Category Archives: Destinations

Getting on her soap box

A friend of mine has an interesting artistic life on many levels. She is an artist, a painter, a homeschooling mother and also a soap maker! She and her husband collaborate on various artistic projects. This natural and earthy beauty is an expert on natural living. I interviewed her about her soap making business since I am a customer and a fan of her products. They are appropriate gifts for so many purposes–hostess gifts, housewarming gifts, birthday gifts, teacher gifts, congratulatory gifts, etc.  They are handy, easy to wrap and give a nice presentational appeal. The homemade artistry of it makes it a personal and conversational gift and product. When I stored them as gifts during the holidays, they made my room smell so good!7bd9d1ebc4ef0e678d2044731d61612f7bd9d1ebc4ef0e678d2044731d61612f

What inspired you to start this hobby turned business?

Bascially, years ago when we lived in Kentucky, my daughter had eczema. I tried treating it with coconut oil but nothing worked. We tried over the counter products before we went to the doctor for prescribed creams. One day, I grabbed a prescription cream for eczema that the doctor gave me. Her skin worsened with the use of the prescribed cream so I began researching ingredients and then moved onto natural solutions. Several of the ingredients were harsh synthetic ingredients. I began to look at my cleansers and what I can use as soap. My daughter was crying with whatever we tried.  There was a soap maker in Bardstown, Kentucky which is a beautiful town. The soap maker was known for her craft. She is a precious woman and she informed me so much. She started making soap for the same reason as I did. She was an inspiration and told me how to get started. Her soap was the only thing that soothed my daughter’s skin and we began to notice healing.ed7e2e_336c462328ee4f13b252caf0007e9f06

I was scared of the lye because it can burn and sting. I research ingredients so I was nervous about the lye since I had little kids around. I shied away for years but when I got to Tulsa, I had more room in my house to work with the soap making. I watched tons of videos on youtube. I use organic, botanical and sustainable earthy-ingredients… as well as Non-GMO, whenever possible.

How do you pick the scents and  fragrances?

I tried many combinations before I found what I liked. I come up with my own blends and let them sit a little. Autumn Trail was very “piney”. As it cures, it begins to change.ed7e2e_9b1a78f6e7364f4282306968de1a20f0.jpg

How long does soap take to cure?

It depends on the formula and group of oils. Some can take 4-8 weeks. 2-3 weeks is the shortest amount of cure time. I test the ph balance with little strips before I sell them.ed7e2e_d18ca3cfe819458d97589f162a7ebc70

Are the blends in a kit?

I play with the essential oils and decide how much I want. Lavender and patchouli,etc….

Do you have a  favorite blend?

I really like Lavender and Colloidal Oatmeal.3d807519def1bb3e35bf04da6a97c4d8

How long does each batch take you?

3 hours but if everything is together and ready to go, it can take 2 hours. I’ve had situations where I didn’t have the right amount of items. I have molds that I use. Each batch I make fills 2 five pound molds.  I have to triple the supply for busy seasons.ed7e2e_1552e843f4434d2c8710513ceb5a0b14

Where is your most remote customer so far?

Foley, Alabama and Kentucky.

Describe how this craft has been enriching.

I have enjoyed each step…..it’s kind of like a meditation. To watch the “saponification” process—the bubbling up, pouring it in, cutting each bar which is different….the layers of colors and different swirls in each bar always amazes me. As an artist, I’m always enlightened by that. Like life, we can do a little bit of planning but it might turn out better than how we planned it to be!12289709_10206798028502898_242190177134141839_n

www.soapsandetc7.com

Tulsans can contact rwwindwalker@gmail.com to place an order and she’ll deliver in town.  Shipping is available for all out of town orders.

 

When ships collide in the night…

There were  requests for follow up stories about my father after I posted “Jumped Ship and Landed in ….Tulsa!” (on this blog). His experience in the Merchant Marines embodies everything about travel and adventure. Here’s another chapter in that story. This is what my father told me…

In 1957 in New Orleans, two ships collided at midnight. I was on duty. Everyone was alert. I remember many bats gathering all over the ship. We stayed two days until better weather came. This collision was covered in the newspaper.IMG_0183

“November 30, 1957, the SS Ellin and SS Claiborne collided….The Coast Guard said Friday it will investigate a ship collision on the Mississippi River and dense fog about 11:55 PM Thursday 13 miles downstream from New Orleans…No injuries were reported but both cargo vessels had deep gashes in their bows…Neither ship took on water as the damage was above the waterline….Involved were the one-year-old SS Ellin 16,000 ton freighter of Liberian registry and the Waterman 15 ship corporation SS Laybourne AC 2cargo ship…The Ellin, according to Captain Michael Worden present at the Texas Marine transport company Inc. agents Alan was anchored in the thick fog…The Claiborne ran into Ellin’s bow….” (cited in newspaper article above)

He explained the mechanics of what happens when they hit rough seas or hurricanes, too.

When a propeller comes up, we have to slow down the engine. When the ship goes down, we closed the steam…when it goes up, we opened the steam. This went on for four hours. If you miscalculate, the engine goes too fast.

Did you ever regret being in the Merchant Marines?

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Daddy is the one carrying the boxes

No. I was lucky I never got seasick. Lots of guys vomited. A couple of times, we had the icon of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas) for hope to save us.

Tell me about some of the dangers and disasters.

There was a time when the captain had his family posing for a picture and a wave came up and picked up the three year old boy. He fell in the ocean. We stopped the ship, turned around in big panic and confusion. We found him but he was dead. This was on a trip from Iran to London.images

Another time, the assistant cook went to dump trash and he fell in, too.  We never stopped that time…nothing…just “goodbye.” The waves are so bad and you have to hit the waves a certain way. You can’t always turn back.images-1

On another ship, (going from San Francisco to Curacao) our propeller hit a whale and damaged the propeller. It took two months to sail because the propeller was going so slow. You can’t change ships in the middle of the ocean. From San Francisco to Curacao, in the Los Angeles area, we had to go to Norfolk for repairs.  We saw the whale with blood all over it.

What are the ports like? Which were the most exciting?

We found places to eat good food or buy things. The islands and the ports in the Caribbean were the best—Curacao, Colombia, Venezuela…The worst port was England I guess because there was no sunshine or good food.25163_380222787598_2242575_n

Which country had the best looking women?

When you’re on a boat for a month and come out, every woman looks good. (chuckling). Brazil, I guess.

When you left the Merchant Marines and moved to Tulsa- what was your first job there?

Shortly after the ships collided in New Orleans, I left the ship and went to Tulsa to visit relatives, get married and started a new life there. I worked at the Tulsa Hotel overseeing the boilers. They had two boilers and had to run both to keep up. There was steam for laundry and the air conditioning. An engineer at Wonder Bread (where your mom was working) told me about that job at Tulsa Hotel. Around that time, immigration officers came to our house to deport me. Your mom told them I was working at the Tulsa Hotel. She called our priest (who was my uncle) and said, “Kosta’s in trouble.” The priest came to my work to intervene. The immigration officers told me to go to the immigration office in Dallas. I did and then went on to Toronto to fix my papers and entered the states legally through the Detroit office.FullSizeRender

What would you have done if they deported you?

