The Baths of Miletus

22 July 202323 September 2024

Approaching the archaeological site of Miletus, it is obvious that there is a large influence of Roman architecture and tradition that once made an impact on this city. One of the more important customs was that of public bathing.

In the city of Miletus there were three bathing areas: the Capito Thermae, Humei Tope Thermae (in the north) and the Faustina Thermae operating in the south. During the First Century BC, Cnaeus Vergilius Capito donated the resources for a large building complex which would contain an exercise area and baths. An inscription located on the northern section of the Ionic Stoa, confirms his donation. Because baths were more of a social activity among the Romans, this compound was perfectly situated between the Delphinion and the Hellenistic Gymnasium. In the Palaestra, the exercise area, was a swimming pool. There were three sections to the baths (Thermae) which were the dressing rooms, the warm bath and the hot bath.

The Delphinion was built near the Harbour of Lions as a sanctuary of Apollo Delphinios who was the patron saint of sailors and ships. It was first constructed in the 6^th century BC, and went through several updates before it was destroyed in the 5^th century AD. The ruins clearly show the remains of a circular temple which was once protected by a roof and sheltered the altar where the residents brought their offerings. There were inscriptions found on the inner walls of the stoa and on the stelae indicating that this location was also once the city’s archive.

Many of the ancient ruins were not without a Nymphaem, which was one of the most important features of the city. This fountain was considered to be one of the most impressive of all of the Ionian cities. A three story structure with a façade that displayed Corinthian columns, it is said to have looked much like the façade of the Library of Celsius in Ephesus. You can find the Nymphaem on the western part of the city between the northern Capito Thermae and the southern North Agora and the Gymnasium of Eudemus. The structure also contained niches and pedestals on which statues would be displayed. The statues represented gods and demi-gods and it was estimated that there was a total of 27 throughout the building.

The South Gymnasium also known as the Gymnasium of Eudemis, was built on a north to south axis on the southern part of the city. On the esatern side of the Sacred way leading to the sanctuary of Didymia is an Ionic Stoa. It was quite long with seven steps leading up to the 36 columns supporting a beautifully decorated frieze. The original structure was built during the Flavian dynasty and further alterations were completed during the time of the Emperor Trajan.

Within close proximity to the theater were the Faustina Baths, which were built in the second century AD under the direction of Marcus Aurelius’ wife. These were the dressing rooms for the baths. At its height, the baths were an extensive complex with large fountains in various shapes such as the river god Meander, a small lion and other statues of the gods.

The building was a single story structure which included hot and cold baths, an area for physical exercizes and exquisite sculpture decoration. There were 13 rooms on each side which acted as changing rooms for the visitors. There were also beds provided in these rooms for the visitors in the event that they would want to rest.

While visiting Miletus, it is a bit difficult to imagine that this city was once a port town, situated on a peninsula, with three harbors on the west and one on the east. The harbors have since silted up to the point that the site now sits 5 miles inland. Today it is a popular shore excursion from the cruise lines that port in Kusadasi and is well worth the visit if you have an interest in ancient ruins, history and religion.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Miletus? What aspects of the ancient city did you find fascinating? I would love to hear about your travel experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for escaping away with me to Miletus and I hope you have many Happy Travels in your near future!

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
The Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Theater of Miletus

The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games

27 February 202323 September 2024

Watching the Olympic Games as I child, I always admired watching the gymnasts during the Summer Games and favored the ice skating competition in the winter. As a family, we would cheer on our favorite contenders and anxiously await the results of the victor, much similar to the ancient games that first took place in the city of Olympia, Greece.

Olympia is a popular day trip from the port of Katakalon, a cruise ship port in the Peloponnese district of Greece. Entering the location of the original Olympic Games, we had the opportunity to watch archaeologists continue their work in uncovering the gymnasium site of these ancient ruins.

It is amazing to consider that the first Olympic Games began in 776 BC during the Bronze Age as a religious festival in honor of the Greek mythical god, Zeus. Ironically, just off into the distance is Kronos Hill, the location which the Greeks consider to be the birthplace of Zeus. According to the Greek mythology, Zeus is the god of the sky, lightning and thunder, law, order and justice.

