MONEMVASIA-not!
Well, guess what? We did not go to Monemevasia because the seas were too rough- huh? Instead we sailed over to Gythion. Gythi what? Right across the way from Moni on the map....Plan B.
Pleep enjoyed catching octopuses'...more sushi tonight please!
Looks like Pleep has been here....he is on the Calamari tour!
"Hey, I see a church out there Bubs. Perfect. We can make it in time for liturgy. Hustle up Mr. Cane Stick". We trek over to a little island called "Kranai" which is connected to the mainland by a short dam- which protects the town from the open sea. It is a beautiful little spot with pine-trees and a view of the Parnon mountain range. Hello Helmut Island.
Ok, let's head on out...
Keep up with the old man and his stick dear Boca. Cafana after cafana represent the Greek way of life....linger with your coffee and chat with your pals and watch the waves.
Now that's one big inflatable...yup the Greek Coast Guard. Don't they have a regular boat Bubs?
Now there's an anchor I haven't seen for awhile. Must be one of the famous Greek antiquities.
Yes, you can wear shorts at this church Bubs- this is land of the Sparta!
We venerate our Saints and today we pray for the repose of our Fathers.
Bubs, do you think I could make an offer on some of the Icons?
Looks like it is going to rain Boca, better start walking back to town and hunt down Pleep.
And boom, there it is. Boca found the only visible graffiti in the town. Must have been one of those "artists" visiting from Athens.
And WHERE IN THE HECK IS THE PLEEPSTER!!!???
Over at the Dimitrios Shipwreck. The what?
Yes, in all its historic glory...per Wiki: Dimitrios (previously named Klintholm), a small, 220-foot cargo ship of 965 gross tons cargo capacity built in Denmark in 1950, was registered in the Prefecture of Piraeus, registration no. 2707. Dimitrios has been stranded on the beach at Valtaki (Greek Βαλτάκι) in today′s Evrotas municipality in the prefecture of Laconia, Greece, since 23 December 1981.
Boca and Bubs so enjoy the dancing and are on the hunt for some Greek Dancers for Alex's wedding.
Delightful! Opa!
Boca has never seen this move...thumbs up to the girl who steps on the boy to get to the other side- BRAVO!
Boca dogs them down to ask if they would be willing to come to Florida next April to dance at Alex's wedding. A resounding Yes! It's only money Bubs.
Time for the Captains Welcome Cocktail Party....Boca's fav Martini Maker!
Yes, pardon my wife, she likes to order 4 courses so she can have a taste of this and that while the rest of the table orders 2 and gets to wait for her deliveries.
The food has been absolutely excellent- per Bubs- "The best I have had on a cruise ship, for sure". Sorry about that claim Silverseas, Regent and Crystal. Extremely fresh, while the selection may be a little more limited it is still a nice selection, the preparation and presentation outstanding and the service is very good. Mainly a European crew and staff- their English is good, their personalities are fun and accommodating and they make sure your needs and wants are handled.
And we all know, that's no easy task when you have Boca and Pleep as your guests-yes my sweet monkey insists on a second desert.
Meanwhile Greece is working on how to spend that EU bailout money (hello $9.5 Billion Bucks or so) they were just approved for...
Cutting down on government jobs and pensions? more austerity on the horizon? more rioting in the streets? invent a viable commercial venture for rocks? You go boss lady, Ms. Merkel!
And what's up with the EU fine on Google??? What's a billion bucks to the Googlemeisters? Chump Change....
As wedding plans are still in motion across the pond may I share with you a short lesson on
The Greek Orthodox Church
Greek Orthodoxy is a term referring to the several Churches within the late communion to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The liturgy is/was traditionally conducted in Greek, the original language of the New Testament. The history, traditions and theology are rooted in the early Church Fathers and the culture of the byzantine Empire. Our church has placed emphasis and high prestige to traditions of Christian monasticism and asceticism with its origins in early Christianity in the near east and Byzantine Anatolia. Remember when Boca visited St. Katherine's Monastery in the Sinai Peninsula- Egypt? And don't forget Mount Athos-the place they won't let Boca visit-men only.
