FBC Travel 2010

More Pictures from Charles and Sue Hall

2010-09-05T15:21:00.001-07:00

I got an email from Charles Hall on August 5th. Unfortunately, I have been buried with a work project and too busy to really look at it until this weekend. Charles has done a wonderful, great job with his pictures. Here's the text of the email that I got: Sue and I completed our slideshow of the Greece Turkey Trip. It's on Google and you need a free account to view it. It is more about where

Dale's Thoughts about the FSoP trip...

2010-08-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

Wow. That was some trip. I just went through and added some more links, captioned the pictures in the blog, and just reviewed the trip. I am really glad that I did this blog, because the memories from the trip were already fading, and this was a great way for me to review and revisit. I don't know if it helps anyone else, but the maps have helped me. All of the maps in the blog are interactive,

Revisits Done - Let me know of any problems or suggestions!

2010-08-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Footsteps of Paul people, whether you went on the trip or you're following the blog... I have updated all the "revisits" for Days 1 through 14. I'm sure there's something I missed somewhere. I've already found and corrected some small things, so if you're reading in email you might actually go check out the web site. Please let me know if you see anything out of order, anything that you think

Ice Cream!

2010-07-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

Ice Cream was very important on the trip. Every break it seemed like someone was having an ice cream of some sort. I tried to capture at least one variety of each kind. I found nine - what did I miss? See them here

Day 14 Revisit - Corinth and Traditional Dinner

2010-07-31T23:45:00.000-07:00

Day Fourteen Revisit - Saturday June 19th - Corinth and Traditional Dinner Corinith Canal Today we were on the bus at 8:00 and headed toward Corinth. This city is not too far from Athens, about an hour and a half via bus from our hotel. We saw the Corinth Canal, which is cut from the rocks, connecting the Aegan Sea with the Ionic (or Adriatic) Sea. This canal is 4 miles long, 290 feet deep,

Day 13 Revisit - Athens

2010-07-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

Day Thirteen Revisit - Friday June 18th - Athens Parthenon Today we had to be ready to leave the ship at 7:30. After waiting and going through customs, we said goodbye to Yanni and were in Athens, finally back with Aliki and in the tour bus at about 9:00. We headed to the Athens Acropolis. The Acropolis is an amazing place. There are multiple structures: Porch of the Caryatids a

Day 12 Revisit - Crete and Santorini

2010-07-31T23:18:00.000-07:00

Day Twelve Revisit - Thursday June 17th - Crete and Santorini Knossos Palace A pretty hectic day. The cruise ship had arrived at Crete and we had to be ready to go on our Knossos Palace tour at 7:30. The tour was interesting but it was VERY hot out. The ruins of the Palace were noticeably older than the other ruins that we had seen. This is the place where the legend of the minotaur arose.

Day 11 Revisit - Rhodes

2010-07-31T23:08:00.000-07:00

Day Eleven Revisit Wednesday June 16th - Rhodes A catch-up, relaxing day. The cruise ship traveled overnight while we slept to the Island of Rhodes, which was very important as a shipping center in the Mediterranean Sea. Some people went on tours, some went with Pastor Wayne to the Museum, some wandered around the town on their own, and some stayed on the ship and relaxed. I went with Pastor

Day 10 Revisit Part 2 - Cruise and Patmos

2010-07-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

Day Ten Revisit Part 2 - Tuesday June 15th - Cruise and Patmos After Ephesus, we boarded the bus and drove to the port of Kusadasi and got there before 10:00. We said goodbye to our Turkey guide Hakan, driver Hasan, and assistant George. We went through customs and boarded the cruise ship. We had a nice surprise in that Expedition Travel had provided a guide, Yanni, on the boat. He helped a lot,

Day 10 Revisit Part 1 - Ephesus

2010-07-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

Medusa gate Day Ten Revisit Part 1 - Tuesday June 15th - Ephesus On the bus at 7:00, headed to Ephesus. This is a huge site that has been wonderfully excavated because there is not an existing city on the site as is so common. Ephesus was a harbor town in the first century and earlier, but the harbor silted up and the reason for the town moved. There were many interesting sites here, but