I would’ve gone back to Greece. But by leaving Greece in the first place to join the Merchant Marines to help support my mother, sisters and younger brother back home, I wasn’t drafted. In Greece, everyone has to go to the army at 20 years old.

his mother, sisters and younger brother
his mother, sisters and younger brother

Why is it called “Merchant Marines” ?

We transported merchandise. (the merchant part). A “marina” is another word for a “port” (the marines part). A better term for it is “merchant mariners.” The Merchant Marines was very educational. On some legs of the  voyages, we traveled to 7 countries or so. In later years, fewer people signed up for it because they didn’t want to do that type of work. But, it was a good opportunity and a very good financial opportunity for helping support my family back in Greece.

www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/gr-merchant-marine.htm

Stories like this can be found in the book, A Magic Carpet Ride.

 

Link to order book below. Proceeds go to various charities.

www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Locks “for” Love–a military love story

Some friends of mine are a military couple. I don’t know many military couples and I am intrigued by their sacrifice and appreciative of their service. This gorgeous couple has an incredible bond and a beautiful, romantic story about their marriage….especially during his service in Afghanistan. When I first heard of this story, I immediately thought of a specific Greek myth of Odysseus and Penelope. I interviewed them about their inspirational story involving travel and love. There were other personal and poignant details interwoven into this story having to do with military life, sacrifices, friendships, and lost loved ones which will remain part of their story’s inner layer. The main message is shared here.11225106_585205561618732_7258743869932326735_o

When your husband was deployed, I heard of a “pledge” you made until he returned safely. Can you describe the inspiration behind this?

When my husband was first deployed in 2003-2004, to Afghanistan, none of us knew what to expect. It seemed like the Wild West over there but thankfully everyone in the brigade came home and no one was killed. On my husband’s second deployment, however, there were several causalities and with each one I heard about, I started to feel really out of control about the situation. My husband’s battalion was operating in one of the most dangerous provinces at the time. I didn’t think he was going to come home and I started to fear a knock at the door about my husband.

At that time, I was going for a hair appointment and canceled it because I thought, “the only thing I can control at this moment is my hair.” When your world seems to be spinning out of control you latch onto anything that gives you a little control and growing my hair out was my control. I decided to let my hair grow and to only cut it when he returned home safely. Cutting my hair would represent a new chapter in our lives. A chapter that didn’t involve me feeling helpless and in a constant state of fear.

Ten months later when he came home safely, we went together and I cut my hair. That hair cut was like no other hair cut I had ever had in my life. It was emotional to say the least.

the big hair cut!
the big hair cut!

From the beginning I knew I wanted to donate my hair to those affected by hair loss from cancer.

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…from their wedding in Greece

Did you donate the hair to Locks of Love?

It was Pantene Beautiful Lengths. I donated 12-13 inches of hair.

www. pantene.com/en-us/experience-main-section2/beautiful-lengths1798388_344012449071379_1327690902_n

What inspired you to do this with your hair?

(writer’s side note): It reminds me of the Greek myth of Penelope and Odysseus. In the myth of Odysseus, while he was at war, his faithful wife wove a burial shroud for his father. She put off suitors by telling them that she would not consider remarriage until the weaving was complete. Secretly, each night, she unraveled her weaving so that it was prolonged for 20 years…..in the hope that she would be reunited with Odysseus.  The myth conveys the message of sacrifice, patience, faith and feminine virtue.

I don’t remember doing it for anything other than one of his favorite things about me is my long hair. It was like a tribute to him as well as to give the hair away as a sacrifice. Not just to cut if off for no reason but to give it to someone who has health needs and feel that their beauty was something that they could control in their life. (with the wig made from her hair.)

Do you consider it a “tama” ?—(Tama is a Greek word for a promise made in faith, sometimes in a votive offering. Usually for a miracle.)

Yes! absolutely!1015901_256065451199413_588718276_o

He has been in the military for fourteen years now. I don’t know how we made it through everything—the divorce rate in the military is high but I’m an Army brat so I guess I’m used to that lifestyle. Most of all I think it’s the deep love we have for each other that has bonded us together even when so many miles separated us. This life has made us stronger.

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Once it was all over, I could have just trimmed the hair but I decided to cut it all off. Because of the sacrifice we made, I wanted someone else whose health and beauty was sacrificed in illness to have something to feel in control of their situation…the wig made from my donated hair.

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Unconditional Love: Camp Agape

An enchanting and driven friend of mine travels to Seattle area every summer to volunteer at Camp Agape. Her active schedule involves a lot of volunteering in general but she manages to slip away and fit in this worthy cause, too. I didn’t know all of the details about this endeavor but I could tell it was near and dear to her heart and has deeply affected her. My friend has the unique combination of one of the sharpest minds with a philanthropic heart. She chaired a fundraiser which donated proceeds to Camp Agape. I recently interviewed my lovely and savvy friend about this incredibly special place called Camp Agape. 1078921_10201355031294496_215150118_o

What inspired you to get involved with Camp Agape?

I first heard about it from my spiritual father, Fr. Tom. I’ve always had a soft spot for underprivileged kids or those who are struggling with illness or abuse. The concept behind the camp is what drew me in. This will be my fourth year to attend as a counselor .10530533_10203995267938762_5852069959026088038_o

What is the concept behind the camp?

Camp Agape NW provides an all-expense-paid, weeklong, overnight camp for the whole family of a child with cancer. Camp Agape gives children with cancer a chance to feel normal, siblings a chance to feel special, and parents a time to be together. There is a 1 to 1 ratio for every child meaning every child has a full-time buddy and playmate that never leaves him for the entire week. The buddy is there waiting when the child wakes up and stays with him until it is time to go to bed. The camp is free of charge for the child with cancer, the parents or legal guardians, and all siblings.

There are several locations but the one I volunteer at is in the Northwest, outside of Seattle in Gig Harbor which is on the Puget Sound. Families may attend a maximum of two years for each child that is fighting cancer. It is hard to believe, but there are families that have more than one child that is fighting cancer, so they can attend an additional two years. They only other circumstance where families can attend more than two years is in the event of a relapse.

Do the campers have to be from a particular religion?

It’s for all denominations.

Describe the preparation, itinerary and how it revolves around the concept.

We want the child with cancer to feel normal. The directors and nursing staff prepare the counselors on the kids’ needs before they arrive. Specific things for their physical needs, like how to handle their ports, any special conditions to be conscientious of, etc. are covered ahead of time. But we don’t want to focus on that–we just want them to feel normal. The rest of the family is treated extra special. We have just about any kind of food or snack you might want available all day. This includes a full milkshake and smoothie bar, coffee/espresso bar. They can have as much as they want. We try to pamper the parents. They can get haircuts, massages, take naps or do whatever they would like.

The camp operates under the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco and is run locally by the Ladies Philoptochos society. There is a local executive board that prepares for the camp year round. The camp directors and clergy that are on site are a combination of Orthodox and Protestant Christians, working side by side. I love that !

As I said, we try to make the siblings feel special and the campers feel normal. For parents, it is time for them to relax and reconnect as a couple and a family . Many couples are emotionally and financially strained but I’ve noticed that the families never seem to act like victims or whiners—they’re very positive and resilient – as are the kids . Some have had to move residences for their child’s treatment. Some are paying for two house payments.

The siblings also really suffer when the families have to pick up and move and many times take a backseat in order for the sick child to be cared for properly. This can cause guilt and anger. Some siblings physically and emotionally regress due to the stress. This week gives them a chance to forget about all of that and have fun.

