My mind's trips

Last Update from this blog!!

2014-09-29T15:55:00.001+03:00

Hello everyone!

I would like to let you know that this is the last update from this blog, from "mymindstrips-demetra.blogspot.gr."

I created a new one, the " A Sky Full of Moments". Hope you will enjoy it!!

Bye!!!!

Demetra

Update for the last days as an Au Pair - March 1st-18th, 2014

2014-09-07T10:45:00.003+03:00

March 1st, 2014

It was my birthday! My host family took me out for dinner to celebrate it! It was my birthday and farewell gift!! It was an unexpected one: dinner on the top of Space Needle!! It's about one of the most expensive restaurants, but that 's not the clue.. The restaurant is in a shape of a circle and it turns around literally.. Anyone could enjoy the city from the top in 360 degrees!!! Thankfully, it turns very slowly! After the dinner, I am going out with my friends..!

March 7th, 2014

It's the first day of my last trip in the U.S.A. My destination was Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Los Angeles. My flight was in the morning and I arrived in Las Vegas in the afternoon. It was a shock for me to realize that there were slot machines even at the airport!!! Basically, everywhere, anyone can gamble!!! I arrived in the hotel little bit later and I was trying to organize how I was going to spend my time as better as I could. I booked a seat at one of the shows that hotel hosts after seeing all these signs on the street for shows. I couldn't help it! hahahaha

*I noticed the difference on the landscape. Nevada is flat and there are many cactuses.

March 8th, 2014

I had to wake up at 5:45 and get ready for my trip to Grand Canyon. On the way there, there were three stops. One stop to a ranch for people, who hadn't bought the helicopter or helicopter-boat tour, the Hoover Dump, and the Grand Canyon. I had booked the helicopter tour! I was about to see from the top the West Rim. It was amazing, because I was sitting next to the pilot!!! Then, we made stops at two points of the Grand Canyon, the Eagle Point and the Guano Point, which one was my favorite!

The tour came to an end one hour before the show, which I had booked, was about to begin. It was the MO5AIC show by a band of 5 men who sing a capella (without music). I had a blast! It was a perfect ending to a busy day!

:O!! Almost I forgot to mention the "nightmare" of booking seat to the bus to L.A.! But how could I forget since the "nightmare" continued the next day!!!

March 9th, 2014

I woke early in the morning ( not like the day before!), because I wanted to walk along the Las Vegas Strip before getting the bus to L.A. My tour started at the Luxor, a hotel that looks like a pyramid and in front there 's a statue of a Pharao. Then it was the Excalibur (castle looking hotel), MGM Grand, New York New York (with a copy of the Statue of Liberty), Planet Holywood, Aria, Paris (with a copy of Eiffel Tower) and at last Bellagio with the fountains (there are shows almost every 30 minutes) and the Caesars Palace. From there I took the bus to the Fremont Street where is the ultimate Las Vegas experience. There, my "nightmare" came up again, because I had difficulties to print my voucher to L.A. (It was so bad that I was checking flights from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, but the airfare made me insist to keep trying to figure out what to do with the bus voucher..!! pfff... ).

However, I made it and got in the bus. I was thinking the "nightmare" as an unforgotten experience/adventure from this trip. I left it behind me and I was looking forward to enjoy my time in Los Angeles. But, the hassle of that day wasn't about to end so soon. A 4-hour-trip ended up in a 7-hour-trip, which means that I arrived in the hotel around 10:30 pm, but I was relieved with the comforts of the hotel and I couldn't wait to get some sleep...

March 10th, 2014

It's 8 o' clock in the morning and I was at the concierge of the hotel booking a tour to Downtown Los Angeles - China Town - Hollywood - Beverly Hills - Rodeo Drive - Farmer's Market. The tour was about to start at 10 am and end around 2:00-2:30 pm. It was beautiful. I would not forget the Hollywood Blvd, the avenue with all the stars and the Hollywood sign or Beverly Hills! It was a beautiful area of the city and the Farmer's Market- Rodeo Drive with all the shops.

In the afternoon, I went to Santa Monica, a bay on the northern pat of L.A. It's where the Route 66 ends (Cars movie)! From there I walked to Venice Beach; a walk that made me miss my hometown.

March 11th, 2014

I had to wake up, get ready and catch up my flight back in Seattle.

March 15th-16th, 2014

Last weekend in Seattle! Spending my time with my friends. Precious moments!!

March 17th, 2014

St. Patrick's Day or My-last-day-in-the-USA day. After giving a fight with the suitcases' weight, I was in the plane. I was going to be in Athens on March 18th, 2014 in the afternoon after making a stop in London.

The Au Pair life officially came to an END!!! Looking forward to the next adventures! ;)

March 18th, 2014

I got in Athens around 6 pm and I was waiting for my brother to pick me up. The exact date of my return wasn't known by everyone, apart from my brother, my friends in Seattle and the host family. I wanted to surprise my parents!

Update for January and February 2014 - Part 2

2014-04-08T00:00:00.002+03:00

February 2nd,  2014

Two weeks ago, the Seahawks won against the 49ers (the football team of San Francisco), which led them to the NFL!! After their win, we learnt that they were going to play against the Broncos, the football team of Colorado.

And, here we are now, today it was the BIG MATCH!! It was about to start at 4 pm and everybosy was tuned in front of a television at their places or at a pub. After 3 hours of an amazing game, the Seahawks won the Broncos!!! For the first time, the Seahawks won the NFL !!!! Wooohooooo!!!! 

After the game, my friends and I went downtown to celebrate the win with the rest of Seattle people. The whole city was celebrating till the morning!! Hahahahahaha

February 5th, 2014

The Seahawks are coming home with the Lombardi Trophy. Everybody is downtown to welcome them..Even kids, having permission by their school, attended to the planned parade. 940,000 people
gathered to celebrate and see closer their favorite football players! Yeeeeaaaahhhhhh!!! :P

Update for January and February 2014 - Part 1

2014-04-07T23:29:00.001+03:00

New Year's Eve - December 31st 2013

Four hours before welcoming the new year, I found myself at the International Fountain of Seattle Center, which is close to Space Needle. I was one of the hundred people who gathered to experience and see the fireworks from the top of Space Needle closer than ever! At this event, there were other Au Pairs with me to celebrate. I had the chance to meet new people and learn how differently the New Year's Eve is celebrated in another countries such as in Mexico where they eat 12 grapes. Twelve grapes that represent wishes for the whole new year; one grape for each month - a different wish for each month. Unfortunately, the girls had only one bag and we were a big group, so we could make only 5 wishes for the tear. We were supposed to eat them after the final countdown.

11:55 pm : Started looking at the time and saying almost every minute how much time is left for the New Year to "come".

11:59 pm : One minute left! We were excited more than ever, even though it was too cold outside. The final countdown started... 10,9,8 (the Space Needle was pink and every second a light was popping out), 7,6,5 (holding the grapes and waiting to make my wishes/resolutions for 2014), 4,3,2,1 -----> HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I ate my grapes, I made my wishes and an hour later I was celebrating with my friends in a club!! Woot woot!!!

December 13th-16th 2013 - A Weekend To Remember In New Orleans, LA (LOUISIANA)

2014-01-12T02:00:00.000+02:00

PROLOGUE

After having being in New York in order to see the city and get some credits for the Au Pair Program, it was time to take the second and last class for the rest of required credits for the program's successful completion. Since, I learnt about the weekend classes and how fast and "easy" an Au Pair can get credits, I chose to take another weekend class. The class was held by the Sojourner Douglass College of Maryland, but located in New Orleans,LA. The topic of the course was similar to the one in New York and its name was "New Orleans Tour and the American Experience".

Friday, December 13th 2013

I left home to go to the airport after the kids had left for school. My flight was at 11:15 am (Pacific Time) and there was one stop in Dallas, TX for couple of hours. I arrived in Louis Armstrong International Airport at 9 pm. After an "adventure" at the airport trying to find out the transportation to go to the hotel, finally, I made it and went to sleep.

Saturday, December 14th 2013

The signing-in for the course was early in the morning. The first day of the class was the tour in the city of New Orleans [ Downtown/Financial District, French Quarter, Garden Quarter etc.].

From the bus, the tour guide showed us the Financial District where all the headquarters of the city are located until we made our first stop at the Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square.http://www.neworleansonline.com/directory/location.php?locationID=1341 Then, we went to the Basin St. Station http://basinststation.com/flash/index.html. Next stop was the St. Louis 1st Cemetery.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most famous. It was opened in 1789, replacing the city's older St. Peter Cemetery (no longer in existence) as the main burial ground when the city was redesigned after a fire in 1788.