The site of Olympia is a compound with numerous buildings in association with the competitive games. We strolled past the Prytaneion, the building for which the presiding officers of the game would welcome the competitors. Athletes from miles away would journey to this location to compete, which was an honor not only to themselves, but to the villages for which they were representing.

Because the Olympic Games took place over several days, the athletes would arrive weeks prior to the competition for training. It is for this reason that the Gymnasium was built as temporary lodging for the competitors until after the games were completed.

A dedicated training area and separate living quarters from all other athletes were built for the wrestlers, boxers and long jumpers called the Palaistra. It was here were the pankratiasts would train and was an event where these “all In” fighters would fight to the death, a popular event of the Olympics and similar to the Ultimate Fighting Championships of today.

Our next stop was a visit to Pheidias’ workshop and it was one of my favorite locations on the site. Phieidias was the great artist known for building the 40 foot gold statue of Zeus, housed in the temple’s inner room. A Byzantine church was built over this site, but when excavations were conducted in this location, there was a cup that was excavated with the notation, “I belong to Pheidias”. The archaeological items from his workshop are located in the museum, a short walking distance from the ancient ruins.

From Pheidias’ workshop we could see an enormous structure with one column which has been identified as the temple to Zeus. He was the king of all Greek gods as well as the patron of the Olympic Games. It was the largest of the Greek temples during its time, with 34 colossal Doric columns, measuring 6 stories high. A replica of the temple and photo of the Statue of Zeus is located in the archaeological museum.

Throughout the Olympic site there were various pedestals for which statues were displayed. A lone standing pillar measuring 29 feet tall once supported the goddess of Nike, who represents victory. The column remains but the statue was moved to the archaeological museum to protect it from the environment.

Winning the Olympic Games was a big deal in Greece and winning three times elevated the athletes to god status. Various columns were erected to display statues of these newly appointed gods. The winners would also be showered with gifts back home and songs would be written about them.

Unfortunately for the losers, public humiliation was just as intense. It was said that many would go into hiding to escape from the embarrassment of facing their friends, family and fellow countrymen.

What I found interesting at Olympia was, in addition to honoring the winners of the games, the cheaters were publicly called-out with their own displays. There are a total of sixteen “Bases of Zanes” which were inscribed with the name of the cheater and their offense. It was intended to remain here for all to see for generations and was a way to humiliate the families as well as the offender. It was said that people would spit on the stones as they entered the stadium. Some of the offenses included the use of forbidden herbs, drinking of animals blood, taking bribes, and quitting the games.

Prior to entering the stadium, there was a terrace where the Row of Treasuries was located. This building housed the expensive offerings that were collected from the spectators of the Olympic Games and the currency of these items were used to support the maintenance of the grounds and for building additional structures.

Another feature located up on the hill were the remains of the Nymphaeum. This impressive fountain served as an oasis to the visitors and athletes at the Olympic Games. Inside of the Nymphaeum was a statue of a bull, which can be viewed at the Olympia Archaeological Museum.

Soon, we found ourselves nearing the location where the Olympic foot races took place and we passed through the archway where many talented athletes entered before us. The 100 foot tunnel leading to the stadium (or stadion) was called the Krypte (a vaulted corridor), and was the official entrance for both the judges as well as the athletes. The recesses along the side of the tunnel served as a type of “locker” for the athletes. The Krypte was also known as the “secret entrance”.

Walking into the stadium was an exhilarating feeling as I approached the starting line. Flanking the 640 foot clay track are two hills which could seat over 40,000 people to watch the athletes compete in their respective sport. There is a small stonelike structure to the left of the starting line, about halfway down the field. It was here that the goddess Demeter Chamyne would sit on her altar as the only woman permitted to attend the competition. On the opposite side of the altar was the Judge’s Box. It was the designated seating area for elected local nobles who acted as referees (Hellanodikai) during the Games. At the starting line, there are 20 blocks made of white marble, each with two grooves for the feet of the athletes preparing for their race. It is a fun exercise for visitors to stand on their mark, get set and go, running downfield towards the end of the track.