What are the dates of the camp session? Describe the program and staff.

It’s the 3rd week of July. There are approximately 120 staff members or counselors . There is usually a 20 family maximum with a waiting list. We also have back up counselors because if any counselor gets sick, they have to be pulled from the program. We can’t run the risk of the campers getting sick. We also have a waiting list of families. In the event one of the campers blood counts drop or become ill, those familes unfortunately have to be pulled at the last minute and the next family on the waiting list is notified. We have even had instances where the campers got sick and counts dropped while they were at camp and the entire family had to leave. It is heartbreaking to see the disappointment on their faces.

All of the counselors and staff sleep in tents and the families sleep in cabins. The counselors are ages 18-25 and then we have 5-6 of what are called ” concierge counselors “. We (concierge counselors) oversee 2 entire families and around 10+ counselors and are there to get the families anything they might need from extra blankets, special meals, laundry services – whatever they need.

There is always a theme for the week. In the weeks I’ve been there, the themes were: Lion King, Back to the Future and Minions. We decorate the dining hall every day according to the theme. The entire week we make each day special with games, activities and costumes revolving around the theme. We have skits, races, arts and crafts, kayaking, fishing, swimming, intertubing. One day, we go to the local YMCA to use the pool for the kids. We have soccer matches. During Back to the Future week, we even had the DeLorean car.IMG_0323 Each evening we all gather under a big tent and sing songs, dance, karaoke, bring in bands, watch movies. It’s non-stop activity.980374_10201354966332872_1019075898_o

dressed as Rafiki from The Lion King
dressed as Rafiki from The Lion King

Do you get updates from them? This must be hard on you emotionally when you get attached to the campers.

Yes, we all stay in touch. Some of the counselors like myself are located in states pretty far away. Thankfully through social media we can stay connected. One thing that I think is very special is that the families, counselors and staff get to know each other at camp and stay connected and support each other year round and become lilfe long friends. Through treatments, changing diagnosis, ups and downs, they stay connected.

It can be very difficult at times, but I have become a stronger person by knowing these families. Their lives are emotional roller coasters and some of them live life in constant fear of a relapse. But to watch these kids and families who are fighting for their lives keep moving forward, one day at a time, is incredible. These kids are resilient and so mature for their age. Most of them have fought their way through things that the rest of us will hopefully never experience. There have been several years that I knew I might not see that child again. It is extremely difficult at the end of the week to say good-bye. But I remember what my spiritual Father always tells me – “If you give them one good day–go with that because that is one good day that they might not have had.”1074420_10201354972733032_1339243295_o

How do you “regroup” when you’ve come home?

It’s an adjustment. There is a very peaceful and content feeling that stays with you for awhile. After watching what these families are dealing with, my life is easy. For three weeks or so just about nothing bothers me . But then the stresses of daily life set in and it can be very easy to lose sight of what is really important. It is important for me to do a reality check!

How has this experience enriched your life? How have you grown from it spiritually?

The biggest thing for me is that I’ve never been exposed to terminal illness in my family . I have learned not to take anything for granted. Most of all, I have learned that there are just some things in life that are beyond our control and we can’t fix it. But we can still love and support each other the best we can. I have been enriched not only by the familes, but also the amazing counselors and staff. When you’re in that close of an environment with 18-25 year old counselors, you’d expect them to talk and gossip about things like young adults their age do….but when we gather at the end of the day to regroup, it is the exact opposite. I t’s 45 minutes of twenty-somethings (20 year olds) praising and supporting each other !10546999_10203995214057415_4182559432513862474_o

The word AGAPE, I never understood until I went there. It means total unconditional love…and it’s there.

www.campagapenw.net/upcoming-events/

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Embraced by Tinos

A few years ago, we met a talented, smart and lovely girl . On top of being a stellar student and young lady, she intrigued all of us because of her unique background as a child who grew up in Greece (from other ethnic backgrounds) but had embraced Greek culture and religion. Amidst her busy schedule as a college student and ballerina, she did this interview with me.1011486_140641482811424_1422577712_n

Why did you live in Greece?

My father had visited Greece and fallen in love with the country before he met my mother while studying art in Japan. He had connections with the foreign arts community in the islands, so after my parents married, they decided to move to Greece. A few years later, I was born.

How many years did you live there?

My parents and I lived on Tinos until it was time for me to start school, which they wanted me to do in the U.S. But between the ages of 5 and 14, I spent the summers, and sometimes the Christmas holidays, on Tinos.

Panagia church in Tinos
Panagia church in Tinos
Tinos fishing boats
Thessaloniki

What excursions or museums do you recommend?

Having lived on a tiny, largely unheard-of island, I would recommend going off the beaten track and hiking on Tinos or some of the other Cyclades islands. If you’re looking for something more standard, definitely visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens—it’s phenomenal.

What were your favorite memories of your time there?

My favorite memories all involve the sea. My mother used to take me to the beach every day during the summer, where we would spend hours swimming, building sand castles, and sunbathing. My dad and I often snorkeled and explored the tide pools, where I would look for hermit crabs and tiny fish.

Tinos harbor
Tinos harbor

How would you describe the perfect Greek meal?

The perfect Greek meal is always eaten outdoors in the fresh air. I would prefer a quiet meal of mezedes (octopus, taramosalata, and fava are my favorites!) either at a small café on the beach or somewhere in the hills with a view of the sea below.Octopus

Describe a custom that you observed there. Did you incorporate any of their customs back home?

My parents and I wish each other “kalo mina” at the beginning of every month. This habit seems trivial, but it does show how little things from daily life in Greece have become such an engrained part of us.

writer’s side note: (“kalo mina” means “good month”–“let’s have a good start to our new month…”)

Tinos is an island known for its pilgrimages. This island located in the Aegean Sea is known for its miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary that is housed at the Panagia church. As a sign of respect and devotion, many pilgrims crawl on their hands and knees from the wharf to the church which is approximately 800 meters. I have seen this twice when I visited Tinos. People with various ailments gather there to pray and touch the icon for its healing powers.images-4

You converted to Greek Orthodoxy. Can you explain what inspired this process?

I hesitate to say that I “converted” to Orthodoxy because I grew up amid the religion and have never been a part of, or felt connected to, any faith but Greek Orthodoxy. Although my parents are not Orthodox, they often took me to services during our time in Greece. Participating in feast days and other Orthodox rituals is such a natural part of life in Greece that it was easy for us to do so. Eventually, I decided that it was time to formalize my connection with Greek Orthodoxy by being baptized—and this was something that I always expected would happen.

How did your trip to Greece this past summer enrich your life? Describe any experiences that made you grow spiritually.

This summer, I spent six weeks in Thessaloniki as part of a history seminar offered by my university. In some ways, it was a new experience because I had never been to northern Greece. However, it also felt like a homecoming, especially because I had not been to Greece for several years before this summer. The college experience is generally one of wandering, trying new things, and discovering new interests—which is good, but it can also be disorienting sometimes. In Greece, I felt reconnected to myself. I also felt truly happy for the first time in a long time. One of the summer’s most extraordinary experiences was visiting the Timios Prodromos monastery, which is in a secluded mountain area just outside Thessaloniki. The monastery is beautiful not only with regard to its natural surroundings, but also in the sense of peace which pervades it.

a monastery in Tinos
a monastery in Thessaloniki

Describe the vibe of the culture?