It is 8 blocks from the Mississippi River, on the north side of Basin Street, one block beyond the inland border of the French Quarter. It borders the Iberville housing project. It has been in continuous use since its foundation. The nonprofit group Save Our Cemeteries and commercial businesses offer tours for a fee.

Famous New Orleanians buried in St. Louis No. 1 include Etienne de Boré, wealthy pioneer of the sugar industry and the first mayor of New Orleans;Homer Plessy, the plaintiff from the landmark 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision on civil rights; and Ernest N. "Dutch" Morial, the first African-American mayor of New Orleans.

The renowned Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau is believed to be interred in the Glapion family crypt. Other notable New Orleanians here includeBernard de Marigny, the French-Creole playboy who brought the game of craps to the United States; Barthelemy Lafon, the architect and surveyor who allegedly became one of Jean Lafitte's pirates; and Paul Morphy, one of the earliest world champions of chess. Delphine LaLaurie is also believed to lay in rest here. Architect and engineer Benjamin Latrobe was buried there after dying from yellow fever in 1820 while doing engineering for the New Orleans water works. In 2010, actor Nicolas Cage purchased a pyramid shaped tomb to be his future final resting place.^[4]

The cemetery spans just one square block but is the resting place of many thousands. A Protestant section (generally not vaulted) lies in the north-west section.

Around 1 pm, we arrived in French Quarter here St. Louis's church is located and in front of it is the statue of Napoleon inside the Plaza D' Armas. The French Quarter had Christmas decorations every where with red ribbons and Christmas trees pointing that soon the Christmas would be celebrated. Anyway, across the church, it's the Washington's Artillery Park and beyond that the Mississippi River. The four corners of the Plaza D' Armas host different artistic, cultural events such as jazz musicians, parades, etc. At one corner, it's the famous "Cafe Du Monde" which serves the best beignets and marks the start point of the French Market.

Leaving from the French Quarter, we passed through many different neighborhoods. During this tour, I noticed that the architecture of this city differs depending on which neighborhood someone is. For example, I saw from small, not-well-preserved cottages till huge, classical-style mansions. I admired the Garden District, and especially the houses on St Charles St. http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/architecture/.

Next stop was the City Park (http://www.neworleanscitypark.com/) where we rested for while.

From there, we ended up downtown. It was time to explore the nightlife of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is full of bars, pubs , cabarets and adult stores. Therefore, when the sun sets down, all the people go out to have fun on Bourbon St. Walking on the street with some other Au Pairs, whom I met during the class, I noticed people being on balconies and throwing fake necklaces to the pedestrians. Why??? I have no idea!!!! Hahahahahaha

It's impossible to describe how crazy, funny that night was. I can say only two things that I had a blast and don't think about going to New Orleans... JUST GO!!!!!

Sunday, December 15th 2013

The whole day was spent in a hotel attending the class. After all, it was an interesting and controversial course. I liked it and I am glad with my choice to take this class. The end of the day found me in a hotel room getting some rest.

Monday, December 16th 2013

My flight back to Seattle was early in the morning with a stop in Dallas,TX (for one more time). After a long flight and several minutes of delay, I made it home.!!

AT LAST BUT NOT LEAST !!! :

In New Orleans, someone will notice things that nowhere else in the U.S.A would be able to see like the Fleur-de-Lis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleur-de-lis), the Creole culture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_New_Orleans) and the jazz music (http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/music/jazzclubs.html).

In New York with the Au Pair International !!! (September 24th-29th 2013)

2013-11-13T07:35:00.003+02:00

PROLOGUE

Since the end of April, all the au pairs of Au Pair International were informed about the getaway that the agency was planning. After a short survey, the destination was chosen ----> New York, NY! The trip was scheduled to be on September 24th-27th, and if anyone wanted to, he /she could stay longer and be benefited by the chance of a weekend class at the Long Island University (LIU Post) and get 3 credits, on September 27th-29th. An au pair MUST attend classes or courses and get 6 credit hours (or 72 non-credit hours) in a year in order to complete successfully the Au Pair Program.

Anyway, I asked my host family if I could go by explaining them the opportunity of getting some credits and also visiting New York. They agreed and I started making a research for the upcoming trip. In a time of 4 months, I had booked the air-tickets, a hotel room for the first 3 nights and a New York Pass for all the sightseeing. At this point, I have to say that I was pretty lucky with my hotel reservation, because staying in New York is very expensive!! Therefore, if anyone wants to visit New York, he/she should look through websites with offers and discounts and sign up on these websites, so he/she can get better deals as far as hotel reservation, rental car, flights etc. Anyway, I got lucky, because I found a hotel at Midtown East Manhattan in a very good price! I could be in Times Square in 10 minutes on foot!!

(*websites: www.priceline.com, www.expedia.com, www.hipmunk.com,www.kayak.com)

But, let's get back to the story!!!

Tuesday, September 24th 2013

It was time for my trip to New York, but I had a difficulty.. I got sick the day before! However, after taking some medication and drinking a couple of cups of tea, I was feeling better and ready for my new adventure!

The flight lasted 5 hours and I arrived in NY at 3 pm (Eastern Time). I found my hotel easily, I checked-in and little bit later, I went to receive my New York Pass and start exploring the city.

My first stop was the Museum of Madame Tussaud. I don't know how much time I spent inside, but I took many pictures. Leaving from there and heading to the next sightseeing, I saw little bit of the Times Square and I passed through the Bryant Park, which is beautiful with all the pots of flowers, the ping pong tables on the side (ha!), the benches, the tables and chairs and the land of lawn. My next stop was the Rockefeller Center or else called the "Top of the Rock", where I went up on the 69th floor and admired the view of New York at night! I couldn't believe it! It was breathtaking and, especially, the Empire State Building ant the Chrysler Tower..

Wednesday, September 25th 2013

On that trip, I wouldn't be by myself, but also with Lisa Kempton (Director of Operations) and another au pair Ijima from Japan, who currently lives in Washington, DC.

On Wednesday, I would meet them for the first time at the Battery Park. I had to wake up early and be there at 8:30 am in order to catch up one of the first ferries toward the Statue of Liberty.[ Unfortunately, we couldn't visit the Ellis Island because of the hurricane Sandy. ] At this point, I should mention that another au pair joined us that day, Vivienne from Georgia.

Anyway, we got on the ferry and we started immediately taking pictures of New York's skyline and the Statue of Liberty; after arriving on Liberty Island, we went upstairs and we got the chance to see the statue little bit closer and the view underneath. (The tickets to the crown were already sold out! ). Getting back to the Battery Park, there was an old man playing an awkward musical instrument. Anyway, he heard us talking with different accents and asked where we are from. We answered him that we 're from Japan, Georgia and Greece and that's it (!!!!), he started playing the National Anthems of our home countries! It was very nice of him!!

Then, we went to the Memorial 9/11, I got thrilled to walk around where the Twin Towers were collapsed by 2 airplanes on September 11th 2001. We were waiting for a long time in line, but it worth it! In the place, where the 2 towers used to be, now, there were 2 fountains with the peoples' names that got killed. Some people were letting roses in the memory of those people.

Next stops were the Highline Park, a park built on an elevated railway, the Empire State Building, where we went up on the 86th floor to see the view from the highest building in the city. We could see the whole city from all the 4 points of the horizon.

I know it seems that we didn't visit a lot of places, but we barely used the railway! We preferred to walk all the time. The truth is that the best way to explore a city is walking!!! So, after buying dinner to get some energy, we walked to Broadway Theater to watch the "Cinderella" story!

Thursday, September 26th 2013

Next day found us at Times Square wandering and getting into the stores to take a look. We got into the Hersey's Chocolate store, the Disney Store, the M&M's Store, the American Girl Store and the Lego store. It was a weird tour into the stores, but totally fun!! Plus, we got the chance to buy souvenirs for our host families.

After hanging out at Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the "famous" stores of the 5th Avenue, we arrived in Central Park. We went from the entrance on 5th Avenue or else the Upper East Side of Manhattan. From this side, it's the Zoo and little further down a sculpture of Alice in Wonderland! It was beautiful. So beautiful that a family decided to take family photos that day! :P Generally, Central Park is like another world; an "oasis" in the middle of the concrete "desert" called New York. There are many ponds, small cafes and restaurants.

