Tag: nature

Capri Is the Place to Be!

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

During the height of the summer, Capri is the place to be…and we were there!

We were on one of the coolest islands in Italy and there was so much to explore and discover.

Despite being able to visit one of the main attractions on the island upon our arrival, it had eaten up a great portion of our precious time. Heading to the Funicular, we purchased tickets and waiting to board the railway up the mountainside to the Piazza Umberto I, in the center of the island.

Crowded and hot, we were still able to secure a spot near the window to watch the passing scenery. Exiting the tight cars, we stood along the gallery and gazed out at the island and the Marina Grande below.

Walking through the Piazza Umberto I, with its classic clock tower, we imagined that this was where we might spot Oprah or Brad Pitt that evening, as we had heard they were both moored off of the island. Entering the small alleyways, we passed Chiesa San Stefano, the prominent baroque Catholic church that houses Capri’s town hall in its old bishop quarters. The church was not open, so we continued on to the southern part of the island.

Passing the many high-end boutiques, shops, restaurants and homes, we eventually found ourselves at the Certosa di San Giacomo (St. James Charterhouse), the 14th century Carthusian monastery.

Built in 1371 by Giacomo Arcucci (who later became a monk of the order), on land donated by Queen Giovanna I of Angio, the Charterhouse of San Giacomo is the oldest historic building on the island of Capri.

Gaining our entrance at the office near the fortified tower, we made our way through the complex which is comprised of three blocks of buildings. The first building offered us a look at a unique art collection of the Diefenbach Museum (est. 1975) which included the works of German painter Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach.

Continuing through the complex, we discovered the Chiostro Piccolo (small cloister), which was added during the sixteenth century and the Chiostro Grande with its limestone pillars. It was here around the grand cloister that the monks cells were located as well as the Quarto del Priore used for temporary exhibitions.

Making our way through the gardens, we found them to be a bit overgrown, but the reward was at the cliffside where we had the most magnificent views of the coastline and the sea.

Here was Brad Pitt and Oprah’s yachts…or so we thought! Some of the biggest boats I had ever lain eyes on were docked in the azur waters that surrounded the island. So beautiful were the sights below us, we sat here in the sunshine, just enjoying the moment of the day!

Eventually, we made our way back toward the monastery and the large, open church where ancient frescoes can be seen on the walls and ceiling.

As our visit came to a close, we decided that we wanted to enjoy the waters up close that we had seen from above. Taking the funicular back to the Marina Grande, we walked to the small, rocky beach, Cala Grande.

Although there was so much more to see…Anacapri, Mount Solaro and its chairlift, Grotto Verde, Arco Naturale, Villas and countless overlooks…it was impossible to experience it all. It was nice to just give in to the island’s natural beauty and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon, soaking up the late afternoon sun.

Sometimes that’s what you have to do. Enjoy what you’ve been given and just “be”.

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Funicolare di Capri

St. James Charterhouse

The Isle of Capri

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

When reading the tabloids, it is always fun to read about the awesome places that celebrities dock their yachts while on vacation!

While I would just love to have a small sailboat to dock in these locations, even for a day, I thought it would be fun to head out to one of those islands and see where those multi-million dollar yachts are anchored. Capri, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea has been a resort since the time of the Roman Republic and is a place where celebrity spotting becomes sport, especially in the square in the evenings as they leave their expensive floating homes for some ground time.

The ferry to Capri was located just down the block from our hotel and easy to get to, so we decided to make that one of our day’s destinations. Purchasing our tickets quickly, we were on the next departing ferry and forty-five minutes later pulling into Capri’s Marina Grande.

Our first views of Capri’s harbor were stunning! It would have been tempting to just take a seat along the waterfront to take in the scenery but we were on a mission and there was a lot to see before catching our departing ferry that evening.

