Maphew’s Year in the Country

I love living in the Country

May 10, 2010

Well, we have just come back from a very exciting walk. The day started out like any other. The sun was shining and the wind was actually not blowing too hard. Tia, Zeus, Gerda and I went out to the back hayfield. I was even keeping up nicely. Gerda decided to cut across the field to the hedgerow of trees that line the edge of the field. I naturally followed by taking the long way around when I spied something moving in the longer grass by the poplars. I took off running, as it was still a distance away. I then proceeded to follow the trail by using my nose. It does a very fine job of finding things, you know. Well, I caught up to the animal. I have never seen anything like it. It was roundish and had many pointy bits. I was just going to get really close to take an even better look when I heard Gerda telling me to stop: in no uncertain terms. I immediately stopped advancing. The animal then lumbered off into the trees. Gerda would not let me chase it. She did explain that the animal was a porcupine and it has a dangerous method of protecting itself. All those little sticks stuck to it could have ended up in my mouth. I can say that Gerda sounded a little bit frightened when she yelled at me but you both taught me well and I do obey. Tia and Zeus did not see the animal at all, so it was my lucky day.

May 12, 2010

I had a wonderful day. Gerda was outside all day long so I could investigate everywhere. I discovered that the squirrel I watch from the kitchen door is actually real and I can chase him through the woods. I disappeared into the underbrush and waited: just like the hunter, I am. I managed to get close to him a couple of times but he does have the slight advantage of being able to ascend to the treetops. The wood behind the house are very crispy and full of neat sounds and smells. The leaves provided Gerda with a tracking device. She told me, I was audible throughout the entire adventure. I was out of sight and so it felt like a proper experience. I even discovered my way through the thicket and emerged from an entirely different location. I was totally covered with bark, leaves and lichen. I looked a sight. The leaves just fell off.

I walked with Gerda in another pasture. The owner is doing some cat work so we investigated to see what was going on. Still no clue as to the plans for the quarter but it was a nice walk as the big dogs had gone for a walk with Larry.

Better watch out I'm going to find you

May 18, 2010

I had to go to work twice this week. This is neither a problem nor a hardship as the owners; Dick and Janet have adopted me and readily feed me ICE CREAM. It was wonderful, delicious and of so cooling.

May 21, 2010

The grandchildren had an extended sleepover. I enjoyed it but I must say I am glad they have gone home. The weather did not cooperate so we had to stay indoors for the largest part of the visit. Alaura is now using me as a pillow: well maybe for just a little while. I have gotten used to the general rumbustious nature of the two. One day Jacob ran a race around the living room dining room and kitchen for a good ten minutes. I did keep up with my janitorial duties. Alaura and Jacob are not possessing of the grandest of table manners. On Friday, we picked up Hendrika from the bus depot. As the car would have been very full, I elected to stay home and be the welcoming committee. I was very glad to see her but she did look a little tired.

I'm a big boy, I can walk all by myself

We had a nice Victoria Day weekend. The weather was all over the place but it settled down on Monday, of course. The house was full with everyone indulging in brunch. In the afternoon, we planted flowers, moved pots and transplanted others. Jacob and I helped Larry for most of the afternoon. Larry is repairing his horse trailer. Jacob got to help take off wood and rust from the metal. I supervised the entire operation.

Later, we went for a short walk with Alaura, Gerda, Tia and Zeus. Alaura rode in the noisy blue car, pushed by Gerda. The highway was not busy for a nice change of pace.

Hendrika stayed until the 26 of May. We dropped her off in Camrose as Wendee and Rene offered to pick her up. Wendee is having surgery, nothing serious, on Thursday in Calgary. Wendee and Rene were 45 minutes late, but that was due to road construction and a very long train that they had to wait for - twice.

Laurence, I recognized your voice on the telephone when you said goodbye. I could not get up fast enough; I was napping on the mat by the French doors. I did want to talk to you. Maybe next time.

