tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62879205215709130972024-02-19T03:46:07.660+02:00Athens, Munich and the Universe, Round and AboutKostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-14370456011318697052014-04-18T17:22:00.000+03:002014-04-18T17:22:46.166+03:00Mater dolorosa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinffdlUQnVOQKMoL3xJbyJdsUJ7znHGoAbtoonwCImo-2DBClmu1rUctpiAdQSXqniiAVa37RzpD51y_GSv7C6FSCsHVOyTxVDlINiPPcCpbI0phdke1Eeg9QEDWZMmSrjdxmrJ2ezheua/s1600/2014-04-18%25252017.15.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinffdlUQnVOQKMoL3xJbyJdsUJ7znHGoAbtoonwCImo-2DBClmu1rUctpiAdQSXqniiAVa37RzpD51y_GSv7C6FSCsHVOyTxVDlINiPPcCpbI0phdke1Eeg9QEDWZMmSrjdxmrJ2ezheua/s640/2014-04-18%25252017.15.25.png" /> </a> </div>
Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-59498732539553320492014-04-18T11:51:00.001+03:002014-04-18T12:11:15.540+03:00When You descended - Οτε Κατήλθες<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWCuxH_aMYsy-RIToFQ08TYxjbaJx1IbdqnUZXlMaQf6KmnuSQtlBeIZ1fjbsI6dtHOWvghRyycI73I1aVHuT5A2vG4txmbGdnkYa6c-JcabeqcS5wQ2JwIoeSoDMLHdEHTxjiegjdh-8/s1600/OteKathl8es2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWCuxH_aMYsy-RIToFQ08TYxjbaJx1IbdqnUZXlMaQf6KmnuSQtlBeIZ1fjbsI6dtHOWvghRyycI73I1aVHuT5A2vG4txmbGdnkYa6c-JcabeqcS5wQ2JwIoeSoDMLHdEHTxjiegjdh-8/s1600/OteKathl8es2.JPG" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
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And Joseph from Arimathea with Necodemus buried Jesus in a newly built Tomb...Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-29515188149520252492014-03-23T14:30:00.000+02:002014-03-23T14:30:16.692+02:00Confused dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlvy1VY-8G4ruZRG0FHIn0ALBLQzUTHQDxGLkF059iauZPEdPu6I_SzbVsqtp5BiplfElvw353hRNbSV8Vu0IQlcbShqGA8sz7h1htIvwWr8Wur1uPBrWH2dVactdY03a0kgmx6VQUm0l/s1600/_MG_7407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlvy1VY-8G4ruZRG0FHIn0ALBLQzUTHQDxGLkF059iauZPEdPu6I_SzbVsqtp5BiplfElvw353hRNbSV8Vu0IQlcbShqGA8sz7h1htIvwWr8Wur1uPBrWH2dVactdY03a0kgmx6VQUm0l/s1600/_MG_7407.JPG" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
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I was just about to release the shutter with this happy dog in my window. The flattered fella, stopped briefly, posed, and then out of the blue came the photobomber. My model was really confused but nevertheless got an even better pose: "Who the heck are you man? We have a session here."<br />
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Following a good laugh for me, the photobomber, and the owner - hopefully also for the model - we continued our stroll, happily ever after.Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-23263103788539834902014-02-17T13:04:00.000+02:002014-02-17T13:06:53.341+02:00Ned in Krakow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYqOBdzp_s2jwvL1OCcxTllfawCVAcEz60vxg3bd4Qe_tyyonWxy_2urNiFvrvPc9o0suu7VyXw_IrKGBuIrp2ChQqJF7nW4Q-QeHTVKBLvf0czgqpkt1hVnp8VzmLnjeCrCgBjy1C4wZ/s1600/NedInKrakow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYqOBdzp_s2jwvL1OCcxTllfawCVAcEz60vxg3bd4Qe_tyyonWxy_2urNiFvrvPc9o0suu7VyXw_IrKGBuIrp2ChQqJF7nW4Q-QeHTVKBLvf0czgqpkt1hVnp8VzmLnjeCrCgBjy1C4wZ/s1600/NedInKrakow.JPG" height="443" width="640" /></a></div>
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...or nerds in Krakow?<br />
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Long time, no see!<br />
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We visited the Wawel castle in Krakow and Ned was with us. He didn't seem to enjoy a lot, as it reminded him more of the Capital rather than the North. Yet he wanted a picture.<br />
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Pity that the Dragon's Den was still not open - apparently the dragon is still in hibernation - but in May I am definitely visiting. 6 years already visiting Krakow, 2 years living here, and never been in the Dragon's place. Shame on me.<br />