One of the main attractions that we wanted to mark off of our list was the Blue Grotto (Grotto Azzurra), a cave-like cavity within the islands rocky parapets. Once inside the grotto, the sunlight entering the opening beneath the inlet passage give an intense azur color to the water. Spotting the ticket booth for the Blue Grotto boat tours, I knew that there were two ways to visit this primary attraction; bus and boat. Since the boats were departing here, it seemed like the logical choice to take the boat and after the boarding was complete, we headed out of the harbor and along the island’s northern coast.

The fifteen minute ride offered up beautiful views of the villas that top the high rocky cliffs that make up much of the island’s coastline. Finally spotting a cluster of boats, we realized that we had arrived at the Blue Grotto. Jockeying for position, we began to analyze the situation…there were a lot of boats, with a lot of people…waiting to board a small number of rowboats to gain entry into the cave.

Every time our captain moved our boat, we somehow thought we might be closer to our time to board one of the rowboats. Spying the buses dropping visitors at the top of the cliff and those visitors making their way down the wooden stairway, we began to notice that because of their proximity to the cave’s entrance and dedicated rowboats, their wait was quite short. Watching their quick movement and continually counting the boats around us, we realized that our stay here would be lengthy.

It was an extremely hot and sunny day and we had limited shade on our boat. We suddenly realized that although our boat ride to the Blue Grotto was cool and picturesque, maybe we should have taken the bus. After an hour and a half of tortuous waiting, the rowboats finally began to approach our boat. Deftly stepping into the tender, our boatman guided us over to the craft where the cave entrance admission was collected. After gathering our tickets, we headed toward the opening, our gondolier instructing us to lay down into the bottom of the boat. Pulling us through the tight opening with a guide rope, it took a few minutes for our eyes to adjust to the darkness all around us.

There were no fewer than ten other boats making their way around the small cave’s perimeter (25 meters wide and 60 meters long). As our boatman turned our craft towards the entrance, we gazed in awe at the fluorescent color of the water. An awesome sight! Our time was inside was short and before we knew it, we were laying down at the bottom of the boat to make our way outside, back to our waiting shuttle and to Marina Grande.

Checking our watches, we realized that much of our time on Capri had been devoted to that one activity. Grabbing a quick lunch, we then headed back to the ferry ticket booths. Thankfully, with the help of a kind ticket agent, we were able to switch our return tickets to Naples to ones leaving a couple of hours later…giving us some more precious time on the island.

Glad for our reprieve we decided not to waste any more time. Capri had so much more to see!

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Blue Grotto

  • https://www.excursionboatsorrento.com/en/everything-about-the-blue-grotto/?gclid=CjwKCAjwxt_tBRAXEiwAENY8hXwlP3bstmpEHSuPz0YOMQIlS9MBHN3l9GEYmGrT1ruIfxHPY2IeBBoC2ykQAvD_BwE
  • Hours: 0900-1700, daily. The grotto is closed to visitors during rough seas or high winds, and it’s always closed on December 25th and January 1st.
  • Admission: Shared boat service, 10€ plus cave entrance (cash only) paid prior to entering, 4€. Tip is expected from the boatmen. Children under the age of 6, cave entrance, free. Citizens of European Union under the age of 18, cave entrance, free. Citizens of European Union between the ages of 18 and 25, 50% reduction on cave entrance.
  • Getting There: Private boat (boat rentals located near Marina Grande. Shared boat service. Bus, from Anacapri, stop located 50 meters from Piazza Vittoria. On foot from Anacapri, follow Viale T. de Tommaso, Via Pagliaro and Via Grotta Azzurra (3.5 km).


Up On the Crater Trail

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

This was the year of the volcanoes.

For my son and I, anyway.

We had climbed Pacaya volcano in the spring and with Mount Vesuvius hovering in the distance, well…there was just no question…we had to climb it as well!

After our arrival in Naples, I had seen many tour companies advertising trips with transportation to and from Mount Vesuvius. Our first full day had been put aside for Pompeii and we assumed that we would take the next day to tackle the imposing mountain, however, when we arrived, we found that we could leave from the Pompeii train station for a trip to the volcano. Was it a good idea? Maybe.