Day 9 Revisit Part 2 - Hierapolis

2010-07-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

Day Nine Revisit Part 2 - Monday June 14th - Hierapolis After seeing the ruins at Laodicea, we drove a short distance and had lunch at a buffet restaurant. Then we went a short distance away to Hierapolis. This is an area close to Laodicea with Greek and Roman ruins, travertine deposits, and hot pools of water. Back on the bus and we drove for a while to get to the Kusadasi area. Pastor Wayne

Day 9 Revisit Part 1 - Laodicea

2010-07-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

Day Nine Revisit Part 1 - Monday June 14th - Laodicea On the bus at 7:30. Today is the hottest and longest of the trip. We drove for a couple of hours and got some sleep/rest/catch-up on notes time. Stopped at a rest stop and then back on. Pastor Wayne teaching: Laodecia was known for the hot and cold waters in the area. When John writes in Revelation that they are lukewarm, it is with this

Day 8 Revisit Part 3 - Bergama Asklepieion

2010-07-31T22:11:00.000-07:00

Day Eight Revisit Part 3 - Sunday June 13th - Bergama Asklepieion After visiting the site of Pergamon, we got back in the bus and went a short distance to the Bergama Asklepieion. This was an area that was dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing. There were various interesting places and ruins at this site, but for me, I think "ruin fatigue" is setting in! Back to the bus, stopped at a

Day 8 Revisit Part 2 - Bergama (Pergamon)

2010-07-31T22:08:00.000-07:00

Pergamon Theater - steepest in the world - with city of Bergama in background Day Eight Revisit Part 2 - Sunday June 13th - Bergama (Pergamon) After lunch and the Carpet Association, we loaded up in the bus and made our way to the Bergama Acropolis, site of the ancient Greek city of Pergamon. This site had a great altar, which is now in a museum in Berlin, Germany. Pergamon was also the site

Day 8 Revisit Part 1 - Bergama Carpet Association

2010-07-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

Day Eight Revisit Part 1 - Sunday June 13th - Bergama Carpet Association On the bus and leaving at 8:00. Today we drove for a couple of hours (getting some naps), had a rest break, and then had a worship service on the bus, with a short communion service. Pastor Wayne talked about King Solomon and how in 1 Kings 3:4-9 he humbled himself before The Lord, and then The Lord rewarded him in v.10-15.

Day 7 Revisit Part 3 - Canakkale Area

2010-07-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Day Seven Revisit Part 3 - Saturday June 12 - Canakkale After visiting Troy, we got back on the bus and headed for Hotel Akol in Canakkale. On the way, we took a short side trip to a mountain that overlooked the Dardanelles. On this mountain were several WW-1 vintage canon bunkers built into the hillside. These were used by the Turks during WW-1 to repel the British and French attempt to take

Day 7 Revisit Part 2 - Troy

2010-07-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

Day Seven Revisit Part 2 - Saturday June 12 - Troy After lunch and the ferry across the Dardanelles, we traveled for another hour or so, stopping at the ancient city of Troy, legendary from the stories of Homer of the Illiad and the Oddessey - the idea of a 10 year battle between the Greeks and the Persians, over a woman named Helen, ending when the Greeks left a wooden horse and the Persians

Day 7 Revisit Part 1 - Dardanelles Ferry

2010-07-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

Day Seven Revisit Part 1 - Saturday June 12 - Dardanelles Ferry Today was travel for the first part, then seeing the city of Troy. We got on the bus in Istanbul and traveled for a couple of hours to a rest stop, then back on the bus and another couple of hours till lunch. Lunch was right before we took a ferry across the Dardenelles. Day 7 teaching from Pastor Wayne was on the bus before Troy

