy and Greece worship God today. And in the midst of it all – attempting to integrate it all in our context in New Holland, Lancaster county, North America.
As we now head north through Greece, the hills and mountains are green with pine trees. Greek towns and villages populate the valleys along with olive groves. A large valley to the east has just appeared. Now passing by beautiful farmland – some freshly plowed, some vineyards, some flowering orchards. In the distance, high mountains are covered with snow. We arrive at Thiva. It is becoming much more hilly and rocky, very few trees or growth of any kind.
Looks like one last valley before entering the mountains. The valley narrows, but continues with beautiful snow-capped mountains to the left. The mountains become more numerous, the farmland disappears. We slow down. We are climbing mountains. We enter tunnels. After exiting one of them, the landscape changes. We are now high on a mountain, surrounded by even higher mountain peaks. More tunnels. More breath-taking mountain scenery. Reminds me of Ecuador. Train now going very slow – enter another tunnel, then over a high bridge overlooking a deep canyon.
The train comes to a stop. We wait until a train passes us going the other direction. The tunnels and bridges are single track. No houses or people seem to live up here – only beautiful wildflowers in full bloom. We exit the tunnel and look down on a beautiful valley of flat farmland hundreds of feet below. We slowly wind our way through the mountains as we descend into the valley. And five hours after we began, we arrive in Kalampaka where we take our first taxi to the place we are staying. We have a small balcony overlooking high rocks sticking hundreds of feet straight up. On the top of many of these outstanding rock formations are hermitages that have existed since the 12’th and 13’th centuries.
We walk up the winding road and then climb the path that leads to the top of one of the hermitages right before it closes. Another very different way of following Christ – more to ponder. We walk back down and around town as the sun is setting. All of the restaurants are not serving food. Most are full of men watching soccer games. Can’t find anything to eat. We keep asking and are told about one that is likely open. We walk to that one and are treated with warm Greek hospitality.
The cloudy cold rainy weather has not yet arrived. Very grateful!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
A Warm Saturday in Athens
Took the metro to the train station to buy tickets to Meteora tomorrow. It is a five hour train ride each way. Travel days always seem to be an adventure because you are going somewhere you have never been before. We look forward to seeing Meteora although it is supposed to be cold and wet and possibly ice and snow. Not looking forward to that. Was considering cancelling going there, but our lodging was non-refundable. May be our two day winter retreat.
This morning, we walked through town to Ancient Agora. Saw many temples and images of many gods. Read Acts 17 several more times as we sat on benches under the shade of olive trees. Was quite warm today – in upper 60’s maybe low 70’s.
Saturdays are very different in Athens. The streets are full of people. Reminded me of New Holland Fair or some carnival. The sidewalks were lined with tables and people drinking and eating and socializing together all day – thousands of people for several blocks.
Wewalked to Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard. During the changing of the guard, one of the guards slipped and landed on his seat. Have it on video. Looked painful. Very interesting synchronous high-stepping routine that lasts about 5 minutes every hour. Then they let you take photos of you with one of the gurads.
Went to the national gardens beside the parliament building and the presidential palace. Walked by two busloads of police on the sidewalk fully equipped with riot gear – shields and all. Felt like something was about to happen, so we moved by rather quickly and walked back another way so we would not find ourselves in the middle of something.
Attended our first eastern orthodox church service. I need to do some research and learn more about these churches and their worship. So many things happened during this long church service that I could fill pages of our experience. For now, I will risk looking foolish and share some of our experience as complete novices.
We entered and the church just as the bells were ringing outside. The church was already fairly full. Everyone was standing. Was a little intimidating. There were no chairs – just lots of walls covered with paintings and icons, large square posts that obstructed the view also covered with icons, and a ceiling covered with paintings.
At first, the large pillars that blocked the view of the front were frustrating. Judy and I walked to the right and stood beside one of the posts to try to be out of the way. We had no idea we were blocking one of the icons that people greeted when they entered. As people entered, the first thing they did was make the sign of the cross and bow and then put their forehead against one of the icons or kiss one of the icons.
This is one thing we could see. What we could not see was the front or what was happening there because a large post covered with icons blocked our view. But eventually, we began to understand that there is no front center in this church. The front center is wherever the people are. The front center is the icon in front of you, the music you are listening to, the prayers that are being prayed. Church happens everywhere the people are.
Church happened as people touched their head or kissed the feet of Jesus on a large painting. Church happened as people lit candles. Church happened as we prayed. Church happened as the leader walked throughout the entire church and shook a cord of bells in front of each person as incense poured into the air surrounding you. No need to see a front center in this church. No need for benches to sit on – they would be an obstacle in this church. Church was everywhere people were. And people were standing everywhere.