June 2, 2010

Well, the snow disappeared and the grass is now a lovely shade of green. Most of it is so bright that it almost hurts your eyes. It is also much easier to walk through. The pasture is now lush with growth and walks no longer require me to take the long way round. I have seen and avoided a coyote. I also tried to jump out of the car to chase a small deer. Fortunately, for the fawn, the car window was rolled up so I came to a rather abrupt stop. I did startle it back into the field. Did you know that I must now jump like a deer to walk through the long grass? I feel a little put out as Gerda occasionally laughs at the sight. I am starting to disappear into the undergrowth. Luckily, the dog tags made a sweet little jingle that alerts everyone to my presence. I think I lost one, the small rectangular one. Gerda has given me another with her name and phone number as yours is inactive.

We are busy finally planting the bedding out plants today. Frost warnings were issued for May 31 - a little late in the year but what can you do. Luckily, only the pots were covered up and not the entire flowerbed.

I'll track you down

Gerda is getting excited about the trip. Sarah has started a countdown on her mobile phone. Sam finally paid for his tickets and so is really coming.

Anna Lisa has arranged to pick me up on the Reunion Weekend- July 23 - 25- as Gerda will be in Bluffton and she and Dave will be in Rimbey. Could not work out any better. To return, well, we have not figured that out yet.

As the weather has been rather miserable, the store did not have the ice cream machine running on Monday. What a bummer.

June 6

Please tell Etienne that I am thinking of her. I hope that you are avoiding the problem spots in Athens.

The Fields are amazing

The days continue with walks, car rides and many snacks. The squirrel keeps me entertained, as the French door is a wonderful window located at the correct height for a small dog such as myself. The teeny tiny mosquitoes are out with a vengeance. They don‘t bother me to much but have taken a great liking to Gerda. Her arms as covered with raised bumps.

A few days ago, Gerda was painting the new doghouse, when Zeus got in the way. He now has a great big red spot of paint on his rump. Zeus would not allow Gerda to clean him up so now it just has to grow out. It does look a little silly.

Leo and I are now great friends. He does try to sleep with me all the time but I find that it gets a little warm to sleep so close together so I usually move to the floor until I cool off. Cooper still runs but not as fast and the note of panic seem to be subsiding. I can pass her on the stairs to the basement and she remains seated.

Alaura is now taking small steps on her own. I do not know if that is a good thing or not. She crawls rather quickly so I am hoping that the walking will be slow for the time being.

June 12
I am so excited! I have become a tracker. I was walking with Gerda through a wooded area and I caught the slightest whiff of the most exotic scent I have ever known. I dashed into the tall grass and followed my nose. I think that I upset Gerda a little as she was calling my name for about 15 minutes but the aroma led me on. I finally found out what was making that lovely scent. It was a deer!!!! I gave chase but the graceful creature has much longer legs than I do. We ran through the tall grass and then through a thicket. The deer ran right out at Gerda so she and I were reunited much to her relief.

June 17

The grandchildren had another sleepover. Alaura is now walking more often. She does crawl if she deems speed to be necessary much to the cats dismay. I am enjoying them more each time we visit. They are starting to treat me with the respect I deserve.

The grass is now becoming a problem as we have had a fair amount of rain. The grass is now over the heads of the large dogs so I can not see very far when we travel through the hay field. I am hoping that the first cut of the hay will start any day. Even Gerda is starting to follow tracks and trails through the grass.

I know you gave me a lecture on eating horse shit, but it is so tasty!!!!!

June 19
Gerda and I went for another solo walk. We do see much more wildlife when the larger dogs elect to stay home. This time I startled a grouse from the long grass. I feel I can find anything in those woods. The bird flew low for a long stretch but I could not catch up. I think it was protecting it’s young but I did not find a nest or nestlings.

Island of Spetses

So after a return overnight stay in Athens we ventured off to the Island of Spetses about 200 kilometres northwest of Athens in the Mediterranean Sea. We were meeting up with Etienne’s mother and niece who were staying with her uncle on the island and to experience a quaint small Greek island. I was all excited hoping we were going to relive the Momma Mia movie.

Village of Spetses

So on our journey to the island we attempted to catch the metro but in true Greek style it only went to the one station, so we scrambled and caught a Taksi (taxi in Greek) to the port of Piraeus were we caught a hydrofoil to the island. So after a two hour trip on what is basically a bus on the water we arrived in Spetses.