There were several structures that had played an important role in the festivities of the Olympic Games over the years. One of these was the Altar of Hera. Not much remains of the Altar, but it functioned as the location of the ceremonial “Lighting of the Olympic Flame”. It was here where the select, local Greek women would commence the celebration dressed as priestesses, performing ritualistic dances in honor of the gods. Once the torch had been lit, the light would begin its long trek from Olympia ending its journey in the city that will host the Olympic Games. This ceremony signifies the official start of the contemporary Olympic Games and is televised months before the athletic competitions begin.

In close vicinity to the altar is the The Temple of Hera which is the oldest structure in the sanctuary. It dates back to 630 BC, with dimensions of 61 feet wide and 164 feet long. Inside of the temple were statues of Hera, the wife of the Greek god Zeus. Impressive artifacts from the temple include a statue of Hermes and the Disk of the Sun, both of which can be seen in the museum.

Sitting among the shaded trees in proximity to the Temple of Hera is the Philippeion, which is said to have been built during the Hellenistic era. The structure was designed as a memorial to Philip the Great, the ruler of Macedonia and father to Alexander the Great, who would one day create one of the largest empires of the ancient world. The circular edifice displayed statues of Philip and his family and was the first building that visitors would see upon entering Olympia.

After our tour we were provided the opportunity to explore the grounds and additional buildings on site. Walking back towards Kronos Hill, I noticed a well preserved structure which was known as the Leonidaion. Named after an affluent Naxian, Leonidas, it served as a guest house for the wealthy spectators as well as the visiting officials. Our scheduled time at leisure was minimal so that we would have the opportunity to visit the treasures that are housed at the Olympia Archaeological Museum. Knowing that this site was well-preserved due to its abandonment in the 4^th century BC, I could not wait to see the artifacts. Stay tuned for Part II of my exploration of Olympia, Greece which highlights the amazing relics on display at the museum, uncovered at this spectacular archaeological site.

What is your favorite sport of the winter and summer Olympics? Have you visited the city of Olympia? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my excursion to the site of the original Olympic Games! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ancient Olympia
PC 27 065
Olympia
Telephone: +30 26240 22742

Admission Fee: 12 Euros from April to October and 6 Euros from November to March.
Hours: Open from April 1 to October 31. From November 1 to March 31 from 8AM to 3PM.
Scenic View: Beautiful views of the ancient ruins of Olympia and view of Knossos Hill
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early in the day as tours come in during the afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring bottled water and snacks as there are no options available until you enter the Archaeological Museum.

Where to Stay:

Bacchus
Arhaia Pissa 10,
Archea Olimpia , 270, 65
Greece
Telephone: +30 2624 022298

Where to Eat:

Bacchus Tavern
Arhaia Pissa 10,
Archea Olimpia , 270, 65
Greece
Telephone: +30 2624 022298

I ordered a mix of appetizers which included the Dolmadakia (grape leaves stuffed with rice), Tyropitakia (feta cheese wrapped in a puff pastry) and the Rolakia (smoked bacon and cheese wrapped in puff pastry) and a bottle of Malagousia Assyrtiko wine, locally produced in Olympia.

What to Eat:

Baklava: made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
Choriatiki: Greek salad
Dolmadakia/Dolmades: stuffed grape leaves
Ellinikos: Greek coffee
Gyros
Kataifi: similar to baklava, but rolled
Moussaka: Greek’s answer to lasagna
Pastitsio: pasta made with noodles, ground beef and a bechamel sauce
Retsina Wine: has been made over 2000 years
Souvlaki: meat on a skewer
Spanikopita: pastry filled with spinach and cheese
Tzatziki: a Greek sauce made with yogurt, garlic, olive oil and fresh dill

What to Read:

