• Michael Christopher
  • Pilates Pinup
  • Karel Brumfield
  • Michael Christopher
  • Pilates Pinup
  • Karel Brumfield

Greece 2024

We embark on a journey to the heart of the Mediterranean, where the echoes of ancient history and the vibrancy of modern life intertwine. Greece, a realm of myths and sun-drenched shores, unfolds as a canvas of cultural marvels. Baca lagi
  • Hiking in Lagkadia

    28 Mei 2024, Greece ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    We set out with high spirits, aiming to conquer the trail to the Rapi Water Mills, a hidden gem in Greece’s verdant embrace.

    The path started off friendly enough, but as we ventured further, it revealed its true colors—a mosaic of steep inclines and rocky terrains. Each step was a test of endurance, and the mills seemed to dance just out of reach, teasing us with their elusive charm.

    Despite our best efforts, the journey proved to be a formidable opponent. The sun played hide and seek behind the clouds, and the trail became a riddle we couldn’t quite solve.

    So, we didn’t make it to the Rapi Water Mills today, We returned with no photos of ancient stones or tales of water’s timeless work.
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  • Olympia Museum

    29 Mei 2024, Greece ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Nestled amidst olive groves and whispers of Olympic legends, this museum is a treasure trove of history.

    The exhibits beckoned us with stories etched in stone, bronze, and clay. Chronological and thematic, they wove a vivid tapestry of millennia. From prehistoric artifacts to the grandeur of Roman times, every room held secrets waiting to be unveiled.

    Hermes and the Infant Dionysus, attributed to Praxiteles, stood tall, their marble forms frozen in time. The Nike of Paionios seemed ready to take flight, her wings brushing against eternity. And there, the helmet of Miltiades—a relic from battles long past.

    Outside, we followed the path that led to the archaeological site, where the ancient Olympic Games once roared to life.
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  • Ancient Olympia

    29 Mei 2024, Greece ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    A short walk from the museum and we arrived at the Archaeological Site of Olympia. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds a rich tapestry of history, where gods and athletes once converged.

    The stadium, now partially restored, witnessed footraces, wrestling, chariot races, and more. The sacred grove, known as the Altis, cradled temples dedicated to the gods.

    And then there was the colossal Statue of Zeus, a marvel that once stood within the Temple of Zeus. Crafted by the renowned sculptor Pheidias, this gold-and-ivory masterpiece was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

    Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, remains a beacon—a universal symbol of peace, competition, and virtue.
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  • Olympia! (Greece)

    29 Mei 2024, Greece ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    A short walk from the museum and we arrived at the Archaeological Site of Olympia. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds a rich tapestry of history, where gods and athletes once converged.

    The stadium, now partially restored, witnessed footraces, wrestling, chariot races, and more. The sacred grove, known as the Altis, cradled temples dedicated to the gods.

    We could only imagine the colossal Statue of Zeus, a marvel that once stood within the Temple of Zeus. Crafted by the renowned sculptor Pheidias, this gold-and-ivory masterpiece was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

    Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, remains a beacon—a universal symbol of peace, competition, and virtue.
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  • Oilympian Olive Oil Tasting

    29 Mei 2024, Greece ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    From their website:
    Our family has been producing olive oil from the Olympian Region located in Peloponneso, Greece for generations. In the early 1980’s members of our family migrated from Ilion, Greece to New York to accept better opportunities. Despite leaving Greece, our family made sure to return frequently to visit our family and maintain the olive groves that were previously maintained by our ancestors. 

    Every year our family would return to the United States making sure to bring with us olive oil for our home. In 1999 our family expanded the olive groves for harvest by acquiring neighboring lands. In the 2000’s our family began selling olive oil to local farmers and importing olive oil into the United States for private sale to local families. These local families have continued to prefer our olive oil for their homes given the purity and consistency of our product, trusting that our olive oil is not intermingled with other oils of lesser quality, as is often the case with commercialized olive oils. 

    In 2018 through 2021, we welcomed the additions of the latest generation to our family. In seeking to maintain our Hellenic roots we proceeded with establishing Olympian Olive Oil, Inc. 

    The creation of Olympian Olive Oil represents our family’s efforts to cultivate the newest generations’ love for Greece, olives, and olive oil. The goal is to aid the newest generation in continuing to produce the purest olive oil and assure that our family’s production of olive oil is never modified or diluted thereby assuring the very best quality of our food and life. 

    We at Olympian Olive Oil wish to share our love for Greece, olives, and olive oil with the world. Our olives are grown on our land, picked, and pressed by our family. No other olive oil comes close in comparison to the quality, purity, and taste of the oil harvested from olive groves that have been maintained for generations.
    https://olympianoliveoil.com/index.php?route=in…
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  • Hotel Esperides

    29–31 Mei 2024, Greece ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    This charming town, once a humble fishing village, now enchants visitors with its magical setting. Imagine soaring mountains, sparkling seas, and silvery olive groves.

    With just 500 residents (doubling in summer), Kardamyli feels like a secret hideaway. Stone houses with tiled roofs and flowering gardens line the streets. Some have been converted into boutiques, tavernas, or guesthouses.

    We are hoping to see the 17th-century tower, the church, and the mythical graves of Castor and Pollux.