The Old Port of Spetses

The ships in the Old Harbour

Spetses is a very small island with a population of less than 4000 permanent inhabitants and has a no car rule, so the island is serviced by walking, taxi (6 on the island) one bus, scooters or horse and buggy. This makes for a very relaxing place and a great place to just stroll the streets, and hit the many restaurants and of course eat Greek.

Getting intimate with Mermaid

We had a few great days catching up with family and just enjoying the slow pace of the island and the very friendly people of Spetses. One day we hiked over to the old port with it’s old shipyard, statue park and lighthouse. It was in fact at this park where Laurence got to get intimate with a mermaid. Spetses truly is a unique little Greek island, but I never did hear any ABBA.

That is one Salty Boob

After a few relaxing days on the island we needed to return to the mainland to ensure Steph (Etienne’s niece) could catch her plane home. And again in true Greek fashion the morning we were departing the staff of the Hydrofoil we on strike for the day. So after some scrambling at the pier we got a cab for the three ladies and the luggage and Laurence and I set out on a journey of several busses and a boat to make our way home to Athens by land. So after only 8 hours of many types of transport and travelling through goat herds and every small town in Greece we made it home, a day to remember.

The Village of Spetses

Santorini

Beautiful Church

For years now I have seen photos of the island of Santorini and I have dreamed of visiting this exotic Greek island, and hoped it would meet my expectations. Well to my great joy it was even better in person that any brochure photograph can capture. The small villages of white stucco buildings perched high above the blue Mediterranean Sea took my breath away.

Panoramic view of caldera

   

The island of Santorini is crescent shaped and in fact is the remnants of the tip (called a caldera) of a still active volcano creating a deep blue lagoon within the Aegean Sea. In fact this volcano caldera is the largest the world and it’s explosion is responsible for the complete loss of the Minoan civilization in 1450 BC. On the one coast the island has high rocky cliffs while of the other side it is surrounded by volcanic black beaches. With its iconic white villages built high on top of the rocky cliffs with spectacular views of the entire caldera.

Greek Windmill

Left view of Oia

Right view of Oia

We were fortunate enough to be booked into the village of Oia, which is most photographed village on the island for a very good reason with its famous sunsets. Every angle of this amazing town was spectacular and as Laurence send several times, “It is impossible to take a bad picture in this town”. The town has no roads it is just a small sidewalk that weaves it way up and down through the houses, churches and shops of this quaint little village. Our traditional cave home had an amazing view of the ocean and the village but came with price, the steepest staircase down from the main walk of about 4 stories, and in 35 degree heat was a real work out. We were also fortunate enough to be temporarily adopted by one the many Greek island cats, we named here Maphette, who Laurence spoiled with cheese treats daily (sound familiar).

Maphew in Santorini

So everyday Laurence and I would make our way down the main staircase to the water and take a swim in the blue crystal clear water before attempting to climb the over 300 steps back up to the village. We made it our work out routine for this very quiet and relaxing portion of the trip. Et joined us once on our journey down but she took the more traditional method of climbing the hill, a donkey.

Stairs down the hill

Etienne on her donkey

We also rented a car one day and explored the island further afield from our little village of Oia. Each stop had a different charm from the main town of Thira with its countless shops (catering to our now hated cruise ship tour groups, or zombies as we referred to them) to the black pebble beach of Perissa Beach. And the views along the road side were all magnificent and breath taking.

Church in Thira

Dome of Art Deco Church

Left view of  Thira

 

Right view of Thira

This portion of our holiday was always planned to be full of slow days, hot weather, just lying by the pool, cool drinks and roof top dinners and we did it all. Our memories of Oia, claiming to be the location of the lost city of Atlantis, will be with us for a lifetime and can’t wait to visit this island again.

Painted Ass

Istanbul

Istanbul an absolute Turkish Delight. The addition of Istanbul to our itinerary was last minute, but the trip turned out to be a highlight of this most remarkable journey we are on. This ancient city situated right on the continent divide between Asia and Europe is definitely a mix of both continents. With large symmetrical mosques on every vista and random cobblestone streets overcrowded with shopkeepers and customers, this place draws you in.

