Christmas 2010

Random pictures

Grandma and her latest quilt projects

Ben & Will

Lil A & Calvin helping in the kitchen

Decorating Thanksgiving cookies

Lil A & Macy helping make Monkey Bread

Doug & Calvin

Freddy the Frog from school and cousin frog from Perry, Iowa



Getting ready for Uno



Istanbul Turkey

After the Greece tour we flew to Istanbul for a one week stay there. A fascinating city - 13million population, street traffic is very crowed and congested - one way streets and do not turn signs are ignored. The mosques, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Market are just a few of the highlights.

Blue Mosque

 

Inside Blue Mosque - We were allowed to observe a Call to Prayer with an Imam presiding

Entrance to Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace grounds

View of a mosque from the domed rooftop over Han Shops

Turkish coffee - lots of grounds at the bottom of the cup



Thyme tea and mulberry juice



Mary & tour members after a Turkish bath - Notice when the building was built



Blue Mosque



Spice Market

Tea is delivered to merchants in Bazaar & Spice Market

Dinner @ small corner outdoor cafe

Grand Bazaar Fabric shop

Pita bread before the air comes out of it

Turkish pizza



Hagia Sophia



Athens & Greece Tour

After 4 nights at Oia on Santorini Island, we flew back to Athens, the day before our tour started. We toured Athens and the Pelopennese Pennisula for 2 weeks. It was quite impressive to see ruins and items from  2700 to 3000 years ago. Lots of walking and hiking, great scenery, yummy food, and memories for both of us.

Parthenon @ Acroplis in Athens

 

Archelogical Museum - Athens - Awards for wrestling events

Olympia - Home of first Olympic Games



Archelogical Museum - Athens

Changing of the guard - Tomb of Unknown Soldier - Athens

Sardine lunch @ Kardamyli harbor

Looking back to town after 2 hour hike on Monamvasia

Refreshing salad lunch & beer after Monamvasia hike

Lunch on Souvalki Row in Athens

Delphi near site of Oracle

Island of Hydra - No vehicles - Donkeys carried goods up the hills and steps

Iced coffee drinks @ Hydra harbor taverna

Donkeys @ Hydra harbor

Last meal in Athens - Acropolis in background