Puzz 3D updates- Empire State Building, Santorin, and White House

Here are a few new 3D puzzles I finished.

The most recent I finished today, August 20th upon return from our vacation  in Greece.  This is a representation of Santorini, Greece.  I've got a picture of Betsy with the town of Oia in the foreground.

I also finished the capital recently.

The Capital  which we visited June this year 2013

Sunset video Santorini

Here is the highlight of Santorini, the daily sunset.

Day 6- exploring the beach in Santorini

Today we rented a car an drove to the south east side of Santorini to the beach. The beach resort we picked was called Seaside and has umbrellas, drink and food service and is situated on the blacks and created by the volcano.

Day 5- Santorini

Day 5 started with a morning hike. 

The most difficult dash is hiking on Skaros rock. Yes, this is the giant rock situated in Imerovigli. 

You have to go down the path that will lead you to the rock's base where you will start ascending. When you reach the top you will follow the descending path leading to the back of the rock and you will stop when you find the white church that is a bit higher than the middle of the rock. 

After the hike we returned to have breakfast served to us on our patio which overlooks the hike we just completed. 

Next on the agenda we are getting massages, then out to the pool and maybe a nap. 

Day 4 Santorini

Just arrived at the Astra Suites.

Day 3 Athens

Today we decided the best way to see all the sites with our limited time was to hire a driver. We researched trio advisor and selected George's Taxi. Our driver was more knowledgable about Greek history then my High School history teacher. He laid out our day to make the most off all the sites.

We started at the Acropolis early before the crowns and heat then the ancient cemetery.

Day 2- Nafplio and Athens

Day 2- Nafplio and Athens. 

Today we visited the Palamidi Castle with it's 999 steps from the town of Nafplio. It's is an amazing view from the top with the beautiful blue sea below. From the top I could see the 3 miles I jogged earlier that morning, through the town and around to the beach resort where at 7:00 am, older Greeks were already getting an early morning swim. 

Palamidi Fortress

The castle or fort has several bastions which you can walk between. It is very well preserved however, the stone walkways are very slippery from steady wear over the years. Inside the walls is a small church. Betsy and I took a look and were given candles to light and leave. I said a little prayer for our kids. 

After we descended back down the fortress steps to rubbery legs at the bottom we packed up our room at the Aetoma hotel and receive a bag of fruits from our hostess. Our hotel in Napfilio was an old Venetian home with 6 rooms, well decorated.   Breakfast was included and was complete with eggs, bacon, Greek yogurt with honey, and a wide assortment of breads. 

Myacene

When we left town, our next stop was the ancient city of Mycenae. The Mycenae were the earliest Greek civilization dating back to 1500-1600 BC. The highlights of the site included the Lions Gate, the city walls, Cistern and the bee hive shaped Treasury, the largest dome of the ancient world at the time. 

The Mycenae were victors in the war of Troy and are mentioned in Homers Odyssey and folklore of The wooden horse. 

Athens and Plaka

We arrived at our hotel The Plaka Hotel. After a quick drop off of the renal car back at the airport we drove 45 min to the base of the Acropolis in the old town Plaka area. We had a much needed early dinner that included Greek appetizers, Lamb, wine and desert. Then we roamed around the grounds below the Acropolis and saw the Tower of Winds, the Roman and Greek Agora and took lots of pictures. The Plaka is loaded with shops and restaurants and has a swap market feel. After a few hours walking we ended the day watching the sunset view from the hotel roof top bar and enjoyed a drink as the light of the Acropolis came to life.  

Arrival in Nafplion

A nice first day in Nafplion. After a quick nap in our hotel Aetoma (excellent old Venetian hotel) we ventured out to the harbor strand for some appetizers. Roasted Eggplant, stuffed peppers with Feta and garlic mushrooms. Top that with a local Greek beer, the first I've had in four months and life is good.

The city of Nafplion is the first Greek capital of modern Greece and was first established as an outpost of the Venetians. They have 3 forts guarding the city, one in the harbor on an island and two imposing cliff top forts. Palamidi, the larger of the two is on our agenda this morning. Then we are off to see the Myacene city of Ancient Greece 1500BC. These are the victors of the war of Troy.

