Cool and fresh

Having a long layover? No problem! You have the chance to entertain yourself with a brand new camera!
Spotted: Philadelphia airport, not surprising right? ;)

p.s. I was severely tempted...

Taking the black (beret)

"Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch, for this night and all nights to com." [George RR Martin, "A game of thrones"]

For me it is better than that. Tomorrow I am starting my military service but it will be only for nine months.


We found this tank in Kiev, in the museum of the great patriotic war. Sasha told us a lot of things about it. It appears to have been the most powerful weapon of the soviet army during WWII. Then I couldn't imagine that I would have to deal with something like this a year and 3 months later.

This is also my first try of  "forging" a photo. One person was GIMPed out of it.

Hope to see you again soon.

P.S. By the way, TV series "Game of Thrones" rocks, as well as the novel. I am taking with me the latter, with the hope that I will have time to read a bit.

Picnic in Paris

I bet many of you have noticed the spikes people use on exposed surfaces to keep birds away. It seems that this particular bird could not care less :) I guess people should reconsider their effectiveness.

In the mean time, at the background you can see a typical Parisian activity, that is picnic by the river. We realized quite soon that we had to do the same as the food in Paris is very, very, very expensive!
There is one district though that has more reasonable prices, but we found out about it on our last day in the city. More on this tomorrow!

Up and down

The world is turning upside down!

We are in the middle of a tremendous economic crisis, a man-made satellite is about to crash on Earth, there might be neutrinos that travel faster than the light in vacuum and Facebook made yet another change.

If the world does end in 2012 I will not be surprised at all!


Spotted: under the pyramid in Louvre, what was hidden there again?

A facepalm for a minister

-

Today, I read in the greek press:

• People with income as low as 5000 euros will be taxed. (Poverty limit by eurostat: 6500 euros). The official justification is that with this measure the high incomes which are hidden from the state will be spotted.
• The minister of economy declared that we are not in a crisis but we try to avoid to become like Argentina, with complete destruction of economy, institutions, social fabric and the production base of the country. Someone should tell him that we are already there. And any rags left by the previous governments are day by day destructed by him and the rest of the gang.
• The same guy told that the recently introduced temporary fee on real estate for 2011 and 2012 will be permanent and included in the regular tax system from 2013. I am relieved! I feared that it would become permanent from now.

Then, I browsed through the photos we shot in Paris earlier this summer. And found this one. Should I feel desperate? should I laugh? Facepalm!

In the park

There is something about this picture that I like a lot. Maybe it is the colors, maybe the composition...
Spotted in the English garden in Munich one summery day.

(This beautiful picture belongs to Kostas, posted with his permission :) )

The barrel is now open!

Wow, these are very dedicated people!
From what I'm guessing, the barrel is now open and people are parading once more (from overwhelming joy?). But this time the weather was not on their side. The group suffering the more is the musicians. The other people carry umbrellas conveniently enough!

What is also puzzling, is that there are people standing for more than an hour watching the parade passing by...

Octoberfest

It is this time of the year again! Octoberfest is here!!

Today was the first day and the parade of the owners of the breweries reached the Theresienwiesen, place of the Octoberfest. Tomorrow, the mayor will open the first barrel of beer and offer the first glass to the prime minister of Bavaria.

In the picture you see just a glance from the parade, the beer carried from the Hofbräu München maybe the most famous bavarian brewery. I have no idea if the barrels are empty or not :)

Fun facts about the Octoberfest,
- it started 200 years ago as a celebration of King Ludwig's wedding
- people like to wear their traditional clothes (dirndl for the women, lederhose for the men)
- Munich hosts 6 million visitors in a period of 3 weeks
- 6 million liters of beer are being consumed and 3 million chickens (it is typical to eat half a chicken)
- there are tourists everywhere!!!

Nice... what?

Remember the fresh fruit in Rome? This time we found 'nice hair' (orea malia = ωραία μαλλιά) in Bologna!

It is funny how all the languages have influenced each other during the centuries... And it is even funnier how the same word sometimes means different things!

Tell us, do you have any funny examples of mixing up words which sound the same but have completely different meanings in different languages?

Της γριάς το πήδημα, Old lady's jump

A few, or not so few, days ago I had promised to tell a bit more about the Gria (old lady) and the castle .

So, the Gria's castle, formally Ano Kastro (Upper castle) was built during the Venetian era of the island. Not much is known about its history, as archaeologists are somehow more fascinated by the ancient Greek history than the medieval one. However some excavations were held recently (2009). What remains today is a small but very important, for the residents of the nearby Kochylou village and the whole island, chapel of Phaneromeni (Our lady "the uncovered" / better translation welcome!). The chapel is celebrated twice a year on the day of the Assumption and the first Tuesday after Easter.

But how is all that related to the scenery in today's photo? And who is the "Gria"?

