Greece

Monasteries of Kalabaka

4 December 2025

We drive the 134 miles from Delphi to the city of Kalabaka, a place known mainly as the gateway to Meteora. Though Kalabaka sits only about 700 feet above sea level, it lies north, deep in the mountains. I expect the air to be cold and sharp. My early hope for the day’s drive was simple: just don’t snow!

Actually, snow is the least of our worries. Temperatures are mild. The threat of severe thunderstorms is very real. Part Two: Our Greek Saga continued. Read all about our adventurous drive to Meteora.

It is a relief as Kalabaka comes into view. One instantly recognizes the towering rock pinnacles.

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By Pat, ago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATELINE: METEORA, GREECE Farmers determined – Reinforcing the blockades and escalating protests. Every day, the network of farmers’ blockades across Greece grows wider. Site production costs and the low prices of essential agricultural products as their concerns. Yesterday, farmers from Trikala set up a blockade on the E65 motorway at Read more

By Pat, ago

Among Ruins and Gods: A Modern Journey Through Ancient Greece

1-3 December 2025

I told my niece Gabrielle, “You choose a place to travel this winter—just warm and keep it simple. ” She chose Greece, and that sounded perfect to me. I hadn’t been back since the summer of 1981, when I was younger and pretty naive about all things travel.

Returning now felt a bit like starting over, a novice once again, ready to rediscover a newish country—this time with a slower pace, a keener eye, and the easy company of my niece.

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By Pat, ago

The Epic Greek Saga of Pat and Gabrielle

(A tale proving that true travelers aren’t just determined—they’re one cancelled flight away from full-blown heroic desperation.)

Sing, O Muse, of Pat and Gabrielle—two travelers so committed to embarking on their Hellenic adventure that even Zeus himself seemed to toss weather systems at them just for sport.

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By Pat, ago

Creating a Travel Podcast

Creating podcasts came from my desire to decrease the weight of paper and guide books and increase my information and enjoyment while traveling. My first podcast, Poland, also came about because I was well aware that I would never be able to pronounce the names of streets nor ask directions because of my total ignorance of Polish.

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By Pat, ago

A Return to Corfu

21-22 September 2016

I was last on this same spot two years ago in July 2014. Then, I was here via a cruise ship celebrating a friend’s retirement; no other reason for a retired person to be in this region in summer. Had a great time visiting Achilleion Palace, a sweet monastery and even sweeter winery. Probably my sweetest time on Corfu was in 1972 when I backpacked with a couple newly found friends onto Pelekas Beach to sleep on the sand under the stars and moon.  (more…)

By Pat, ago

Heraklion Crete

Ηράκλειο

Past the Golden Horn into the Sea of Mamara and thru the Dardanelles. Past the Hellespont and historic Gallipoli with it’s monuments to the Anzac and Turkish dead, the ancient site of Troy, then across a rolling Aegean Sea. Daytime downpours as we pass through storms; lightening flashes in the night sky as we sail into the Mediterranean to Crete.

Orchards and vineyards of Crete

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. While it retains its own local cultural traits (such as its own music and dialect), Cretans identify themselves as Greeks. Irakleio (Heraklion) is the largest city and capital of Crete.

We dock and pick up our rental car from AthensCars at a cost of 40 Euros a day. Of course we have to add gas @ 1.59Euro a liter, or about $8 a gallon. This is still a bargain as ship’s tours cost four times as much and offer less. We set off in our little Fiesta undaunted by place names spelled three ways: Greek alphabet (Ηράκλειο), Latin alphabet (Irάκleio), and thankfully English (Heraklion). Slow readers will be lost. We manage quite well in the intermittent rain and drive out of town to ΚΝΩΣΟΣ (Knossos). (more…)

By Pat, ago