I feel that almost everything about Greek culture expresses a simple, genuine love of life and one’s neighbors. Although I’m not Greek, the community in which I grew up on Tinos embraced me as one of its own. Greece has this free, lively atmosphere that has always made it easier for me to live in the moment and to not fixate on things that I can’t control.12362981_409135229295380_5741950114200141813_o

An Equestrian Journey …and Colorado Retreat

My high school friend and I share some important things in common. We graduated from the same high school. We were teachers together at our alma mater. Our first children were in the same grade at our alma mater. Now, we are approaching the empty nest with hobbies that have become opportunities. My enthusiastic friend has a natural beauty and spirituality that enhances her passion for horses and equine photography. I interviewed her about her love of traveling to Colorado for a family tradition and her equestrian life journey.602064_10201742903392601_848606047_n

Tell me about your equestrian history. How did you start this journey?

I grew up riding but took a 20 year break to go to college, get married and have kids. When my daughter got into it, it resumed again. I didn’t want to push her into it. At first, she wanted to pursue gymnastics and just do cartwheels down the barn. But in third grade, she said, “Mom, I’m ready.” And I jumped and jumped hard! You have to do it all the way; not halfway. We got a horse we could both show and both share. We still have him and he’s retired in our backyard. That’s Fox… I would never sell him. (Pictured below is Zeke. His real name is SLR Executive Privilege.)11169545_10205653315950471_4346745871525476618_o

He’s the one that really got us going. Once we started going together—it took over us. It’s a passion. We love it. It’s something we did together and we still do together.10527412_10203604139682345_4033267932072955065_n

Who got you into riding?

My parents totally got me into riding. We’d ride at the barn at Southern Hills (Country Club). It was so gorgeous.

Southern Hills
Southern Hills

Then, the barn burned down. We rode those horses every week. It was devastating. We got an Arabian, showed Arabians and took a break but then got into Morgans. It’s a little more family oriented and it’s more of a family breed. Arabians are very competitive.

in Arabian costume on her Arabian horse
in Arabian costume on her Arabian horse

That was the 70’s-80’s. I showed horses up to my junior year in high school and then stopped. I took it back up with my daughter when she was ready. 12072749_10206754580561398_997773328806889720_n

Tell me about Colorado. I see all these gorgeous pictures of your trips there.

It’s my favorite place in the world. It’s in Creede, Colorado which is a little mining town—really fascinating. The ranch we go to is 4UR Ranch (it’s a brand). My family has been going there for 50 years and my kids are the fourth generation to go. I used to go up there with my grandparents. It’s the same place… looks the same…and has the same barn. It’s mostly a fly fishing place but equestrian, too. The Lone Ranger movie was filmed there two years ago. That’s where all of us have learned how to ride…..my kids, my nephews.1078649_10201065592460251_1644266278_o

I see pictures of these reunions you have in Colorado…?

That’s Pagosa Springs. We ride up in the high mountains! I mean, high!–We see animals, bears,….it’s just 7 girls taking off for the entire day. We have a gun just in case. It’s high country.522608_4666102168816_508364382_n

Do you ever have to use the gun?

No. But I’ve seen bears and I’m scared of the mountain lions. I brought my horse, Fox, and rode him up in the high mountains. He did so well! I wasn’t sure how he’d do in the mountains but he was fine! We go every summer for about two weeks. I want to see every part of Colorado! It’s my favorite place in the whole world. I go for a week with the girls and then spend one week with my family at the ranch. Colorado in the summer….wow!12239607_10207039067513394_4137914986381459974_n

Many Tulsans retreat up there in the summer—especially August it seems, to get away from the heat.

I never want to come home when I’m up there!10302545_10203054930632462_6045783384655399744_n

How did you get into equine photography?

It was interesting….I bought a camera, took pictures of my barn and gave them out as gifs. I took pictures at Morgan Nationals. Morgan Horse magazine saw my pictures on the internet and hired me. Arabian Nationals head photographer asked me to be on the team. I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be a part of that! It’s such an honor!12141591_10206923899034254_8224800030827584380_n

Did you have to do any special training?

I study photography a lot at home. I’ve read every book. You can’t wing it. Photography is hard….the settings, etc. My friend was my inspiration. Digital camera photography, photoshop and editing is really the huge part of it. I can take millions of pictures but it’s really the editing and really bringing it out that captures the story. I want someone to look at my picture and just really feel like there’s a story behind it. I want people talking about it.

What camera do you use?

Canon 5 D. I also like Nikon. I use Adobe photoshop and I like iPhoto because it’s simple. It’s about cropping and colors. I can sit for hours and edit pictures….I love it! I was in charge of candid photos for the Morgan Horse show. I got to capture the candid moments when they came out of the ring and had just won. It was so much fun….I could do that all day!

What is the name of your photography?

Photos by Laurie

Tell me about your titles that you’ve won. I’m fascinated with that.

I have won (so blessed)…2 reserve world national titles in the Morgan horse. In 2010, they turned off every single light in the coloseum and I got to go into the spotlight. I could relive it every day! In 2012, my daughter and I both won.921631_10200628535494100_600251135_o

My daughter won the Gold Medal–the ultimate prize. It’s called the Western Seat Gold Medal. I won the Western Pleasure Amateur. We’re not the pros, but we own the horses….show the horse. Showing horses means riding them. I go once a week to OKC for Zeke, my Morgan stallion. My amazing horse trainer, Kelly Kraegel is in Guthrie. I’ve been riding with her barn, Cottonwood Creek Ranch, for 6 years. Stallions are wild, powerful and ungelded. It’s crazy for someone my age to ride a Morgan stallion. Usually you buy one and geld them.10422912_10203616797198775_2816166879812714764_n

Why is that crazy and unusual? Are they dangerous?

He’s young. He’s super powerful. I love that—the challenge. I’m never afraid of any horse. My daughter is the same way–there’s no fear whatsoever in her.10272752_10203072807279367_1513318668553066713_o

Have you ever fallen?

Yeah, I”m sure I have…we both have….but you get back up. When we go to Colorado, there’s a pasture, a valley and mountains everywhere…we both take off on a dead run—like you see in the movies and we just take off! It’s the feeling of the freedom, the rush and excitement of it. She’s always by my side when we do things like that.11232710_10206347174136492_7339957740348408755_n

I can imagine what you mean. I’ve galloped before and in my mind it feels like I’m racing. But I don’t even know how fast I’m going…..and it’s the most amazing feeling.

When you just take off and let go of the reins….you’re holding him but letting him go as fast as that horse possibly can…..(sigh).

What has this mother-daughter bond (with the horses) done to enrich your life?

It has brought us so incredibly close. I’ve literally enjoyed every stage of her life growing up because when she was little, I was the mother…then we showed together. Now, she’s like my best friend and when we take off to Colorado together…it’s hard to explain that bond …what a hobby can do.12115970_10206878913629647_9012246170843152785_n I have it with my son, too, and he’s my biggest fan. With my daughter, we both understand the bond. She’s just a natural. We can look at each other when we’re on a horse and we know exactly what the other is thinking……we don’t have to communicate.427834_10200540025801413_1066144579_nIt’s hard to explain. My husband is the best horse show dad….he zips up my chaps, puts on my numbers and is always so positive. I always look for him in the show ring. It’s a great family sport! But I couldn’t have this without Him…I give God all the glory.11227872_10207054250972971_8141587302261207174_o

www.4urranch.com

Click on link below to order the book,  A Magic Carpet Ride by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley.