After our investigation of the ancient ruins was complete, we signed up for the three o’clock departure from the Pompeii train station. Transportation was on a large, air conditioned bus and the winding journey lasted about forty minutes, dropping us at the entrance to Mount Vesuvius National Park.

We were given one and a half hours to make the ascent and return to our bus for the trip back to Pompeii.

Half and hour up the crater trail.

Half an hour around the rim.

Half and hour back down.

Not a problem. We were already ahead of schedule, being able to squeeze in Vesuvius on a day that we thought would only be devoted to Pompeii.

The trail was steep, but nothing that we couldn’t handle. If there was ever any doubt, however, I just watched the Russian woman a few paces ahead, making her way daintily up the dusty path in her kitten heels! We were glad, however, that the buses had the advantage of parking near the entrance to the trail, unlike those who arrive by car and were required to park further down the mountain.

The scenery was outstanding as we began our ascent and it only got better as we made it to the rim. Peering into the crater was quite thrilling, yet a bit uneventful. Maybe I expected a rush of hot air and a churning cauldron of lava! Instead, there were high walls with loose rocks cascading down into the interior and resting on the floor of the crater. Still, how often do you get to peer into a volcano…and as we spied some escaping steam, we had to remember that it was still a live one!

Continuing our hike around the rim, we encountered some small memorials, more views of the caldera and spectacular vistas of Naples, the sweeping bay and Pompeii.

The well groomed path finally culminated at the souvenir shop, La Capannuccia, where we grabbed some water and stopped to enjoy the wind in our hair and the sun dipping lower on the horizon.

Checking the time, we realized that it was time to head back down the path to our waiting bus.

Not seeing the bus in the parking area, we noticed many of the other visitors that had ridden over with us, searching for our return transportation, as well. While waiting for the bus to arrive, we noticed a bus marked for Naples. It was tempting but we had no clue if there was space on the bus or where the bus would drop us in Naples. We also had return transportation to Pompeii and then return train tickets back to Naples. Before we could check to see if we had enough money for this direct transfer, the bus pulled away, making us wish we had done a bit more planning, but then, there was our bus to Pompeii pulling into the lot.

So much for being ahead of schedule!

All in all, without my usual Plan A, B and C, we did get to see both attractions, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, leaving us free to continue our exploration of the Amalfi Coast the next day! But, if you plan to visit both of these amazing places from Naples or Sorrento in the same day, be sure to leave early and explore all transportation options.

Take it from us! It’s worth the extra effort to knock them out on the same day!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Mount Vesuvius

  • https://www.visitpompeiivesuvius.com/en/vesuvius
  • Address:
  • Hours: January, February, November, December, daily from 0900 to 1500, March, October, 0900-1600, April, May, June, September, 0900-1700, July, August, 0900-1800. Barring inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, the trail to the crater is open all year round, including Sundays and holidays.
  • Admission: Adults, 10€, Students 8€
  • Getting There: By car, take the A3 Napoli-Salerno highway to the Torre del Greco or Herculaneum exit, and follow the signs for Vesuvio. At 800 meters above sea level, there is a parking area that costs 5€  for all day.  Shuttles to the ticket office depart from here, and cost 2€  (free for children). It is a bit of a steep climb to the ticket office so taking the shuttle is recommended. By public transport, you can take the bus or shuttle from CIrcumvesuviana Pompei-Villa dei Misteri stop or the Circumvesuviana Ercolano Scavi stop. Buses and shuttles cost 22€ round trip, entrance to the park included with transportation directly to the ticket office located about 200 meters below the trail head for the crater. There are also EAV bus routes between Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius every 50 minutes.

Santorini South, Part Two

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

The day was perfect.

Blue skies and amazing views were everywhere.