Day 6 Revisit Part 5 - Bosphorus Cruise

2010-07-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

Day Six Revisit Part 5 - Friday June 11 - Bosphorus Cruise Next we got back on the bus and headed to the waterfront where some of us took an hour-long Bosphorus Cruise from the Golden Horn north along the European side of Istanbul into the narrows of the Bosphorus Straits, and back south along the Asian side of Istanbul. A nice relaxing time. The Bosphorus is a strait that forms part of the

Day 6 Revisit Part 4 - Topkapi Palace

2010-07-31T21:29:00.000-07:00

Day Six Revisit Part 4 - Friday June 11 - Topkapi Palace Topkapi Palace After lunch, we walked about 5 minutes to the Topkapi Palace. This is the palace of the Ottoman Sultans, and was very opulent. It was transformed into a museum in 1924. We went through two archways, then a security checkpoint, and got into some massive garden grounds. On the grounds, we sat under some shade while Pastor

Day 6 Revisit Part 3 - Hagia Sophia

2010-07-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

Hagia Sopia Day Six Revisit Part 3 - Friday June 11 - Hagia Sopia Next stop, the Hagia Sophia. This is directly across from the Blue Mosque. This was originally a Christian (Orthodox) church, built in 537. It is know for its massive dome which is said to have "changed the history of architecture." In 1453 Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and the building was converted to a

Day 6 Revisit Part 2 - Blue Mosque

2010-07-31T21:18:00.000-07:00

Blue Mosque w/ 6 Minarets Day Six Revisit Part 2 - Friday June 11 - Blue Mosque Next stop, the Blue Mosque. This is only a short distance from the Hippodrome. The formal name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque, but it is popularly known as the Blue Mosque because of the Blue Tiles adorning the walls of its interior. This is one of the most impressive monuments in the world. We learned some of the

Day 6 Revisit Part 1 - Hippodrome

2010-07-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

Day Six Revisit Part 1 - Friday June 11 - Istanbul Today we spent hitting the major sites in Istanbul. The majority are within walking distance of each other. German Fountain First stop, the Hippodrome - Sultanahmet Meydanı. This is a location outside of the Blue Mosque where the ancient hippodrome (horse square) was located, built in approximately 330 AD. This is now a park area. There are

Day 5 Revisit - To Istanbul

2010-07-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

Roman Aqueducts Day Five Revisit - Thursday June 10th - on the Via Egnatia headed to Istanbul, Turkey Today was basically a travel day on the bus to get from Kavala, Greece to Istanbul, Turkey. On the bus and started out at 8:00. On the way out of Kavala, we saw some nice Roman Aqueducts from the bus. We went through the borders (customs) and switched buses. We had to leave behind the

Day 4 Revisit Part 3 - Lydia

2010-07-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

Day Four Revisit Part 2 - Wednesday June 9th - Baptistry of Lydia From there, we went to the small town of Lydia which was only a couple of minutes away from the ruins at Philippi. This is the legendary site of the baptism of Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) happened. We stopped and three of our members were baptized there: Michelle, Janet, and Kyle. After the baptisms, we got back to the bus, and

Day 4 Revisit Part 2 - Phillipi

2010-07-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

Phillipi Theater Day Four Revisit Part 2 - Wednesday June 9th - Phillipi After lunch, back on the bus at 1:50 and headed to the area of Phillipi. This is a bit north (20 minutes) of Kavala. Acts 16:9-40 describes Paul's time in the Phillipi area, the conversion and baptism of Lydia, the arrest and imprisonment, and the miracle with the prison being opened. We looked at the Theather that

Day 4 Revisit Part 1 - Amphipolis

2010-07-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

Day Four Revisit Part 1 - Wednesday June 9th - Amphipolis Lion of Amphipolis Today we checked out of hotel, up and our bags out the door at 7:30 with us getting breakfast starting at 7:00 and then we're on the bus and moving at 8:30. Today we are headed to the area of Philippi and Kavala (Neopolis). We travel east on the New Via Egnatia, the replacement for the Roman Road in this area.