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Carpet-Ride-Michalopulos-Kingsley/dp/069271393X

The Heart Wants What it Wants

I met a pretty, bright and charming lady years ago when we volunteered together for the Greek Festival. She had just moved to town. By the time we finished making a pan of baklava together, we became instant friends! Before we knew it, we became co-teachers of a small but sweet Greek School class at our church. I was impressed with her spiritedness,  friendliness and instant involvement in our parish. I found her background interesting because she was born in Greece but moved to Germany. It was there in Germany that she met a U.S. soldier and fell in love!

Fasching Carnival
Fasching Carnival
German Faschings umzug Carnival
German Faschings umzug Carnival

What inspired you to travel to America and Germany?

I was born in Xirolimni, Kozani, Greece and lived there until I was 12 years old. When I was twelve I moved to Stuttgart, German with my family.

Stuttgart
Stuttgart

I lived in Welzheim (a small town outside of Stuttgart) with my parents, brother, and sister until I was twenty-one and met Roy.20151202_123306

What did your trip itinerary involve?

Roy was a U.S. Soldier who was stationed in Germany. We dated for a short three months before we got engaged. Love at first sight you could say. After we were married, the Army moved us over 28 times until Roy finally retired in 1997.

“Love at first sight”–can you elaborate on this? 🙂

We met in Schwabisch Gmund. He was stationed there and I lived 20 kilometers away in Welzheim. I had a group of friends, some Greek, some German and Italian, and also my brother (the chaperone). We loved American movies and would go out to discos on the weekend to practice our dance moves. The night I met him,  we were all going out to a disco for a friend’s birthday party. When I got to the disco, my friends and I got a table, ordered drinks, and started dancing. A little later in the evening I spotted a handsome American guy walking in. I hadn’t seen him before so he caught my eye. I told my friends that I thought he was so handsome.

One of my friends was dating an American guy and told him to go talk to the handsome American. So my friend’s boyfriend walked over to him and told him “hey man, that girl over there in the purple dress likes you.” So then, he walked over and sat down with me and my friends. Yet,  we were unable to talk because, at the time, he spoke only English and I knew none! My friend became our translator and helped us communicate. At the end of the night the handsome American soldier asked me if I would walk him back to the barracks. I said no, to play hard to get. After that night, my friend  set us up our first date. Most of our dates were just hanging out with friends. All odds were against us with the language barrier and also my parents did not want me to date or marry an American. Yet, somehow, someway the heart wants what it wants. He was my Tarzan and I was his Jane.

We dated for three months before we got engaged. He proposed to me on a cold December morning. He had just gotten off of all night duty and I came to pick him up. On December 31st, we had our official engagement party with all of my family and some of his friends. We got married May 22, 1980 in a civil wedding. On June 14, 1980, we had a small Orthodox wedding. And that is where our story began. We eventually welcomed  two daughters.wedding day

What excursions or museums do you recommend?

For our honeymoon, Roy and I went to the Black Forest and so our adventure began.

Black Forest
Black Forest

While living in Germany, we visited castle ruins, went on volks marches, and attended many festivals. Our travels took us to Vienna, Austria (the home of Mozart), to Paris, France (the city of lovers), to Italy, and Barcelona, Spain. While in each of these amazing cities, we saw famous monuments, architecture, and museums.

Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle
Linderhof Castle
Linderhof Castle
Linderhof Castle
Linderhof Castle

The Eiffel Tower in Paris and the flamenco dancers of Barcelona still hold a special place in my heart. Being Greek, I have also traveled to various places in my own home country. I have been to the King Philip (father of Alexander the Great) Museum in Vergina, Greece. Unknown-1imagesI walked in the steps of the Apostle Paul in Veria, Greece…. to the busy streets of Athens. I relaxed on the beach of Aegina with my whole family and visited the Temple of Athena while there. (and many more places)images-2

What hotels and restaurants do you recommend?

In Greece, we usually never stayed in hotels because there was always family nearby. My favorite restaurants in Athens would be any of the restaurants in Plaka beneath the Acropolis. In Germany, I would recommend that any traveler attend a beer fest. You will find the best bratwurst and wienerschnitzle you’ve ever tasted.

How would you describe the perfect Greek meal?

The perfect meal is a Greek meal by the ocean. Most Greek restaurants have fresh fish caught that morning. You can’t beat that!images-4

Describe the vibe of the culture?

In Greece, the vibe of the culture is very laid back, enjoying life, and spending time with family. The theme “eat, drink, and be merry” comes to mind when I think of the Greek lifestyle. In Germany, the cultural vibe is more like the U.S.- very work oriented and structured.

How do you describe the terrain?

In Greece, the terrain is beautiful! You have mountains in Northern Greece and ocean surrounding the entire country. Within forty-five minutes to an hour you can be at the Ocean wherever you are in Greece. The sea is the most beautiful blue you will every lay your eyes on and the sunsets are breathtaking. images-3In Germany, the terrain is much wooded with lots of winding roads. There are many forests and mountains. The towns are small and quaint.

Zugspitze in Bavaria
Zugspitze in Bavaria
Zugsptize
Zugsptize

Describe a custom that you observed there. Did you incorporate any of their customs back home?

I am Greek so the customs of the culture are my own. As for Germany, I learned the language and speak it fluently. Roy also learned the language so from time to time we speak in German together. The one custom we brought back to the U.S. from Germany is Schnitzle.

schnitzel
schnitzel

Another custom we brought back from Germany is on December 6th ,– we put a boot outside our door for St. Nicholas to fill with chocolates and candy! (A German Tradition) On January 1st, there was a  Greek tradition that I brought back from Greece in which we always got chocolates on that day from Αγιο Βασιλης.(Saint Basil)

My family does that tradition, too! I taught my sons that song and poem about Agios Vasilis and my sister makes sure they continue to get chocolates from Agios Vasilis on New Year’s Day. 

St. Nicholas tradition--filling the shoes
St. Nicholas tradition–filling the shoes

 Were there any challenges in getting to your destination? What was the flight like?

The flight from the U.S. to Germany is around eight hours depending on your departure. If you travel from the U.S. to Greece it can be closer to eleven hours. The travel is long and strenuous but worth it! When we lived in Germany the flight to Greece was only a two hour flight. We also took the ferry boat from Italy to Greece. This is a fun way to see more of Europe.

Marktplatz Schwabisch Gmund
Marktplatz Schwabisch Gmund

What did you learn about yourself from this trip?

I have learned that each culture has so much to learn from one another. Some cultures are more relaxed and some are more rigid. Each has a lesson to take away. There is so much to see in this world and exploring is one of my favorite things to do.

How did this trip enrich your life? Describe any experiences that made you grow spiritually.