Maphew checking out the Mosque

I have visited many outdoor markets in the world but nothing is like the enormous scale of the Grand Bazaar and the enticing odours of the Spice Bazaar. The grand bazaar is a labyrinth of booths covered by painted vaulted ceilings with goods for sale from diamonds to leather to knock off designer goods. The all male shop keepers are relentless on their quest for a sale and they use the most unique lines to draw you into their shops, like “How can I help you spend your money”. And if you do make a purchase you are treated with apple tea and a Turkish delight on the house. And the Spice Bazaar with its booths full of spices and food from the region draw you into the fabulous Turkish cuisine. And the food here is incredible with its curries, lambs and kebabs and again we ate far too much.

Inside the Spice Bazaar

Carpets at the Grand Bazaar

One of the most interesting sites we visited was the magnificent Basilica Cistern. This enormous underground cistern was built in 550 AD to supply water to the city of Constantinople and the Palace area. This cavernous space is held up by 326 marble columns with a 9 metre vaulted ceiling, and about 3 feet of water at the base. The columns were castaways and columns from older temples that were used to create this engineering feat. They have now built a walkway through the large space and have it lit up with mood lights and play classical music in the background to add to the sound of dripping water. This all makes for a most unusual tourist site.

The magnificent Basilica Cistern

Amazing columns from different sites

Medusa Heads

We also spend a day at the Topkapi Palace touring the ancient palace and viewing the treasures of the Sultan. This Palace was built in the 1400s and was the principle residence of the Sultans for hundreds of years. We toured through all the buildings and the government houses as well as most impressive Harem, which in its height had over 1000 concubines living here. This truly is right out of a novel.

Inside Harem quarters

The most amazing site in Istanbul is without a doubt the amazing structure called Haghia Sophia. This church/mosque is over 1400 years old and is the greatest achievement of the 6th century Byzantine civilization. The structure was originally built in 520 AD as a Christian church with a vast dome ceiling and intricate gold mosaics of the life of Christ. Then it was turned into a Mosque in about 1000 AD and was modified and the mosaics covered in accordance with Muslin Law. Only in the last 25 years has the original art work been uncovered and now on display for all to see. The building is mammoth in size and scale and the combining of the Christian and Muslin faith in one structure makes a real statement of peace. Truly one of those places you visit that take your breath away and you need to just take it all in.

Haghia Sophia

Front of Haghia Sophia

Domes of Haghia Sophia

We also toured several other large mosques in Istanbul including the new Mosque and of course the world famous Blue Mosque. Clean lines, symmetry and attention to detail are evident in these serene structures. A real sense of peace and tranquilly are within their walls.

Blue Mosque

Inside the Blue Mosque

So while in Turkey we also had to take a traditional Turkish Bath. We went to a three hundred old Turkish Bath (Haman) and stepped back in time to an age old tradition. So we sweated out in the very hot marble steam room and then we subjected ourselves to the full treatment of the bath Turkish style. After a vigorous scrubbing and a strong massage on a marble slab you definitely feel revived, and ready to take on the streets of Istanbul again.

Istanbul was a joy to discover, the streets, the shops, the food and we even did a boat trip up the Bosphorus, it never ceased to amaze me. I would come back here in a second to finish this journey of exploration.

Athens

Ancient ruins, windy cobble stone streets, the Mediterranean, olives with feta cheese and ouzo, we have arrived in Athens. This town truly is unique with its white stucco apartments, heavy traffic, smells of lamb with exhaust and of course the Acropolis. And we have been able to completely avoid the public demonstrations, but not the plant salesman. But the change in food from Italian has been great but we now truly do not understand a thing these people are saying.

Parthenon on top of Acropolis

Here in Athens we have met up with Etienne (our good friend from Australia), as she has planned her vacation to coordinate with ours at this point. She has arrived with her mother who is staying with family here in Athens. And as a nice surprise Stephanie, Et’s niece, is here to accompany her grandmother. So we have been able to connect with family and friends and be around some familiar faces for a few days. And Et’s mom has been able to show us some of her favourite Greek dishes and explain some foreign traditions to us.

