65.22 Call back the past...again. A 'taste' of Greece.

  There will be no slippery comments given or accepted during this blog, both because of the need for safety procedures to be adhered to strictly as well as restricting those who believe they are hilarious, yours truly included. While it's not our intention to supress humor anytime, should we follow the protocol then our friends will be asked to make this slippery sacrifice, too. Having dealt with this touchy issue, we now move on to a visit that took place a decade ago. It's hard to believe time moves at such a quick pace; we always thought it was constant. The trip, years ago, proved to be...may we say, spectacular. 

  Having viewed the pictures again (only a few), one can't help posing the question: Why have we not returned? In addition, we met up with Jen's high school friend, Jenny Lev, who was a gracious host when we passed through Athens. Our visit, which included meeting the lovely Vassi, a Rhodesian of Greek heritage. There really are wonderful people hidden in all parts of the world. Maybe that's one of our purposes in life...meeting the hidden gems in different parts of the world. 

Athens: A night view of the Parthenon.
A city of monasteries. Perhaps the inspiration for the song, "A House on the Hill".
An early morning commencement for an ascent of Mount Olympus.
The mountain is fully lit as Jen continues ascending.
Partway up Mount Olympus.
Gerontovrachos Parnassos whatever that means but a 'lot of fun'.
"You're not serious? We're climbing that?" she gasps. She considers her options and rather intelligently, offers a counter-solution.
Jen finds a solution to the steep slope confronting us. I suppose it's an option. A bit rough on the back, though.
Jen traverses the mountains of Delphi.
Having come from the town across the way, moved down into the valley and up on the other side. Nature is not about convenience.
The port which is home, if we recall, to cruise ships.
Meantime, let's keep climbing in another part of the country.
Fitting in with the culture. If it's Greece, he must be running a marathon.
"Okay, let's keep the momentum, fella."
Follow that lady, she knows where she's going and what she intends accomplishing on Gingolos.
We suppose it's a little edgy but it is a golden opportunity in Lutro.
A room with a view as we retire to the monastery to contemplate.
You ought to step carefully up there, Jen.
She likes those types of challenges.
Jen finds herself wondering about the mountains, hills and countryside. As long as it make sense to her, then who cares otherwise.
Another Greek Isle. Annapolis Gorg(eous).
Sunrise on Mount Olympus...spectacular. The sun has a lesser distance to travel to reach this peak, obviously makes a 'difference'.
Refugi Amalos
Should she be too tired to continue, we could spend the night.
Chora. Goodnight! 

 Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Are you being served? The quality of the wait staff is just not up to scratch.

Perhaps, a cultural highlight was when we stayed in Hora Sfakion. The aparthotel owner, Mr. Stavros, provided a few moments of pure joy. One afternoon, we were returning from a hike while Mr. Stavros sat on a chair outside the restaurant in a vest, a 'wifebeater', and summoned us. He probably said something to the order of 'so you think you are big deals because you have the big hike under your belt'. We both thought that it felt like standing before a mafia boss as he 'took us down a peg or two'. We loved it. 

  Thereafter, whenever we passed Boss Stavros, our minds played out a godfather scene and a smile creased our faces. I should not use the word 'crease' when referring to Jen...she might be sensitive. Perhaps, two creases crossed my face, while Jen appeared to be amused. We had other opportunities with the boss, too. 

 "You listen to me, son. You go tell your boss I'll make hot water when it suits me. In fact, you play me wrong and I'll make matzos ball soup from your body parts." 

'Yes, Mr. Stravros, sir.' 

(This is a job for an editor. As usual, subject's unaware of a lurking photographer.) (Extract from original 2016)

71.20 Portugal, Geres: Circuit of town of Geres and outskirts via "Funicular", two hikes combined, with weather varying by the minute.

  For clarity, a while back we dealt with our concept of the 'funicular' or the waterpipe. A lengthy explanation is offered in that blog (71.11). For the record, whether you understand our logic on that matter or not, it won't make any difference one way or another. Such is the impact of our 'wisdom'. 

  The format that follows differs in that Jen verbalizes her feelings as we make our way on a circuit we formulated around the town. It turned out wonderfully, so we tried it again...on a different day, of course.

Leave the apartment, enter a forest and make our way toward a 'formal' commencement point. (Jen thinks "Isn't it enough already?")
From a mountain peak across the way (PR3) we spot the Futebol Club which we pass on our left and carry onto the path visible to its left. We continue up until we find a road, turn left and reach the overview of Lake Canicada, mainly. Should you look very closely, you might see Jenni through the trees. 

