10 October 2014

Oia, Santorini, Greece :: Photographer's Paradise

Let me begin by saying, or rather admitting, that I've been in a rut. A big one. For the last year or so I have no had the desire to edit photos. I've been religiously taking them in every port, but organizing, editing, and processing those shots hasn't been at the top of my priority. Well... after today things have certainly changed.

For those of you creative types out there who need inspiration or just a good kick in the ass, book the next flight out to Santorini!!   Today was the second time we visited Santorini, but the first time I made it out to Oia. Santorini is a decently sized island inhabiting two or three villages. The village by which we port is called Thira, perched at the top of a very steep cliff. You get to the top by either cable car or donkey path. A couple weeks ago I spent the day in Thira, running to the top (of course), dodging the donkey land mines on the way up.  Thira was nice but it didn't wow me by any means. Oia is the town everyone thinks of when they think of Greece, white stucco buildings with blue topped roofs. Truth be told there are only about 6 roofs that are blue... but they certainly stick out!

Oia is an overload to the senses. I think every type of artist and photographer would love a visit to Oia. Everywhere you turn there is something to grab your attention. Souvenirs and funny little still-life pictures, landscapes and architecture opportunities, portraiture and lifestyle photos of the locals, staircases, leading lines, bicycles, colourful doors, windows, things falling apart and in disarray... I could go on, but I won't...

Ok enough chitter chatter. If you want to go to an amazing destination, I am recommending Santorini. :) enjoy the photos!

 
 

 
 



 
 
 


 
PS the food and coffee are to die for as well. I unfortunately don't have any photos of edible items because I ate them too quickly. HA! :|
 

16 May 2014

Cartagena, Spain :: Wall Scaling!

Another day, another mountain w a castle at the top! :) Didn't take very long to get to the top, so we made it a challenge and carried rocks to make it more of a workout. lol!
Brett and I ran into a couple of guests from the ship. Love how active they are!! They are 79 and 84 years old and they climbed around this castle w us. I hope to be as active as them when I'm that age!
 
 
 

 
Probably not the smartest idea... but the rope was taunting me! haha! made it to the top, but I decided to come down instead of going over.. I wasn't sure how to get back down if I climbed over the top. haha, probably for the best!







View from the top!

 
We found some tunnels on the way down. Kind of a sad story, there was a skeleton of a dog wearing a muzzle that had obviously been tied up to one of the doors leading into a tunnel. Some people are sick.

Door half sealed up into one of the tunnels

This door was open! We were terrified, but we HAD to go inside lol - it smelled like fuel and there was a bridge inside leading ... somewhere! from our echoes it sounded like miles of tunnel!!





 
Can't wait for the next mountain or castle to explore :)

15 May 2014

Argostoli, Greece

Argostoli, Greece in Kefalonia. Not much to see here, but went for a walk anyway and wandered through the markets. 


Path along the water

Argostoli, Greece

Light House - Argostoli, Greece

Onions

Water Wheel 

Detail

Tugboat!! 

Street Art 

Acropolis :: Athens, Greece

Here are a few photos from Athens! I spent about 20-30 mins on the Acropolis itself and the rest of the day in the Acropolis Museum. Truth be told there is not much to physically see on the Acropolis.  Most everything of value is all in museums. 



Doric Columns of the Parthenon
Corinthian Columns 
Ionic Columns



The Erechtheion - Porch of the Maidens


Caryatids 
Caryatids
Caryatid
Porch of the Maidens




Odeon of Herodes Atticus


Parthenon


Parthenon

Reconstruction of the Parthenon

Proof

Odeon of Herodes Atticus