Heading further south on the well-maintained roads of Santorini, we continued on our journey to see what the scenic island would offer up to us.

After gazing out over Caldera Beach, we headed to the prehistoric town of Akrotiri. An ancient Minoan Bronze Age settlement, it was destroyed by a severe earthquakes and eventually a volcanic eruption at the last quarter of the 17th century B.C. Much like Pompeii in Italy, volcanic materials covered the town, protecting them for the town’s resurgence in later years. Since I had never been to Pompeii (something high on my bucket list), I was excited to see this well-preserved archaeological site and understand what I might see when I finally made my way to the Italian ruins.

The settlement, however, is protected by a bioclimatic roof and very different from pictures I had seen of Pompeii. After paying our entrance fee, we made our way around well-marked site, navigable by walkways suspended above the archaeological remains.

There were many important buildings that were mostly intact, including multi-storied houses, a few containing well-preserved frescoes, pottery and precious stone and bronze objects. Most of the important pieces that have been recovered, however, are now on display in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

After our visit was complete, we had planned to have lunch nearby and make our way to the adjacent Red Beach. So many cars and pedestrians were entering the parking area, however, we decided to alter our plans. Driving out past the modern-day village of Akrotiri, with its picturesque alleys, blue domed churches and traditional houses, we found a lovely restaurant, The Good Heart, located along the highway, to have a quick bite. Greeted warmly, we ate our lunch and bought some delicious snacks at their adjacent store.

Once our lunch and shopping was complete, we continued down to the end of the highway, stopping a couple of times to admire the continually beckoning caldera.

Our destination was the Akrotiri Lighthouse and we soon arrived, luckily securing a parking spot in the small lot. The well-known lighthouse is considered one of the best and most beautiful lighthouses in the Greek Isles.

A whitewashed structure, the lighthouse stands high on the cliff above the sea. Manufactured by a French company is 1892, it was one of the first lighthouses in the country and stands on a popular spot for tourists to enjoy the views and for locals to spend their evenings enjoying the cool breezes and spectacular sunsets.

Finally, heading back from the way we had just come, we decided that we had conquered most of the the southern sites of Santorini, but now needed to enjoy a bit of beach time. Heading down a small, rocky road toward the southern coast, we soon arrived at the Akro Beach Club.

Taking the steep stairs down the side of the cliff, we found ourselves at one of the three picturesque beaches that line the coast. Red, White and Black Beaches occupy methodical positions that can be reached by car in two of the instances (Red and Black) and by water taxi. Though we later learned that the water taxi would have been a cool alternative for us to see all three beaches, we were anxious to grab some beach chairs, beer and soak up some sun.

The beach was black, as its name suggests and a bit rocky. Thankfully, we had brought water shoes, making it much less difficult to make it down to the water’s edge. The water, however, was a bit cold for me!

The ambiance was amazing and we stayed much longer than we had anticipated, enjoying the sound of the waves, passing boats and warm weather. The beach was uncrowded and passengers from the water taxi came and went. More importantly, the beer was cold and refreshing!

As the day drew to a close, we finally made our way up the steep road…

To another beautiful sunset.

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.com

Akrotiri

  • http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2410
  • Address: Thera 847 00, Greece
  • Hours: November 1-March 31, 0800-1500, Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday. April 15-October 31, 0800-2000, daily.
  • Admission: Full, €12, Reduded, €6. Special package 4-day ticket is for Archaelogical Sites and Museum in Thera Ancient Thera, Akrotiri, Archaeological Museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Collection of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artefacts at Pyrgos. Free admission days, March 6, April 18, May 18, last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days), National Holidays, October 28, every first Sunday from November 1 to March 31.
  • Getting There: By rental car, parking is available in adjacent lot, €4 or in Red Beach parking lot, €2. KTEL Santorini bus service to Akrotiri from Fira. Check out bus schedules at https://www.ktel-santorini.gr/index.php/en/.