One of the many legends has it, that the Gria pretended to ask a refuge in the castle during its siege by Pirates (or Turks), but in fact she betrayed it and when the defenders opened the door, the siegers had the chance to enter and occupy it. After that, the Gria felt guilty and committed suicide by jumping in the sea in a nearby small bay.  Her body became the large rock that you can see in today's photo. The bay is now known as "Tis grias to pidima" (Της γριάς το πήδημα, The old lady's jump) and is probably the most famous beach of Korthi area. Partly because of its funny name, partly because it is one of the most beautiful beaches with this rare geological phenomenon.

Other legends about the name of the bay:
2) The Gria had a daughter who was kidnapped by the pirates and she committed suicide out of sadness
3) The Gria was in love with a sailor who didn't return, and she lost all hope.

(If you know any other legends please write it in the comments!)

PG13 alert --- implied sexuality ----

In greek the word "pidima" except for the original meaning of jump is also used as an euphemism for the sexual act. Which obviously makes the name of the bay far more funny. It makes me think that the sailor from legend no 3, finally returned.

Feldmochinger fly

Where the telescope ends, the microscope begins. Which of the two has the grander view?  Hugo, Victor

I first saw this quotation in D's Thesis. Micro and Telescope share the same principles of operation. And both observe the universe, one giving the big picture, the other the details.

Just like the physicists. They work on different scales. Cosmologists, astrophysicists, planetary-environmental-geophysicists , materials scientists, nuclear physicists, and then there are those high energy particles physicists to complete the circle.

You have already seen our "telescope" image. Here is a "microscope" one. Both taken with the same tele-lens.

The other day we swam in Feldmochinger See (lake), close to Munich. And spotted this creepy but at the same time colourful and beautiful fly having her lunch.

Tonguing

As promised more street-art from Paris.

Enjoy!

Is it a good sign?

Spotted on the City Night Line from Paris to Munich.

My question is the following: if a drunk person sees things being distorted, could he see this distorted sign as normal?

I guess we'll have to do the experiment! Where is a drunk travel-mate when you need him the most?

Now grias kastro

The Virgin's chapel close to the medieval castle overlooking Joyfully Kochylou(*) village. Tonight we observe the vespers for tomorrow's celebration. More on the kastro (castle) and the gria (old lady) to follow.

edit: More on the castro and the gria, and also her beach may be found in this post.

(*) btw SE xperia X8 has a great auto correct feature, I think I should get used to it. Until then, "Kochylou" will be automatically corrected to "Joyfully". This alternative is rather appropriate, but it was not in my mind when I wrote the post.
One more thing about X8. Its camera has no autofocus, not even manual focus... which is bad.

Now the plane and the full moon

I feel extremely lucky tonight! I welcome you to enjoy the full moon from my balcony.



p.s. Best spent money of the last year

Now the moon

Finally, a warm day! Enjoy a rarely seen Moon from cloudy Munich!

Follow...

Spotted in Montmartre.

There are many reasons that make Paris the amazing city that it is.
One of them being the cool streetart. Stay tuned for more!

Now Platanos (?) Beach.

We headed to a beach named Platanos. After some wandering off road I am not really sure we are there. Anyway, it is a great small bay!

Now a bit off the south coast of Evia

Deux girafes s'il vous plaît

One might think that giraffes are indigenous animals of Europe. We keep coming across them wherever we go. We have seen them in Athens, close to Munich and now in Berlin!

Question to our greek speaking friends: How is a male giraffe called in greek?
(Even though I never got an answer for the swan)

cookie: giraffe in greek has a funny name, καμηλοπάρδαλη.

Looking at the tower

As you might already know, eating in Paris can be very very expensive. There is a very cool alternative though! If you go at Champ de Mars you can have the most amazing view of the Eiffel tower while having a pic nic. Admittedly, you are going to have many friends around! Most of them being (loud) tourists but let's face it, you are one as well, right?

Now Syneti beach

Z had a great idea! Easy to guess the island!

Reichstag's dome

A few months ago, if you'd wish to visit the german parliament, or just its beautiful dome you would have to wait in line for some hours (if I have a photo, I'll post it tomorrow). Nowadays due to security reasons you have to book in advance and you go through a security check, pretty much like at the airport.

During our last visit to Berlin, we had the chance to enter the dome. No question for a tour inside the parliament, it was booked for the whole July! Nevertheless, if you get the chance, do visit the dome! It is beautiful!!! And from a really cool audio guide you will learn many things about Reichstag, its dome and the scenery surrounding the parliament.

Enjoy!

p.s. I hear that some friends are going to be in Berlin very soon! :)

What are you sinking about?

SOS! We are sinking!

Who can tell us why this guy is sinking into the wall?
Tip: spotted in Montmarte.

Beam me up, Scotty

Spaceship spotted in the Fünf Höfe in Munich.

