A Different Athens

On my way home from South Asia, I stopped by Athens, Greece, to visit my dear friend Roslyn (also a former Journeyman) who is now married and living there. It was so fun to see my sweet friend there, meet her awesome new husband Amir, explore Athens and just enjoy a little bit of down time before the transition to Tha-Merica.

Ros and Amir

In Athens, I went at sunset to Mars Hill where the Apostle Paul preached to the Athenians. I saw it again in the daytime as well. From Mars Hill, you get a great view of the city.

Sign in Greek that talks about Apostle Paul speaking there (see Acts 17:16-34)

Mars Hill from above

Me and Ros and the beautiful sunset behind us

I also went to Acropolis, went to the Acropolis Museum and saw many ruins including the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Roman Gate, Olympia and the Hadrian Library.

The Parthenon

The Propylaia

Daytime view of the city

We went to see the tomb of the Marathon Soldier, who ran all the way from the last battle (the Battle of Marathon) between the Greeks and the Persians to announce that the Greeks had one (by betrayal, according to Amir—a Persian). The soldier died of exhaustion right after he delivered the news of victory. This tomb is guarded by soldiers dressed in traditional clothing all day, every day—much like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

The tomb is right in front of the Parliament building.

The soldiers that guard the tomb are really tall.

We also went to a beautiful park and saw lots of neat little animals and even spent at day at the Mediterranean Sea on the beach.

Roslyn cooked a delicious Iranian meal for the first time! Go Ros!

I had so much fun with Ros and her new family. Love you, girl!

Last Visa Run to Thailand

Every six months, we have to leave our country for a visa run. Basically, we just need to leave the country for a few days. Then we can come back. Annually, my company uses this opportunity as a time for meetings, fellowship and corporate worship. For this, we go to Chiang Mai, Thailand. This was my last out of three trips to Thailand. Can I just say that I love Thailand? It's a good break from life in South Asia and has a lot of American amenities. Starbucks. Enough said. Here are some fun pictures from the trip.

Reba rented a scooter and did a great job driving around town.

Our "little bro" Zach was recognized at Senior Night.

The sponsoring fellowship brought chocolate fountains!

The typical mode of transportation is a songtaw- a pick-up truck with a covering over the bed.

Karaoke night is always fun!

My roommate for the trip- sweet Georgia girl Kimberly

Thailand, I'll miss visiting you every six months!

Vacation- Round 3 (World Wonder)

Sunday, we took the train to Cairo. I had been there for only a few hours when I flew in, and so it was nice to be able to explore the city a little more, go to an unbelievable mall, eat at On the Border, visit new friends and, of course, see the Pyramids and the Sphinx (which, by the way, is so much smaller than you think in real life). I rode a camel for the first time and bought some great gifts for friends and family (and myself).

One of the 9 pyramids and the Sphinx (told you it was kinda little)

This is my camel. I shall call him "Nappy," and he shall be mine.

me and Sarah

Camels are grouchy.

fun shot

Now, I've seen two world wonders: the pyramids and the Taj Mahal.

I had such a great time with my sweet friend. It was an easy, laid back vacation for the both of us. It's good when you get to vacation with someone else who lives cross-culturally because the "go" and "do" and "see" just doesn't have to happen unless it happens. It was a good break from my crazy, chaotic South Asian life, and I enjoyed spending time with my friend from the farm.

I love you, Sarah!

Vacation- Round 2

After our 5 days on the Sinai Peninsula, we headed back to Alexandria...on the Mediterranean! It is a beautiful city, and my friend's apartment is just a stone's throw from the sea. There, I was able to see a couple that was at training with me and their new little girl, do a little shopping and eat at Chili's! I think you know that it's probably one of my favorite restaurants (besides, Barberitos and La Parilla, Athenians!). I also got my hair cut while there. It's a lot like it was before but just a better cut. It's cute!

the Sea

me and the Sea

fishing boats

Chili's!

beautiful Sarah in her kurta and bangles I brought her

Vacation So Far...

The first 5 days of my trip I spent by the pool and on the beach in Sharm el Sheikh, a little Red Sea town on the Sinai Peninsula. We got really good tans, drank Starbucks, bought some beautiful jewelry, snorkeled in the Red Sea and relaxed to the max. It was great. Here are a few pictures:

On the plane to the resort with sweet Sarah +

Glorious Starbucks +

the pool and pedicured toes +

the Red Sea +

snorkeling =

TOO MUCH FUN!

Now, I am in Alexandria to do a little hanging out and eating at Chili's...yes, Chili's! Then, off to Cairo and to the pyramids Monday. More to come later. I promise (might be after I get home). Love y'all!

Out.

with this girl:

Sorry that I have been a slacker of a blogger this last week. Please forgive me. It's been a crazy busy week. And, now...I am going to Egypt for vacation! I'll try to post during the trip, but don't expect it. However, you can be sure that I'll be posting tons of photos and anecdotes from what is sure to be a most excellent vacation with a great friend!

Another Beautiful Place

Last month, my team and I took a little trip to the state south of us for a little adventure and retreat. We saw some cool historical sites, even a scroll written in Hebrew (probably some of the Old Testament) that had been brought over by Jews that lived in the state long ago. It was so cool, but unfortunately, I could not take a picture of it. We also went to an old, old synagogue and even met a sweet lady whose family had been there forever! She said that, currently, only six Jewish families with 11 members remain there because most have gone back to Israel. How neat!

The best part about the trip was spending 24 hours on a houseboat on the backwaters. It was so beautiful, peaceful and fun. We ate delicious seafood, played games, fished and some even ventured to swim in the murky water (not me!). Here are few pictures.

On the train, playing games


A house boat like ours

Me, driving

The fish market

The state is known for its spices.

The beach


If you want to know more about this trip and how you could experience the fun too, just e-mail me!

Backtrack- Beautiful Bali

One thing I love about living on this side of the world is the (cheap) opportunity to travel to beautiful places.

After my time in Thailand, I went on a little vacation to beautiful Bali, Indonesia, with 5 other girls. It was a wonderful vacation. We were able to rent a private villa with a pool and a short walk to the beach. There, the staff fed us a delicious breakfast every morning, cooked an amazing Balinese meal for dinner and did our laundry daily! If that ain't a vacation, I don't know what is. We traveled to different parts of the island to shop in the markets, visit other beaches and see a traditional dance show. We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, drank coffee at Starbucks and had seafood at sunset right on the beach.

Perhaps the best thing about the trip was the company. The girls I went with are amazing. We had a great time relaxing together, talking late into the night and shopping. I am so blessed!

Here's a collage of photos from Bali:

Backtrack- Thailand for New Year's

I really like Thailand! Every six months or so, I head out of my country for a little refreshing and fun. I usually get to meet up with friends who live all over South Asia. It's a good time.

For New Year's I was in Thailand, first in Pattaya for a little retreat, then in Chiang Mai to do a little babysitting. While in CM, my friends and I celebrated 2009 together. Apparently, in Thailand, CM is the place to be for New Year's Eve. It was packed!

Here are a few fun pictures from the trip:

World Wonder

Yes...AYo is here for Christmas! Before we came to my city, we met up in Delhi and then trained down to Agra to see one of the world wonders, the Taj Mahal. We had a great time and took a ton of pictures. For more info on the Taj, click HERE.


As a "Non-Indian" we had to pay an outrageous price...about 25 times the price for Indians!


These are the little booties they make foreigners wear. Indians go barefoot.


Now, we are back in my city, Christmas-ing it up. Last night, we finished up stories with the neighbors and will be able to attend several Christmas parties over the next few days. I love this time of year, and I am so thankful AYo came to spend it with me!