Taken in Ephesus, Turkey near the last known home of Mother Mary.
Touring the Mediterranean's Ancient World, one expects to see temples, ruins, tombs, columns, stone walkways, old ceramic pots, statues and the like. Not to disappoint--you will see all of these amazing, awe-inspiring artifacts and structures. If you are like me, this is a huge anticipation point. I fell in love with the Ancient World's lore and beauty back in my college days during several Humanities courses.
Peeking in a doorway. Mykonos, Greece
I would dream of exploring the ancient Roman temples and towns throughout the areas controlled by the Caesar's. Then my mind would visualize Greece's magnificent capital of Athens. I am at the Acropolis, Greece's testament of architectural brilliance during the height of the Golden Age. My camera clicking wildly. I am totally in love! Now I'm on one of the Greek Islands. Because I love Mamma Mia, my mind places me at Mykonos. White buildings, blue roofs, blue sky, windmills, beaches, gyro's, coffee, olive oil, tiny walkways, blue shutters and beautiful doors. Ahhhhh.... this is the life!
Whoa! Is that lady really carrying her cat? Amalfi, Italy
Turkey and Israel were sort of on my radar, but not as much as Italy and Greece. In their defense it is not because they lack in beauty and ancient wonders. Chalk it up to the simple fact that the Humanities and History classes I took did not focus on their rich history. Rather, the emphasis was placed on current events and pretty much ignored the vast reaching influence of ancient Rome and Greece's architectural wonders. However, when the opportunity presented itself to visit these places I jumped at the chance.
The lookout. Ephesus, Turkey
Imagine my joy and excitement when my Mom gifted us (Eric and I) to join her on a 2-week cruise through the Holy Lands. And yes... on the itinerary was Rome (gasp!), Naples (wow!), three days in Israel (this is amazing!), Ephesus, Turkey (no way!), Athens and Mykonos (OMG!) and the island of Malta (where is this? I think I need a map.) For months we looked at photos and atlases. We researched how to dress in the sacred areas so we could be respectful of people's beliefs and cultures. We packed cruise clothes for swimming, walking the decks, dining in various restaurants and generally letting our hair down. Finally, the day came when our luggage was packed and we set out to begin the bucket-list cruise of a lifetime.
I will save the port by port in-depth experiences for future blog postings. However, for this writing I will keep to the theme of cats. I was the self designated photographer on this tour. I repeatedly reminded Eric and my Mom, Mitzi, that the main reason I majored in History was because I fell in love with the ancient Mediterranean civilizations. This usually was brought up because I was taking the 20th photo of column bases or double bonded pillars. They were rolling their eyes and wondering what I was thinking. I kept telling them-- don't worry we'll have a photo album just for me and you can make your own majorly edited version.
Columns aren't just for buildings. Who knew they made great cat beds? Carpenum, Israel
What department is he in? Security or quality control? Jerusalem
You looking at me?!!? Jordan River, Israel
At each destination area I did make good on the promise of keeping my photo stock pile full. I photographed old walls, stone streets, churches, synagogues, libraries, coliseum's, statues, frescoes, and other assorted stunning ruins. I also found plenty of cats. They were everywhere! Every island. Every ancient town. Every newer town. Every stop. Period. I am particularly fond of cats so I happened to take lots of pictures of these furry four-legged's. We asked one of the guards at Delos (a small uninhabited island near Mykonos, Greece with lots of cool ruins) what was with all the cats? He said they keep the mice and other rodent population's down. Plus, they are considered good luck protectors.
It instantly placed me back to an Egyptian History class. We learned that cats were considered sacred. Statues were designed after them. Masks, too.
The wealthy women lined their eyes darkly to mimc the style of cat's eyes. Even the Eye of Horus, ancient symbol of protection and royal power, is in the feline design. These civilizations had vast trade systems for commerce, goods and ideas so it makes sense that they would share the love of cats. Since I grew up and currently live in the mountains of Montana I have a healthy respect and appreciation for a good mouser. Maybe we aren't so different after all? Clearly, ancient people's needed and revered the elegant, yet lethal rodent hunters as much as I do. Enjoy the photos of Holy Cats...
Is that a cat sleeping on top of the car's roof? It sure is! Athens, Greece
Regal feline. Coluseum at Ephesus, Turkey
Hmmm... looks like cats are pretty much the same the world over. Pompeii, Italy