Athens

Just to fill you in on the last month or so - Dale has been home on days off, but it got extended due to maintenance. We have kept busy with the usual stuff, but he has also fit in some motorbike rides and his favourite - a Jethro Tull concert in Nicosia. I had made plans with Hazel several months ago to meet up with her in Athens while Dale was at work, but since his schedule is so out of whack, he was 'Home Alone - Seniors Version'! Not to worry though, he was well looked after by friends and neighbours.

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=acropolis+athens&cp=11&qe=QWNyb3BvbGlzIEE&qesig=G22zO2vGngaD9e6pMhkxGg&pkc=AFgZ2tnycDQOvQURp9mdjV2coTQoIhFmFklAUzxjS64Gj8bFpNgnHbvq6gc_ah82C1q9zEY72-bcNQ-pTq4Nq0hAe5r3p5_Bsg&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ledjTZzVGZGs8QOcxrDxCA&sqi=2&ved=0CDsQsAQ&biw=1224&bih=684

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/athens-parthenon

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/athens-temple-of-athena-nike

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/athens-erechtheion-temple

Meanwhile, Hazel and I had a wonderful trip. Athens was great fun and the people were so lovely. We had been told that all we needed was three days there and that turned out to be exactly right. The weather was iffy, so we headed to the Acropolis first. It did take the major part of the first day, as the ticket was also good for several sites apart from the Parthenon (we just had to find them). These included the Ancient Agora, Hadrian's Gate and Zeus' Temple, the Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library plus the Keramikos Museum and Cemetery. As it was, the weather held up beautifully and we had quite a bit of sunshine throughout the day.

We stopped for a late lunch (early dinner) at a restaurant in Plaka called the Armonia Kafe, which apparently had just opened that week. It quickly became our favourite and they treated us to Ouzo and dessert with our very delicious homemade meals.

We were also delighted with our hotel. 'Trip Advisor' was spot on. The 'Classical Baby Grand Hotel' was highly recommended and very reasonable. It was in a bit of a seedy district (Omonia), but we had no plans to be out wandering at night, so it suited us well. It was clean and modern and the breakfasts were fabulous.

Our second day started with a hike up Mount Lycabettus, or Lycabettus Hill to those who haven't walked up to the top. It was well worth the effort. The views were stunning and topped the awesome views from the Parthenon, as it was that much higher and looked down upon the whole of the Acropolis. From there we stopped at Syntagma Square for a look at the Parliament Buildings (very nondescript), then headed to the National Archaeological Museum. Thanks to a very modern, clean and efficient Metro system, we were able to return to our favourite restaurant for another delicious dinner. And being Friday, shops were open late (need I say more?).

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&rlz=&q=lycabettus+hill&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=3MtjTZKsBIOV8QP4n4jyCA&ved=0CEkQsAQ&biw=1224&bih=684

The weather report for Saturday, (our third and final touring day) was not very promising, so we planned to spend a few hours at the New Acropolis Museum. What a lovely museum. It was very pleasant meandering through and admiring not only the artifacts, but the museum itself. We were still done in plenty of time and as the weather was sorting itself out beautifully, we did a lovely walk around Filopappos Hill and grounds and came across a few other interesting sites including Socrates' Prison and the Pnyx, where the Athenians of old could speak and debate legislation. This left us enough time to return to the Armonia Kafe for yet another fabulous dinner. By now we were becoming very familiar with the streets and areas and had a good laugh at ourselves for finding things on our doorstep that we had thought were miles away. Oh well, all that walking was good exercise!

http://traveldk.com/athens/dk/highlight/filopappos-hill

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=new+acropolis+museum&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=PuljTdCWBsSy8QPmu-HxCA&ved=0CD0QsAQ&biw=1224&bih=684

And then it was over. Retracing our steps via the Metro to the Airport, then Dale picking me up (what a novel concept) in Larnaca for the drive home to Kouklia. It was a delightful little holiday and one I would highly recommend.

Love,

Laurel

Egypt Crisis

We have all been watching the news lately as a country that has grown near and dear to our hearts is in the throws of an uncertain revolution and it saddens us to see the hardship and fear that many have experienced. Our children, Adam and Natalie were living there with an apartment in Katameya Heights in Cairo and found it a tremendous challenge, so even before the outbreak their decision was to return to Comox and have Adam continue to commute as he was doing previously.

This last week was especially stressful for them as Natalie’s parents arrived to visit just before the outbreak. Initially worries were small as they were quite far away from Tehrir Square, but it reached a crescendo with them watching in horror as mobs were being chased through their streets with tanks and gunfire ensuing. Thankfully they were all rescued and made their way home to Canada. They are safe and sound but still quite shaken by the events and truly saddened at leaving many residents behind with tears in their eyes.

Dale and Adam’s future work is not at risk at this time and we are all very confident in the operation and the employer. Our friends MJ as well as Jacqueline and her family have left Maadi for the time being, save Neil who remains behind, but is calm and patiently awaiting his return as the Art Teacher at the International School when it reopens. We contact him regularly to get updates and his stoic perspective and positive state of mind is an inspiration for hope.

This wonderful country deserves better and we hope that the people who have been suppressed for generations can finally find their freedom. Please continue to pray with us for a peaceful solution and hope that their voices can be heard without escalating the violence.

Love,

Laurel and Dale