Day 3 Revisit Part 3 - Vergina, Beria

2010-07-10T23:45:00.000-07:00

(Day Three Revisit - Tuesday June 8th, part 2) Back on the bus at about 12:00 and off to our next stop, in Vergina. We drove west for about 45 minutes on the new Via Eganitia, which is a new toll road built along the old Roman Road which Paul used. Pastor Wayne used this time to have us examine Acts 17:1-9 and apply the Biblical study principles of: 1. Observation, 2. Interpretation, 3.

Day 3 Revisit Part 2 - White Tower, St Sophia, Byzantine Castle

2010-07-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

(Day Three Revisit - Tuesday June 8th, part 2) White Tower On the way to the second stop, we glimpsed the Roman Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda from the bus. These are relatively famous landmarks in Thessaloniki, but we did not stop and view them. St. Sophia Second stop at about 10:00 - The White Tower. This is the most famous landmark in Thessaloniki, close to the waterfront. Built by

Day 3 Revisit part 1 - Basilica of St. Demetrius

2010-07-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

Basilica of St. Demetrius Day Three Revisit - Tuesday June 8th - this is the first day of sight-seeing. As with most days, we did a lot, so most days will have several parts to them. Today we saw the landmarks of Thessaloniki in the morning, then went to Vergina and Beria. We started out with buffet breakfast at the hotel and then on the bus by 8:30. First stop was the Basilica of Saint

Days 1 and 2 Revisit - trip to Thessaloniki

2010-07-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

Day 1 and 2 Revisit - June 6 and 7. For these "revisit" posts, I am cleaning up the text, adding maps and pictures, and adding links (primarily to Wiki) for background information. Day 1 and 2 were travel days: DFW to Madrid Spain to Athens Greece to Thessaloniki Greece by plane; then bus to the hotel. Aliki, our guide Our bus Things were mostly smooth. Customs surprised me, we went

Blog is Open to the Public

2010-07-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know that the 'Footsteps of Paul' blog is now Open to the Public. Anyone can access the blog at: http://fbctravel2010.blogspot.com Of course, if you're seeing this message, you're already signed up to the blog and you can see and post without moderation. Anyone that is not signed up as an author can post but they have to enter the displayed word and the

Trip Evaluation - Please Respond

2010-06-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

Greetings Footsteps Family!As I mentioned earlier – I’m including a trip evaluation that will help me tremendously in planning future trips. This is the first time that I did not use a US Travel Agent – and I must say that even though it’s a lot more work, we had a much better trip doing it the way that we did. Of the issues that I am aware of at this time – here’s my initial list of what works

Opening up the blog

2010-06-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Now that we have returned from the trip, I would like to set up the blog as public so that anyone can look at it or post on it. Does anyone have any objections to doing that? If you have an objection, let me know by Wednesday, or I'll open up the blog on Thursday. Thanks, *Dale*

Welcome Home!!

2010-06-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome Home!!I just wanted to tell each of you how very special it was to travel with you. I was overwhelmed the last night with your thoughtfulness and generosity… thanks to everyone! It was truly an amazing thing to see our group do so well with time management, kindness, tolerance, and endurance – we had a very aggressive schedule and even I didn’t realize how hard the trip would be

2010-06-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say what a marvelous trip this was, so beautifully organized by Susan Fletcher and I thank her very much. My memories are fantastic ones and I'll never forget them.I also wanted to say that it appeared like I had packed for a year -- I had one big suitcase I checked and had a small roller suitcase and small bag for carry on. Unfortunately, my big suitcase I checked didn't make it

We're home!

2010-06-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

Arrived safely in DFW. I was one of the last people getting through customs, so by now everyone should be out and on their way to their DFW destinations.