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By the way winter is not coming in Krakow this year. What is going on?<br />
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<br />Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-70442782192696362372013-10-23T23:14:00.000+03:002013-10-23T23:14:02.248+03:00Tegernsee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had the good fortune to visit castle Ringeberg overlooking lake Tegernsee in Bavaria. The weather has been extremely kind to us. Two gorgeous "Indian Summer" days, with the nature around us being breathtaking!! <br />
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I don't know exactly what it is, but I find Bavaria a very welcoming place.<br />
In a post to follow, I will give you some more info on the interesting history of the castle we stayed at.<br />
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Bis dann!Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-17279599164662611772013-09-16T21:56:00.001+03:002013-09-16T21:56:44.021+03:00LA pier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgayQKObpBeolvCM-XKVIWZWrbNkt3H5UjVEkyHfyElcdJ8YdwBzhDCpe1QF5pP8WwgVYQE3YvrogcIWDD4aywYfIudlIiLgAEtisD4aOei9uskmC000sj7tSJHp16WysXDm571wZySpB2/s1600/Santa_monica.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgayQKObpBeolvCM-XKVIWZWrbNkt3H5UjVEkyHfyElcdJ8YdwBzhDCpe1QF5pP8WwgVYQE3YvrogcIWDD4aywYfIudlIiLgAEtisD4aOei9uskmC000sj7tSJHp16WysXDm571wZySpB2/s640/Santa_monica.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />With a lot of gratitude to the wonderful people in my life, I continue to travel around the globe.<br />
Here, I present to you the Santa Monica pier in Los Angeles.<br />
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As I learned, Los Angeles is a city of 18 million people! Almost twice the population of Greece! <br />
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Fun fact about Los Angeles, even though they do have a metro, they also call "metro local" the bus service. When I expressed my sincere "WHY???" to a local he seemed a bit puzzled. It was not strange for him at all :)<br />
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L.A. is a mosaic of cultures and people with beautiful weather. I will definitely go back one day! Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-50512558640630889132013-09-16T00:25:00.000+03:002013-09-16T21:23:35.984+03:00Time (to) travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Quiz: where was I today around noon?<br />
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Cheers to my co-travellers of the World! Thank you for the refreshing weekend. Yes, it was raining all day long on Saturday, but no pun intended... :)<br />
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Gilles and Kostas, you were deeply missed and by no means forgotten. By public demand, you are hereby forced to attend the next meeting.<br />
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Looking forward to meeting you all very soon!!!<br />
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Lots of love,<br />
SotiriaSotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-70180784745138197962013-07-13T01:36:00.001+03:002013-07-13T01:37:06.529+03:00Long time...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl-g41_5UE3b0m4TfKcfafqPeoyMvNGlAJbuHpQB9MS-ncdYsCk5kbx6XL2qQiNLL6R1AS93r8BYchPy2wr4R_N6PUzByQ6Kl5_yyZd-Ully9F1X7HZjgIEdR3AJDbD9Lm0sGWbRgaP94/s1600/field.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl-g41_5UE3b0m4TfKcfafqPeoyMvNGlAJbuHpQB9MS-ncdYsCk5kbx6XL2qQiNLL6R1AS93r8BYchPy2wr4R_N6PUzByQ6Kl5_yyZd-Ully9F1X7HZjgIEdR3AJDbD9Lm0sGWbRgaP94/s640/field.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I walk past the field of the photograph twice per day, when going to work. I saw these plants grow from grass, to becoming almost as tall as myself. Now they have produced seeds and have d(r)ied.</div>