Akrotiri Lighthouse

  • Address: Thera 847 00, Greece
  • Hours: 24 hours, daily
  • Admission: free

Black Beach

  • Address: Thera 847 00, Greece

Akro Beach Bar

  • https://www.akrosantorini.com/
  • Address: Akrotiri 847 00, Greece
  • Hours: 1000-2200, daily
  • Admission: free.
  • Beach chair/umbrella pairs, $30 first row, $20 second row, $15 last row. Menu item prices vary. Food/drink service located on beach and in restaurant. Locked safety boxes available at beach chairs.

Akrotiri Water Taxi

  • Journeys to all three beaches, 10€ from Akrotiri, near Red Beach.

A Santorini Sunset

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Santorini.

One of the most beautiful of the Greek Islands, it offers towering cliffs, lined with whitewashed villages, set amidst stunning azure waters. Having seen pictures over the years, I knew that if I had to select one Greek Island to visit, that would be it.

After picking up our rental car and making our way up the steep road to our hotel in Pyrgos, we unpacked, made a quick run to the grocery store and then stood on our patio, staring at the beautiful scenery on all sides of us. Now what?

We had three days to discover everything about this unique enclave.

My husband had spoken to the gentleman at the front desk and he had suggested heading to the north side of the island for some of the best views of the sunset. We needed to head out, it was already mid-afternoon!

Following the highway past Thera and Imerovigli and enjoying the views along the way, we finally arrived in Oia. Tour buses rolled past us and parking lots were filled to capacity. Large droves of people walked past us on the narrow roads. Finally, we found a parking spot along the roadway and walked up to the Lioyerma Lounge Cafe and Pool Bar to get a drink and our bearings.

Discovering that the view here was second to none and having had a long day of travel, we decided to remain here and enjoy some cold beers as the sun dropped lower towards the horizon.

While my husband and son enjoyed some traditional Greek appetizers, I decided to do some exploration of the area. Finding small walkways lined with colorful hyposkafa buildings, windmills, minimalist churches, sea captains’ houses, old wineries, hotels restaurants, shops and cafes, I was astounded. Everything was so picture-perfect, I felt as though I was walking through a postcard.

This was what we had come to see!

This…and a sunset.

Yes, the sun was inching closer to where the sea meets the sky, so I returned back to our table on the edge of the cliff.

The winds had increased and it was quite chilly as we toasted our good fortune to have made it to such a stunning location.

Eventually, as a cruise ship made its way out to sea, the sun dipped behind the waves, enveloping us in the gloaming.

One of the most astonishing sights I have ever laid my well-traveled eyes on.

I had always heard about the stunning Santorini sunsets.

Now, I understood.

Santorini sunsets were definitely made for proposals!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Lioyerma Lounge Cafe and Pool Bar

  • Address: Oia 847 02, Greece
  • Hours: 1000-2200, daily
  • Admission: Drinks and food for purchase. To sit at tables near the edge, for excellent sunset viewing, minimum purchase required.

The Sermon on the Hill

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

“Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.”

These words were spoken by the Apostle Paul during his sermon on Areopagus Hill in Athens. This sermon (Areopagus sermon, Acts 17:24) was responsible for the conversion of his first believers, Dionysios Areopagitus and a woman, Damari. After his conversion to Christianity, Dionysios was baptized with his family in 52 AD and became the first Bishop of Athens. Upon his death as a Christian martyr by burning, he was later venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches and became the Patron Saint of the city.

Such an important piece of biblical history, there are many who do not realize that the place that this sermon took place is located just below the Acropolis. Between the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora this hill is one that many, upon the descent from the Acropolis, head over to climb, because, well…they see everyone else doing it.

It does offer outstanding views of the city, the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis, but many do not realize its significance.