The Greek Orthodox churches are descended form churches which the Apostles founded in the Balkans and the Middle East during the first century A.D. We maintain many of the traditions practiced in the Ancient Church. For those who have read my Orthodox Tour of Russia blog a few years back this may be redundant but for my new pals I must inform. Unlike the Catholic Church, we have no head guy in charge such as a Pope, as we believe Christ is the head of the Church. However we are governed by a "committee" of Bishops, called the Holy Synod, with one central Bishop holding the honorary title of "first among equals". The Greek Orthodox Church is in communion with other Eastern Orthodox Churches- such as my birth church- Serbian Orthodox, Russian, Syrian, Coptic etc. We hold a common doctrine and common form of worship although there are a few bits and pieces that are different (due to the various cultural traditions).
A few of the fundamental tenets upon which our Holy Orthodox Church functions are as follows:
see go www. arch.org for more details-
1. Holy Scripture and Holy tradition - we believe in the old and new testaments
2. The Creed- contains the Church's basic summary of doctrinal truths to which we adhere
3. The seven Sacraments-
Baptism, Chrismation (don't forget the oil), Confession, Communion, Matrimony, Holy Orders (Ordination) and Unction ( anointment of the sick)
4. The Church Calendar- starts in Sept and ends on August 31 and each day is sacred! And Easter is THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL!
5. The Divine Liturgy- Father Philemon is learning how to speed it up.
6. Ecumenicism- we believe we are the Mother Church of all churches but we play well with others.
7. The Major Feast Days-see your Orthodox calendar please.
8. Divine Services-the Holy Eucharist- which is the principal celebration of our faith-you are what you eat! Yes, we do believe the wine and bread is the blood and body of Christ and not a representation of it!
In Orthodoxy easiest isn't always the best. Ok so there you have a basic over view- well sort of. God bless Alexandra's finance for being baptized Orthodox- July. Thank you Father Philemon for sharing the teachings of the church with Alexandra and Eric. No easy task.
And big HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all you Dads out there. Bubs and I pray for the repose of our Dad's each and every day. All 3 (don't forget Papoo) served their country in WWII leaving a legacy of service to us. If your Dad is still with you- honor, love and cherish him as they come in many flavors. Agape.
Nick bought the perfect Father's Day sign for his Dad's man cave-aka the garage.
Isn't it Mother's Day somewhere?
Well, guess what? We did not go to Monemevasia because the seas were too rough- huh? Instead we sailed over to Gythion. Gythi what? Right across the way from Moni on the map....Plan B.
Gythio is a port settlement, situated in the southern Peloponnese. According to a mythical story, it was established by Hercules, but the historians are of the opinion that the town was first occupied by the Phoenicians. Subsequently, Sparta attacked in the town and made it its port. It should be noted that an awful earthquake smashed the whole town entirely in the 4th century BC. A huge number of damages, unfortunately, afflicted the ancient theatre, the temples which were dedicated to the Gods, and also the houses and the public buildings. Nevertheless, the small town managed to survive.
Afterwards during the 2nd century BC., the Romans occupied Gythio and set up many Roman memorials surrounding the town. It should further be mentioned that Gythio was also part of the Byzantine Empire but was conquered by the Turks in the 19th century. As a fact, Gythio was a significant port where the Greek fleet was being replenished to fight against the Turkish powers.
In this age of globalization, today the modern town is a quaint getaway with neo-classical buildings, multi-coloured fishing boats, cafes, taverns and a soothing harbour to wander around. The brand name of Gythio, however, is the island Kranae, which indicates helmet in Greek. The story behind this eccentric name is credited to Homer who documented that when travelling to Troy, the most beautiful woman of the antiquity Helen and his lover Paris spent a night there. And they say this is what sparked the Trojan war. When they departed next morning, Paris forgot his helmet on the island and that’s why until now this is the name of the small island.