City

This picture seems completely fake to me. Yet, I am the one who took the picture! Guess the city!

I'm in a boat

If you don't live in a country that has access to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, chances are that you are not so used to use a boat as means of transport, or what is more, spend a night inside one!

Fear not though, next time you are in Berlin, you can stay in this cosy hostel boat on Spree!!
It has the feeling of leaving inside a boat, and the versatile Berlin, can make you feel you are on an actual cruise!

Eternity

Want to preserve your love for eternity? Try this, secure a lock on a bridge and throw the keys in the river.

We have seen this tactic in Rome, Paris and as of today in Munich. As we learned though, your love will be kept safe in the case of Paris only for a year. The tourists-in-love are so many, that the police removes all locks once a year. I guess the couple in the picture has secured their lock somewhere else.

Behind Eros and Psyche

 

Have you ever wondered how some of the famous sculptures look from behind? I did. And here I share with you the rear view of "Eros and Psyche" which is on display in the Louvre.

The Louvre is a great (in terms of both size and quality) museum in the centre of Paris. In order to get in you have to wait in a looooong queue or use a more convenient workaround (knock the door and we will answer). It is essentially an attempt to gather every single piece of art created in the world up to the mid 19th century and put it in one museum. Most of the items on display are taken from palaces after the abolishment of monarchy, and "souvenirs" brought by Napoleon and other French officials during their trips. Good thing, the short guy didn't invade China, because Louvre is not big enough for the Chinese wall.

We confirm rumours that Mona Lisa is NOT a reason to visit Louvre, especially mid-July! It is a small painting which you will have to see from a distance due to the crowd of tourists who are there to see Mona Lisa. I guess because they have seen her everywhere and wish to confirm the good reproduction. Da Vinci was a very productive artist and Louvre has many better works of his. May we suggest the Madonna of the Rocks?

Paris, Paris

We are back after 10 days of travelling with more than 1000 pictures to share with you! Special quiz of the day: name this tower!

We tried waiting in the huge line to get on the top, but after 3 seconds we gave up. Instead we crossed the road and took many magnificent pictures of this very beautiful sight. If you are like me, and thought: "Eh, well just a pile of metal scrap" just wait until you witness it in person ;)

Stay tuned for more pictures and tips from Paris and Berlin!

Now tiger lilies in Syntagma.

Read our log of the events here

Now looking at the future.

Read our log of the events here

Now again cleaning the chemicals

Read our log of the events here

Fence at Schloss Nymphenburg

A pond smaller than that of the previous post. :-)

On the other side of the pond

First view of the magnificent Cape Cod. The other side of the Atlantic Ocean is full of surprises!

On the way

I love taking pictures from the airplane!
Spotted on the way to the US. What do you think is this the place?

Now aftermath

real protesters cleaning up the mess left behind by the kind contribution of the government

Now more tear gas

Now attacked with tear gas

Hauptbahnhof

Aerial view of a random Hauptbahnhof in central Europe.
Any ideas on which one it might be?

Now Lidi beach II

Guess where! Andros island!
Lidi beach is located close to the beautiful small village Vrachnou.

Penn's Cave

Penn's cave is the only all-water cave in America! (says google)

I present to you a stalactite from this cave. We had a very nice tour of the cave by boat. Our guide explained to us many interesting things (and other less interesting). I captured this lantern like impression of the thousand years old solidified water, while he was pointing at this stalactite with his torch.

Now Lidi beach

 

Now blocked

Every road towards Syntagma sq. was blocked by armed police forces.

And then we were blocked by the police.

Now we must go through kolonaki.

Now river of indignation

Syntagma station exceeded capacity. We were requested to leave the train one station earlier.

Bully squirrel

What a cute little squirrel having breakfast! Right?
Well, few moments before this picture was taken this little guy was chasing away two crows from his food! Spotted at PennState campus.

p.s. More news on the greek revolution later tonight by Kostas. The gathering at Syntagma is very massive today.
p.p.s. The crows in the US are not as noisy as those in Germany.

Babies are the hope

"The square is with child. Beware of the baby."

It brings to mind a famous greek song:
"Έχε το νού σου στο παιδί,
γιατί αν γλιτώσει το παιδί,
υπάρχει ελπίδα..."

"Take care of the child,
because if the child makes it,
there is hope..."

Squared

"We don't go to the square, we stay at the square"

Referring to the people who have actually camped on Syntagma square. To my disappointment, still invisible to the rest of Europe.

p.s. "Let's go to the square" is a common phrase, especially among young people as squares are regularly meeting places.

New route

apathy - complicity - fear - submission - shame - pursuit - indignation - collectivity - solidarity - fight - constitution (Syntagma). Next Station: SUBVERSION

Spotted above the entrance of Syntagma metro station. Let's stay on the train. I wonder what will be the station after Subversion. Should be a better place.