Before going to Metropolitan Museum, which is in Central Park, too, we made a stop at the fountain and the stairs that were seen on the last scene of the "One Fine Day" movie (1996), staring with Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney.

Next stop, as I mentioned above, was the Metropolitan Museum! It's huge! It's impossible to visit all the exhibitions in a day. Therefore, we decided to visit only the Modern Art Exhibition with masterpieces by Pablo Picasso or Salvador Dali or Roy Lichtenstein. We stayed for couple of hours, but we weren't able to stay longer after so much walking. So, we went to sit and get some rest, and then we headed to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner.

At the entrance of the Hard Rock Cafe, there was an enormous electric guitar on the ceiling, meanwhile downstairs, where the restaurant was, the walls were covered by frames of people who have visited the Hard Rock Cafe, such as the Beatles, Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and a picture of the founders.

And just like that, another day came to an end!

Friday, September 27th 2013

The last day of the tour in New York was spent between the Chinatown, the Brooklyn Bridge , the Little Italy and the stress of catching up the last train for Long Island.

We wandered on the streets of Chinatown between the open-air market, the souvenir shops, the restaurants (the lunch was delicious!), and then on the Brooklyn Bridge with the wonderful view of the city and the Manhattan Bridge. On the way back, we passed through the Little Italy with the authentic trattorias and the stores with leather accessories.

However, it was 3 pm and we had to get our things, go to the train station and catch up the last train in order to be on time at Long Island University. Our weekend-classes were about to begin !! :P

A weekend in Portland!! (August 24th-25th)

2013-11-04T23:19:00.002+02:00

PROLOGUE

For almost a year, now, I am living in Seattle. However, I had never been in Portland, OR, which is 2 hours away by train. Viola, my Italian friend, also wanted to visit this city, so we started planning our trip there for the weekend of August 24th-25th 2013. One day before we left, we booked the train tickets, the hotel room and that was it!!! We were ready for Portland!!!

Saturday, August 24th 2013

We were about to leave early in the morning, at 7 am, in order to have as much time as possible to explore Portland. We met at the King Street Station and we got on the train. We arrived in Portland at 11 am and still with the back packs on we headed to Lan Su Chinese Garden, which was pretty close to the Union Station, and from there to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Both places were beautiful. At the Chinese Garden we admired the architecture and at the Crystal Garden, we liked the meadows.. It was like an image from a fairy tale.. !

Leaving from there, we headed to the hotel in order to check-in and get rid of the heavy" back packs and keep exploring the city! : P After that, we wanted to visit 2 more gardens, the Japanese and the Garden of Roses. But due to time, we changed our plan and we went to see the Convention Center and, later, eat and have fun at the Pioneer Courthouse Square where an Italian Festival was held; and... WE DID HAVE FUN!!!

Sunday, August 25th 2013

The first thing that we did was a walk on the Waterfront and from there we headed to the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden. Even though it was raining and we got soaked, we liked the Japanese Garden, especially the rock gardens, and the variety at the Rose Garden!! OMG! So many roses in different colors! By the way, Oregon is called as the Land of Roses!!

Later, we went downtown to eat something and take a walk around the neighborhoods. Of course we didn't forget to visit the Powell's Bookstore! Aaaahhh [sigh]!!! I could camp inside there! I love reading and the smell of the books and paper..

But it was time to go to the station to catch up the train back to Seattle... :(

WE DID HAVE SO MUCH FUN, EVEN THOUGH WE NEVER STOPPED WALKING!!!

* NOTE: I prefer to describe a little bit of

the places that I have been,

because it's a different experience

for everyone! Therefore, I just make

sure that I have mentioned the places

(names) if anyone would be interested

in visiting them some day..!

Thank you!!

Demetra

Summer in Greece July 13th-August 13th!!

2013-11-03T23:44:00.004+02:00

PROLOGUE

Yeeaaahhhh!!! Summer in Greece after being in the U.S.A for 1 year and a half.. !

Going there in numbers ------>

4 different flights, 5 cities (Seattle, Portland, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Athens), 28 hours, 1,680 minutes, 100,800 seconds, 6,161 miles!!!

Sunday, July 14th 2013 (09:30 pm Athens's time)

Just arrived in the " Eleftherios Venizelos - Athens International Airport" being welcomed by my family.

And somewhere here my vacations just began! The first 5 days were little bit "tough" as it was a period of adjustment (again), and "quiet" as well.

But, "Let's get the party started" from the 6th day and on! Turu-turu-turu.... http://youtu.be/sXdbrbrxsQ0

It's about a theme party called "Being tourist in my hometown and the places that I used to go when I was little". Acting like a tourist in my country, BUT I had a huge advantage, which was that I knew where I was going and how!!

My first sightseeing was Cape Sounio where the temple of Poseidon (Neptune) is located.With my brother, we admired the view (the Aegean Sea) and, also, enjoyed the sea. Plus, the ride with the car was magic as well!

(Cape Sounio on 07/23/2013)

The second sightseeing was the Parthenon and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus! That day was very hot, but I enjoyed it! I won't mention the significance of the monuments, it's known and it's better for someone to discover it by himself/herself. However, since I was a "tourist", there were a lot of pictures taken!!! ;)

(Acropolis and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on 07/25/2013)

Tuesday, July 30th 2013

Since I was in Greece, it sounds "crazy" not visiting an island and, especially, the island that I used to go for 21 years every summer, Lipsi-Dodecanese. It was a great opportunity to enjoy the sun, the sea and to make a surprise to my grandparents as well. So, I booked my tickets, I packed and said nothing to my "pappou and yiayia" !!! Hahahahahaha... :P

Wednesday, July 31st 2013

It's a lovely, sunny and, of course, hot afternoon. I was about to walk in Plaka, a neighborhood built on the foothills of Acropolis's rock. It's one of the most beautiful places for someone to visit. Why?? Because, at some point anyone thinks that he/she is on an island or an Old Town.

Saturday, August 3rd 2013

I was already on the boat at 11 pm. The sail was about to begin in an hour. My destination was the port of Patmos, an island 1 hour way from Lipsi. I arrived there at 8:30 am the next day, on Sunday, August 4th 2013. Patmos is one of my favorite places to visit and I had a whole day before getting the ferry for Lipsi. So, I didn't waste my time and I started walking around the Skala area, and then I headed to Chora, where the Apocalypse (Revelation) of Saint John is located and the monastery of St. Gerasimos, which anyone can see from the port. After walking in Chora and exploring the small souvenir shops, I enjoyed my coffee by reading a book at a coffee shop and looking at the view below.. Aaaaahhhhhh ... [sighing...]

Later, I decided to get back in Skala on foot! It took me 1 hour and a lot of sunscreen to do it! During my walk, I thought that the sense of SMELL is important!! I can't describe a summer in Greece without mentioning the smell of ouzo with grilled octopus, french fries and Greek salad; without the smell of the sunscreen on everyone or the smell that emerges from the trees and bushes because of the heat and the sea's moisture or without the smell of the watermelon with feta cheese!! Of course the sense of vision is great, too, but anyone has memories because of the smell! My trip on Patmos came to an end by reading my book on a beach and laughing with the kids who were playing.

Around 9 pm, I arrived in Lipsi. It was time for the surprise to my grandparents! They weren't expecting me at all, and when they saw me, they got very happy! My "tourist-game" on the island began the next day, on Monday. I decided to go for swimming on Platis Yialos beach, which is popular for its spectacular turquoise water, white bottom and golden sand!!! Sometimes, someone can see ducks taking their bath and playing around by making noise, but they 're so cute! Hahhahahaha!!

On the way back home on foot (once again!), I enjoyed the sunset, the small fishing boats at the port and the people wandering and having a great time! ---->PRICELESS FEELING!!

On Tuesday (08/06/2013), I visited another beach, which is quite different from the previous one and known as the beach of pebbles inside

and outside of the water.

On the one side of the beach, there are the seals' caves which are a perfect place for people who seek privacy.. Anyway, leaving from there, I made a stop at the monastery of the island the Virgin Maria of Death. It's called like that, because the icon shows the Virgin holding Jesus Christ crucified, and the crucifixion implies the death of Christ.

Anyway, the following day, which was also the last one on the island, was same as the other ones. Being on the beach, reading book, having a coffee...