Crazy time on the way to Athens

So on the way to Athens we had a crazy passenger that caused us to land in Shannon, Ireland so I guess I can cross that off my list. Now we are running an hour behind schedule. Crazy people!

Andy Engel
949-433-7930 Cell

Being nice pays!

So on our day one Athens flight we strike up a conversation with the flight attendant who is very nice. The remainder of our flight he is serving us the good wine and sneaking us the good deserts from first class. I am sending a email calling him out, he really made this long 10 hour trip a pleasure. We are scheduled in an hour early. Vacation is off to a great start.

Andy Engel
949-433-7930 Cell

Day One- LAX to New York

We are boarding Delta in LAX (slowly) due to a computer malfunction of some sort but we are on our way soon. Our pilot assures us we will make up the time but I think I will have a Bloody Mary to calm my nerves since we have a tight connection to Athens. The morning started early, we left the house at 3:30 AM Wednesday and arrive at 9:00am Thursday. Lets go!

Greece 2013

Our Greece trip starts in a few days and her is the plan we currently have in place. We'll see how close we track to our agenda. 

Wednesday July 31, 2013 (Travel Day)

 Delta 206, Delta 132  - HALZG7 

LAX to JFK Flight #206, Depart @ 6:30 am LAX – Arrive JFK @ 3:05 pm

JFK to ATH Flight #132, Depart @ 4:20 pm ATH – Arrive ATH @ 9:15 AM (Thursday)

- (1h 15m layover in JFK), arrive 9:15 am (Thursday)

 

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Arrive in Athens, Greece 9:15 a.m. – Rent car, travel to Peloponnese region "Nafplion"

 

      National Car Rental w/GPS Pic-Up Thursday- Drop off Sunday- Confirm #480988925

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Peloponnese to Nafplion

      Aetoma Hotel- (1) night – http://hotel-aetoma-nafplio.focusgreece.gr/

2 Sq San Spiridon, Nafplion, 21100, Greece  

+302752027373

 

Check-in (after 2pm) Check out (before 12:pm)

Booking.com #336374795  PIN Code 4520

 

To Do- Nafplion is an early Venetian site and looks Itallian

1.

Palamidi Castle- 900 steps to the ruins with great view of Nafplion below

2.

Nauplion Promenade- Seaside walkway with restaurants and bars

3.

Karonis Distillery- Wine Tasting and Uzo,

4.

Town plaza and shops/ domed Mosque/ Harbor Fort

5.

Beach at the end of promenade, keep a suit with you want to take a swim

 

Friday, August 2, 2013

Peloponnese sites by car: activities can be done on the way to Nafplion or on Friday return to Athens-

•

"Ancient Corinth" (Korinthos) and "Acrocorinth" (fortified city)- In times of Asturity, this site could close early and may be best, visited on the way to Nafplion on Thursday.  

•

Mycenae- Ancient ruins, cisterns, royal tomb (citadel) and lions gate.

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Epidaurus- Ancient Theater and probably one of the best preserved, may have some summer festivals here.  The site has limited ruins with the exception of the theater.

 

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Back to Athens

•

Planka Hotel, (2) nights Acropolis View- http://www.plakahotel.gr/

7 Kapnikareas & Mitropoleos, Plaka, Athens Greece

+30 210 3222706

Check-in (after 1pm) Check out (before 12:pm)

Booking.com #250507893 PIN Code 9000

 

•

Planka (Night Life)

o

Brettos Bar #1 Bar  in Planka

 

Saturday, August 3, 2013

​ Full Day in Athens, Greece – Planka Region

•

Acropolis – Parthenon - Temple of Hephaestus –Hephaistion - Erechtheion

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Hammam Baths- http://hammam.gr/

 

 

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Depart for Santorini (Thira)- Day 1

 

•

Astra Suites, Santorini, Greece, http://www.astrasuites.com/en/

Imerovigli, PO Box:45
Santorini, 84700. Greece
+302286023641

Check-in (after 2pm) Check out (before 12:pm)

Booking.com #173 309 953 PIN Code 3867

 