In Greek mythology, Areopagus Hill was the place where the council of gods held a trial for the god of war, Aris, who was accused of the murder of the son of Poseidon, Halirrhothios. In Greek history, it was the location of murder trials and also the location where Mycenaean graves were discovered. Religious buildings once stood on top of the hill but were eventually decimated by earthquakes.

Today, at any given time, you can spot large numbers of people shuffling around on the slippery apex, hoping to get the best views of the city and the best selfies with the Acropolis towering over them. The hill is easily accessible from steps carved into rocky hillside and from a metal staircase located on the left-hand side of the hill.

Words of warning…the steps are quite slippery, but its an amazing place to gather your where-abouts and admire the views.

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Areopagus Hill

The Hill Of the Muses

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Socrates.

One of the most widely recognized classical Greek philosophers in history, he was also known as the founder of Western philosophy. It was his unique teachings and thoughts, however, that led to his demise. In 399 BC, Socrates went on trial and was found guilty of corruption and impiety. After being imprisoned, he was sentenced to death by poison.

Searching a map of Athens, I noticed on Philapappou Hill (also known as the Hill of the Muses), a landmark noting the location of the Prison of Socrates. Since I had never had the opportunity to walk to the top of this hill to inspect the monument to Philapappou (that I had seen from the nearby Acropolis) I decided that it would be a good destination for that day and being able to search out the location of this historical prison would be a bonus.

Heading up the pedestrian friendly Dionysiou Areopagitou street, I entered the park gates and headed up the marble paved pathways. Welcoming the shady pine-covered trails, I looked for signs leading to my destinations. There were none, however, finding the first item on my list was not all that difficult as it seemed that most other tourists were headed that way.

The Prison of Socrates was nothing more than a cave with iron bars…still, it was interesting to think that Socrates spent his last days here. Or did he?

Though this is a popular spot for tour guides to take tourists and prattle on and on about Socrates last days, it has been brought to light that these openings within the rock are probably no more than the remains of an ancient Mycenaean building. The real location of the philosopher’s prison was probably located near the Ancient Agora, at the foot of the Acropolis. Though no one is sure, it is interesting to visit this location and imagine poor Socrates passing the time behind the iron gates before his demise.

Continuing on, we followed the trail, climbing higher and higher up the steep rocky paths. As we came to a bend in our route, we moved out onto an opening and a rock outcropping. Here, we got our first views of the Acropolis from a different perspective. Having been to the Acropolis on multiple occasions, seen it from below in the Plaka and from afar from my hotel’s rooftop terrace, it was something to see from an adjacent hill. As we stared in wonder, we also noticed the amazing views to be gotten of Mount Lycabettus and the Saronic Gulf and I imagined that it would be an amazing location to take in the sunset.

Climbing higher, we finally reached the pinnacle of our ascent where the Monument to Philapappou, an ancient Greek mausoleum dedicated to Gaius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos (65-116 AD), rests. A prince from the Kingdom of Commagene, Philopappos was highly respected and one of the greatest benefactors of the city.

Upon his death, which caused great grief to not only his family, but also to the citizens of Athens, it was decided that a tomb would be erected on Muses Hill. Built on the same site where 6th century poet and mystical seer, Museaios was entombed, the two story marble structure is an elaborately carved structure on par with the Acropolis…its location showing his great status within the city.

Following the main path, past the Philapappou Monument, we found the Shrine of the Muses, cut into the rock face just below the top of the hill. This shrine was created in honor of the goddesses of creative inspiration. Philapappou Hill is also known as the Hill of the Muses for it being the home of the nine muses of Greek mythology.

Heading down the hill, we finally came to the Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, a 15th century Byzantine church. By now, everyone should know how much I love churches and of course, I was thrilled to unexpectedly find this charming chapel during the midst of our exploration of Philapappou Hill. Though it offered a peaceful place to rest for a moment, I was frustrated to find the church locked. I was especially disappointed later when I learned that this church is decorated with beautiful frescoes. I also learned that its surname, “Loumbardiaris” (the Bomardier) was earned as it was saved by a miracle in 1658 when the Turkish commander of the Acropolis, Yusuf, was planning to bomb the church from the Propylaea. The following day, as they prepared to attack, a lightening strike hit the gunpowder magazine, causing an explosion which killed Yusuf and his entire family.