But, it was time to go back in Athens. I packed my things, I greeted my grandparents and I got on the boat. The next morning, I was back in Piraeus, the port of Athens. The following days got passed by spending time with my friends, my family and seeing people that I hadn't seen for a long time..

However, 1 month had already passed and I had to come back in Seattle,WA with my host family.

P.S. : I know the end was abrupt, but, always, the end of something fun, it's not happy.. :(

The 4th of July vacation!!

2013-08-08T23:30:00.004+03:00

Wednesday, July 3th 2013

It's eve before one of the most important American celebrations, the 4th of July. With my host family, we were about to celebrate it in Meeker,CO (Colorado). Our flight was pretty early in the morning in order to be there before dinner time, since Meeker is 1 hour and half away from the border with Utah (5 hours away from Denver, the capital of Colorado).

Even though it took long time to get there from Denver, I enjoyed the scenery, and especially the North Canyon with the red rocks and cascades. Finally, we got in "Bed & Breakfast Rambulin", which is a very lovely place with cosy and friendly atmosphere.

Thursday, July 4th 2013

After waking up and having breakfast, it was time to go at the parade. Going there, I noticed all the people wearing blue, red and white clothes or having painted their faces with the same colors in honor of their symbol, the USAmerican flag! Then, the parade started, and many kinds of chariots were participating like Harley Davidson, 4x4 Jeep etc., decorated with American flags or horses with people dressed as Native Americans (Indians) and Cowboys, cheerleaders, while children were throwing candies in the audience!

When the parade was over, it was time for lunch! The foods for the whole day are hamburgers and hot dogs! Nothing else!!!

At the end of the day, it was time for the famous fireworks. The whole "show" lasted for an hour!! It was amazing all these colors and patterns on the sky.

Friday, July 5th 2013

The "adventure" of the day was a day-trip to a cabin in the woods, close to the White River!! It looked like being on Alps! A small wooden cabin close to a small pond that is used for fishing! It was so peaceful till the kids started to learn how to shoot and being supervised by their parents.

Saturday, July 6th 2013

It's the fourth day in Colorado, and everyday I was visiting a new place, like the ranch of the family! A huge land on the foothills of a mountain, a perfect place to grow animals. On the flat part of the land, there was a cabin, which hosts every year hunters. The adventure of the day was hiking on the mountain and the view from the top was breathtaking!

On Sunday and Monday, we spent our time in Vail and Golden where my host mom's family lives.

Weekend of June 22nd & 23rd!!

2013-08-08T20:47:00.003+03:00

Saturday, June 22nd 2013

We planned for this trip a week ago! Our destination was Mt Rainier, which is located southern of Seattle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rainier_National_Park, almost 3 hours from downtown by car.

As I have said before, every single trip without an adventure is not fun! So, there couldn't be an exception for this trip. After experiencing taking the exact opposite exit, finally, we got on Mt Rainier National Park.

We chose to do the scenic drive and end up at Paradise point. Our tour lasted almost 4 hours, passing by many falls, like Christen Falls, and admiring the Mt Rainier with the extremely "blinding" snow on it. It felt little bit of winter, again (!!!), around there. And what can prove it??? The fact of playing on the snow and throwing to each other snowballs!

There is nothing else to refer apart from the fact of having such a great time with my friends!!!

Sunday, June 23rd 2013

That day's trip was about wildlife-search, and, especially, whale-watching close to San Juan Islands and Victoria (of Canada).

The ferry was about to sail away at 7:45 am. First destination was the Friday Harbor for the passengers who were not about to stay for the wildlife search. After the disembarkation, everybody on the boat was "up" just in case of seeing a whale and letting know everyone else about it!

HOWEVER, we were unlucky and we didn't see any whale! :( Everybody was upset, but we couldn't do anything about it! At least we enjoyed our time at Friday Harbor for lunch and walk around, after such a long trip!

At the end of the day, we found ourselves in downtown eating some comfort food...

San Francisco # Memorial Weekend # June 24th-26th 2013

2013-08-08T19:28:00.000+03:00

My Fast & Furious Memorial Weekend

PROLOGUE

Thanks to my Italian friend, Viola, of telling me about her visit in San Francisco and New Orleans, I thought "why not me either?" ... So, I asked my host family when I could get my weekend-off in order to go in San Francisco. They liked the idea and told me that I could get 3 days instead of 2! It was done! My trip to San Francisco was scheduled for the 24th till the 26th of May, the Memorial Weekend!

During searching for the air-tickets and a place to stay,I asked few people who may know information about the city. One of them was an au pair, who to one of my questions about a "decent" place to stay, she came up with 2 options : a hotel's name and her place. She could host me for the weekend! I accepted the invitation and I couldn't wait for my trip. BUT, something unexpected happened! Another au pair who read my post about my trip in San Fran, she asked me if she could join in! We talked and we agreed that we were going to have such fun! A!!! I forgot to mention that both au pairs (Anna and Kiki) are from Greece and we are from the same agency (www.anixi.eu)! So, at least, we had 2 things in common! Hahahhahaha

FRIDAY, MAY 24TH 2013

It was the day for my trip to begin. I couldn't wait to meet the girls. With Anna, we had agreed to meet up at the airport, and from there we would go to Kiki's house. There is no trip without a little bit of adventure! And I can prove that by telling you that it took us a lot of time to find each other at the airport after some phone calls, texts and chats on Messenger! [Peek-a-boo/Where are you?].Plus, on our way to Kiki's place, we missed the right bus stop. Finally, we met each other, talked little bit and an hour later, Anna and I were heading to San Francisco at Fisherman's Wharf. We took the BART (train) and got off at the Union Square station where we realized how the weather is going to be the next couple of days : humid and windy! When we arrived in Fisherman's Wharf was already late, so we took a walk around, but we both agreed of coming back again.

SATURDAY, MAY 25TH 2013

We woke up early in the morning, because we had to see a lot of things. After loosing time to find a rental car, we took the BART and got off at Civic Center. From there we took a bus toward Golden Gate Park. Going there, we passed through a "known" neighborhood the "Haight-Asburry", which reminded me a lot of from Seattle's Capitol Hill and Fremont. Anyway, the weather was getting warm and we decided to have picnic at the park. We had a really good time and we made a new friend, even though it was difficult to identify his name. The only thing that we understood is that he really liked our company because of the food! (WOOF-WOOF!) Hahahhahahahahaha

In the park, we saw the Japanese Tea Garden, the California Academy of Science and the DeYoung Museum from OUTSIDE, of course, because we couldn't waste our time. We should have seen other places in short time! Therefore, after the park, we were on our way to Golden Gate Bridge! It took us 1 hour to get there-30 minutes of walking and 30 minutes in the bus-and we stayed for 5 MINUTES! (Just to take photos and hit the road!

NEXT STOP-----> Lombard Street! We got off the bus and started looking for our destination. At this point, I would like to say that we got some workout after so much walking, running to catch up a bus and doing inclining! Yes, INCLINING! To get to the Lombard Street, we had to climb up 2-3 very steep hills! But, it worth it, since the neighborhood around was pretty nice and the view was amazing. As we were standing on the top of the Street, on the left, we could see the ocean and the Alcatraz, in the front, the Coit Tower and the Bay Bridge of Oakland and on the right, a cable car full of people hanging on it!

Looking at people hanging on the cable car, I wanted to do it too! Anna agreed with me and we went to catch up the next one! The ride was fun and we ended up at Fisherman's Wharf (which would be our destination for the next day) from where we were ahead to the Chinatown!

The Chinatown is very popular in San Fran, and especially its gates!The streets are colourful with bright colors and smells of chinese cuisine, and full of the known red paper lamps on the wires! We admired all the facades, and we didn't omit to visit the souvenirs shops and "play" with the hand fans!! Hahahahahaha

SUNDAY, MAY 25TH 2013

According to the title, you can imagine that the time was precious and we didn't waste any minute of it! So, early in the morning, we took the BART and got off close to Embarcadero Center and Ferry Plaza (Pier 1). We headed to Pier 39-41 at Fisherman's Wharf, where we admired the Alcatraz (from far away), the Pier 39 with the seals and the whole square with the famous fish restaurants and small stores.

But, anything comes to an end, and our trip came to an end as well! It was time to pack our things and go to the airport.

2013-06-09T18:49:00.002+03:00

Weekend of June 8th & 9th! (briefly)

Saturday, June 8th

With my host family, we went to watch the Seattle Sounders soccer game against the White Caps from Vancouver, BC. The score ended 3-2 and the Sounders were winners of the match!!!