I think moving around and meeting new people has taught me and my family to be more culturally aware and accepting. I embrace all new things and I have never met a stranger.disco

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Modern Spanish Cuisine

Republica is the name of a tapas restaurant on the Kansas City Country Club Plaza. It is referred to as modern Spanish cuisine. (not there anymore as of a year or so.)IMG_7619The idea of tapas is perfect for spending the evening on the plaza because we can nibble, drink and move on to some shopping without getting totally full at a heavy dinner. Inside this sophisticated restaurant ambience, we looked over the menu of tapas and small plates. I liked the idea of getting to sample some of my favorites—oysters, duck confit and grilled bread with a goat cheese spread. First, we ordered our sangria and beer.IMG_7647My sangria had blackberries, orange and apple slices. I had never had grilled bread like this before! A light buttery glaze with a smoky flavor on the country bread was complemented well with the goat cheese-marmalade spread. It was called Pan al Queso. IMG_7631My husband ordered the duck leg confit. Yes, tapas can be man food, too! He was impressed with the taste of it–not too gamey and salty but tender, moist and falling off the bone! The waiter told us that they cook it for 8 hours and then deep fry it quickly to get it crunchy.IMG_7632It was filling and quite large for a tapas. Coupled with a glass of beer, my husband found it satisfying! There was a TV above the bar so he got to see the basketball game going on, too.IMG_7646IMG_7626We saw other plates being served to the customers next to us. Croquettes and small smokies on a skewer looked yummy.IMG_7649We went during happy hour which was 3-6 p.m. Scoping out the layout made me realize this would be a good gathering place with a large group. The banquette we sat at in the bar had stools, too–so that area seated 8. Perfect for several couples or a group going shopping and wanting a break in the middle of the afternoon. I like a place that ranges from casual to elegant and Republica definitely had that ambience.

For the history on tapas,  read:

www.gypsyfamilytravel.com/?s=Tapas+in+Spain

Look up the  menu on this link. The descriptions are heavenly!

www.republicakc.comIMG_7640

good to the last bite!
good to the last bite!

IMG_7633

© Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

photos by Gina

Mount Athos, Greece

My son visited Mount Athos—the most significant collection of monasteries in Greece. Women are not allowed on Mount Athos. To visit there, you must go through an application process that has to be approved. He and his friend from the U.S. were traveling through Greece together during the summer and Mount Athos was the final destination on their trip. I asked him to keep a journal while he was there. His journal exceeded my expectations! I’m so happy he will have these memories and details recorded for posterity.photo 4 Their adventure started when they had to take several forms of transportation just to arrive to this most holy place!  It was planes, trains, automobiles, and ferries! They had just enjoyed three weeks at a co-ed youth camp in Greece and another 8 days of freedom, adventure and a Greek wedding celebration in the coastal town of Nafpaktos. Now they were ending their 5 week trip at Mount Athos for six days. I urged my son to keep a travel journal about this special experience he was about to embark upon. I had taught him in elementary school how to do this on our family trips. His older brother urged him to keep a journal as well  because he had not done it on his solo trip to Greece and he regretted it. My son took our advice and diligently wrote daily in his journal. I’ll always save that little black journal for him.

Here is the typed version written by my 18 year old son:


Mount Athos : Day One 7-20-2015

I’d by lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. Only one week left, yet July 28th seems so far away. Here I am, laying in my cot at Philotheo, with bats flying overhead throughout the hallways and no air-conditioning system to ease me into a much desired sleep. This is my first impression of the Holy Mountain, a site in which thousands of pilgrims travel to and from all around the world each year.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Just nine hours in, and yet there’s nothing quite like the experience. A 9:45 a.m. ferry ride turned into a 2.5 hour mind trip. As expected, there was no means of accessing wi-fi aboard the boat, so I had the duration of the trip to keep to my thoughts and ponder how exactly the week would unfold! (Mom had watched a documentary on Mt. Athos years ago and told me the monks pick peaches, make wine and pray all day. She said it was a fascinating documentary but she was concerned about what two 18 year olds would do there.)images-12

Upon arrival in Dafne, it was made abundantly clear that I’d be continuing my self-reflection for an indefinite period of time. No wifi, no English-speakers, and no girls anywhere. We boarded the bus to Kerya, the capital of Athos, and arrived around 45 minutes later. From Kerya, we located the shuttle to Philotheo, one of the many monasteries in which we’ll be staying during our trip. On the way to the monastery, our shuttle hit a rough patch of gravel, which led to an emergency tire change as the air-conditioning system was beginning to give out. Sweaty, tired, and curious, we finally arrived at Philotheo around 2:00ish pm.

After checking in our names and information, we were directed to our room by a young, Greek monk. We were given three hours of free time, which was used for sleeping and reading, and we headed towards the chapel for 5:00 evening vespers. By this time, I was so overwhelmed by homesickness and a change of culture that I began a repetition of Jesus Prayers in my head. By the end of the service, I had probably reached 1500+repetitions. I struggled greatly with the language barrier. I read and write Greek but do not speak it fluently.images-4

After vespers, the group of pilgrims and visitors—around 25– headed into the dining hall. Here, I was served lentils, garbanzo beans,  bread, and you guessed it—peaches! Naturally, I ate three peaches as the group feasted in silence. images-5Here, during meals, it is customary to eat in a quiet manner, for a monk is chanting the epistle all throughout the meal. After dinner, the group was directed back into the church for a second prayer service. Upon dismissal, we were led into the inner sanctum, where, spread out upon a table, lay five different relics: a piece of Christ’s cross, part of the skull of St. Mammas, and various body parts from Sts. John Chrysostom, Marina, and another one I can’t remember.images-11

After venerating these relics, as well as the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, we were allowed free time for the remainder of the evening. So, here I am, writing the first of many journal entries during this extended period of time at Mount Athos. It has been a humbling and intimidating experience thus far, but I am interested to see where this trip takes me over the next five days. I’ve never missed home so much in my life, but I know that I’ll most likely never get this experience again, so I just have to make the most of my time upon the mountain.- End of Day OneRV-AC877_ATHOS_G_20110520011319


 Mount Athos: Day Two 7-21-2015

It has been exactly one month since I left Tulsa to embark on my journey in Greece. Although I can’t say that I missed home too much while I was at (Ionian Village) camp, it is now one full week until I’m back in the U.S., and I couldn’t be more anxious to return home. The past two days at Athos have seemed like an eternity. This morning, we woke up at 4:00 a.m for a four-hour church service. Between the snores of monks and my own little naps, I found myself praying more thoroughly than I have ever before in my life. During this time, I prayed for as many individuals I could think of. The prayer helped me reflect on my life and relationships with these individuals, as well as making the service seem shorter than it actually was.images-7

After the service, we headed towards the dining hall for breakfast, where we were served pasta, bread, salad and, once again, peaches. After another silent breakfast came and went, we were allowed to return to our rooms for mid-morning siesta. After napping for four hours, we packed our backpacks, filled up our water bottles, and headed for the monastery, Karakalo. Originally, planned to be a thirty minute hike, we got sidetracked and thrown off course, thanks to a bit of off roading. Upon arrival in Karakalo, we were greeted by a pair of monks who offered us coffee, ouzo, water and Turkish Delight. We lounged in the monastery grounds for 2-3 hours before evening vespers began. Vespers lasted around 1.5 hours, and afterwards, we were fed a meal of rice and zuchini, bread, feta, wine and water.images-3

After the meal, we headed back into the chapel for another small compline service and the opportunity to venerate several more relics. Here, we were allowed to look upon another fragment of the Holy Cross, the right hand of Saint John the Baptist, the skulls of Sts. Christopher and Bartholomew, pieces of the bodies of Sts. Peter and Paul, the right arm of St. Theodoro, and parts of newer, non-Orthodox saints’ bodies, as well as a bone from the martyr Gideon, who was a 17th century monk of Karakalo. After venerating these relics, we exited the monastery and headed back towards Philotheo.images-6

By this time of the day, my clothes had all been soiled by dirt and sweat, but we fortunately made it back to the monastery before the gates closed for the night. So, here I am once again, spilling my thoughts and reflections into this little book from Oklahoma. Not a lot of conversing is done on the mountain; even my conversations with Ian are kept to a brief minimum words. I find myself most at peace with my surrounding when I have a book in my hand. Already, I have finished Game of Thrones, and I am about to begin Crime and Punishment.