(Jen thinks: "I'm surprised he has not invited me to join a soccer team for our rest period(s)")
In the early stages, we see the 'dollhouse', something that fascinates us. (Jen thinks: "I hope this is not a fantasy I never knew about.")
Early'ish' view of the clouds and low mist. (Jen: "He thinks the clouds are part of him. What a w(h)et!"
Getting high with next stop above the clouds. (Jen: "So full of himself.") 

 Next view is a low position telephoto view of the end of the lake, north side, very attractive beach area. (Jen: "He's probably thinking we should run down and explore it. I should have brought my wings with me....and a prayer.")
My favoritism is clearly showing as I admire the lake and bridges. (Jen: "Not another of the lake. We get the concept of water captured in a bowl.")
We continue along and below we spot Casa Bela, a place designated as a brunch spot. (Jen: I need a break in my fast.")
A view of the lake with the pump station coming up once Jen goes round the bend. (Jen: "He knows I don't like this climb but here we are again. He will drive me round the...")
Jen reaches the station makes a left and it's downhill all the way until we take another left to reach Casa Bela. Jen returns for the second and then a third occasion to face her former nemesis. Down into the abyss as we make a circular attack on the "funicular" by not returning to face the 1,600 steps of hell to reach heaven. And she thinks I don't cut her slack...(Jen: He does not understand the meaning of slack. He probably thinks it's a single pair of trousers.)
At a highpoint, the view is wonderful with a pedestal on the edge. (Jen: "I know what they mean when placing someone on a pedestal. Probably not a good time to knock him off it...then again...hmm!")
A house is not necessarily a home, Casa Bela. (Jen: "He would probably want to spend the night should the doors be unlocked.")
Jen reaches the swing. Hardly anything special...reaching it is what counts. (Jen: "I try act enthusiastic about swinging for his sake.")
Heading home after passing the halfway stage. (Jen: "Now we're talking.")
Say goodbye to this wondrous landmark...maybe watermark. (Jen:"Like he listened to my previous comment.")
Trim, trim and trim a little more, as we reenter the town at height. (Jen:"Anal, anal and a little more anal.")
Terrific, lichen cover...very attractive. (Jen: "I wonder if lichen would grow on...")
There's the dollhouse again nestled on the outskirts of the town.
The rain has to go somewhere. (Jen: "What an intellect.")

The reverse of the opening shot as we climb to reach home. (Jen: "He'll probably suggest we have a workout upon arriving home.")

"Bye, my Jen, no doubt you enjoyed your day immensely. I could tell with that constant smile on your face. You seemed to be in deep thought throughout the hike."
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

65.21: Call back the past: A delightful visit to Argentine.

  I suppose we can be accused of calling all trips and experiences memorable. Therefore, I won't use those words now, but you can imply whatever appears to be appropriate or makes sense. Here are a few photographs which give a taste of the natural wonders of this beautiful country, particularly the early morning mountain scenes and the abundance of flowing water and lakes. Rather than allow these photographs to accumulate moisture in the clouds, we bring them down to earth as a reminder of how fortunate we all are. 

  As an aside, it struck me that our time in the country felt similar to traveling in Europe. I often had to remind myself where we were and that it was not Europe.  

It's hard to beat this sunrise scene at Mount Fitzroy.
The water flows at Iguazu Falls, staggering.
It's almost illusionary as the sights of the same objects seem to vary so much when one changes view positions. I was always taken in by this mountain scene, the top looks like a cat's head from the rear...an opinion.

Jen takes the gap and the mountain scene confronts her.

We took a shuttle to a nearby town and walked back along a trail through and over the mountains. Next time, we should take the shuttle back.
From the peak above, Jen makes her way down through the magnificent, colorful region.

This mountain had my interest during the whole period of the visit to El Chalten. (Cat's head.) 

  Iguazu Falls is a wonder of the world.

A quiet spot tucked away in the mountains providing serenity and reflections.
A function of the time of day...early.

The only desert region we came across over the period. 

  Then ice baths to enjoy after a strenuous hike.

One foot at a time, placed carefully and it's a 'piece of cake'...perhaps cake is incorrect in this context. 

The team got together to provide us a quick 'shot' before they separated again.
A tough day on a rugged hike, Loma Tumbado.
The next two-color variations are totally dependent on the sun's position.
Early morning sun to redden the rocks. 

On the outskirts of San Carlos de Bariloche, our base for the visit.
Let the water flow. To the left of the falls is Brazil, talking of a small world with massive countries.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

One for the road...or water.