Olympia: The Story of the Ancient Games, by Robin Waterfield
Race Through Time! Kid’s Guide to Olympia, Greece by Penelope Dyan
The Olympic Games in Ancient Greece – Ancient Olympia and the Olympic Games, by Nicolaos Yalouris

Santorini: Life on a Volcano
Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu…the Favorite Vacation Destination for an Empress
Corinth, a Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

Feeding Bear Cubs at Oswald’s Bear Ranch, Michigan

27 May 202022 September 2024

Stretching out under the warmth of the sun on a bed of grass and branches, a big beautiful bundle of fur seemed content to take his afternoon nap. I approached slowly, one careful step at a time, not to wake nor startle the beast as I noticed his large paws and pads outstretched over his head. Oh, so close I was to this adorable creature that I wanted so much to pet him….luckily for me, I was protected by a fence between myself and the platform. With a perfect view, I felt safe and secure in the confines of the Oswald’s Bear Ranch habitat.

Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Oswald’s is a bear-only sanctuary set on 200 acres of land about nine miles northwest of Newbury. With four habitats, there is plenty of space for the 41 bears in this free-roaming environment. The bears are content and happy within their fenced-in territory and hardly notice all of the humans watching them frolic about. The perfect way to enjoy the bears is from the wooden, elevated platforms providing a barrier free, bird’s eye view.

The bear complex is the largest in the United States. Dean and Jewel Oswald opened the ranch in 1997, but have been rescuing bears as far back as 1984. Dean, a former firefighter and policeman wanted to establish a way to provide shelter to bears that would not have otherwise survived in the wild.

Oswald’s Bear Ranch is a walk-through sanctuary, providing trolley service for the elderly and large groups. Daily feedings take place at 4 PM where visitors can watch these beastly beauties enjoy their afternoon meal.

Waiting in line, I was giddy with anticipation to have my photo taken while feeding a baby black bear cub. With a little strawberry jam on a paint brush, I would have the opportunity to watch one of the young cubs, Kendra, snack while I stroked her thick furry coat and examined her huge paws.

The ranch takes in rescued cubs each year. The Oswalds post videos of their new additions to show their first steps and capture their early days roaming around in the safety of their house. It is fun to watch the video clips, especially during feeding time. The four new cubs that arrived this year will soon be ready to join the other bears outside in their own special habitat equipped with a waterfall.

Oswald’s Bear Ranch is one of the top ten family friendly attractions in the Upper Peninsula and is a great educational experience where people can learn about black bears and their environment. They are open the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through October 1^st. Summer hours are from 9:30 AM until 5 PM each day. After Labor Day, the ranch closes at 4 PM. Admission is $20 per vehicle or $10 for a single traveler, cash only. Active military are free. An additional fee is required for visitors who want to feed the bear cubs.

For visitors interested in providing an additional donation, The Bear Club is an opportunity to help Oswald’s Bear Ranch continue their mission to rescue black bears throughout the United States. With a small contribution of only $10, donors can receive a book titled, “Black Bear Tales and Native American Legends”.

I have such a great respect for Dean and Jewel Oswald and was thankful for the opportunity to talk with Dean about his ranch and his furry family. Without a doubt, Oswald Bear Ranch is his passion and he lights up when he talks about his rescue efforts, the expansion of his bear family and the latest news about the baby cubs that have just arrived this year.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Oswald’s Bear Ranch? Did you feed one of the cubs? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my exciting trip to Oswald’s Bear Ranch and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Oswald’s Bear Ranch
13814 Co. Rd 407
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 293 3147

Where to Stay:

Quality Inn & Suites
13954 M-28
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 293 3218

Where to Eat:

Wolf Inn Grill and Spirits
18568 Co. Rd 407
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 658 3355

I stopped at this nearby restaurant for just a small meal until dinner, so I ordered the appetizer size of nachos. Their servings are huge! I could not eat even half of them, but they were absolutely delicious.