Sunday, June 9th

Montly au pair meeting in Leavenworth. An one-day-trip just to hang out and see the nature after spring and in the beginning of summer!

NOTE: My trip from San Francisco during the Memorial Weekend will be uploaded soon!

Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο.. Μέρος 9ο

2013-04-26T00:53:00.004+03:00

ΜΠΕΝΑΖΙΡ ΜΠΟΥΤΟ

(21 Ιουνίου 1953 - 27 Δεκεμβρίου 2007)

Η Κόρη της Ανατολής

Η Μπεναζίρ Μπούτο γεννιέται στο Πακιστάν. Ο πατέρας της θα διατελέσει πρόεδρος και πρωθυπουργός της χώρας. Η Μπούτο σπουδάζει πολιτικές επιστήμες, οικονομικά και φιλοσοφία στο Χάρβαρντ και στην Οξφόρδη. Το 1977 επιστρέφει στο Πακιστάν χωρίς πολιτικές βλέψεις. Όταν όμως την ίδια χρονιά, έπειτα από πραξικόπημα, ο πατέρας της συλλαμβάνεται και εκτελείται, ενώ η ίδια τίθεται σε κατ' οίκον περιορισμό, νιώθει την επιτακτική ανάγκη να ασχοληθεί με την πολιτική για το καλό της χώρας της.

Καταφεύγει στην Αγγλία, όπου ηγείται εν εξορία του Λαϊκού Κόμματος του Πακιστάν. Το 1986, μετά από άρση του στρατιωτικού νόμου, επιστρέφει στο Πακιστάν. Στις εκλογές του 1988 το κόμμα της θριαμβεύει και η ίδια γίνεται η πρώτη πρωθυπουργός ισλαμικής χώρας στην ιστορία. Παλεύει για την περίθαλψη, την παιδεία και την κοινωνική πρόνοια, αλλά κυρίως για τη θέση της γυναίκας στη χώρα.

Το 1990 η κυβέρνησή της κατηγορείται για διαφθορά και χάνει τις εκλογές. Όμως το 1993 επανεκλέγεται πρωθυπουργός μέχρι το 1996, όπου και πάλι αποπέμπεται λόγω διαφθοράς.

Μέχρι το 2007 ζει εξόριστη στο Ντουμπάι, όταν όμως αποσύρονται οι κατηγορίες εις βάρος της, επιστρέφει στο Πακιστάν. Την ημέρα της υποδοχής της, 18 Οκτωβρίου 2007 γλιτώνει από βομβιστική επίθεση καμικάζι κατά την οποία σκοτώνονται 140 άτομα. Δε θα σταθεί όμως το ίδιο τυχερή δύο μήνες αργότερα. Έτσι, στις 27 Δεκεμβρίου, σε προεκλογική συγκέντρωση, καμικάζι την πυροβολεί τρεις φορές και ενεργοποιεί εκρηκτικά που σκοτώνουν άλλα 16 άτομα. Στο νοσοκομείο αφήνει την τελευταία της πνοή η πολιτικός που είχε πει "...από όλα όσα έχω κάνει για τη χώρα, θέλω να με θυμούνται για ό,τι έκανα για τις γυναίκες".

"Ονειρεύομαι ένα Πακιστάν όπου οι γυναίκες

συμβάλλουν με όλες τους τις δυνάμεις.

Γνωρίζω πόσο πρέπει να παλέψουμε γι' αυτό,

αλλά με τη βοήθειά σας θα επιμείνουμε και

με τη θέληση του Αλλάχ θα το πετύχουμε".

Βιογραφία στο :

-http://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%9C%CF%80%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%B1%CE%B6%CE%AF%CF%81_%CE%9C%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%8D%CF%84%CE%BF

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benazir_Bhutto

Για το ημερολόγιο:

http://www.biblionet.gr/book/182599/%CE%9C%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%AC,_%CE%A7%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1/%CE%97%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%B3%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82_%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BB%CF%85%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%8D_2013

Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο.. Μέρος 8ο

2013-04-18T00:42:00.001+03:00

ΙΣΙΔΩΡΑ ΝΤΑΝΚΑΝ

(27 Μαΐου 1877 - 14 Σεπτεμβρίου 1927)

"Η μητέρα του μοντέρνου χορού"

Λίγο μετά τη γέννηση της Ισιδώρας, ο τραπεζίτης πατέρας της χάνει τα πάντα, έτσι η οικογένεια ζει στην απόλυτη φτώχεια. Μεγαλώνοντας, για να ενισχύσει οικονομικά την οικογένειά της, παραδίδει μαθήματα χορού σε παιδιά. Το 1895 γίνεται μέλος ενός θεάτρου στη Νέα Υόρκη, αλλά σύντομα το εγκαταλείπει νιώθοντας ότι την περιορίζει. Πηγαίνει στο Λονδίνο και δίνει παραστάσεις. Το θέαμα που παρουσιάζει είναι εμπνευσμένο από τις αναπαραστάσεις στα αρχαία ελληνικά βάζα. Φοράει ένα χιτώνα και οι κινήσεις είναι ελεύθερες και φυσικές.

Επισκέπτεται διάφορες ευρωπαϊκές πόλεις, όπου και ιδρύει σχολές χορού που δε βασίζονται στο μπαλέτο, αλλά σε μια πιο φυσική κινησιολογία. Όσο ελεύθερη είναι στην τέχνη της, άλλο τόσο είναι και στην προσωπική της ζωή.

Αποκτά δύο παιδιά εκτός γάμου, τα οποία σκοτώνονται σε ατύχημα. Αυτή η τραγωδία στιγματίζει την Ισιδώρα, που γίνεται όλο και πιο αυτοκαταστροφική (αλκοόλ, εφήμερες σχέσεις, οικονομικές ατασθαλίες).

Στις 14 Σεπτεμβρίου 1927, μπαίνοντας στο σπορ αυτοκίνητο του συνοδού της, λέει στην παρέα της "Αντίο, φίλοι μου, πηγαίνω προς τη δόξα". Λίγα χιλιόμετρα πιο κάτω το μαντήλι που φορά στο λαιμό της πιάνεται στις ρόδες του αυτοκινήτου και την πνίγει. Με αυτόν τον δραματικό τρόπο φεύγει από τη ζωή η γυναίκα που καταφέρνει να επαναφέρει τον χορό στις ρίζες του ως ιερή τέχνη. Η μητέρα του μοντέρνου χορού.

"Ο χορός έιναι όλη η κίνηση

του σύμπαντος συμπυκνωμένη

σε ένα άτομο".

ΙΣΙΔΩΡΑ ΝΤΑΝΚΑΝ (Isadora Duncan)

Βιογραφία στο :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isadora_Duncan

Για το ημερολόγιο:

Monday, April 15th 2013

2013-04-16T02:02:00.000+03:00

Besides the sad and terrible news in Boston that we heard, today it's the 561st birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian Renaissance polymath!!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_Vinci

Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο.. Μέρος 7ο

2013-04-15T08:13:00.002+03:00

ΚΑΛΛΙΡΟΗ ΠΑΡΡΕΝ

(1 Μαΐου 1861 - 15 Ιανουαρίου 1940)

"Η πένα που αφύπνισε τις γυναίκες"

Την Πρωτομαγιά του 1861 γεννιέται στην Κρήτη η Καλλιρόη Σιγανού. Σε ηλικία 6 ετών μετακομίζουν στην Αθήνα. Οι γονείς της παρέχουν πλούσια μόρφωση και, πριν κλείσει τα είκοσι, αποφοιτά από το Αρσάκειο, λαμβάνοντας το δίπλωμα της δασκάλας με "άριστα". Αμέσως διορίζεται στην Οδησσό της Ρωσίας και διευθύνει το Παρθεναγωγείο της ελληνικής κοινότητας.

Μερικά χρόνια αργότερα, στην Αθήνα πια, παντρεύεται τον ιδρυτή του Αθηναϊκού Πρακτορείου Ειδήσεων Ιωάννη Παρρέν. Μετά από προτροπή του συζύγου της, η Καλλιρόη ακολουθεί το επάγγελμα της δημοσιογραφίας. Το 1888 εκδίδει την εβδομαδιαία εφημερίδα "¨Εφημερίς των Κυριών". Έτσι, εκτός από τον τίτλο της πρώτης Ελληνίδας φεμινίστριας, παίρνει και τον τίτλο της πρώτης Ελληνίδας δημοσιογράφου και εκδότριας.

