Greece - Meteora

A view of Monastery St Nicholas Anapafsa from our hike.

Mike and I opted to hike the old cobbled stone paths the steeply wind through the lush forest below the pillars of rock, connecting the monasteries.

Mike considers taking the traditional method of entry into the monastery, a giant hook and hanging net, attached to a sturdy pulley and cable system.

Monestary Nicholas seems to sit precariously on a lone pillar.
The view of Kastraki from Meteora.

Monastery Varlaam
The monasteries have a very conservative dress code. Fortunately they provide some stylish skirts for the ladies sporting pants or anything above the knees!
Taking a break with Varlaam Monastery in site.

Meteora, meaning "suspended rocks", is one of the most fascinating group of monasteries in Greece. Originally 20 "moni" were built with complex scaffolding and ladders by hermit monks trying to retreat from Turkish occupation. Once established, the ladders were removed to provide the optimal refuge for worship and prayer.

Only 6 of these structures remain, as well as ruins amongst the sandstone pillars reminding us of a unique form of determination and vision. The monasteries are now shared by an international community of rock climbers as these pillars provide the ultimate substrate for the avid climber. Had temperatures not been in the 100's I would have surely conjured up some gear as there was plenty of sport climbing offered! -Heather

Greece - Zagora & Horefto

Bike Greece! So we bought some used bikes and saddle bags, perhaps their first touring expedition. Our first day we set off from Volos on the Pelion Peninsula with Zagora and Horefto as our destination. Departing in the afternoon heat, we climbed 1300 meters over 24 miles in the first push. We decided to take a break at the top of the mountain range in Hania where a small ski hill entertains locals in the winter! The next morning was all downhill (thankfully!) to Zagora, one of the most charming villages I've have seen in Greece. -Heather
Zagora is the village where my mother's family came from before emigrating to Australia. It is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to visit here, and do so on bikes was the perfect way to take in the beauty of the area. It is truly a magical place. -Mike


The view of Horefto on our descent from Zagora. The 8km road leading down is SO MUCH FUN on our bikes. Going back up...a little more difficult.



Vendors of all sorts including potatoes, garlic, and in this case chickens drive throughout the village with megaphones advertising or park on the side with a van-load of goods. The best kind of drinking fountain, mountain fresh spring water. Much needed after riding in the hot sun.
Slated roofs add a very decorative appeal to Zagora.
Mike and his Comfort 2000, perhaps the best engineering to come out of China! Perhaps a little heavy in the tail, but talk about a smooth ride!

The view of Zagora from above.

A photo sits on my Mom's desk of my grandfather sipping coffee in this platea in the center of Zagora. Grandson following suit, and it looks as if nothing much has changed in the intervening years.
A naturally adorned house in Zagora.

Greece - Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is as beautiful as it is historically significant for European culture. Enveloped by the city, it still demands your attention rising over 500 ft from a relatively flat Athens. During our walk through this most famous acropolis, we relished in history. Due to mass reconstruction, there was metal scaffolding masking better photography, however we were able to enjoy great views from our hotel roof-top. -Heather
The Old Temple of Athena

Detailed workmanship of the Parthenon
Clyde and Ethel hope to watch a production in the famous Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the outdoor stone theatre sitting on the slope of the Acropolis!
The Acropolis of Athens of the theatre of Dionysus of Eleuthereus.

Egypt - Sharm el-Sheikh

Sadly this area was struck two years ago with bombs, freezing the tourism in the area. Although the disaster is still fresh for many, the industry is slowly picking up again. Plunging into the water off our hotel in Shark's Bay, it was clear to understand why this is one of the top destinations in the world for diving.
Unfortunately I did not have an underwater camera to site one of the largest and most unique fish I've ever seen, a Napolean. About 4 to 5 ft long, it looked like a hybrid between a deep bottom dwellar and a parrot fish. Apparently on the top 100 endangered species list, this smart bloke sticks around the cove because tourists feed him.
Shark's Bay, the view from our villa was not so bad!
The hotel staff clearly enjoyed creating large oregami structures and strategically placing Clyde and Ethel to great us. Mike's genious left an oregami tip, clever Mike.

Egypt - Marsa Alam

The Bedouin influence in Egypt is striking with it's rounded architecture. We stayed in a very cozy cottage just north of Marsa Alam, where the water's of the Red Sea are vibrant with colorful fish and water the deepest blue. We tested out some shore dives, but the current and waves were a little strong, so visibility was tough. Still, it was great place to park for a few days.

Egypt - Felucca Journey on The Nile

The felucca, the common mode for transport, touring, and relaxing on the Nile was our home for 2 nights! Our trusty captain and crew, Ahmed and Gaby, prepared incredible food and took us their family's village for dinner one evening. Of Nubian descent, it was yet another taste of culture.

Gaby and Ahmad providing some drum and song.

The sails weren't cooperating, so captain and crew had to do some climbing!

Egypt - Valley of the Kings and Queens

Mike and I decided it would be far more adventurous to rent bikes and tour the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Due to some mechanical issues (to no surprise) we missed the Tombs of the Nobles, but were quite happy with our morning journey in heat pushing 100 degrees. Being independent travelers and not seeing as many tourists as we thought we might encounter throughout Egypt thus far, it was shocking to see the bus loads of tourists visiting the infamous valleys. Apparently the package deals are far more common, nor do too many think of biking through the Valley. As no cameras are allowed within the tombs, we cannot share the secrets within, you'll have to check out for yourself!
A small village that seems to blend in with the sand and the tombs. The Nile River is a beautiful stage for the Valley. A balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings at sunrise!
I managed to get a picture "away" from the crowds in the Valley of the Kings.