Kranae works as a natural ‘’mod’’ against the waters and the winds of the open sea while it was being used to defend Gythio from the enemies and pirates. On Kranae, we find today the beautiful and conventional Tzanetakis Tower which currently houses the Ethnological Museum of Mani. Also, the lighthouse of Gythio, made exclusively of white marble, was constructed in 1873 and stands 22 meters tall.
Pleep enjoyed catching octopuses'...more sushi tonight please!
Looks like Pleep has been here....he is on the Calamari tour!
"Hey, I see a church out there Bubs. Perfect. We can make it in time for liturgy. Hustle up Mr. Cane Stick". We trek over to a little island called "Kranai" which is connected to the mainland by a short dam- which protects the town from the open sea. It is a beautiful little spot with pine-trees and a view of the Parnon mountain range. Hello Helmut Island.
Ok, let's head on out...
Keep up with the old man and his stick dear Boca. Cafana after cafana represent the Greek way of life....linger with your coffee and chat with your pals and watch the waves.
Now that's one big inflatable...yup the Greek Coast Guard. Don't they have a regular boat Bubs?
Now there's an anchor I haven't seen for awhile. Must be one of the famous Greek antiquities.
Yes, you can wear shorts at this church Bubs- this is land of the Sparta!
We venerate our Saints and today we pray for the repose of our Fathers.
Bubs, do you think I could make an offer on some of the Icons?
Looks like it is going to rain Boca, better start walking back to town and hunt down Pleep.
And boom, there it is. Boca found the only visible graffiti in the town. Must have been one of those "artists" visiting from Athens.And WHERE IN THE HECK IS THE PLEEPSTER!!!???
Over at the Dimitrios Shipwreck. The what?
There are many rumors about the ship′s origins and how it got stranded on the beach. Most relate that the ship was used to smuggle cigarettes between Turkey and Italy. She was seized by the port authorities of Gythio and then deliberately released from the port and left to be dragged by the sea to the beach at Valtaki, about 5 kilometers (2.7 nautical miles; 3.1 miles) from the port of Gythio. She was then set on fire to hide the evidence of cigarette smuggling. Another, less common rumor speaks of a ghost ship of unknown origins. You know
Since one of his cousins starred in that Pirate movie Pleep has become a pirate wannabe! Gotta get back to the ship as we don't want to miss the Greek folk dancers.
Since one of his cousins starred in that Pirate movie Pleep has become a pirate wannabe! Gotta get back to the ship as we don't want to miss the Greek folk dancers.
Boca and Bubs so enjoy the dancing and are on the hunt for some Greek Dancers for Alex's wedding.
Boca has never seen this move...thumbs up to the girl who steps on the boy to get to the other side- BRAVO!
Boca dogs them down to ask if they would be willing to come to Florida next April to dance at Alex's wedding. A resounding Yes! It's only money Bubs.
Time for the Captains Welcome Cocktail Party....Boca's fav Martini Maker!
Yes, pardon my wife, she likes to order 4 courses so she can have a taste of this and that while the rest of the table orders 2 and gets to wait for her deliveries.
The food has been absolutely excellent- per Bubs- "The best I have had on a cruise ship, for sure". Sorry about that claim Silverseas, Regent and Crystal. Extremely fresh, while the selection may be a little more limited it is still a nice selection, the preparation and presentation outstanding and the service is very good. Mainly a European crew and staff- their English is good, their personalities are fun and accommodating and they make sure your needs and wants are handled.
And we all know, that's no easy task when you have Boca and Pleep as your guests-yes my sweet monkey insists on a second desert.
Meanwhile Greece is working on how to spend that EU bailout money (hello $9.5 Billion Bucks or so) they were just approved for...