As beautiful and interesting as this journey has been, I can definitely see why very few are called to live the monastic life. As a teenager living in the 21st century, so much of my life and everyday routine involves instant gratification on top of an always busy schedule. Here, you pray, sleep and eat peaches; it’s not exactly for the faint-hearted, such as myself. Although I am not quite as homesick as I was yesterday, I still find myself fretting about my return on a regular basis. I am very curious to see where the next three days take me, and I am excited for my return in only one week from the day.–End of Day Twoimages-2


 Mount Athos: Day Three 7-22-2015

Today was my birthday. By far and large, it was definitely the most unique of the 18 birthdays I have celebrated throughout my life. Unlike the previous 17 “celebrations” that I have experienced, there was no such party or festivities to honor the day. Similar to the previous morning, I was woken up to the continued pounding of metal, which, in my opinion, serves as a highly effective alarm clock. An additional hour-and-a-half’s rest led to a 5:30 a.m. Entrance into the Monastery’s chapel for morning services. After a long 2.5 hours came and went, we were ushered inimages-10to the dining hall where we ate a meal of bread, marmalade, more peaches, and water. If hunger truly bares its teeth at you upon Mount Athos, then Wednesdays and Fridays are a challenge unlike no other. I have trained my stomach to allow my body to get by on only a few portions of food per day.

Going to bed hungry and waking up in the same fashion is no longer a foreign feeling to me. After pocketing a peach, I headed back to my room to pack and get ready for the travel to Dafne, where we would be boarding a ferry to St. Anna’s monastery. After an hour’s travel, we arrived in Dafne to the comforting sight of civilization (in this case, more than 20 individuals). With the absence of outside communication greatly affecting my well-being over the previous two days, I began a frantic search for wifi or any means to contact any family from back home. After drawing much ridicule on my first attempts to ask for wifi/telephone usage, I finally met a store owner who allowed me to purchase a phone card that was valid for five minutes.

Although I knew the time difference was too great to expect a response, I nonetheless placed a call for my home. I wanted to leave a message for my parents so they knew I was doing well on my birthday, but the lack of response only prompted me to believe that maybe my call didn’t go through. After five more calls later that day, I was finally able to briefly speak to my grandmother, Yiayia Artemis. It was very comforting to hear a familiar voice, especially on a day where I’ve grown accustomed to a mass influx of notifications wishing me a happy birthday. As mentioned greatly throughout this journal, being in a situation like mine—not knowing much of the language, being cut off from communication, having a complete change in culture—it all makes you realize how comforting home is, wherever that may be.images-1

I can only recall another incident where I truly missed home to the point of near-sickness, and that was five years ago at Camp Hale, which is, in fact, in Oklahoma. Back then, as a small 12 year old, I was lucky enough to have my dad come drive in for the rescue and my mom to talk to over the phone every night. Here, I have nobody, and although I may now be an official “adult”, I wish I had my parents to come fly in for another glorious rescue. Regardless, I still have another two days without communication so I will have to make due with the few conversations I share with Ian.

After placing the initial phone call, I was tasked with the issue of having to find a storage unit for my mammoth of a suitcase. This proved to be a real challenge, considering how limited my Greek is. It’s not like I was ready and willing to just drop my bag off with some stranger at the port, either. Our itinerary called for an hour and a half’s walk from St. Anna’s monastery to St. Paul’s. This hike would take place on Friday, and between today (Wednesday) and then, Ian would be summiting the actual Mt. Athos. One look at that mountain told me that there was no possible way that I’d make it to the peak and back in a 24 hour period, so now I was facing the issue of having to separate from Ian for nearly a day and a half.images-16

Reluctantly, I agreed to the proposition, and fortunately, found a store owner who would hold my bag for me. However, five minutes after leaving my bag, I knew that there was no way that I’d be willing to make that big of a risk.  Ian and I decided on a sudden change in the itinerary, one that wouldn’t require many transportations of my suitcase, and one that didn’t involve Ian making the hike to the peak and back. We boarded a small ferry and made our way towards St. Dionysios monastery, which is built into the side of the mountain. If you google search “Mount Athos”, you will most likely come up with a picture of this particular monastery. It’s a massive structure, split into four quadrants, and at all times of the day, you can hear/feel massive waves of wind flooding the grounds of the monastery.

We made our way up to the gates, found our room, and took a three-hour nap before evening services began. After the service, we were treated to a meal of an unknown bean soup, a watermelon rind, baby pears and bread. A man gave me a slice of watermelon, and I almost reached across the table to hug him. After dinner, we headed back to the room, prepared for bed and stayed up for a couple of hours talking about random topics. Now, as an end to one of the most interesting birthdays I’ve ever experienced, I’m here in my small, creaky bed getting ready for another short night’s sleep; it’s quite the far cry from a typical hometown birthday, but hey, not many people can say they celebrated their birthday by living as a monastic for a day. 🙂 – End of Day Three

 P.S. Compline this evening introduced us to several new relics, including body parts from St. John the Baptist, St. George, St. Nymphon, the Theotokos as well as another piece of the Holy Cross, along with an icon made from beeswax that is said to have floated all the way back to the monastery after being stolen by the Turks. (it’s myrrh streaming too, so that’s pretty unique)


 Mt. Athos: Day Four 7-23-2015

“CLANG! CLANG!” “KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK”. My fourth morning on Mount Athos began in a fashion much similar to the previous days spent at Philotheo. The homemade alarm system seems to be a popular fix amongst all of the monasteries here on the mountain. Instead of jumping out of bed and trudging over towards the chapel, however, we decided to take an additional few minutes to nap and get some extra rest in. Well, five minutes turned into seven hours, and by 11:00 am., we were finally well-rested for the first time in nearly a week. After gathering our bags and eating what little snacks we had left over (we missed breakfast), we made our way down the monastery (St. Dionysios) and waited for the ferry for two hours.

A ten minute ferry ride took us to the St. Paul’s monastery, which too is built into the side of the mountain. After a monk’s greetings and a complimentary tray of water, tsiporo ouzo and Turkish Delight, we settled into our room at around 2:00 pm where we napped for four hours until evening services come around. Upon arriving at the chapel, which was far larger than the previous three I had entered during my time on the mountain, I realized how architecturally different each monastery had been. Philotheo was modest and plain, much like its monks, Karakalo was characterized by its tall, white tower. St. Dionysios was a behemoth of a mountainside structure and heavily reminiscent of Lord of the Rings and St. Paul’s was a lavish, built-up structure with massive walls and a grand church.

