Arival in Istanbul

Arrived tonight in Istanbul after short flight from Izmir. Hotel has has great wifi access so I can upload photos tonight. (last day of tour is little help, huh? )
Off today to see Blue Mosque, Grand Bazzar, etc.

Athens at Night

Athens is a bustling city with all the challenges of a modern metropolis -- smog, no parking, homelessness. Yet its beauty shines through -- the warmth of the people, the amazing heritage of ancient civilizations, the beautiful sights. Nowhere is this more evident than at night when from all over Athens you can see the Acropolis (the top/height of the city) iluminate as both icon and temple of modern day tourism.

The Apostle Paul came to Athens while running headlong into the commerce, religious diversity, and philosophical inquiry that marked ancient Athens. Did he look up at the Acropolis at night and see the temples light with candles? Did he wonder how the good news of Jesus the Christ would preach in such a secular city? Did he realize that such a message would have a hard time being heard in this center for intellectualism? Apparently. For he stayed just a little while and moved on to other more receptive cities. The only mention of Athens in the Bible is the breif description in Acts 17of Paul's visit.

The Parthenon

Perhaps the most striking feature of the acropolis in Athens, certainly the longest-lasting, is the Parthenon. Built in the 5th century B.C.E. This amazing structure has survived earthquakes that have destroyed others built at the same time. The columns are tapered - narrower at the top than at the bottom - to give a visually pleasing perspective and to provide the stabilty that survives earthquakes. This temple of the Goddess Athena is in more danger from the pollution of the modern world that the movements of tectonic plates. Air pollution is destroying the marble and extensive efforts are underway to keep the marble from turning into gypsum. When Paul walked among these columns the temple was already over 400 years old. You can't help but wonder if the Paul's message will last as long as this monument to Greek and Roman gods and goddesses.

Athens and Corinth

We had a great day visiting both the ruins of ancient Corinth and the Acropolis in Athens.

There is Internet access on our cruise ship but the ability to upload photos has been blocked for some reason.

As soon as I find a wifi hotspot I'll upload some photos of the places we visit.

For now, we have a mandatory life boat drill in a few minutes so I must go.

More coming as soon as possible.

Arrived Safely in Athens

Our departure from Charlotte went smoothly. Arrived JFK in New York and fought off the demons that had infested the Delta ticketing kiosks. Some of us were validated as real people and some were not (names not released to protect the innocent). After the timely intervention of a kindly Kiosk Assistant were were all declared real people. The gauntlet of airport security proved to be no less of a hassel. (Always remember to declare if you have metal in your body--for medical reasons, of course!)
The flight to Athens was long but uneventful. Our tour represetatives met us at the airport and got us to our hotelby mid day.
We had the afternooon to do some local sightseeing, eat, or sleep as the mood dictated. (Note: jet lag is gotten over more quickly if you don't try to sleep it off and, instead, force your body into the new time zone. Makes for a long first day, but you get over it quicker.)
Resolved a technical issue with our phone so that the 704 number we provided family and friends works now.
FIRST COMMANDMENT of TRAVELING: Thou Shalt be Flexible!

Tomorrow we tour Athen and Corinth -- both significant places for the Apostle Paul -- then board our ship for travel to northern Greece. Photos to follow.

Ready to Travel

On Wednesday, November 5, 12 entrepid travelers leave from Charlotte to travel in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul.  

Over the eleven days of our travels we will post photos and commentary of our experiences. We'll try to post every day but may be limited by access to the internet in places.  We'll read the comments you post here and share them with the group.

Join us as we travel to Athens, Corinth, Philippi, Thessalonika, Berea, Patmos, Ephesus, Pergamum, and Miletus walking, often literally, in Paul's footsteps.

We hope you enjoy traveling with us.

Photo: The Library at Ephesus