What to Eat:

The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
Vernor’s Ginger Ale
Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
Mackinac Island Fudge
Apples
Cherries
Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
Better Made Chips from Detroit
Germack Pistachios
Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
Faygo beverages

What to Read:

Y is for Yooper, by Scott Reddinger
U.P., by R. A. Reikki
Mystery on Mackinac Island, by Anna W. Hale
The Remarkable Tale of Captain Kidd and the Astor Fortune, by Eugene Thor Petersen
A Transplanted Yooper, by Tina Lonski

Photo Guide to Mackinac Island:

A View of Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise
Art Scene in Grand Rapids
Holland’s Dutch Heritage

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Sedona, a Spiritual Sanctuary

25 August 201427 October 2024

I’m not certain if I was more exited to visit the Grand Canyon National Park or to stop in the colorful town of Sedona on our travels from Phoenix. It was the perfect mid-trip stop where we would be staying overnight before taking a few hours to explore and continue on to Flagstaff.

It is no secret that the fascinating draw to Sedona is its intriguing red sandstone formations. They are most beautiful at dusk or dawn when the sun’s light appears to illuminate the rocks with colors of orange and red.

Evidence of pre-historic Native American life is quite prevalent here. Archaeologists have uncovered pueblos and cliff dwellings as well as rock art and pottery from tribes of the Navajo and Hopi.

It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that early settlers began making their way west towards Oak Creek Canyon. Most would be surprised to learn that the area was prime farmland where there is an abundance of water, lots of sunshine and rich volcanic soil. The nearby creek was used to irrigate crops in addition to peach and apple orchards.

Sedona was a small town until the 1950s when it grew into a tourist destination and retirement center. With its mild winters and hot summers, it is no surprise that the area has become popular with snowbirds.

In addition to the beauty of Sedona’s natural formations, the man-made structure that also attracts visitors to the area is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Completed in 1956, the chapel rises out of 1,000 feet of red rock.

Whether it is the natural beauty, the spiritual aura or the perfect weather in Sedona, this scenic town just draws you in and leaves you wanting more. Visit some of the unique shops in the area or plan for a hike. Sedona is the perfect destination for an unforgettable experience historically and for some, spiritually.

Have you visited Sedona? What did you think of the area? I would love to hear about your trip if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my short stay in Sedona and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Chapel of the Holy Cross
Sedona, AZ 86336
Telephone: 888 242 7359

Where to Stay:

The Andante Inn of Sedona
2545 W. State Route 89a
Sedona, AZ 86336
Telephone: 928 282 1533

Where to Eat:

Hiro’s Sushi & Japanese Kitchen
1730 W State Rt. 89A #6
Sedona, AZ 86336
Telephone: 928 282 8906

What to Read:

A Window on Sedona, Living in the Land of the Red Rocks, by Dottie Webster
Sedona, Treasure of the Southwest, by Kathleen Bryant
The Journal of Sedona Schnebly, by Lisa Heidinger
Skulls of Sedona, by J.R. Ripley

Photo Guide for Sedona:

Airport Mesa is accessible by taking the airport road to a parking lot where perfect opportunities await. Popular for taking sunset photos. From Airport Mesa, photographers can capture pics of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and Courthouse Rock.
Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most photographed landmark and one of the best views is from Crescent Moon Picnic Area. Photograph the rock or hike up for outstanding views of the area.
Chimney Rock Loop Hike offers fabulous views of Chimney Rock.
Courthouse Butte Loop Trail for stunning views.
Devil’s Bridge is one of the most unique locations for capturing the extraordinary scenery of Sedona. Visitors can walk across the stone arch which provides stunning views of the area. A four wheel drive is required to access the trail which leads to Devil’s Bridge.
Red Rock State Park: For a fee of $10 per vehicle, this amazing park is home the spectacular red rock for which Sedona is known. The trails reach gorgeous landscape and beautiful views.
Schnebly Hill Road: Although you will need a four wheel drive vehicle to access this road, there are some amazing views of Sedona in this area.

Cacti in Sedona

Incredible Rocks in Sedona

Red Rock Country in Sedona

Red Rock of Sedona

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.