Day 14 Sat Jun 19

2010-06-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

Day Fourteen Saturday June 19th Today we were on the bus at 8:00 and headed toward Corinth. This city is not too far from Athens, about an hour and a half via bus from our hotel. We saw the Corinth Canal, which is cut from the rocks, connecting the Aegan Sea with the Ionic (or Adriatic) Sea. This canal is 4 miles long, 290 feet deep, 78 feet wide, and the water is 28 feet deep. It was pretty

2010-06-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Day 13 Fri Jun 18

2010-06-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Day Thirteen Friday June 18th Today we had to be ready to leave the ship at 7:30. After waiting and going through customs, we finally were back with Aliki and in the tour bus at about 9:00. We headed to the Athens Acropolis. The Acropolis is an amazing place. There are multiple structures: 1. a small temple to Athena Nike (currently under restoration) right at the gates 2. the Proylea - the

Day 12 Thu Jun 17

2010-06-18T12:15:00.001-07:00

Day Twelve Thursday June 17th A pretty hectic day. The cruise ship had arrived at Crete and we had to be ready to go on our Knossos Palace tour at 7:30. The tour was interesting but it was VERY hot out. The ruins of the Palace were noticeably older than the other ruins that we had seen. This is the place where the legend of the minotaur arose. Interesting Bible tidbit: Crete was known in the

Day 11 Wed Jun 16

2010-06-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

Day Eleven Wednesday June 16th A catch-up, relaxing day. The cruise ship traveled overnight while we slept to the Island of Rhodes, which was very important as a shipping center in the Mediterranean Sea. Some people went on tours, some went with Pastor Wayne to the Museum, some wandered around the town on their own, and some stayed on the ship and relaxed. I went with Pastor Wayne to the museum

Day 10 Tue Jun 15

2010-06-16T04:39:00.000-07:00

Day Ten Tuesday June 15th On the bus at 7:00, headed to Ephesus. Pastor Wayne taught in the Agora after walking thru most of Ephesus, which is a HUGE site. Rev 2:2 Christianity is intolerant, not of other religions or prople, but of distortions of the truth. Jesus said that He was the is only way to God. We can test our conclusions against verifiable facts and feelings. In Acts 19, the riot in

2010-06-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Day 9 Mon Jun 14

2010-06-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Day Nine Monday June 14th On the bus at 7:30. Today is the hottest and longest of the trip. We drove for a couple of hours and got some sleep/rest/catch-up on notes time. Stopped at a rest stop and then back on. Pastor Wayne teaching: Laodecia was known for the hot and cold waters in the area. When John writes in Revelation that they are lukewarm, it is with this in mind. Antikus the third,

Day 8 Sun Jun 13

2010-06-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Day Eight - Sunday June 13th On the bus and leaving at 8:00. Today we had a worship service on the bus, with a short communion service. Pastor Wayne talked about Solomon and how in 1 Kings 3:4-9 he humbled himself before The Lord, and then The Lord rewarded him in v.10-15. We must remember where Solomon started. We have three enemies, the flesh, Satan, and the world. And we are not special (v. 3

Day 7 Sat Jun 12

2010-06-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

Day Seven - Saturday June 12 Today was travel for the first part, then seeing the city of Troy. We got on the bus in Istanbul and traveled for a couple of hours to a rest stop, then back on the bus and another couple of hours till lunch. Lunch was right before we took a ferry across the Dardenelles. We traveled for another hour or so, stopping at the ancient city of Troy, legendary from the

Day 6 Fri Jun 11

2010-06-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

Day Six - Friday June 11 Today we spent hitting the major sites in Istanbul. The majority of them are within walking distance of each other. First stop, the Blue Mosque. First we looked at some monuments in the area outside of the Blue Mosque. This included several items Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia) Pastor Wayne teaching - in ~500 AD Emporer Justin made three important edicts/decisions: 1. He

MJ Pics 2 from Istanbul

2010-06-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

2010-06-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

Turkish cuisine, The Blue Mosque and a child in circumcision garb.

