Tag: travel

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Akrotiri, Santorini- the Bronze Age City

On our recent trip to Santorini, we visited an excavation site called Akrotiri which is a foregone Bronze Age City. It was incredible to see what archaeologist have unearthed, and to learn this was a civilization that had been part of the Minoan culture. 

Our guide stated that Akrotiri was a 3,600-year-old city that had been buried in ash from an enormous volcanic eruption in 1650 BC, that decimated all life on the island and erased an entire city-state. The ruins now serve as a time capsule for contemporary scientist and art historians who learn more each day about these early inhabitants.

The island was referred to as Thira 3,600 years ago after their mythical ruler Theras. The Minoan’s who flourished here and on the nearby island of Crete were annihilated by the cataclysmic ash cloud that formed over what was left of island for two years.

According to ancient writers this eruption plunged the earth into a period of global cooling.

To walk thru this archeological wonderland is a phenomenal experience, and incredible to witness. Seeing this ancient township took me back to my early college days of art history, and studying the very small section on Minoan culture. One can see frescos on walls, various artworks and object d’art as well as experience the culture.

Stay tuned for more adventures,
Kathleen

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Cruising for a Cause

After our return from Europe and the Middle East I began drafting several posts for Stylish Heath. One was written on October 5th highlighting our cruise on Royal Caribbeans’ ship “Rhapsody of the Sea” to sail the Mediterranean to Greece from Haifa. But, two days later war was declared in Israel and the post would have been in poor taste to publish.

Last week Tony sent an Instagram notice stating that U.S. commercial carriers had suspended flights in and out of Tel Aviv. American Airlines and Delta Air would suspend all flights for the next few months to and from Israel, while United has suspended flights indefinitely.

With a scarcity of flights, there are still hundreds of Americans trying to return to home. According to the article the State Department requested the assistance of Royal Caribbean’s “Rhapsody of the Seas” since it was at the Port of Haifa to sail families to Cyprus. From here they will arrange their own accommodation to the U.S.

This is what I would call cruising for a cause and an extremely good one I may add!!!

Kathleen