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Time flies, as they say. I have been in this part of the World already 4.5 months now. Strange place, interesting place.</div>
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I do miss you old friends...</div>
Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-62477448078368138552013-03-29T09:54:00.001+02:002013-03-30T12:48:35.280+02:00Now jingle eggs, jingle eggs.Good Friday in Krakow today.<br />
Yet spring has totally forgotten to visit us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwiUB8_DCsEpr9fxrAR27bYsKeL2ZofBz5vUX6KXovf_gSUqOTaJX369CYHtsCekt2BcSyCDFEvbT3MowBz6gU7Ajqf8mO9lAIMRQTX7VfUF2V8E_LuqoLX1QBQZ8d5gNgIO0_svEfPP2/s1600/DSC00388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwiUB8_DCsEpr9fxrAR27bYsKeL2ZofBz5vUX6KXovf_gSUqOTaJX369CYHtsCekt2BcSyCDFEvbT3MowBz6gU7Ajqf8mO9lAIMRQTX7VfUF2V8E_LuqoLX1QBQZ8d5gNgIO0_svEfPP2/s640/DSC00388.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-21586394155858539152013-03-03T20:41:00.002+02:002013-03-03T20:47:43.719+02:00Jet de l'eau<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finally! It started to feel a bit like spring in this neck of the woods.<br />
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Today, the magnificent<i> <it>Jet de l'eau</it></i> was open. It is one the landmarks of Geneva, reaching 140m high.<br />
I guess, it falls in the same category for some people (like me...) that in a picture is "meh.." but in person is jaw-dropping. I particularly like the fact that it is visible from various parts of the city, rising above the buildings. Well done Genevois, well done. <br />
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This fountain, has an interesting history that I welcome you read <a href="http://switzerland.isyours.com/e/guide/geneva/jetdeau.html">here</a>.<br />
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Vitamin D, I missed you so!Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-40666176837958181682013-03-02T18:10:00.000+02:002013-03-02T18:10:19.883+02:00Bonjour, Genève!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As many of you know, we both have changed locations. For many reasons, we are going to keep the name of the blog intact. </div>
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My journey continues in Geneva, Switzerland. Unfortunately, the weather did not allow for a better picture, but there you have it, a first impression of the city. I welcome you to have a look at the <a href="https://maps.google.ch/maps?q=geneve&ll=46.211675,6.153717&spn=0.060226,0.169086&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hnear=Genf&t=m&z=13" target="_blank">map</a>. Geneva and many other cities are located around a gorgeous lake. The boat you see on the picture, is part of the public transportation system!</div>
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Fun facts about Switzerland, there are four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. In this area of the country, the most frequently spoken language is French, which means it is time for me to learn a new language... Fortunately for me, Geneva is a very international place with almost half of the population being immigrants. This of course means that the locals are used to dealing with foreigners. Many major international organizations are located here, including the United Nations, CERN, and the Red Cross. </div>
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It seems I am going to have a lot more impressions to share with you in the next months. Here's to new beginnings!</div>
Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-5267557171179917832013-02-28T13:12:00.000+02:002013-03-02T11:02:48.531+02:00Auf Wiedersehen, München!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg9K2kosVU9BuVHX_lvv1jLAVDjRvcmRC8J7-H4E2tfYmKFxCQXcDnsndfnSwZFie0TdYQDLYJkcdL09yXq8ECYIIyQcGgmmetxAw2s9gSz9nvhXPKQHKxlXWXjXf3DHQLW6-bzUDKqar/s1600/Munich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg9K2kosVU9BuVHX_lvv1jLAVDjRvcmRC8J7-H4E2tfYmKFxCQXcDnsndfnSwZFie0TdYQDLYJkcdL09yXq8ECYIIyQcGgmmetxAw2s9gSz9nvhXPKQHKxlXWXjXf3DHQLW6-bzUDKqar/s640/Munich.JPG" width="425" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Time to go...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This city has given so much to me the last 3.5 years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I leave you with one of the landmarks, the Frauenkirche. Unfortunately one the towers has been under renovation during all my time here, so I do not have a pretty picture. But, if you have a keen eye, you might spot me in the picture!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">From the bottom of my heart a huge Thank You to all my friends for the wonderful time we spent together! I hope meet again soon somewhere in the World!</div><br />
SotiriaSotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-23398244243566904582013-02-25T22:33:00.001+02:002013-03-02T13:32:23.910+02:00MUC-now WAW-KRK<div>
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Late flight to Krakow tonight. Chopin airport is almost empty already and being cleaned for tomorrow's passengers.</div>
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Since many years, when I spotted the lights of an aircraft in the sky, I envied its passengers. Tonight, for the first time I envied the lights of the cars in a random bavarian suburb. I feel I'm growing older.</div>
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Nevertheless, this blog has several more airports to visit. And I still like it.</div>
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Next is GVA. Stay tuned!</div>
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Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-75613927790974802972013-01-23T21:30:00.001+02:002013-03-02T18:15:42.984+02:00The Apostles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVBdd-TdA1UgwXORPyEW9GPcVoQOaqvECrLziNFoPQ-5IaWQ2iRYRJE77axaHiFHnxWBvFcsz4bNmhCp2bBULdPyWakbPsbiVmfTFH6tB6YxiS3Fevca0fnsu56BIvqO1jvN4HYy9F-jg/s1600/Peter_Paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVBdd-TdA1UgwXORPyEW9GPcVoQOaqvECrLziNFoPQ-5IaWQ2iRYRJE77axaHiFHnxWBvFcsz4bNmhCp2bBULdPyWakbPsbiVmfTFH6tB6YxiS3Fevca0fnsu56BIvqO1jvN4HYy9F-jg/s640/Peter_Paul.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's one of those moments that I think that I live in a movie. And the kind of movie I like most.<br />
<br />
This is the church of St. Peter and Paul in the Royal Street of Krakow, just close to the castle, however all the apostles are there preaching on the fence. I really have no idea who the guy in the statue is. I don't know whether he knocks on the door or protests or preaches or he has no connection to the church at all. But it doesn't really matter. Still an atmosphaeric evening<br />
<br />
There is a Foucault's pendulum installed in the church. I haven't visited yet. It's one of the things I want to do but I postpone for "next weekend".Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-25270802301903681492012-11-07T19:55:00.000+02:002013-03-02T18:16:20.962+02:00Wieliczka - the myth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn9H_12Q_85VZl4PsJSax8mEb3sI5nqH4gRipghYctqxS_40PzKjuItvpJMGZzIJjaomLhaxsj0ZQwbGiM_Ia-1kQqmU7sZ-5rTYWiJZBUiVHPSn8EBV8bvuxgnXHkrRirgYANqx6qrno/s1600/Wieliczka_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn9H_12Q_85VZl4PsJSax8mEb3sI5nqH4gRipghYctqxS_40PzKjuItvpJMGZzIJjaomLhaxsj0ZQwbGiM_Ia-1kQqmU7sZ-5rTYWiJZBUiVHPSn8EBV8bvuxgnXHkrRirgYANqx6qrno/s640/Wieliczka_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once upon a time, hungarian princess Kinga was going to marry polish prince Boleslaw. She was a kind princess and wanted to make a gift to the polish people.<br />
<br />
In those times, salt was more precious than silver and the kind princess decided to give to the polish people a salt mine. While still in her country, she dropped her engagement ring in a hungarian salt mine and then left for Poland.<br />