    Kardamyli wears its history lightly. In Homer’s Iliad, it’s mentioned as one of Sparta’s ports. Medieval rival clans fortified it, leaving behind tower houses. Vivid frescoes in countryside chapels depict gory martyrdoms and semi-pagan symbolism. The past whispers through the olive groves.
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  • Mourtzinos Tower

    30 Mei 2024, Greece ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Nestled in the heart of the old Kardamyli village, the Mourtzinos Tower stands as a proud reminder of the region’s storied past. Built in 1807, this stone fortress was more than just a defensive stronghold; it was a bustling center of life and activity.

    As we stepped through the arched gate, we were transported back in time. The base of the tower, which once served as a prison, hinted at the complex’s multifaceted history. The first building to greet us was the church dedicated to Saint Spyridon, with its single-aisle construction and a four-story bell tower that boasts a bell once claimed as pirate loot.

    The main tower itself was a marvel of engineering, accessible only by a wooden bridge that could be lifted to secure the fortress.

    The Troupakides-Mourtzines family, who built the tower, were once one of the most influential families in Mani. Their legacy lives on in the stone walls and the tales of heroism and rebellion that echo through the halls. Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek Revolution, used this very tower as his residence while planning the liberation of Kalamata.
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  • Grave of the Twins

    30 Mei 2024, Greece ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Tucked away at the back of the old town lies a site shrouded in legend—the Tomb of the Twins.

    The twins in question are none other than Castor and Pollux, the famed Dioskouri. Sons of Zeus and Leda, these celestial brothers are said to watch over sailors and were revered across ancient Greece.

    The tombs are a testament to Kardamyli's rich tapestry of history, dating back to when it was the main port of Sparta. Imagine, right from these shores, the Nereids—sea nymphs—were believed to have emerged to admire the sons of Achilles.

    Our visit was more than just a historical excursion; it was a walk through the pages of mythology.
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  • Byzantine Aquaduct

    30 Mei 2024, Greece ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    This aqueduct would have been an essential feature during the Byzantine era, carrying precious water from the mountains to the settlements. The snowmelt from Mt. Taygetos' towering peaks would feed into this system, ensuring a supply of fresh water to the local communities and their lush, green landscapes.

    It's these historical structures that make Kardamyli not just a beautiful destination but also a place where you can walk through history, experiencing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of past civilizations.
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  • Monemvasia

    1 Jun 2024, Greece ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Imagine a place where time stands still, nestled on a solitary rock, connected to the mainland by just a narrow causeway. Monemvasia, often hailed as the 'Gibraltar of Greece', is a medieval fortress town that's been standing since the 6th century.

    The town was cleverly built to be invisible from the mainland, a secret haven from past invaders. Today, it's a peaceful retreat where you can explore the ruins of ancient Byzantine fortresses and enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

    Luckily, strict reconstruction regulations have helped preserve the authentic medieval feel.

    Michael's hike up to the upper town was rewarded with breathtaking panoramas and the crumbling remains of a once-powerful city.
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  • Byzantine Mystras

    2 Jun 2024, Greece ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Meandering through the cobbled pathways of Byzantine Mystras, it's as if you've stepped through a portal into the medieval era. The air is thick with the scent of wildflowers, and the sun casts a warm glow over the stone ruins that rise majestically against the backdrop of Mount Taygetos.

    The intricate mosaics and frescoes in the churches are a testament to the city's former splendor, telling stories of faith and power that once dominated this area

    Climbing higher, the view unfolds like a tapestry—olive groves and vineyards stretching into the distance, with the modern village of Mystras cradling the ancient city in a gentle embrace. It's a harmonious blend of past and present, where every stone and every turn reveals a new chapter of history.

    The walk through Byzantine Mystras is more than just a stroll through ruins; it's a journey through time, where every step tells the story of a civilization that shaped the course of history. And as we leave, we carry with us the spirit of Mystras—a reminder of the beauty and resilience that endures through the ages.
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  • Mycenae at the top of the hill

    3 Jun 2024, Greece ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    Wandering through the ancient site of Mycenea, we were instantly transported to a time when myths were born and legends ruled.
    Our exploration took us to the Tholos tombs, marvels of ancient engineering. The Treasury of Atreus, although I prefer Tomb of Agamemnom, with its massive dome, left us in awe of the architectural prowess of a civilization long gone. Here, in the cool dimness, surrounded by the weight of history, we felt a connection to the past that was almost tangible.

    We approached the Lion Gate, the grand entrance to this once-mighty citadel. The stone lions stand guard, as they have for millennia, their silent roar a powerful welcome to all who enter. The heads missing, not broken off, but removed, the holes left in the stone give proof that the heads were of some other material.. Perhaps gold?

    Inside, we trod carefully along the paths that kings and warriors once walked. The Grave Circle beckoned, a hallowed ground where heroes of old were laid to rest with treasures fit for the afterlife. It's a poignant reminder of the glory and the tragedy intertwined in the tapestry of Mycenae's history.

    Climbing higher, the palatial ruins whispered tales of Agamemnon, the fabled king who commanded the Greek forces in the Trojan War. We paused, looking out over the fertile plains that stretch out below, imagining the bustling activity that would have filled this place at the height of its power.
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