Greece
Using music to learn a language
What is it about melody that helps us memorize words and lyrics? This can be explained by "earworms," which are melodies that get stuck in your head. Advertisers use this with catchy melodic jingles. Now you can use the same technique to help you learn a foreign language... Read article...
So there I was… on the donkey poo luge
Santorini, one of the Greek Islands, is a fantastic volcanic island in the Aegean. Thousands of years ago, the center of the island was destroyed in a massive eruption. The islands that survive today are pieces of the rim of the crater, plus some newly formed islands in the center (the volcano is still active)... Read article...
Photo: Mazelike streets of Mykonos
On the Greek island of Mykonos, the main town is full of tiny winding streets like this. Well, kind of like this, except that they're often full of shops and people! As you wander through the streets, it feels a lot like you're walking through a labyrinth. It's most fun if you're wandering without a fixed destination... Read article...
Photo: Greek Islands, relaxing on the yacht
The yacht's tied up at the pier, and it's time to relax. I don't remember for sure, but I bet they were talking about dinner plans or sightseeing options (perhaps over a cocktail?), while I was taking pictures. We charter a 90-ft private yacht to take us around... Read article...
Greek Myths - soap opera of the gods
In Our Time did a great radio/podcast episode on The Greek Myths. As usual, they had a fascinating discussion with the experts. The show is British & scholarly, but not stuffy. Some juicy stories - murder, incest, even eating your young! Read article...
Shirley Valentine -- Greece movie recommendation
I finally watched Shirley Valentine, after it's been sitting on the TV for months. I was surprised to be quite captivated! It’s about a British woman who's sick of her routine, loveless existence. Then she gets an opportunity to visit Greece... Read article...
Greece: Lost city of the Mycenaeans discovered
A partially submerged "lost" harbor town, built by the ancient Mycenaeans nearly 3,500 years ago, has been discovered along a rocky stretch of Greek coast. A team is working to unlock its secrets. This is really a remarkable find. It is rare indeed to locate an entire town... Read article...
The Pitt connection
I just watched the movie Troy, with Brad Pitt et al. I promoted this to the head of my Netflix list, because our Greece trips this year include a visit to the ruins of Mycenae. This was the powerful city that was home of King Agamemnon, who was leader of the Greek armies in the Trojan War... Read article...
US Dollar woes - but look at those drachmas!
Like many who travel to Europe, I've spent plenty of time bemoaning how the US Dollar has sunk compared to the Euro. Everything in Europe gets more expensive. And rising gas prices mean airplane tickets are up, too! Oh, woe is us... Read article...
Parthenon sculptures come to life
The British Museum is home to the Elgin Marbles, many of the finest sculptures from the Parthenon in Greece. What we see today is a lot different than they looked back in their day. Today, you see white marble carvings... Read article...