Since I was unable to examine the interior of this historical structure, I made myself content to walk around and survey its exterior architectural features. A spectacular find that I will certainly return to see again!

A good part of our morning had been fulfilled with the exploration of Philapappou Hill. There was much more as two nearby hills are connected to this beautiful green space within the city of Athens and we decided to continue our excursion.

What else would we find?

If you are in the area and find yourself with time before or after your visit to the Acropolis, make the short walk to Philapappou Hill and discover the treasures scattered around this beautiful promontory. Have a picnic, enjoy the views and maybe even the sunset!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Filopappos Hill

  • Address: Thissio, Athens, 104 38 Athens, Greece
  • Hours: 24 hours, daily
  • Admission: free

The Prison of Socrates

  • Address: Filapappou Hill, 43, Rovertou Galli 39, Athens 117 41
  • Hours: 24 hours, daily
  • Admission: free
  • Getting There: Metro, Akropoli station

Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris

Inside Out

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

If you slice open a human body, what does it look like on the inside?

If you are a medical student, you probably have had the opportunity during a anatomy class to see the inner workings of the human body. Most people, however, have not.

Years ago, my husband and I visited the Bodies Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Thirteen preserved and dissected bodies and 260 organs gave us the opportunity to view the complexity of our own organs and systems. It was truly interesting to see our skeletal, muscular, respiratory and circulatory systems up close and this unique look at the human body had a lasting effect on how I viewed my health and well-being.

Recently, while staying at Bally’s, I noticed advertisements for REAL BODIES. What was the difference between this one and the exhibit still on display at the Luxor Hotel?

I found myself with a little time one afternoon and decided to check it out.

Real BODIES was much as I remembered the exhibit years earlier. This exhibit, however, is much larger, with twenty bodies and over 200 specimens. As I moved through the well-lit spaces, highlighting the fascinating specimens, I learned that this exhibit, also incorporates emotional and cultural narratives and artistic installations. The well-posed specimens were captivating, however, I was mesmerized by the variety of organs displayed and the faces detailing the circulatory systems.

Another favorite part of the display was the ossuary honoring the passage from life to death. The displays of bones and skulls brought back memories of visits to various ossuaries that I have visited over the years (Capuchin Crypt in Rome, Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa in Milan, Catacombs of Paris).

Though some might find it a bit disturbing, I also found the Beginnings part of the exhibit to be particularly intriguing with its look into the start of life. Embryos, placentas and vessels displaying specimens of unrealized pregnancies show fetal bone development as well as the development of the small bodies at various stages of propagation.

And if you think embryos are a little disturbing, you need to draw back the sheer curtain and take a look at the skin suit. Yes, one that Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs would absolutely kill for!

In the end, I compared the two exhibitions in my mind and decided that while they were both interesting, REAL BODIES offered more information and at the same time was also a bit cheaper.

If anyone is trying to make the decision of which to visit, location may be a large part of your choice, however, you won’t be disappointed by either. And for those, faint of heart, who may be deterred by the thought of looking into a human body, believe me, its like no other spectacle that you have ever seen!

Check out more pictures on Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.


REAL BODIES

  • http://www.realbodiesatballys.com/
  • Address: Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, 3645 S Las Vegas Blvd, Suite A1-A3, Las Vegas, NV 89109
  • Hours: 1000-2100, daily
  • Admission: $29.95 per person (discounts may be found on various sights)

Bodies Exhibition

A Desert Treasure

© 2019 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Las Vegas is an interesting place!

I think anyone who has ever been there can agree with that statement and as many times as I have been there over the years, it always seems like there is something new (and often crazy) that astounds me!