Round Trip- Aegean Air- confirmation code: Y5ZASD
​Travelers: Andrew Engel, Betsy Engel
​Flight: from Athens, Greece (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos) to Thira, Greece (JTR-Santorini National)
​Depart: Athens (Eleftherios Venizelos), 4-Aug-13 at 10:00 AM
​Arrive: Thira (JTR),  4-Aug-13 at 10:45 AM
​Flight: Aegean 354
​Meal Service: Snack
​Duration: 0hr 45mn​​

Monday, August 5, 2013

Day Santorin- -2  "Betsy's Choice"

 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Day Santorini- 3  "Betsy's Choice"

 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Santorini- Day 4  "Betsy's Choice"

 

 

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Santorini- Day 5  "Betsy's Choice"​

 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Aegean Air- confirmation code: Y5ZASD

​Flight: from Thira, Greece (JTR-Santorini National) to Athens, Greece (ATH-Eleftherios Venizelos)
​Depart: Thira (JTR),  9-Aug-13 at  8:25 PM
​Arrive: Athens (Eleftherios Venizelos),  9-Aug-13 at  9:10 PM
​Flight: Aegean 359
​Meal Service: Snack
​Duration: 0hr 45mn
 

Check in: HILTON Athens, 46 Vassilissis Sofias Ave., Athens, Greece 11528​​​​      

Phone: 30-2107281000- Confirmation number: 3507024129 (pre-paid w/reward points)

 

 

 

 

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Delta 133, Delta 17- HALZG7

Depart ATH- LAX

ATH to JFK Flight #0133 Depart @ 12:40 pm JFK – Arrive JFK @ 4:40 pm

JFK to LAX Flight #0017, Depart @ 6:15 pm ATH – Arrive LAX @ 9:35 pm

- (1h 25m layover in JFK)

 

 

 

30 Days of Cross-Fit and Paleo Diet

Today is day 30 of my Cross-Fit/Paleo Diet program.  For those who don't know what Paleo eating is, it's also called the "Cave Man Diet".  You can eat vegetables, fruit, meat, nuts and excludes wheat products, soy products, dairy and sugar.  It also excludes any packaged foods which are manufactured.  If you can't find it in nature (hunt it or gather it), it's probably questionable.  Alcohol is also off limits, that can be a bummer....

The Whole 30 program is designed to cleanse your system of all the harmful stuff we eat.  I'm not cutting everything forever, but I did devote 30 days to it and we'll see how much more after today.  I will probably take a 90/10 approach to this going forward.  The results are pretty good.  This is my weight loss tracker from MyFitnessPal.com

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Weight Loss Tools

I've combined the introduction of  Cross-Fit  (Cross Fit Forest) to my exercise program which has helped.  I've never done cross fit before so this has been a big difference from my typical gym workouts.  I walk out of each class dripping sweat and challenged.  I combine Cross-fit with alternate days of weight training and about 1-2 4 mile jogs a week. 

This is only the first month but I feel better on the Paleo diet and have energy to get me through the workouts.  I hope to see additional progress on June 15th.  Lets see.

3D Puzz- Empire State Building

3/15/2013

Here is the latest puzzle, the Empire State building! 

3D Puzz- U.S. Capital

The US Capital- Finished 2/28/13

Maui trip 2013

Check out the video. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KG0ksYpJ6_Q

Our trip was during the whale watching season, so after taking a paddle board out about a mile from shore, you just sit quietly and wait for the whales that appear all around you. Just don't get too close. I also saw sea turtles out here. 

This is the view from the Four Seasons hotel in Maui. A beautiful hotel and a great day for enjoying the sun. 

We took a 1/2 island helicopter tour of Maui and Molokai. The views are amazing, from beach side cliffs like these to 1900' waterfalls only accessible by helicopter.  

Sunset by the pool at the Four Seasons. This is the serenity pool. Don't be surprised if you see a celebrity here. In just a few days we say John Elway, Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle) and Larry Flint in a gold plated wheelchair. 

On of the amazing waterfalls on Molokai

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Coastline of Molokai, look at the water!

Andy Engel

949-433-7930 Cell