An hour-long service led to dinner at 7:00 pm which consisted of wine, squash and fish, bread, water and wait for it– MORE PEACHES! After only eating a few bites of the meal (my stomach has shrunk significantly) I exited the dining hall with my hands behind my back. A monk corrected me and told me not to walk with my hands behind my back.images

After venerating the relics, which I wasn’t quite able to make out (regarding names), we headed back towards our room to check in for the night. Today was a short day compared to the previous days spent here, and it was also the first day where I haven’t felt extremely homesick. I think getting closer and closer to returning to Ouranoupoli has wiped away all of my worries about missing home and outside communication, and I’m sure tomorrow—my last day on the mountain- will be the most enjoyable day that I’ll have during this pilgrimage. Until then, I’m hopping in bed, popping in my headphones, and going to sleep. Peace out, reader. – End of Day Four


 Mount Athos: Day Five 7-24-2015

Today was my last full day on Mount Athos. As I stated way back on day one, there’s really nothing that can compare to the experience. Though I started out my journey as a scared, homesick traveler, I’ve grown accustomed to the complete change in culture. A few nibbles on a peach can tide me over for nearly a full day, a four-hour prayer service is a walk in the park, and cold showers are as common as breathing or blinking your eyes. Still, as ordinary as my surroundings may seem, I will never come to embrace the nightly struggle of falling asleep in a furnace. My sleeping schedule is completely out of whack, and with as few hours of sleep I may get per day, I can never ease my way into slumber on the mountain. That being said, I am extremely excited to make the ferry back to Ouranoupoli in a few short hours. Solitude and deep contemplation really allow you to embrace the small things in life, such as talking to your family, eating a full meal, or sleeping in your own bed.

The excitement began this morning after another four-hour morning Orthros and Liturgy, followed by a feast of bread and marmalade. A 45-minute nap session quickly turned into a full blown sprint to the ferry, which we very nearly missed. A ten minute boat ride took us from St. Paul’s monastery to St. Gregory’s, where we currently are right at this moment. After napping for a few hours (this time, in a room with one fellow American from Maine), we headed up a very steep hill for evening services, a dinner of fruits and more unknown soup, and veneration of the relics, which included body parts from St. Gregory, St. Anastasia, St. Damian, the Samaritan Woman’s cranium, St. Dionysios of Athen’s cranium, and another piece of the Holy Cross.patriarch_mount-athos

After this collection of events ended, we met up with our roommate (whose name I don’t quite remember) and headed back towards our quarters. I had the most entertaining conversation over the past week or so with this random stranger. No shock, it was all about professional basketball. So finally, for the last time, I’m recording the final words into this journal, which I hope will inform whoever is reading this about the overall experience that Mount Athos has been for me over the past week. I’ll try to add some closing remarks on the ferry tomorrow, but if I don’t get around to doing so, I hope you enjoyed hearing my tale on the Holy Mountain, and I can’t wait to be back home.– End of Day Five

© Mark Constantine Kingsley

stories like this are found in the book, A Magic Carpet Ride, by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley. Proceeds from the book go to various charities.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Bolivia- visiting my roots

My beguiling friend descends from two ethnicities: Bolivian and Czechoslovakian.  I have never met anyone from both of those backgrounds. She is as interesting and exotic as her heritages and they play a major role and influence in her personality and flair. I interviewed her about her trips to her mother’s homeland, Bolivia. She spent 10-12 summer trips there as well as visiting her father’s homeland of what was then called Czechoslovakia.1456141_233623903472489_575348711_n
What inspired you to travel to Bolivia?

We went annually in the summers to visit family.

What did your trip itinerary involve?

We stayed at a resort in the Amazon jungle called Chapare.  I remember it being so lush, green, untouched….HEAVEN.

Amazon jungle
Amazon jungle

It was a family owned resort with a woman who cooked meals for us with ingredients from her backyard. We hitchhiked while there as a family since there were no taxis or buses. It was rural and close to Cochabambra where my mom grew up. It was a little town; extremely rustic with open air markets, dry meats hanging and fresh bread. The taste of the fresh bread is something I’ll never forget. I have never had bread that stands up to par like that.images-10

What areas do you recommend?

The city of Santa Cruz is becoming more metropolitan. We stayed in Chapere which was a diamond in the rough.

Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz

How would you describe the perfect Bolivian meal?

Lots of chicken and rice with flavorful sauces; paprika, onions, peppers, local spices. The potatoes are called chuño which is a variety only found in Bolivia.Unknown-2

chuno farmers
chuño farmers

There are so many varieties of potatoes there. Salteñas is like an empanada with chicken or beef. Sometimes a chicken claw is in the food because it supposedly adds a lot of flavor. My sister and I would ask each other if a claw was found in our food as a sort of game.

salteñas
salteñas

Describe the vibe of the culture.

There was an eclectic mix of Indian and Spanish fusion. The Indian Incan culture was more vibrant and dominant than the Spanish. It was family-oriented, warm and a lot of eating at people’s homes.

Incan
Incan
Incan
Incan

 Describe a custom that you observed there. Did you incorporate any of their customs back home?

A Christmas tradition  there is a dessert, like a begneit, called bunuelos. On Christmas Eve, we made up batter with Pisco which is a S. American liquor which gives an incredible smell to the batter. You pull the dough apart, drop it in a hot oil and put a hole in the middle to creat the “donut hole.” Then, you put powdered sugar on top. Delicious! Our family still makes these every Christmas Eve.bunuelos

(bunuelos)

Were there any challenges in getting to your destination? What was the flight like?

Because of my father’s job, we flew there in a military plane. The flights and layovers took 14-16 hours. We sat on the belly of the plane in a fiberglass shell of a seat that had a little scoop and seatbelt. We flew over La Paz which at that time was the highest altitude airport in the world. (I don’t know if it still is.) It is very common to need oxygen when you land due to altitude sickness, so this was always a challenge.Unknown-10

What did you learn about yourself from this trip?

I learned how proud I am of where I come from. I am proud of my heritage and the values instilled in me. They are deeply seated values from being in an extended, multi-generational family.  You bring in family members in their time of need.images-4

How did your trips to Bolivia enrich your life? Did you have any experiences that made you grow spiritually?

It opened my eyes to a broader world view. It makes me appreciate what we have here in America but also, there, too. Experiencing nature and a more rural lifestyle helped us entertain ourselves without television and the usual amenities. It taught us how to have our own fun and enjoy the simple life. images-1Because Catholicism is so dominant there and at the core of everything, those religious values became so instilled in me at a young age. It is prevalent there in everything you do; it is both religion and culture. Today, I am a non-denominational Chrisitian, but I still have a love for my Catholicism. Having a broader world view also helped in getting comfortable with both hosting and sending children on exchange trips. images-8We hosted students from Costa Rica and Spain and our daughter participated in a 2 month exchange to Spain in 5th grade. We have bonded with both the Costa Rican and Spanish families and traveled to visit both as a family. These experiences have enriched our entire family!1472094_233623940139152_1425857735_n

Interviewer’s side note: (We discussed that political problems and safety concerns that are currently going on in the world, etc…and topics of being global citizens and the love of travel). My friend had a wonderful quote that she remembered from somewhere:

“When you hurt another human being, you hurt all humanity”.

Follow this lesson plan to build trip itineraries with your family:

Travel Lesson Plan: Integrate the Concepts