Having had enough of the crowds on the Strip, I had decided to rent a car for a little expedition away from the city. I knew I was heading towards Rachel, Nevada to experience the E.T. Highway, but since I had a car at my disposal, I decided that I had better do a quick search on my phone to see if there was anything else going on in the area.

Spotting an article about an art installation ten miles south of Las Vegas, I, at first, thought I was a bit late. But the pictures…oh they were intriguing!

Continuing my research, I learned that The Seven Magic Mountains (as it was called) was a large-scale exhibition, created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, and is located near Jean Dry Lake and Interstate 15. It was installed in the desert on May 11, 2016 and was originally slated to remain for two years. Given an extension until the end of 2021, thankfully, it was still there!

Even though it was completely in the opposite direction of where I was initially headed, I decided that it would be worth the detour.

The drive was easy and as I approached from Las Vegas Boulevard South, I could see the stark contrast of the colorful, stacked boulders against the desert landscape.

If you’ve ever hiked a trail where rocks are present, you may have seen human-made, stacks of rocks called cairns. These stacks are often used as memorials or landmarks. This is immediately what I though of when I gazed upon the boulders in the desert from the parking area. In fact, as I walked along the path toward the installation, many people had made small cairns along the way.

It was the commanding presence of the art installation itself and the striking colors, however, that made me gasp, when I stood in their shadows.

Seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders stand more than thirty feet high, soaring above you in the clear, desert sky. It was unlike anything I had ever seen! Colossal stones, painted in vivid hues and stacked in the middle of the Nevada desert…but why? I had no idea but it was one of the most captivating displays I had ever lain my eyes upon.

As I walked among these massive pillars, I was amazed, not only for the amount of visitors to the site (which really is out in the middle of nowhere), but also how the Stonehenge-like monoliths were constructed.

Since I was heading to the E.T. Highway, I thought about the stories and myths that have long accompanied Area 51.

It Ugo Rondinone a cover? Could it be aliens?

In the spirit of the day’s trip, I’ll go with that!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Seven Magic Mountains

  • http://sevenmagicmountains.com/
  • Address: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054
  • Hours: 24 hours, daily
  • Admission: free
  • Getting There: Take I-15 South from the Las Vegas Strip. Follow I-15 S to Sloan Rd in Enterprise. Take exit 25 from I-15 S . Merge onto I-15 S . Take exit 25 toward Sloan Rd. Drive to Las Vegas Blvd S in Sloan. Turn left onto Sloan Rd. Turn right onto Las Vegas Blvd S. The installation can be seen from the interstate.

Wisdom and Wildlife

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Beaches, sun, horses, lighthouses, churches…

There was much that I had discovered and enjoyed while visiting the Outer Banks and then I found a bit more!

While driving near the lighthouse, I noticed a sign for the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. I had some time to spare, so I decided to check it out.

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, located at Currituck Heritage Park, is dedicated to exploring coastal North Carolina’s wildlife, natural history and heritage. From the time you walk through the doors, you experience beautiful taxidermied specimens (including a large bear, perfect for a photo op) and dioramas showcasing the area’s history, species and residents that follow the “Life by Water’s Rhythm” theme. Emphasis is placed on the lifestyle and livelihood that is garnered from hunting, trapping, fishing and living along the coastal region.

Most interesting was a movie about the Sound, its resources and duck hunting history. A great deal was revealed about the Whalehead Club and how it’s existence as a lavish hunting retreat in the 1920’s shaped the area as a tourist destination.

My favorite part of the entire exhibit, however, was the display of handcrafted duck decoys. These beautifully crafted pieces made by James Best were captivating in their detail and craftsmanship.

After your indoor visit, make sure to take the outdoor nature trail where birds and nutria can be spotted in their natural habitat. Other activities include kayak tours, fishing, crabbing and archery and visits to the historic Whalehead Club.

If you need a little more than just a beach visit while in Corolla, make sure to check out this educational gem.

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education