<br />
Once in Poland she knew exactly where the polish people would find salt. The workers started digging and the first rock of salt they found had the kind Queen's engagement ring inside!<br />
<br />
This is the story depicted by these salt statutes. The worker (on the right) presents Queen Kinga (on the left) with the first rock of salt they found. They are carved within the Wieliczka salt mine, south of Krakow. These and more statutes, were carved by mine workers on their free time. As we learned during the tour (<a href="http://www.cracowcitytours.com/" target="_blank">highly recommended</a>), the life of a salt mine worker wasn't always bad and the pay very was good.<br />
<br />
More info and pictures to come!<br />
<br />
cookie: licking the walls is permitted, but <a href="http://ath-muc.blogspot.com/2011/11/bitte-beruhren.html" target="_blank">don't touch</a> the statues!Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-74358849286091945132012-11-02T22:50:00.003+02:002012-11-02T22:51:18.298+02:00Writen in stone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_JMiS6iDSOKWy1JYbfxLqHH-_WTOXH84lKgVnu4y_AP1XjHaaZC_6cTgg84QQ0sVmuhcs0WSQsp-HzJGEcFvoNueJJyxNu8u_MHIwhYOq2Uy_Bgtqwh6a65NtYsbAzG81ujYEBOu_m6b/s1600/stonebooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_JMiS6iDSOKWy1JYbfxLqHH-_WTOXH84lKgVnu4y_AP1XjHaaZC_6cTgg84QQ0sVmuhcs0WSQsp-HzJGEcFvoNueJJyxNu8u_MHIwhYOq2Uy_Bgtqwh6a65NtYsbAzG81ujYEBOu_m6b/s640/stonebooks.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Education is a social good. It should be neither sold nor bought. So, in the area of the Jagellonian University in central Krakow you can find bookshelves on the walls.<br />
<br />
Of course, sometimes knowledge might be very heavy! But our heroine, the mighty scholar, fears not! And here she is! Digging in stone for the next piece!<br />
<br />
cookie: The Jagellonian University is the second oldest university north of the Alps.<br />
<br />
cookie request: Does anybody know who is this kind couple who oversee the bookshelf?Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-14329773107308189372012-10-31T23:37:00.004+02:002013-03-02T18:17:10.377+02:00Arizona art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9gutb7SDT4PS1TZYgAPBoPc3c5xNcmA_NU7E3XKn6knpD-FkfDwTfNIH6qRSz_7X1v0XChVX6hK8FA2JmYBnmvaTiHFp9cIAt_P9vljUT5Bve6oISdePGyhrcVyuu12slE60tSHB4wxc/s1600/Sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9gutb7SDT4PS1TZYgAPBoPc3c5xNcmA_NU7E3XKn6knpD-FkfDwTfNIH6qRSz_7X1v0XChVX6hK8FA2JmYBnmvaTiHFp9cIAt_P9vljUT5Bve6oISdePGyhrcVyuu12slE60tSHB4wxc/s640/Sunset.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a discussion about Arizona today, and it reminded me of the nice ~10 days I spent there a few months ago. This sunset was a beautiful goodbye from the mountain.<br />
<br />
Coming up... I hear that Krakow is amazing this time of the year!Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-20556238082134499902012-09-27T09:54:00.001+03:002013-03-02T18:17:39.339+02:00Many Thanks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2lPdbFrZmbrrsFi1x9wY8DkmbzaZHR6s11pizndUvyO4B6tVdN5N9n3Hq2XIMXeUQdL95wVk0KTPt9zswk_HAkxgy8zDekuLkPH_nKIn4xLyUJM8FGMjxcHEeCCKcZNxdqJ2ZcBCYOLW/s1600/Dr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2lPdbFrZmbrrsFi1x9wY8DkmbzaZHR6s11pizndUvyO4B6tVdN5N9n3Hq2XIMXeUQdL95wVk0KTPt9zswk_HAkxgy8zDekuLkPH_nKIn4xLyUJM8FGMjxcHEeCCKcZNxdqJ2ZcBCYOLW/s640/Dr.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
Done!<br />
I have to say, it was the most enjoyable examination I ever had in my life.<br />
A large part was due to my close friends who stood next to me during these three years and during the last hour of the defense.<br />
<br />
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart! You are the best! <br />
