Delphi, Greece

Greece has thus far surpassed my every expectation. Yes, going into it, nearly everybody who has traveled here said that Athens isn't worth it; its sketchy, not much to see, and in general, not that fun of a city. Well, sometimes it is best to go out, and do it your own way. Athens, and Greece so far, haven't disappointed and have far surpassed everyone else's evaluations.

In a civilization that is the cradle of humanity and academic learning (seems fitting that I travel there right? Well, okay, that might be a stretch), they must know how to do something right. Although Greece is a PIGS country, Athenians have been living and carrying on their culture over 2500 years and 6 empires. So, in actuality, yes, the ruins may be more ruin than temple -- but that is why they are called ruins. Yes, you may have a grandiose vision of what the ancient Greece looked like, but it would be rather short-sided to assume the architects 2500 years ago were planning on how the ruins looked in 2010 for your benefit.

It is often the case tourists forget -- it isn't all about you. People once lived there (which is why you visited in the first place), but life goes on, and yes, people still live there. See the sights, but experience the culture that has lived on.

Yesterday, I took a day-trip to the ancient site of Delphi. Where oracles "foresaw" future events -- written through the interpretations of priests. In essence, it is now known, that the oracle would be placed in a room above a vent of hallucinogenic gas, would speak, and her discombobulated words would be interpreted into a dubious poem by 5 priests. This poem would depend not on your situation, but would depend on how you read the poem or emphasized punctuation. The oracle was always right.

More than anything, it was just cool old stuff. 2500 years later, this stuff remains. In America, you see a house that is from the 1800's or early 1900's and it is an "old house." Well, in Greece, a "new church" is a Byzantine church from the 1000's. Its a big world, and there are old cultures.

More Istanbul

Craziest place ever -- the Call to Prayer wakes me up every morning at 6 AM -- and keeps me on my toes throughout the day (5 times a day!). Beautiful, gigantic Mosques dot the landscape, minarets poking through the somewhat decrepit, gigantic city.

I love it -- and the food is amazing. Kebab, Durum, Doner, lots of tea. They certainly love lamb here -- and what isn't to love about lamb? Thats America's problem, the serious lack of lamb and eggplant in our diet.

Pictures today! Tomorrow I'm off to the Asian side of Istanbul -- not much to do there besides a market, and now being able to say I have stepped foot on the Asian continent.

Istanbul

Istanbul -- Not Constantinople. Its Istanbul, who cares about Constantinople? Well, say that to all of the past civilizations who once ruled over this gateway between Asia and Europe. Every great civilization has controlled Istanbul at one point or another, and it shows. East meets west, truly, here in this great city.

It is like nothing I have ever seen, or smelled, before. Maybe it is the combination of fresh roasted chestnuts, combined with the aroma of slow roasting lamb on a spit (Doner!), kebab, roasting corn, or the seemingly infinite amount of feral cats. It is something so different, so unique, and so great, from where I have been before.

Mosques a plenty, street hawkers, impoverished, greasy, Turkish. I love it.

The language is absolutely insane, and the people all look unfriendly. Few speak English, no one speaks Spanish, but they are all after the western tourists. Its great. I love it.

Istanbul has such a rich history; a crucial stop on trading routes since ancient time, a stronghold for the great civilizations, and a cultural capital of the world. It is brilliant, the food is outstanding (and cheap), and the coffee is to die for. I have a profound respect for cultures that understand the importance of good food (delicious roasted meat), and even better, motor-oil, strong, acidic, Coffee.

Barcelona, Catalunya

Oh Barcelona. My one love. A great city -- new meets old, land meets sea, strange meets weird, and a clash of one culture into the next. A beautiful city, a better language, good food, better bars, and some pretty good times.

I'm going to miss this city -- my first (and hopefully not last) European home. I've been living with a great family, who treats me like one of their own, to whom I am eternally indebted to, while living in a brilliant city. I am sad to be leaving, and don't know what else to say. So maybe, for once, I won't say anything, but instead just show pictures.

Montjuic. Home of the '92 Olympics, and 2010 Shakira Performance. I'm a fan.

Sagrada Familia

Camp Nou, and of course, Barca

IceBarcelona. Ice Bar. Barcelona. -13 celsius. Vodka drinks from ice cups. And dancing to keep warm. Andrew didn't even need the jacket, his beard sufficed.

La Boqueria market, you haven't seen a market 'till it stares you in the face

Oh, Herro.

HERRO!

Catalunya -- home to Caga Tio. You take care of it, beat it with a stick, and it poops gifts. Yes I'm serious. I love Catalunya.

Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.