Η εφημερίδα κάνει πάταγο, αλλά η ίδια δέχεται δριμύτατες κριτικές και απειλές λόγω των φεμινιστικών της απόψεων.

Μετά από δικά της διαβήματα στην τότε κυβέρνηση, θα επιτραπεί η φοίτηση των γυναικών στο Πανεπιστήμιο και στο Πολυτεχνείο. Παράλληλα, παλεύει αδιάκοπα για το δικαίωμα ψήφου στις γυναίκες, ένα δικαίωμα που τους δίνεται 9 χρόνια μετά από τον θάνατό της.

Το συνολικό της έργο, συγγραφικό, δημοσιογραφικό, ακτιβισμού, κοινωνικό, είναι τεράστιο και οι πρωτιές της πολλές. Αν η θέση της γυναίκας στην Ελλάδα σήμερα είναι ένα μεγάλο οικοδόμημα, η Καλλιρόη Σιγανού-Παρρέν έβαλε τον θεμέλιο λίθο.

" Η συντροφιά σου είναι πολύτιμη.

Το ήθος σου, η τόλμη και

η γραφή σου θαύμα.

Εύγε σου, Δέσποινα της φιλαλληλίας

και της προόδου".

ΓΡΗΓΟΡΗΣ ΞΕΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ για την Παρρέν

Βιογραφία στο :

-http://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%9A%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%B9%CF%81%CF%81%CF%8C%CE%B7_%CE%A0%CE%B1%CF%81%CF%81%CE%AD%CE%BD

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalliroi_Parren

Για το ημερολόγιο:
http://www.biblionet.gr/book/182599/%CE%9C%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%AC,_%CE%A7%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1/%CE%97%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%B3%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82_%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BB%CF%85%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%8D_2013

News from Seattle!!!

2013-04-09T20:04:00.000+03:00

Hello everybody!!!!

I hope soon that I will upload my own video of "Living in Seattle" just to show how I see, live and experience in this city!!

Stay tuned!!!!! ;)

Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο.. Μέρος 6ο

2013-04-09T03:04:00.000+03:00

ΙΩΑΝΝΑ ΤΗΣ ΛΟΡΑΙΝΗΣ

(6 Ιανουαρίου 1412 - 30 Μαΐου 1430)

"Η παρθένα της Ορλεάνης"

Η Ιωάννα της Λοραίνης γεννιέται στις 6 Ιανουαρίου 1412 στη Γαλλία. Οι γονείς της είναι απλοί αγρότες. Σε ηλικία 13 ετών βλέπει το πρώτο της όραμα: ο αρχάγγελος Μιχαήλ, η αγία Μαργαρίτα και η αγία Αικατερίνη την καλούν να σώσει τη χώρα της από τους Άγγλους, στην πιο κρίσιμη φάση του Εκατοντετούς Πολέμου. Από εκείνη τη στιγμή ακούει συχνά φωνές από τον Θεό, που της δίνουν κουράγιο και δύναμη να παλέψει για τη χώρα της και να βοηθήσει τον διάδοχο του γαλλικού θρόνου Κάρολο Ζ' να επανακτήσει το στέμμα.

Καταφέρνει και πείθει τον διάδοχο να της παραχωρήσει μια μικρή στρατιωτική δύναμη για να σώσει την Ορλεάνη από την πολιορκία των Άγγλων. Αφού λύνει την πολιορκία, ακολουθεί τον Κάρολο και σε άλλες νικηφόρες μάχες, που τον οδηγούν στο στέμμα το 1429. Το 1430 η 18χρονη μόλς Ιωάννα αιχμαλωτίζεται από τους εχθρούς του Καρόλου και παραδίδεται στους Άγγλους. Δικάζεται από το φιλοαγγλικό εκκλησιαστικό δικαστήριο της Ρουέν και καταδικάζεται. Στις 30 Μαΐου 1430 καίγεται την πυρά ως αιρετική και μάγισσα.

Η νεαρή χωριατοπούλα που έδωσε τη ζωή της για τη χώρα της παραμένει σύμβολο ταπεινότητας και πατριωτισμού".

"Οτιδήποτε οι άνθρωποι θεωρούν μεγαλειώδες,

δεν έχουν παρά να δουν την Ιωάννα της Λοραίνης

και θα το βρουν εκεί".

Μαρκ Τουέιν

Βιογραφία στο :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_of_Arc
Για το ημερολόγιο:
http://www.biblionet.gr/book/182599/%CE%9C%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%AC,_%CE%A7%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1/%CE%97%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%B3%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82_%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BB%CF%85%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%8D_2013

A Funny Trip to Leavenworth (February 15th-17th 2013)

2013-02-20T08:31:00.004+02:00

Prologue

An idea! A question! A will! A decision...! A decision, that made by 3 girls to spend 3 days in Leavenworth, WA.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leavenworth,_Washington)

Friday, February 15th 2013

Meeting Point: Factoria Mall, Bellevue, WA

Our trip was about to begin with the help of a new friend. Our destination is Leavenworth, which is 3 hours away from Seattle. It is a Bavarian small town built around Wenatchee River and close the Stevens Pass (a ski resort), which was our first stop. Arriving to Leavenworth, we admired the lights on trees that were still on and we couldn't wait for the next day to come in order to take a walk in the town.

Saturday, February 16th 2013

After a funny, dancing, but also little bit weird morning, we packed our things and we went to a better place with view in Wenatchee River. It was our "heaven" ! We couldn't believe it : the river and in the background the snowing mountains. Anyway, it was time to take advantage of the snowing scenery and go the closest winter sport club to do snow tubing!!! YEAAAAHHHH!!! We spent almost 2 hours there, and we couldn't stop laughing, screaming, but also feeling wet because of the cold weather (brrrrrrr... ), since we realized that we were hungry! Lunch time at a completely Bavarian Bistro having sausages with beer! The food was delicious! Yummie! Afterwards, we took our first walk in the town. During the walk, we had our first wine tasting and tasting different kinds of olive oil and vinegar...!!!! Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!

However, the weather "ruined" our walk, so we went back the home to watch a movie... RIOOOOO!!!! The soundtrack of the movie became the soundtrack of our trip too!!! The end of the day came with another one delicious meal at an Italian restaurant! Pffff.... I was full... "KEEP ROLLIN, ROLLIN, ROLLIN....! " Hahahahahahaha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlXlbAfxnHk and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yad_clT4T2Y

Sunday, February 17th 2013

After a dancing morning again, it was time for breakfast time. Yummieeeee for one more time! Next stop: Wenatchee River! the scenery was magic and peaceful! The feeling of being close to the water and looking around the snow was unique! Getting back to the house, we packed our things, loaded the car and had some rest before our next two stops. 1st STOP was a visit at the "37 Cellars", a winery up to the mountains with a very good wine, and the 2nd STOP was a visit at the "Silvara Vineyards" up to a hill with an amazing view. The wine was delicious! [http://www.37cellars.com/ and http://www.silvarawine.com/]

Back to the town, we made our last walk before going back home and ate lunch. However, it was time to hit the road back to Seattle. So, on the way back, apart from the fact of listening to beloved songs, we made two more stops. One, at the store "Alps" where someone can find a large variety of hot sauces, chocolates, candies, fudges etc., and a second one, at Stevens Pass again to make snow angels!

Epilogue

We wanted to stay more..We had so much fun, even though the description above doesn't show it.. But, the memories and photos can prove it! ;)

Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο.. Μέρος 5ο

2013-02-02T21:04:00.005+02:00

Η ιστορία για μία γυναίκα αυτοδημιούργητη.

ΕΛΕΝΑ ΡΟΥΜΠΙΝΣΤΑΪΝ

(25 Δεκεμβρίου 1870 - 1 Απριλίου1965)

"Η αυτοκράτειρα της κοσμετολογίας"

Η Έλενα γεννιέται στην Κρακοβία από Πολωνοεβραίους γονείς που ασχολούνται με το εμπόριο. Σε ένα ταξίδι της στην Αυστραλία, παρατηρεί τα προβλήματα που δημιουργεί το ζεστό κλίμα στο δέρμα των γυναικών. Ανοίγει στη Μελβούρνη ένα ινστιτούτο ομορφιάς, εισάγει κρέμες από την Ευρώπη και δίνει συμβουλές σε δεκάδες γυναίκες για τη φροντίδα του προσώπου τους. Περνάει ατελείωτες ώρες στο εργαστήριό της και τελικά κατασκευάζει τις δικές της κρέμες.