<br />Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-51751065126627426462012-09-24T18:40:00.000+03:002013-03-02T18:17:50.742+02:00V for Victory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytwQlR5jiXUKFKRV370mMxqCJ3BkIgwltbtwrqvlvvF22ZEmxXfsXT9vFZPxzrcTnKCObxHhUzNjl7vYb_plzspkv4RTPDKSlw6vzuXd0JPefHjKRrFPhPy6EfYDV0BzWjqiI4EKEGiYQ/s1600/parisV.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytwQlR5jiXUKFKRV370mMxqCJ3BkIgwltbtwrqvlvvF22ZEmxXfsXT9vFZPxzrcTnKCObxHhUzNjl7vYb_plzspkv4RTPDKSlw6vzuXd0JPefHjKRrFPhPy6EfYDV0BzWjqiI4EKEGiYQ/s640/parisV.JPG" width="496" /></a></div>
<br />
Congratulations for Sotiria's triumphant doctoral defence today!<br />
<br />
Photo taken in Paris, on top the Arc de Triomphe, from where several great avenues originate.Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-43451712590937680902012-09-21T18:36:00.000+03:002013-03-02T18:18:01.729+02:00Bridges II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRHVttCQRK6u94EmoZTF1bn72bGugN73jBKGkO5B_a2y1fYg8q2fQlIRjCsFzkR9zNybMu0sKjX6poY2tbVcupIoIfgUQGXjQ3fvvYyAEDPAlvVCPTfh7E3LlsIjLSEwnpKf1g8Cdtu5z/s1600/riobridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRHVttCQRK6u94EmoZTF1bn72bGugN73jBKGkO5B_a2y1fYg8q2fQlIRjCsFzkR9zNybMu0sKjX6poY2tbVcupIoIfgUQGXjQ3fvvYyAEDPAlvVCPTfh7E3LlsIjLSEwnpKf1g8Cdtu5z/s640/riobridge.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
This bridge has some seriously strong bases...<br />
Have no fear crossing it!Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-16799271051387841482012-09-20T11:37:00.000+03:002013-03-02T18:18:10.735+02:00Bridges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkoCAJoYLicpQFb-6aQCdWH55Qt8pB4WQqiT2cd4XY_0Nj1rAR2Qz5R_Zva9nmhYhAUWSIaLU5EPF5XiOph11u86w1_UVV60kXLACHiG9oxT1gp1_IpElLodI0uK2dq_1DleRrqYpn5as/s1600/tempibridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkoCAJoYLicpQFb-6aQCdWH55Qt8pB4WQqiT2cd4XY_0Nj1rAR2Qz5R_Zva9nmhYhAUWSIaLU5EPF5XiOph11u86w1_UVV60kXLACHiG9oxT1gp1_IpElLodI0uK2dq_1DleRrqYpn5as/s640/tempibridge.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
A bridge to pass, and then a mountain to conquer.<br />
<br />
I am proud of you.Kostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-59566041106350739152012-07-20T18:43:00.002+03:002013-03-02T18:18:20.737+02:00Ready to go.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C4FB5gbal4TInH3rnSB3KeFL35ek6kT1qNyAFK9_rYmW5thoyvIie3Se-RWQm4YFbM343bkyQV-AQ36bi9zRYNzdMpMiV4Mn8Vaj2TJwFFOKiLTyFeF03GgBDdOjByNfvLKcDCWyIGZ-/s1600/Espooduck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C4FB5gbal4TInH3rnSB3KeFL35ek6kT1qNyAFK9_rYmW5thoyvIie3Se-RWQm4YFbM343bkyQV-AQ36bi9zRYNzdMpMiV4Mn8Vaj2TJwFFOKiLTyFeF03GgBDdOjByNfvLKcDCWyIGZ-/s640/Espooduck.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A very rough translation is following for our non-greek-speaking friends<br />
<br />
<br />
Σε παλαιό συμφοιτητή<br />
Κώστας Γ. Καρυωτάκης<br />
<br />
Φίλε, η καρδιά μου τώρα σαν να εγέρασε<br />
Τελείωσεν η ζωή μου της Αθήνας,<br />
που όμοια γλυκά και με το γλέντι επέρασε<br />
και με την πίκρα κάποτε της πείνας.<br />
<br />
Δε θα 'ρθω πια στον τόπο που η πατρίδα μου<br />
τον έδωκε το γιόρτασμα της νιότης,<br />
παρά περαστικός, με την ελπίδα μου,<br />
με τ' όνειρο που εσβήστη, ταξιδιώτης.<br />
<br />
Προσκυνητής θα πάω κατά το σπίτι σου<br />
και θα μου πουν δεν ξέρουν τι εγίνης.<br />
Μ' άλλον μαζί θα ιδώ την Αφροδίτη σου<br />
κι άλλοι το σπίτι θα 'χουν της Ειρήνης.<br />
<br />
Θα πάω προς την ταβέρνα, το σαμιώτικο<br />
που επίναμε για να ξαναζητήσω.<br />
Θα λείπεις, το κρασί τους θα' ναι αλλιώτικο,<br />
όμως εγώ θα πιω και θα μεθύσω.<br />
<br />
Θ' ανέβω τραγουδώντας και τρεκλίζοντας<br />
στο Ζάππειο που ετραβούσαμεν αντάμα.<br />
Τριγύρω θα 'ναι ωραία πλατύς ο ορίζοντας,<br />
και θα 'ναι το τραγούδι μου σαν κλάμα.<br />
<br />
<br />
To an old classmate<br />
Kostas G. Kariotakis<br />
<br />
Friend, My heart is likely getting old<br />
My life of Athens is over,<br />
the one that equally sweet and in party passed<br />
and sometimes with the bitterness of hunger.<br />
<br />
I will not come again to the place that my home<br />