But just as much as the people are everywhere, the leaders and the choir were hidden. The entire service was sung and led by one of the leaders or the choir and neither were visible most of the service. The choir was amazing – may have been only 4-6 people – sounded like professional madrigal singers singing classical music. Absolutely beautiful harmony!!! Recorded about 25 minutes of it. Enjoyed every minute!
Everyone stood the entire service – from beginning to end. We lasted 90 minutes and finally left because our feet and backs were aching from all the walking we did the last several days. During the 90 minutes, we did the sign of the cross and bowed hundreds of times. We joined in even though we did not understand any of the Greek language and prayers. All the women had their heads covered, so Judy quickly wrapped her scarf around her head. The service was still going strong when we left – seemed like it could last another half hour or so – a total of two hours of standing!
We thought often of our worship services back home. Quite different. Perhaps we have a few things to learn from other traditions.
Hope to share photos and perhaps more later. Will probably have five hours on the train tomorrow.
It is not 10 pm and we have to get up early tomorrow to catch the metro and then the train. So good night to all and have a blessed Sunday as you worship Jesus together!
This morning, we walked through town to Ancient Agora. Saw many temples and images of many gods. Read Acts 17 several more times as we sat on benches under the shade of olive trees. Was quite warm today – in upper 60’s maybe low 70’s.
Saturdays are very different in Athens. The streets are full of people. Reminded me of New Holland Fair or some carnival. The sidewalks were lined with tables and people drinking and eating and socializing together all day – thousands of people for several blocks.
Wewalked to Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard. During the changing of the guard, one of the guards slipped and landed on his seat. Have it on video. Looked painful. Very interesting synchronous high-stepping routine that lasts about 5 minutes every hour. Then they let you take photos of you with one of the gurads.
Went to the national gardens beside the parliament building and the presidential palace. Walked by two busloads of police on the sidewalk fully equipped with riot gear – shields and all. Felt like something was about to happen, so we moved by rather quickly and walked back another way so we would not find ourselves in the middle of something.
Attended our first eastern orthodox church service. I need to do some research and learn more about these churches and their worship. So many things happened during this long church service that I could fill pages of our experience. For now, I will risk looking foolish and share some of our experience as complete novices.
We entered and the church just as the bells were ringing outside. The church was already fairly full. Everyone was standing. Was a little intimidating. There were no chairs – just lots of walls covered with paintings and icons, large square posts that obstructed the view also covered with icons, and a ceiling covered with paintings.
At first, the large pillars that blocked the view of the front were frustrating. Judy and I walked to the right and stood beside one of the posts to try to be out of the way. We had no idea we were blocking one of the icons that people greeted when they entered. As people entered, the first thing they did was make the sign of the cross and bow and then put their forehead against one of the icons or kiss one of the icons.
This is one thing we could see. What we could not see was the front or what was happening there because a large post covered with icons blocked our view. But eventually, we began to understand that there is no front center in this church. The front center is wherever the people are. The front center is the icon in front of you, the music you are listening to, the prayers that are being prayed. Church happens everywhere the people are.
Church happened as people touched their head or kissed the feet of Jesus on a large painting. Church happened as people lit candles. Church happened as we prayed. Church happened as the leader walked throughout the entire church and shook a cord of bells in front of each person as incense poured into the air surrounding you. No need to see a front center in this church. No need for benches to sit on – they would be an obstacle in this church. Church was everywhere people were. And people were standing everywhere.
But just as much as the people are everywhere, the leaders and the choir were hidden. The entire service was sung and led by one of the leaders or the choir and neither were visible most of the service. The choir was amazing – may have been only 4-6 people – sounded like professional madrigal singers singing classical music. Absolutely beautiful harmony!!! Recorded about 25 minutes of it. Enjoyed every minute!
Everyone stood the entire service – from beginning to end. We lasted 90 minutes and finally left because our feet and backs were aching from all the walking we did the last several days. During the 90 minutes, we did the sign of the cross and bowed hundreds of times. We joined in even though we did not understand any of the Greek language and prayers. All the women had their heads covered, so Judy quickly wrapped her scarf around her head. The service was still going strong when we left – seemed like it could last another half hour or so – a total of two hours of standing!
We thought often of our worship services back home. Quite different. Perhaps we have a few things to learn from other traditions.
Hope to share photos and perhaps more later. Will probably have five hours on the train tomorrow.
It is not 10 pm and we have to get up early tomorrow to catch the metro and then the train. So good night to all and have a blessed Sunday as you worship Jesus together!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Acropolis and Ancient Agora in Athens
Began our day walking up the Acropolis in Athens. Acropolis means upper city. The massive structures of the temples are much greater than I imagined. Photos do no justice. Beside the Acropolis is the Aeropagus or Mars Hill where Paul dialogued with the philosophers. We climbed the steps to the top and read Acts 17. I will share more about our reflection time in these places in another post sometime.