Μετά από δυο χρόνια επιτυχίας, αφήνει την αδερφή της στην επιχείρηση και επιστρέφει στην Ευρώπη . Στο Λονδίνο παντρέυεται τον Αμερικανό δημοσιογράφο Έντουαρτντ Τάιτους, με τον οποίο αποκτά δυο γιους.

Ανοίγει σε Λονδίνο, Παρίσι και Νέα Υόρκη ινστιτούτα ομορφιάς, τα οποία επισκέπτονται γυναίκες όπως η βασίλισσα Αλεξάνδρα, η συγγραφέας Κολέτ και η ηθοποιός Σάρα Μπερνάρ.

Το 1937 χωρίζει και παντρεύεται ένα κατά 20 χρόνια μικρότερό της Γεωργιανό πρίγκηπα. Ενώ θεωρείται από τις πιο πλούσιες γυναίκες στον κόσμο, η ίδια δουλεύει πολύ σκληρά μέσα στα εργαστήρια μαζί με χημικούς και ερευνητές για να κατασκευάζουν όλο και περισσότερα προϊόντα. Παράλληλα, δημιουργεί το ίδρυμα Έλενα Ρουμπινστάιν, που δίνει υποτροφίες σε νέες γυναίκες να σπουδάσουν. Το 1965, σε ηλικία 95 ετών, αφήνει την τελευταία της πνοή στη Νέα Υόρκη η πρώτη αυτοδημιούργητη γυναίκα εκατομμυριούχος.

"Η σκληρή δουλειά κρατάει τις ρυτίδες
μακριά από το μυαλό και το πνεύμα".

ΕΛΕΝΑ ΡΟΥΜΠΙΝΣΤΑΪΝ

Βιογραφία στο :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helena_Rubinstein

Για το ημερολόγιο:

Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο.. Μέρος 4ο

2013-01-23T22:38:00.000+02:00

Μια βασίλισσα αυτή τη φορά, που έδωσε τη δική της μάχη..

ΒΟΑΔΙΚΕΙΑ

"Η βασίλισσα με τα πύρινα μαλλιά"

Η Βοαδικεία γεννήθηκε στην αρχαία Βρετανία γύρω στο 30 μ.Χ. Ρωμαίοι ιστορικοί την περιγράφουν ως μία γυναίκα πανύψηλη, με εξαιρετικά διαπεραστικό βλέμμα και κατακόκκινα μαλλιά που κατεβαίνουν σαν φλόγες μέχρι τη μέση της. Γύρω στο 48 μ.Χ. παντρεύεται τον υποτελή στους Ρωμαίους βασιλιά της φυλής των Ικενών Πρασούταγο και η ίδια γίνεται βασίλισσα. Όταν ο Πρασούταγος πεθαίνει, την εξουσία αναλαμβάνει η Βοαδικεία. Επειδή δεν μπορεί να πληρώσει τους φόρους υποτελείας που της ζητήθηκε από τη Ρώμη, τη μαστιγώνουν δημοσίως και βιάζουν τις κόρες της.

Έπειτα από αυτόν τον εξευτελισμό, μόνο η εξέγερση είναι η λύση για την ταπεινωμένη βασίλισσα. Έτσι, το 60 μ.Χ. ηγείται μιας εξέγερσης των Ικενών μαζί με κάποιες άλλες φυλές κατά του Ρωμαίου διοικητή της Βρετανίας.

Οι εξεγερμένοι επιτίθενται σε μία ρωμαϊκή αποικία της Βρετανίας και την καταστρέφουν. Οι επαναστάτες συνεχίζουν την πορεία τους και φτάνουν στο Λονδίνο. Πριν την τελική μάχη με τους Ρωμαίους και βλέποντας η Βοαδικεία ότι δεν υπάρχουν ελπίδες να νικήσουν, μιλάει στο στρατό της με θέρμη, παροτρύνοντάς τους ή να κερδίσουν ή να πεθάνουν. Στη μάχη αυτή οι επαναστάτες κατατροπώνονται. Ο θρύλος λέει ότι η Βοαδικεία δεν πέθανε στη μάχη, αλλά γύρισε σπίτι της και αυτοκτόνησε με δηλητήριο.

Η βασίλισσα με την κόκκινη χαίτη παραμένει σύμβολο μαχητικότητας, καθώς ήταν από τις πρώτες γυναίκες στην ιστορία που ηγήθηκαν μιας επανάστασης κατά του κατακτητή.

"Αν ζυγίσεις τις δυνάμεις των δύο στρατών και τα αίτια του πολέμου, θα δεις ότι σε αυτή τη μάχη πρέπει ή να κερδίσεις ή να πεθάνεις. Αυτή είναι η απόφαση μιας γυναίκας. Όσο για τους άντρες, μπορούν , αν θέλουν, να ζήσουν και να γίνουν σκλάβοι."

Τελευταία λόγια της Βοαδικείας στον στρατό της

πριν από την τελευταία μάχη στο Λονδίνο.

Βιογραφία στο :

http://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%92%CE%BF%CE%B1%CE%B4%CE%AF%CE%BA%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%B1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudica
Για το ημερολόγιο:
http://www.biblionet.gr/book/182599/%CE%9C%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%AC,_%CE%A7%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1/%CE%97%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%B3%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82_%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BB%CF%85%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%8D_2013

Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο.. Μέρος 3ο

2013-01-22T06:23:00.004+02:00

Δυο άλλες γυναίκες που έτυχαν μεγάλης εκτίμησης για τον "αγώνα" τους είναι οι αδερφές Τσανγκ από το Βιετνάμ.

ΑΔΕΡΦΕΣ ΤΡΑΝΓΚ

Οι Αμαζόνες του Βιετνάμ

Οι Τρακ Τρανγκ και η Νι Τρανγκ είναι κόρες ενός ισχυρού αριστοκράτη του Βιετνάμ. Γεννιούνται σε μια χώρα που βρίσκεται υπό την κινεζική κατοχή πάνω από εκατό χρόνια. Η Τρακ παντρεύεται τον Βιετναμέζο αριστοκράτη Τι Σα. Όταν όμως το 39 μ.Χ. ένας Κινέζος στρατηγός σκοτώνει τον Τι Σα, η Τρακ μαζί με την αδερφή της αποφασίζουν να πάρουν εκδίκηση και να απελευθερώσουν τη χώρα τους από τους κατακτητές.

Με το θάρρος τους, τη μαχητικότητά τους και την πειθώ τους, συγκεντρώνουν έναν στρατό 80.000 ανθρώπων. Από αυτούς επιλέγουν 36 γυναίκες, ανάμεσα σ' αυτές και τη μητέρα τους, και τις εκπαιδεύουν για να γίνουν στρατηγοί.

Με μία σειρά σημαντικών μαχών, οι αδερφές Τρανγκ και ο στρατός τους καταφέρνουν το 40 μ.Χ. να διώξουν τους Κινέζους από τη χώρα.

Μετά από αυτή τη νίκη, ο λαός τις ανακηρύσσει κυβερνήτες του Βιετνάμ. Οι μάχες όμως με τους Κινέζους δε σταματούν. Μετά από τρία χρόνια ο κινεζικός στρατός θα εισβάλλει πάλι στη χώρα και θα την κατακτήσει. Οι αδερφές Τρανγκ, μην μπορώντας να αντέξουν την ήττα, αποφασίζουν να θέσουν τέρμα στη ζωή τους. Το Βιετνάμ δε θα ήταν αυτό που είναι σήμερα αν οι ατρόμητες αδερφές Τρανγκ δεν είχαν δώσει τη ζωή τους για τη χώρα τους και την ελευθερία.

"Όλοι οι άνδρες ήρωες έσκυψαν το κεφάλι σε ένδειξη υποταγής.
Μόνο οι δύο αδερφές σήκωσαν περήφανα το ανάστημά τους για
να υπερασπιστούν τη χώρα."