gave it the celebration of youth,<br />
but only passing by, with my hope,<br />
with my dreams that vanished, as a traveller.<br />
<br />
I will go as pilgrim to your house<br />
and they will tell me they don't know what happened to you<br />
I will see your Aphrodite with another man<br />
and other will live in Eirini's house<br />
<br />
I will go to the taverna, to ask<br />
for the Samian wine we used to drink.<br />
You will be missing, their wine will be different,<br />
but I will drink until I get groggy.<br />
<br />
I will walk singing and staggering<br />
to Zapeio, where we used to go together.<br />
Around the horizon will be beautifully wide<br />
and my song will be heard like a cryKostashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12639728197597306134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-49056801437989679332012-05-31T20:39:00.002+03:002013-03-02T18:18:30.432+02:00The Sun today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyBMPZGojMKxEoIx4wnXGeFEC7HsPE8LTb7eJO1v7wL2kebCU1B-C19PYFPIBFjECUJQfA0X6Exy4Sy7WOkM2k1l5kqxcqHIMYT5ZIaTgcwuqbCN4PIGaGLYuaIMt3koLcyqy-dU3ZHvI/s1600/TheSun_20120531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyBMPZGojMKxEoIx4wnXGeFEC7HsPE8LTb7eJO1v7wL2kebCU1B-C19PYFPIBFjECUJQfA0X6Exy4Sy7WOkM2k1l5kqxcqHIMYT5ZIaTgcwuqbCN4PIGaGLYuaIMt3koLcyqy-dU3ZHvI/s640/TheSun_20120531.JPG" width="622" /></a></div>
<br />
In case you missed it, the Sun was shinning bright this morning!<br />
Click to enlarge and count the sunspots! (Minus the dirt on your screen...)<br />
<br />
Compare to this image to see if you got them right:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sdowww.lmsal.com/sdomedia/SunInTime/2012/05/31/l4500.jpg">http://sdowww.lmsal.com/sdomedia/SunInTime/2012/05/31/l4500.jpg</a>Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-13245089071741690722012-05-21T22:47:00.000+03:002013-03-02T18:18:43.908+02:00Now: looking out the window<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqe901o8Z8f_ZRb3oIzU25_dr5f5mgk0XeYRBAwj1aqP7NoIIvOzD3YUsHxiFYGg3G-N8wKY1TWXWTi31OE-qRbiXRaR8SDdI1Tvc8p8rmFa3CfV0ZVwtfyIF53Oel_m3n83LtQif6kTh/s1600/view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqe901o8Z8f_ZRb3oIzU25_dr5f5mgk0XeYRBAwj1aqP7NoIIvOzD3YUsHxiFYGg3G-N8wKY1TWXWTi31OE-qRbiXRaR8SDdI1Tvc8p8rmFa3CfV0ZVwtfyIF53Oel_m3n83LtQif6kTh/s640/view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The view from my balcony!<br />
Initially I thought it was natural light, but heck, it is still beautiful!<br />
If you have a sharp eye you might notice that the clock's hands are missing. I used to glance over to see the time but one day I noticed the hands were gone! Who took them?Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287920521570913097.post-29860017530333566512012-05-11T21:33:00.001+03:002013-03-02T18:18:53.666+02:00No one is Evil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniS4hhG5tcq4IIWilvLrPMwld35NV5L5cfZD-pPS_Xd9lQZcppYiwg5FfxAmbHdfpFSNH1MUGQ17L_tVRLyVx38viSmG4HzsuUtAmcR18XN2BvCI_XVofQsqr6qbRK-CmlIxblNnoO02n/s1600/monkeys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniS4hhG5tcq4IIWilvLrPMwld35NV5L5cfZD-pPS_Xd9lQZcppYiwg5FfxAmbHdfpFSNH1MUGQ17L_tVRLyVx38viSmG4HzsuUtAmcR18XN2BvCI_XVofQsqr6qbRK-CmlIxblNnoO02n/s640/monkeys.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
How come suddenly no one has any responsibilities whatsoever and at the same time every one is trying to save the country?<br />
Who are the bad guys, and where are they now?<br />
<br />
The picture above seems most appropriate to describe these days.<br />
It is the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_wise_monkeys"><i>See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil</i></a>, located at the Tōshō-gū shrine in Nikkō, Japan.<br />
<br />
Fun random fact, the frieze of this temple depicts the life cycle of a monkey.Sotiriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179756899739357199noreply@blogger.com0