Cutting down on government jobs and pensions? more austerity on the horizon? more rioting in the streets? invent a viable commercial venture for rocks? You go boss lady, Ms. Merkel!
And what's up with the EU fine on Google??? What's a billion bucks to the Googlemeisters? Chump Change....
Per local press: European antitrust officials are preparing to hit Google with a potentially record fine by the end of August over some of the Silicon Valley giant’s search services, according to two people with direct knowledge of the case.
Margrethe Vestager, the European Union’s competition chief, is in the final stages of ruling on the case, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly. Any financial penalty is expected to be larger than the fine of 1.06 billion euros, now about $1.2 billion, then about $1.4 billion — at the time the highest ever — that Intel was forced to fork out for antitrust abuses in Europe in 2009.
As well as the fine, European officials could also force Google to alter how it operates in the region, and potentially elsewhere, to give rivals a greater ability to compete.
Hmmm- and how do you think this will play out??
As wedding plans are still in motion across the pond may I share with you a short lesson on
The Greek Orthodox Church
Greek Orthodoxy is a term referring to the several Churches within the late communion to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The liturgy is/was traditionally conducted in Greek, the original language of the New Testament. The history, traditions and theology are rooted in the early Church Fathers and the culture of the byzantine Empire. Our church has placed emphasis and high prestige to traditions of Christian monasticism and asceticism with its origins in early Christianity in the near east and Byzantine Anatolia. Remember when Boca visited St. Katherine's Monastery in the Sinai Peninsula- Egypt? And don't forget Mount Athos-the place they won't let Boca visit-men only.The Greek Orthodox churches are descended form churches which the Apostles founded in the Balkans and the Middle East during the first century A.D. We maintain many of the traditions practiced in the Ancient Church. For those who have read my Orthodox Tour of Russia blog a few years back this may be redundant but for my new pals I must inform. Unlike the Catholic Church, we have no head guy in charge such as a Pope, as we believe Christ is the head of the Church. However we are governed by a "committee" of Bishops, called the Holy Synod, with one central Bishop holding the honorary title of "first among equals". The Greek Orthodox Church is in communion with other Eastern Orthodox Churches- such as my birth church- Serbian Orthodox, Russian, Syrian, Coptic etc. We hold a common doctrine and common form of worship although there are a few bits and pieces that are different (due to the various cultural traditions).
A few of the fundamental tenets upon which our Holy Orthodox Church functions are as follows:
see go www. arch.org for more details-
1. Holy Scripture and Holy tradition - we believe in the old and new testaments
2. The Creed- contains the Church's basic summary of doctrinal truths to which we adhere
3. The seven Sacraments-
Baptism, Chrismation (don't forget the oil), Confession, Communion, Matrimony, Holy Orders (Ordination) and Unction ( anointment of the sick)
4. The Church Calendar- starts in Sept and ends on August 31 and each day is sacred! And Easter is THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL!
5. The Divine Liturgy- Father Philemon is learning how to speed it up.
6. Ecumenicism- we believe we are the Mother Church of all churches but we play well with others.
7. The Major Feast Days-see your Orthodox calendar please.
8. Divine Services-the Holy Eucharist- which is the principal celebration of our faith-you are what you eat! Yes, we do believe the wine and bread is the blood and body of Christ and not a representation of it!
In Orthodoxy easiest isn't always the best. Ok so there you have a basic over view- well sort of. God bless Alexandra's finance for being baptized Orthodox- July. Thank you Father Philemon for sharing the teachings of the church with Alexandra and Eric. No easy task.
And big HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all you Dads out there. Bubs and I pray for the repose of our Dad's each and every day. All 3 (don't forget Papoo) served their country in WWII leaving a legacy of service to us. If your Dad is still with you- honor, love and cherish him as they come in many flavors. Agape.
Nick bought the perfect Father's Day sign for his Dad's man cave-aka the garage.Isn't it Mother's Day somewhere?