Parthenon being repaired

Stephanie and Henry surveying the site

Maphew checks out the site as well

The acropolis is an amazing sight to see, perched high on the top of mountain that overlooks the entire city. The acropolis contains the famous Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. The towering pillars that are still standing are a testament to the builders who constructed it in 450 BC. The entire complex is full of ancient ruins dedicated to the gods of Greek Mythology, and is an amazing site to explore and to compliment the ruins there is the new Acropolis Museum. But the acropolis really does look the best in the evening when the entire mountain is lit up and you are sitting back with a drink in hand staring at this wonder.

Changing of the National Guard

We also took in a changing of the National Guard in front of the Parliament Buildings. This in nothing like the British version, they wear white skirts and pompom shoes. And march to a very different beat resembling cancan girls with a bad knee. It was one of those sights you will never forget.

Guards in front of Parliament Buildings

We are rediscovering our joy for all food Greek. And I am learning that there is no bad Greek dish as we are trying everything placed in front of us. We have also discovered a new dinner aperitif that is a must called Tentura, a spicy port like drink that goes down like candy. And a rolled coconut candy stick is a must when touring the streets of the Plaka area avoiding the “bad eye” hawkers.

Stiniasas

To your health

Rome

So what can I say, but another great city and another great experience, Rome, where history comes to life and the Italian culture just shines. We lost ourselves discovering this great city as around every corner was another great landmark, fountain, building or gelato stand. The city really is a mix of the very old roman ruins, renaissance architecture, piazzas with great restaurants and with and all the trappings of a tourist town. And we couldn’t get enough of it.

Piazzia Navona with its Four Rivers Fountain

Maphew at the Trevi Fountain

We discovered all the major attractions of Rome like the magical Trevi Fountain, the enormous Coliseum, the amazing Pantheon and the romantic Spanish Steps. But there are so many highlights in this town far too many to mention, as it truly is like visiting a living museum.. We visited countless churches, piazzas and museums in order to absorb the Rome experience.

Maphew at the Colosseum

Maphew at the Pope's House

A highlight for sure was our day at the Vatican, checking out the Pope’s house. This country within a city is a fascinating site for sure. After only an hour in the line we entered the massive Vatican Museum complex and toured all of the museums, the collection here is beyond belief. But the highlight was undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel with it’s over whelming ceiling by Michelangelo, after about hour of looking at the ceiling our head was spinning. Then we visited the largest church in the world St Peters Basilica and climbed to the top of the dome, to see the view and check out the pope’s residence.

The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio

But this trip to Rome was mostly about the art, and Laurence was in his absolute glory as around every corner and in every church we stopped at, famous works of art were accessible to him. We saw so many pieces by Raphael, Bernini, Canova, Michelangelo, da Vinci and of course his all time favourite Caravaggio. To his absolute joy he now has seen over 40 works by Caravaggio in person, this is certainly a highlight for him. In fact we even waited in line for over 4 hours to see a one of kind Caravaggio show that was in Rome for a short period with the largest collection of his works in one place ever. I know have learned so much about great art from Laurence and this trip that this show was well worth the long wait in the sun, Caravaggio is a master painter.

Statue at Stadio dei Marmi

But the highlight of the stop at Rome was that Laurence finally got to see the Stadio dei Marmi at the Foro Italico. Laurence has been mesmerized by this site since he first saw it in magazines over twenty years ago and studied it, painted pictures of it and is obsessed with it. So it was like a pilgrimage for him to finally see this truly one of a kind stadium. Built in the 1920s this stadium was built for Mussolini in the art deco style and has over 60 colossal statutes of nude athletes surrounding the seating area. We spent over four hours in the sun as Laurence photographed each stature separately and he broke a daily record of over 1900 pictures in one day. He was like a kid at Disneyland and I of course got a sun burn.

Roman Forum

Maphew at the Roman Forum

Rome was beyond my expectations, the art absolutely amazing and the experience memorable can’t wait to come back.

 Arrivederci Roma!