MJ Pic in Istanbul

2010-06-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

2010-06-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

Enjoying all of the Biblical teachings and history lessons. I am amazed at the knowledge locked inside Pastor Wayne and Aliki (our Greecian tour guide). My memory is not that functional! Also, I'm having a great time seeing the countryside (and cities) and getting a better cultural grasp on how things were centuries ago.I've taken thousands of photos so far because there are just so many things

Chris and Hannah's Tour Using Pictures

2010-06-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

Ok... decided to put up some quick dumps of the photos so far. Hopefully nothing embarrassing. Go to picture sets here and keep coming back, I'll try to keep adding to it.

Day 5 Thu Jun 10

2010-06-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Day Five - Thursday June 10th - on the Via Egnatia headed to Turkey Today was basically a travel day on the bus to get from Kavala to Istanbul. On the bus and started out at 8:00. We went through the borders (customs) and had lunch on the Turkey side. Got into Istanbul in time for some bad traffic jams. When to the Grand Bazaar to a carpet place that the Stuckeys knew about 5:00 and saw the

Day 4 Wed Jun 9

2010-06-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Day Four - Wednesday June 9th Checking out of hotel. Up and our bags out the door at 7:30 with us getting breakfast starting at 7:00 and then we're on the bus and moving at 8:30. Today we are headed to the area of Philippi and Kavala (Neopolis). We travel east on the New Via Egnatia, the replacement for the Roman Road in this area. We rode on the bus for about an hour, maybe a little longer,

Day 3 Part 2 Tue Jun 8

2010-06-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

(This is a continuation of the Day 3 info.) On the way to the second stop, we glimpsed the Roman Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda from the bus. These are relatively famous landmarks in Thessaloniki, but we did not stop and view them. Second stop at about 10:00 - The White Tower. This is the most famous landmark in Thessaloniki, close to the waterfront. Built by the Ottomans sometime shortly

Day 3 part 1 Tue Jun 8

2010-06-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Day Three - Tuesday June 8th - this is the first day of sight-seeing. We did a lot today, and I'm going to break up my report into a couple of sections so that I don't overwhelm one post. This is the first of all of them. We started out with buffet breakfast at the hotel and then on the bus by 8:30. First stop was the Basilica of Saint Demetrius. Pastor Wayne remarked about how this location

Day 2 Technical Difficulties

2010-06-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

I had lots of problems getting on the Internet from my iPad in the airports and at the hotel. This happened at DFW, Athens, and the hotel Capsis. The symptom is that the iPad would appear to connect but would hang on the login screen. I tried resetting the network, powering down (by holding the top button until the power-off slider, and then sliding), and finally a hard boot (by holding top and

White Tower, Walls of Byzatine, Church of St. Demetrius, Church of St. Sophia (Divine Wisdom), Tomb of Peter II in Verina (Aiges), Paul/Berea

2010-06-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Like the subject says... LOTS of things to see...But Hannah got sick while we were at the North wall. Was sick for a good portion of the day.Pics are just from the Basilica of St. Demetrius.

Days 1 and 2 - trip to Thessonoliki

2010-06-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

Things were mostly smooth. Customs surprised me, we went through customs in Madrid even though we did not have our checked bags. Then we had to go through security to make the flight to Athens. NOt a very long wait. The layover at Athens was a bit longer. Picked up our checked luggage. Found that the Richardson's and the Folkmeyer's luggage made it to Spain but not to Athens. It will follow us

At breakfast

2010-06-07T21:41:00.001-07:00

Just kinda cool -- can post while at breakfast.

First night in Greece - We're all safe!

2010-06-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

Just a brief note to let everyone know we all arrived in Thessonoliki safely. There were 2 sets of bags that did not come with us from Spain to Athens, but they are supposed to arrive today. It was a long, wearying day, but wwe survived and got a late dinner and some sleep. We're now about to go down to breakfast and start the day. God is good! *Dale*

Breathe in, Breathe Out....

