Mystras is a fortified town near Sparta in Greece. The town of Mystras was a Byzantine stronghold that now sits virtually empty; the only inhabitants are a group of nuns and feral cats living in the Pantanassa Monastery. Mystras is unique in Greece, as it dates to around the Medieval period (rather than the Classical). Mystras is…
Leaving 23: Lessons from My 23 Years
Read moreTomorrow, I’ll turn 24. I’ll officially be in my “mid-20s” (does that mean I’m allowed to have a quarter-life crisis?). I’ve learned so much in my first 23 years of life and I’ve found myself reflecting a lot lately on lessons that have stuck with me. I don’t typically write “reflective” blog posts, but one…
Exploring the Portara in Naxos, Greece
Read moreThe Portara, or “great door”, is a large marble doorway in Naxos, Greece. It is a fantastic place to watch the sunrise or sunset and is easily accessible for tourists! The site is located near the port on the islet Palatia, which was a hill on Naxos before sea-level rise. A causeway connects Palatia to the…
Idgie’s Sunflower Farm: A Burst of Sunshine in Western Kentucky
Read moreRecently, I had the pleasure of visiting Idgie’s Sunflower Farm, a family owned and operated sunflower farm in Nebo, Kentucky, right by my hometown. I was able to sit down with the owners of Idgie’s, Daryl and Kim Patton, to chat about their farm. I was so surprised (and excited!) about what I learned from…
The Island of Delos: History and Sites
Read moreThe archaeological site of Delos is a protected entire island near Mykonos in the Cyclades. Delos is very closely tied to Apollo and Artemis and was once a huge trade center. Now, the island sits in ruin and is visited by 100,000 people each year as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mythology In Greek mythology, the twin…
8 Books to Scratch Your Travel Itch
Read moreI have always been a pretty big bookworm. When I’m not traveling, I’ve been jumping nose first into books centered on travel! This is great for a few reasons. One: I can feel like I’m somewhere else without leaving my couch. Two: buying a few books is a heck of a lot cheaper than a…