Seedy side

Another look at the decay in Athens. Photo taken in May 2011. To see more monochrome shots, check out the Weekend in Black and White.

Tiny church

Another one of the cute churches in Athens. Photo taken in May 2011.

Columned doorway

An up-close look at the grand doorway to the Saint Nicholas church. It really was a beautiful place. Photo taken in May 2011.

Ferries in the port

Plenty of ferries are at the ready to take passengers out to the Greek Isles and beyond. Photo taken in May 2011.

Athenian decay

This shot was inspired by JM in Portugal. He makes decay look so good, hope mine is somewhat decent! Photo taken in May 2011.

At the altar

Another peek inside the Agios Niklaos (Saint Nicholas) church in Athens. It was really beautiful and filled with fantastic details. Photo taken in May 2011.

Saint Nick's

A full-frontal view of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) church in Athens. I showed you the stately eagle that adorns the entrance way earlier this week. More details from inside will follow. Photo taken in May 2011.

City and sky

The Acropolis also offers great views over the city. In the distance you can see another, smaller Acropolis - it just means "high city". But of course the hill with the Parthenon was the most important one and remains the most visited one too! Photo taken in May 2011.

To see more skies from around the world, visit Skywatch.

Orthodox eagle

Details from a church I visited in Athens. It had many beautiful details. Photo taken in May 2011.

Doorway decay

A decaying doorway in Athens. I was surprised at the amount of general decay I encountered. Photo taken in May 2011.

Picture of a picture

I know tablets are all the rage, but using one to take a photo just seems a bit much to me. He certainly had a nice backdrop though. Photo taken in May 2011.

Wild poppies

A spot of wild poppies makes for a nice splash of color against all the old stones at the Acropolis. Photo taken in May 2011.

Piece of temple and sky

It was a beautiful day when I visited the Acropolis. Here's an upward look, including a large expanse of blue sky! Photo taken in May 2011.

To see more skies from around the world, visit Skywatch.

Set the stage

On the way up to the Acropolis, you get a nice view of this amphitheater of antiquity. There were not too many people around on the way up that morning. But it was a different story on the way down! Photo taken in May 2011.

Iconic shot

The famous Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It was the second stop on my Mediterranean cruise. Photo taken in May 2011.

Last look

A last look at the craters and mounts around Etna. It's such an interesting landscape. Photo taken in May 2011.

Silvestri crater

Etna offers many beautiful landscapes. This crater is called Silvestri. We walked the rim of it. It was cold and windy, but worth the views. Photo taken in May 2011.

The Mount

The view of Mount Etna is one of the biggest draws of Taoromina. You can see her in the distance, just behind the clouds. A lovely lady indeed!

To see more skies from around the world, visit Skywatch.

Inviting

This is the very welcoming entrance to the walkers-only city of Taoromina. Just walk up those steps, pass through the arch and you're in a pedestrian paradise! Cars are not allowed in this section of the city and that is part of what makes it such a wonderful place to explore. Photo taken in May 2011.

More alleyways

Another one of those cute alleys in Taoromina. I especially love those light fixtures. So fancy! Photo taken in May 2011.

Thirsty pegasus

Most water fountains in Italy offer potable water. This pegasus had a very inviting stream of aqua. Photo taken in Taoromina, May 2011.

Going down

More of the cute side streets of Taoromina. Photo taken in May 2011.

Water jugs

I found these lovely pieces of pottery at an open market in Crete. We got there early in the morning and the light was beautiful. Sadly I couldn't take one of these home. But at least I have a nice picture! Photo taken in May 2011.