2010-06-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

As the clothes are still drying to be packed (yes, I realize it is the actual morning of the day we're leaving - that's how I roll ;-), I'm wondering how God will use these two weeks to change my life and the lives of all of us going on this trip. I am looking forward to making new friendships, bonding with my sister, leaving Frisco, and learning more about Paul and his journey. And I hope my son

Still NOT packed!!

2010-06-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sigh.... finishing up some work. Aack... busy... busy... busy...My brain is mush....

Credit Cards

2010-06-04T04:52:00.000-07:00

I got all the banks called last night about the credit cards. I found out an interesting fact: all my cards charge a 3% "Foreign Transaction Fee" on charges made overseas! Wow! I'm glad I found out about that, I will not use my cards as much because of that. Another interesting thing: on my ATM/debit card, there is "only" a 1% Foreign Transaction Fee. I guess that will be my primary card on the

Getting ready

2010-06-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Scanned and printed passports (copies).Printed flight itinerary (Hannah and I, copies).Fanny pack... worn underneath the belt... will server as money belt like thing.Hat (need to get Hannah similar hat).Busy, busy, busy... I may totally "veg" on this trip. I've heard that lots of folks on this trip are feeling some stress right now.... praying for rest.

Cruise: Glamour Nights

2010-06-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Phyllis and I are taking one dressy outfit to wear on the cruise. I realize most won't do this, but we like to dress up and since the cruise line mentions dressy attire, we are going to join in. We just wanted to let others know in case they wanted to do the same thing but were reluctant to do it. You won't be alone. Vicki, we know you will be dressed up regardless.In HIS Grip,Schuyler and

Footsteps: Journal / Booklet Available

2010-06-02T11:44:00.001-07:00

Greetings Again! I am writing this time with a special offer. Our wonderful Church Administrator, Vicki Nix, has been working diligently to put together a 180 pg. booklet / journal that contains all of her research regarding the sites that we will be visiting on our trip. She has included photos, details, and journal entry blank areas which will be perfect for taking notes along the way. *For

2010-06-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks Dale, this way my husband can keep up with the group, where we are and what we have seen each day!! This is great!

2010-06-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Pastor Wayne has kindly allowed us access to his "Footsteps of Paul - A Personal Journey" booklet. I have uploaded it to the web site. You probably want the page by page PDF file, which is still 2+ MB in size (i.e. pretty large) - if you have a slow internet connection, this might take a while to download... Booklet pages in order in PDF format. If for some reason you need to reprint the

Cruise Information and details (from Susan)

2010-06-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Greetings Travelers! Hopefully, you’re not overwhelmed with these updates – just thought you’d want to know these details… I’m sure that you are already aware, but we are boarding the ship in Ephesus – which is one day after the ship leaves from Athens. We planned it this way so that we could work our way back from Turkey through the Greek Isles and end our journey in Athens, where we will tour

Footsteps: A few more notes from Susan

2010-05-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings, I have a few more notes to share: We’re scrapping the shuttle idea – several have found other rides. For airline baggage weight – just wanted to note that the weight restrictions coming home are not as bad since we don’t have the Aegean flight. We can have room for purchases, etc. and our check-in bag will be 50 lb. limit and I doubt AA will even weigh our carry on – but their

Thank You

2010-05-31T13:59:00.001-07:00

Phyllis and I want to thank Dale for doing this. It sounds like a great idea. I have no idea how to do this is or even if this note is going out on the blog. I need very basic directions as to how to use a blog. Regardless, it is a neat thing to do and we appreciate Dale's hard work to put it together. We are looking forward to our trip and getting to know everyone betterIn HIS Grip,Schuyler

Itinerary Updated

2010-05-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Fellow Travelers, I updated the Itinerary page with a bunch more links today. Check it out and let me know if you see any problems. *Dale*

AAdvantage numbers and challenges

2010-05-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

If you don’t have an AAdvantage number with American Airlines, you probably want to get one and then call and have them add your number to your ticket. If I had your number before ticketing, I put it on your ticket – but you can call and verify that they actually did what they said… You may also want to switch your seats, etc. American’s number is 800-433-7300 and their AAdvantage number is