Around 2 pm, we headed down the hill and entered the area of the Ancient Agora. We followed a side path through pine trees, olive trees, green grass and many wildflowers. We stopped and reflected in this quiet place overlooking the city of Athens – away from the crowds. We then made our way back to the main path and walked to the bottom of the hill and discovered the gate was locked with no security guard in sight.
Do we scream for help? Seemed better to walk back up the long climb to the top gate. But to our dismay, that gate was also locked with no one around. We were locked in! Now what?
Two tourists happen to walk by. “Do you speak English,” I ask. To our relief, they did. The one told us to climb over the fence. Don’t think that is possible since the fence is a 6-foot high iron fence with sharp points on the top. The other told us to walk up a different path where we should be able to get out. We weren’t so sure, but what other option did we have? But that gate was also locked as we suspected.
Another person saw our plight. He was a local person and told us to cross over the ropes and follow the path around below the Aeropagus to the other side where we could exit. “Will the gate be open? Will someone be there to let us out,” I asked. He shook his head, but said “You’ll get out.”
I was not excited about crossing the ropes and walking down a path that was forbidden – especially after reading about the stiff penalties and fines Greek authorities give to lawbreakers. But what other choice did we have? So we crossed the ropes and started walking. Before long we saw a fence up ahead. Was there a gate? Was it locked? No one seemed to be around and there was no gate – but there was a small opening in the fence for us to walk through.
We quickly walked through and to our relief soon began to meet other people. After more climbing, we made it back to the top of the Aeropagus, where we sat down on the rock to rest. I set my small Camera on on the rock beside me – tucked it under my leg to make sure it would not be stolen. Judy sat down beside me and a little bit behind me. The nearest people around were at least 20 feet away also sitting on rocks. About ten minutes later, I noticed my camera was missing. Impossible! It was under my leg. No one else came near us. Certainly Judy or I would have seen them. Besides, I would have felt it being taken from under my leg.
But it was gone alone with all the photos I had taken with it. Still makes me sick! Fortunately, I also took photos on my phone and the camera was inexpensive. But it is humbling, sad, and frustrating. I will miss its zoom capabilities for the rest of the trip. Another memory for Mars Hill.
Since most of the other places we wanted to visit closed at 3 pm, we decided to take the Tram from Sygmata Square to the coast to watch the sunset and perhaps find a restaurant. After a 50 minute ride, we arrived and sat by the Mediterranean Sea picking through pebbles and watching the sun set. We checked out a couple restaurants, but they were way out of our price range - $25-50 per person. So we took the Tram back and found a great Greek food at a reasonable place in the PLAKA area of Athens.
After eating, we stopped by a church and joined other worshipers in a Byzantine church. Very different, but very meaningful. Will hopefully write more about that later. It is now after 11 pm in Athens. Good night!
Around 2 pm, we headed down the hill and entered the area of the Ancient Agora. We followed a side path through pine trees, olive trees, green grass and many wildflowers. We stopped and reflected in this quiet place overlooking the city of Athens – away from the crowds. We then made our way back to the main path and walked to the bottom of the hill and discovered the gate was locked with no security guard in sight.
Do we scream for help? Seemed better to walk back up the long climb to the top gate. But to our dismay, that gate was also locked with no one around. We were locked in! Now what?
Two tourists happen to walk by. “Do you speak English,” I ask. To our relief, they did. The one told us to climb over the fence. Don’t think that is possible since the fence is a 6-foot high iron fence with sharp points on the top. The other told us to walk up a different path where we should be able to get out. We weren’t so sure, but what other option did we have? But that gate was also locked as we suspected.
Another person saw our plight. He was a local person and told us to cross over the ropes and follow the path around below the Aeropagus to the other side where we could exit. “Will the gate be open? Will someone be there to let us out,” I asked. He shook his head, but said “You’ll get out.”
I was not excited about crossing the ropes and walking down a path that was forbidden – especially after reading about the stiff penalties and fines Greek authorities give to lawbreakers. But what other choice did we have? So we crossed the ropes and started walking. Before long we saw a fence up ahead. Was there a gate? Was it locked? No one seemed to be around and there was no gate – but there was a small opening in the fence for us to walk through.
We quickly walked through and to our relief soon began to meet other people. After more climbing, we made it back to the top of the Aeropagus, where we sat down on the rock to rest. I set my small Camera on on the rock beside me – tucked it under my leg to make sure it would not be stolen. Judy sat down beside me and a little bit behind me. The nearest people around were at least 20 feet away also sitting on rocks. About ten minutes later, I noticed my camera was missing. Impossible! It was under my leg. No one else came near us. Certainly Judy or I would have seen them. Besides, I would have felt it being taken from under my leg.
