TED Talks are Awesome!!!

Bottom to Top Picture Gallery

hey everybody. so eleftheria and i have traveled to our second greek island within the last three weeks. this time we went to σαμοθρακη, an island actually closer to turkey than greece. instead of going it alone we went with two close friends, markos and harula; we were a super crew and had a great time.

on with the pictures, check out the pictures from the bottom to top since that is the most chronologically appropriate.

most spectacular for me were the dragonfly pupa turning into adult dragonflies. i have pictures at each individual stage.


eleftheria found these crazy leaves where the dirt had created these great patterns.

our final big excursion was out to the lakes and river. it was an amazing forest with cool peaks, and cold mountain water. i could not resist the mushroom picture.


these reminded us all of lego's
i love precision.

we went to, what i consider to be, the best archeological site i have ever seen. σαμοθρακη is known for having a very distinct religion, separate from that of the other greeks; however, the construction was still very similar.

harula and markos. they were great company; we will definitely travel together again.
we sat for drinks at a little cafe. 10 τσιπουρο and 6 plates of appetizers later we only spent 15 euros, so awesome.

what remains of the castle.

this little garden path lead up to the local chapel.
having trouble with the wind blowing your shingles off the roof? no worries, put some rocks on top.
the first night we went to the main town. it was a gorgeous mountain village. cool streets, great cafes, and good weather (not the towns fault).
we stayed in this beautiful little villa for around 20 euros per room (apartment style). this is a view of the balcony off the room.
the perfect καιμακι. dad, i hope you have been working on yours.
so this is the island. it is super beautiful, and, even though from here it looks pretty dry, there is actually a awesome river system full of rapids and waterfalls on the island.

Some Videos For Your Enjoyment

Greek Island: Through the Lens of My Cell-phone

eleftheria and i went for a weekend trip to θασος, an island that is a half hour ferry ride from κεραμωτη. The trip was fantastic and while talking about it last night, we basically described every moment as one of our favorites; hiking, backgammon, swimming, and the sunrise.

we forgot two very important objects, one our headlamps (we camped) and two, my sd card for my camera. so, we couldn't see to make camp, and, more importantly, all of the following pictures are taken with the camera on my phone. eleftheria and i were both amazed by how old and grainy the pictures look and i wasn't going to post them because of the quality, but then i saw keith's pictures of the cow and thought, 'well, i guess old looking yellowish pictures must be trendy.' so here you go.

i always have to be serious when i am taking self portraits making me look even more ridiculous.
the island was absolutely beautiful. they have both mountain beach side villages, a unique feature caused by the need for pirate protection in the past, and tourist happiness in the present.
lots of ground water = lots of fountains and streams.
accidental picture of the sea that turned out nice.
the island has a certain norther california quality to it. the beach leads straight up into coniferous forests and exposed rocky peaks.

as usual, chickens, donkeys, dogs, cats, and goats.

this is our first installment of the local island posts. we are going to σαμοθρακη in a couple of weekends and we will post those pictures. Once those are up, mom and dad, you can decide where you would rather travel to the next time you com.

oh yeah, keith, your cow pictures are very nice.

Walking in the Hills

grass lands, mountains, lakes, rivers, coastline, islands, and forests. if we could get a desert and a rain forest we would just about have it all.
we went with eleftheria's parents on a wonderful hike after a picnic breakfast.
we picked a full grocery bag of fresh chamomile for tea.

poppies are quickly becoming on of my favorite flowers.

May 1st: Day in Silata

nieces and nephew of eleftheria. we are playing a game like london bridge . . . only different.
choosing teams.
learning the steps. this is xristos learning the steps to a dance called zebekia. it is amazing to me just how important the traditions are here.
1st of may flower crown
the other flower crown
super cute



we spent may 1st in the village with a bunch of eleftheria's family. it was really nice since i missed their easter celebration.

Easter Climbing Trip

this is my good friend and climbing partner tomasz. the drink is nescafe, an instant frappe mix; it is pretty nasty, but is is essential to any productive climbing trip.
yours truly.
back at petropigi, this is probably my favorite spot in northern greece, working a new rig. the climb is called mandragora (look up the word, pretty cool) and goes at 7c+. i one hung the route, so i am pretty psyched. when i send it will be my hardest send since apollo reed. i am pretty excited.



*thank you efi for wielding the camera.