Tour Operator Emergency Contact Numbers

2010-05-25T20:07:00.001-07:00

TOUR OPERATOR - WHOLESALERS 19, Kydonion Str., Nea Smyrni171 21 - Athens, GreeceTel: ++30 210 93 73 470Fax: ++30 210 93 24 058Email: info@expeditionandtravel.grWeb Site: www.expeditionandtravel.grwww.expeditionandtravel.travel Emergency cell phone numbers (24 hours a day) Dimitris: 011 30 6948 75 80 40 Christos: 011 30 6948 75 80 39 Apostolos: 011 30 6948 75 80 41

Hotel / Lodging Listing

2010-05-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

ThessalonikiJune 7 – June 9, 2010 (2 nts) Hotel: Capsis Hotel Address: 18, Monastiriou Street Tel: ++30 2310 59 68 00 Fax: ++30 2310 51 05 55 Web Site: www.capsishotel.gr Status: Confirmed Kavala June 9 – June 10, 2010 (1 nt) Hotel: Oceanis Hotel Address: 32, E. Stavrou Street

Money Belts

2010-05-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Your portable safeBy Rick StevesEuropean thieves target American tourists. Not because they're mean, but because they're smart. We're the ones with all the good stuff in our bags and wallets. While violent muggings are rare in Europe, you can safely assume you'll be gently, skillfully pick-pocketed. The answer isn't fear, but a money belt. Every traveler needs one. Money belts are small,

Trip Insurance

2010-05-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Greetings All, Just wanted to forward these links again for those with questions on Travel Insurance. I became concerned when I saw the volcano delays from the eruption in Iceland – which hopefully will be all settled down by then – but just in case, I’m getting insurance! If you haven’t heard, this volcano in Iceland has caused the worst travel delays and interruptions in history (during peace

Travel Tips / Deals

2010-05-25T19:52:00.002-07:00

Heather just found some great deals on travel stuff at the Container Store. They are having an "organized traveler" sale. You might want to pass the word. Also, if people need extra SD storage cards for their cameras, Office Max has an 8 GB card for $18.99 - this is a great price! Best Buy has 4 GB cards for $12.99 which is good, but not as good as the 8 GB price. *Dale*

Airline Seating

2010-05-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

One more clarification – regarding your seat assignments for the long haul flights. I had someone contact me to ask about their seats that are listed on the itinerary that I put in your bags… That is the ORIGINAL itinerary and since that has been issued, I’ve gone back in to change everyone’s seats so that families / friends could sit together. ADDITIONALLY, some of you have called American

Update on Greek economic situation from land operator...

2010-05-25T19:51:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the multiple e-mails – just wanted to send this along when I saw it J. Below, I am forwarding a note from the owner of Expedition and Travel... very encouraging J. Blessings,Susan…………………………….. Good day from Athens to Texas! Hi Susan, Thank you for your e-mail.I am glad to report you that life has come back to normal and we believe that things will go better and better! We do have a

Promo Items from Susan

2010-05-25T19:50:00.001-07:00

Greetings! I just spent the last 2 days getting all of our promo / travel items ready for our group – and I’m really starting to get excited!! Something about doing all of that makes is seem so much closer – and it is… just 2 weeks! I plan to be at FBC tomorrow for both services – but just in case you don’t see me, all of the “bags” are in 2 boxes behind the info booth. They are in ALPHABETICAL

Packing List from Susan

2010-05-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Wrist WATCH – crucial so that we can stay on schedule.o Water Bottle – if you have one you like to carry, or plan to purchase water there.o Sunscreeno Hat o Sunglasseso Shoes or sandals with rubber soles / straps – lots of dusty, slippery/smooth rockso If you need a hair dryer – please pack oneo Electrical Converter / Adapter *remember to see if your cameras and other items require