Adventures of NaDave: December 2015

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Euro-Trip: 7-9 (Athens)

On our travel day, we arrived into Athens mid-afternoon, got settled into our Hostel, and then headed up to a high point to catch the sunset...it was stunning!

We had 2 full days in Athens, and Day 1 was all about the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Agora. We were traveling further back in history, as Athens was around 500+ years before Rome.

We had to move slow as Nadine was hit by a stomach bug, but we managed to see all the sites. The Parthenon was massive, the Acropolis caught your eye no matter where you were in the city, and Agora allowed you to walk where Socrates & Plato once did...the birthplace of Western philosophy!

And that night I had to let Gentex know if I wanted their job offer...so as crazy as it sounds, I called to accept my job from Athens Greece! Very surreal :)

On Day 2, we began at the 1st Stadium of the modern Olympic games in 1894, and learned all about the history of the Marathon (from an ancient Greek Battle).

Then we headed to the National Museum to see lots of artifacts, statues, and too much old pottery! In the afternoon we did a little shopping, then grabbed dinner, and then ended the day counting down the New Year. We welcomed 2016 with Fireworks over the Parthenon!

Up next was a travel day to Cairo...we were headed to Africa

Sunrise over the Parthenon in Athens on arrival night

Narrow Athens Streets... walking to Acropolis

Steps leading to top of Acropolis

In front of Parthenon

Side view to show depth of Parthenon

Dave in front of the construction at the Parthenon

Mars Hill (on the left) where Saint Paul preached!

A view of the Athens Agora (similar to Rome's forum)

Rebuilt Marketplace in Agora

Panorama of Agora...Acropolis on right

Panorama of Olympic Stadium from 1st modern Olympic Games

Rings! list of modern Olympic games

Goddesses!...Nadine & statue of Athena

Ending to an amazing year!... New Years Fireworks over Acropolis

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Euro-Trip: 5-6 (Rome)

To finish our Italy stage of the trip, we had 2 full days in Rome.

We got up early on Monday Dec 28, and headed for the Colosseum. As lovers of sports, we spent 3+ hrs walking around the most famous stadium in the world, thinking about Gladiators & other gruesome shows put on by the Romans.

Up next was the Roman Forum, the true center of ancient Rome. While walking the streets, all you could do is stand in awe at the size and detail of the buildings/ruins.

From there it was a short walk to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The symmetry and massive stairs were beautiful. Then it was over to the Pantheon...known for its perfectly spherical church dome, built thousands of years ago. (And its where the painter Raphael is buried).

We then found a great restaurant on the street, and enjoyed some delicious Italian cuisine. We ended the night with a romantic stroll along the river, that included an amazing view of Saint Peters church at night. (St Peters is home of the Pope!...and is technically in its own country, The Vatican)

Day 2 was all about Saint Peters & the Vatican Museum. After a hectic morning to find storage for our backpacks at the train station, we soaked up the sun in St Peters Square, headed into the Basilica. It was HUGE!...and quite an experience to be at the center of Catholicism.

On our way to The Vatican Museum, we saw the classic Swiss Guards and the massive wall that protects the country. After we made out way in, there were more statues and paintings than one could appreciate in one day. The highlight of the tour was of course, the Sistine Chapel!

We headed back to the main station for our backpacks, then hopped a train to our hotel out by the airport. We had a 7am departure...for Athens Greece!

Outside view of Colosseum...amidst city streets

Inside the Colosseum...the old wooden floor is removed

Roman Forum...the true center of Old Rome

Roman Forum...massive pillars are still standing

Roman Forum...people walking the streets

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Pantheon...the church dome that is a perfect sphere

A great shot of Saint Peters Church by the river

Happy Holidays in Rome!

1 Early morning at Saint Peter's Square (Country of Vatican)

2 Main Altar in St Peters...over where Saint Peter is buried

Nadine in St Peters...yup its that huge!

Swiss Guards...dressed up & standing guard outside St Peters

Inside Vatican Museum...The Round Room

Inside Vatican Museum...'School of Athens' by Raphael

Trevi Fountain at night

Friday, December 25, 2015

Euro-Trip: 3-4 (Villa & Florence)

(Prepare again for a photobomb of Villa!)

We woke up in Villa like it was a dream...newly engaged on Christmas Day! But true to NaDave-style, we planned a hike planned in Abruzzo National Park, which Villa sits in. The weather was clear & sunny, and we took a 3 hour hike up into the mountain side. We then returned back to Hotel La Gardenia in time for lunch.

After lunch, we had ~1 hour before driving back to Rome, so we walked around town. We of course found "Via Lippa", and also wandered the old back streets. The city dates back to the 1200s, but was hit by an earthquake in 1915, so many of the buildings seen are only 100 years old. But we soaked up as much as possible, before saying goodbye.

We drove back to Rome, and boarded a train for Florence. We arrived at night, and headed to our hostel to call & share our news with more friends & family.

In Florence on Dec 26, we first headed to see the Statue of David, then wandered the streets and saw the famous Duomo Church. We then saw the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, walked to a scenic overlook, and ended back at the Bridge with a relaxing drink.

We then boarded a train back to Rome, got to our hostel near the train station, and planned our sites for the next 2 days in "The Eternal City".

(that's all the emails for tonight...hope to send out the remaining ones next weekend)