But it was gone alone with all the photos I had taken with it. Still makes me sick! Fortunately, I also took photos on my phone and the camera was inexpensive. But it is humbling, sad, and frustrating. I will miss its zoom capabilities for the rest of the trip. Another memory for Mars Hill.
Since most of the other places we wanted to visit closed at 3 pm, we decided to take the Tram from Sygmata Square to the coast to watch the sunset and perhaps find a restaurant. After a 50 minute ride, we arrived and sat by the Mediterranean Sea picking through pebbles and watching the sun set. We checked out a couple restaurants, but they were way out of our price range - $25-50 per person. So we took the Tram back and found a great Greek food at a reasonable place in the PLAKA area of Athens.
After eating, we stopped by a church and joined other worshipers in a Byzantine church. Very different, but very meaningful. Will hopefully write more about that later. It is now after 11 pm in Athens. Good night!
Acropolis and Mars Hill in Athens
Judy on Mars Hill with Acropolis behind her.
Theater of DionysosSun setting over the Mediteranean Sea.
Judy in front of the Parthenon.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
A Few Photos of Athens
Syntagma Square in Athenswhere many of the protests have been happening recently.
An old Byzantine church in Athens.
Orange trees often line the streets. Notice all the oranges are picked that are reachable. And it wasn't me!
The church named Agios Eleftherios.
Inside where the three men were reading and singing/chanting.
Arrived in Athens Greece
We left warm sunny Rome early this morning and arrived at Sygmata Square, downtown Athens mid-afternoon and were greeted with freezing cold and wind! On the bus from the airport, we noticed the hill/mountain tops covered with snow. It is now 9 pm and in mid 30’s. It is supposed to warm up by the weekend.
It didn’t take long to notice the unrest and distress of Greece. Last evening there was a protest in Sygmata Square, two blocks from our hotel. And today, the Metro was closed due to a strike. Praying there are no more strikes while we are here.
Everything in Greece is Greek – street names, bus routes, metro stops, stores, menus, everything. Occasionally, there is also English. In Italy, I downloaded a free app to re-learn the Greek alphabet and some basic words. Wish I still knew Greek like I did in seminary. It makes traveling rather intimidating.
On the bus from the airport, we were packed in - standing room only – for most of the trip. Our big question was – how will we know which stop to get off? We could not find any signs at the bus stops. I finally humbled myself and asked if anyone spoke English. In the sea of unfamiliar faces, there was one gal who answered yes. What a relief. She answered our questions and we traveled with peace of mind the rest of the trip.
When we arrived at our hotel, we were pleasantly surprised – there was an elevator! Every place we have stayed so far except in Assisi, we had to carry our luggage up 2-3 long flights of steps – seemed like the equivalent of 4-6 floors in the U.S. Our room tonight actually feels like a normal hotel room.
We visited a small ancient Byzantine church named Agios Eleftherios where three men were antiphonally leading the service. They ended with each one singing from different corners of the church, one after another and then finally concluded singing together in harmony. I recorded parts of it. It was beautiful!
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Sygmata Square and the surrounding area. Tomorrow, we look forward to visiting the Acropolis and ancient Agora.
It didn’t take long to notice the unrest and distress of Greece. Last evening there was a protest in Sygmata Square, two blocks from our hotel. And today, the Metro was closed due to a strike. Praying there are no more strikes while we are here.
Everything in Greece is Greek – street names, bus routes, metro stops, stores, menus, everything. Occasionally, there is also English. In Italy, I downloaded a free app to re-learn the Greek alphabet and some basic words. Wish I still knew Greek like I did in seminary. It makes traveling rather intimidating.
On the bus from the airport, we were packed in - standing room only – for most of the trip. Our big question was – how will we know which stop to get off? We could not find any signs at the bus stops. I finally humbled myself and asked if anyone spoke English. In the sea of unfamiliar faces, there was one gal who answered yes. What a relief. She answered our questions and we traveled with peace of mind the rest of the trip.
When we arrived at our hotel, we were pleasantly surprised – there was an elevator! Every place we have stayed so far except in Assisi, we had to carry our luggage up 2-3 long flights of steps – seemed like the equivalent of 4-6 floors in the U.S. Our room tonight actually feels like a normal hotel room.
We visited a small ancient Byzantine church named Agios Eleftherios where three men were antiphonally leading the service. They ended with each one singing from different corners of the church, one after another and then finally concluded singing together in harmony. I recorded parts of it. It was beautiful!
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Sygmata Square and the surrounding area. Tomorrow, we look forward to visiting the Acropolis and ancient Agora.
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