Ποίημα του 15ου αιώνα

Βιογραφία στο :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trung_sisters

Για το ημερολόγιο:
http://www.biblionet.gr/book/182599/%CE%9C%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%AC,_%CE%A7%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1/%CE%97%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%B3%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82_%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BB%CF%85%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%8D_2013

Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο.. Μέρος 2ο

2013-01-13T02:10:00.001+02:00

Το ημερολόγιο αναφέρεται σε πολλές γυναίκες που άλλαξαν την ιστορία του κόσμου πολιτικά και πολιτισμικά, και οι περισσότερες είναι από τις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες της Αμερικής. Μια από αυτές τις προσωπικότητες είναι και η Αφρο-Αμερικανή Ρόζα Παρκς

Ρόζα Παρκς (14 Φεβρουαρίου 1913 - 24 Οκτωβρίου 2005)

Η Πρώτη Κυρία των Πολιτικών Δικαιωμάτων

Γεννημένη στην Αλαμπάμα, η Ρόζα ΜακΚόλεϋ, μετέπειτα Παρκς, ως Αφρο-Αμερικανή, βιώνει καθημερινά τις φυλετικές διακρίσεις. Το 1932 παντρεύεται τον Ράυμοντ Παρκς και συμμετέχουν στην Εθνική Ένωση για τα Δικαιώματα των Έγχρωμων.

Την 1η Δεκεμβρίου του 1955 η μοδίστρα Ρόζα Παρκς, αντιστεκόμενη στον νόμο που απαιτεί οι μαύροι να κάθονται στο πίσω μέρος του λεωφορείου και να παραχωρούν τη θέση τους στους λευκούς, αρνείται να δώσει τη θέση της σε έναν λευκό άντρα , και έτσι συλλαμβάνεται. Χάρη στην ενέργειά της αυτή, φουντώνει ένα κίνημα κατά του φυλετικού διαχωρισμού, που εκφράζεται άμεσα με μποϊκοτάζ των λεωφορείων από τους μαύρους. Το μποϊκοτάζ κρατάει 381 ημέρες και προκαλεί ζημιά εκατομμυρίων δολαρίων.

Η Ρόζα Παρκς γίνεται από εκείνη τη στιγμή σύμβολο, αλλά πληρώνει το τίμημα καθώς και αυτή και ο άντρας της χάνουν τις δουλειές τους και αναγκάζονται να μετακομίσουν σε άλλη πολιτεία.

Η δράση της κατά των φυλετικών διακρίσεων δε θα σταματήσει ποτέ. Κατά τη διάρκεια της ζωής της θα λάβει πολλά μετάλλια και διακρίσεις, όπως το Ποεδρικό Μετάλλιο της Ελευθερίας και το Χρυσό Μετάλλιο του Κογκρέσου κατά του Ρατσισμού. όταν σε ηλικία 92 ετών το 2005 φεύγει από τη ζωή. Είναι η πρώτη γυναίκα που η σορός της εκτίθεται σε λαϊκό προσκύνημα στη Ροτόντα του Καπιτωλίου. Έτσι, χιλιάδες άνθρωποι αποχαιρετούν τη γυναίκα που το περιοδικό "Time" κατέταξε ανάμεσα στους 20 ανθρώπους-σύμβολα του 20ου αιώνα.

"Δεν πρέπει να φοβάσαι γι' αυτό που κάνεις όταν είναι το σωστό".
Ρόζα Παρκς

Βιογραφία στο :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks

Για το ημερολόγιο:
http://www.biblionet.gr/book/182599/%CE%9C%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%AC,_%CE%A7%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1/%CE%97%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%B3%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82_%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BB%CF%85%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%8D_2013

Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο..

2013-01-09T22:53:00.000+02:00

Πριν από 2 ημέρες έλαβα ένα δέμα που είχε μέσα ένα ημερολόγιο για τη νέα χρονιά, με τίτλο "Γυναίκες που νίκησαν το χρόνο" της Χριστίνας Μανιά. Αναφέρεται σε 21 γυναίκες που "τόλμησαν να διεκδηκήσουν το όνειρό τους και να παλέψουν για τα ιδανικά τους". Συμπεριλαμβάνονται γυναίκες ή καλύτερα προσωπικότητες που έχουν "φύγει" από τη ζωή, αλλά και άτομα που συνεχίζουν να ζουν στο όνειρό τους.

Η πρώτη γυναίκα που επέλεξα από το ημερολόγιο είναι η Coco Chanel.

Η ιέρεια του στιλ

Η Coco Chanel γεννήθηκε 19 Αυγούστου 1883 και πέθανε στις 10 Ιανουαρίου 1971.

"Μετά τον θάνατο της μητέρας της, ο πατέρας της στέλνει την Γκαμπριέλ Σανέλ σε ένα γαλλικό ορφανοτροφείο. Εκεί η Σανέλ ανατρέφεται από τις καλόγριες μέσα στην αυστηρότητα. Στα 18 της βρίσκει δουλειά ως ράφτρα και κατασκευάστρια καπέλων. Παράλληλα, για να βγάλει περισσότερα χρήματα, τραγουδάει σε καμπαρέ, όπου και αποκτά το όνομα Κοκό (Coco).

Το 1913 ανοίγει το πρώτο της κατάστημα καπέλων. Αρχίζει να σχεδιάζει γυναικεία ρούχα, πολύ απλά και άνετα, αντίθετα με τις προσταγές της μόδας της εποχής. Σύντομα αποκτά φήμη και σημαντική πελατεία από την υψηλή κοινωνία, καθώς το νέο στιλ, αφήνοντας πίσω τους κορσέδες και τα δεκάδες στρώματα ρούχων, απελευθερώνει τις γυναίκες κινησιολογικά.

Το 1919 η Σανέλ ήδη απολαμβάνει την επιτυχία της σε όλο τον κόσμο, με αποκορύφωμα τη δημιουργία του αρώματος Chanel No 5, ένα άρωμα που ακόμα και σήμερα πουλάει ένα μπουκάλι κάθε 30 δευτερόλεπτα.

Τη δεκαετία του '50 και του '60 συνεργάζεται με διάφορα στούντιο του Χόλυγουντ, ντύνοντας τις πιο διάσημες σταρ της εποχής. Η συμβολή της στη μόδα είναι τέτοια, ώστε το περιοδικό την κατατάσσει -μόνο αυτή στο χώρο της - ανάμεσα στους 100 ανθρώπους με τη μεγαλύτερη επιρροή στον 20ό αιώνα.

Το 1971 στη Λοζάνη, σε ηλικία 87 ετών, φεύγει από τη ζωή η γυναίκα-σύμβολο της κομψότητας και του στιλ."

"Η μόδα φεύγει, μόνο το στιλ

είναι αυτό που πάντα μένει".

Coco Chanel

Βιογραφία στο : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coco_Chanel

Για το ημερολόγιο :
http://www.biblionet.gr/book/182599/%CE%9C%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%AC,_%CE%A7%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B1/%CE%97%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%B3%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%82_%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BB%CF%85%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%8D_2013

The first weekend of December... Christmas are here!!!

2012-12-10T20:20:00.001+02:00

Saturday, December 8th 2012

Having the party for the boy's birthday!!! 15 classmates from his grade came to greet him, have a good time and mostly HAVE FUN!!!! Yet, the grown ups had fun as well by talking, eating, playing with the kids in a beautiful place of many trampolines!!! Having the appropriate mood to play, jump and laugh are the necessary "things" to feel happy!

After the party, we went to get the Christmas tree (a real one! ), which is 10 feet tall/ 3,05 metres and a wreath for the door!!! However, it was sooooo cold!!! It was freezing !!!

Sunday, December 9th 2012

It's the day for the Au Pair monthly meeting at Jade Garden close to downtown. It's a very popular, inexpensive, chinese restaurant with great food. And when I say popular, I mean it. I couldn't enter the store because of the long queue!!! I had a great time with the other au pairs by discussing many interesting things, telling and listening to the news and stories and be informed for things that are going to happen in Seattle.When I returned home, after getting some exercise by walking and knowing much better the city, it was the time to go downtown again with my host mom and the kids to make a Ginger Bread House. On the table, there were two big and two little bit smaller pieces of ginger bread, a star and the frosting "glue". There was also a buffet full of hard candies, cookies, cereal etc. to decorate the house as we wished to. One hour later, having finished the house, we were full of frosting, sugar on our hands!!! :P
At last, but not least, when we left the food corner, where we made the ginger bread house, we went to St' Stephen Episcopal Church in Laurelhurst area to listen to a boy choir singing traditional carols and songs for the Christmas! It was amazing! I felt that the Christmas are coming soon!!!