Trip through Germany, Austria, and Greece

A few weeks ago, my son and I took a trip through Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, and Greece. It was a trip that was much needed, since the last vacation had been five years ago. Too many demands on our lives had precluded us from traveling abroad.

Amsterdam was cold and mostly gray. During our last day there, in May we had a little bit of sunshine and took photos. Lots of bicyclists, canals, and little bridges crossing the canals.

IMAGES OF AMSTERDAM

Stopped at a park in Amsterdam

Bicyclists in Amsterdam

Canal Ride in Amsterdam

Rembrandt painting at the Rembrandt museum in Amsterdam

In Munich, we met our tour group (Trafalgar) and started our tour from there.

We visited the old downtown area and walked around. Lots of shops, and lots of smokers! As a result, the air was often filled with smoke. We had to pay coins to use a toilet. We visited the Marienpleins, and St. Michael's church, where they were having a beautiful ceremony with music. 

Pictures of our trip through Bavaria to Austria included castles, like Neuschwanstein Castle by Ludwig II, views of the Alps, and a visit to a Baroque church:

BAVARIA

Castle in Bavaria

Bavarian Alps

Going to Neuschwanstein Castle

Wagon Ride up to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria

Scenes of Alps while going to Austria

Baroque Church in Bavaria with its gold 

Stopping at a countryside on our way to Austria

AUSTRIA

Roses of Schonnbrunn Palace (Hapsburgs) in Vienna, Austria.

Rose garden behind Schonnbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Roses of Schonnbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Schonnbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Statue in Vienna, Austria

Viennese Concert

Copyright 2019. Photos are the property of Patty Apostolides. If you wish to use them, please contact the author.

Mother's Day Poem

MOTHER

When I was a child

I remember your silent prayers

As you stood above my bed

Followed by your kiss upon my forehead

As I dozed off, feeling loved

While the night blew misty dreams 

Upon my closed eyelids.

When I was a young woman

Mornings were filled with loukoumades, or 

Black olives, feta, paximadia, and coffee 

Your chatter filled the kitchen with a familiar glow

That settled somewhere in my heart 

As I helped clear the table and wash dishes

While the sun’s rays competed for attention.

I remember 

Watching you water your garden lovingly

As if the blooming flowers were your children, too.

I watched you sew the buttons back on jackets 

And darn the holes on the socks.

I watched you give people in need your clothes and even furniture.

I watched you cry when someone was hurt,

And I cried with you.

Your childlike heart always forgave,

Which was a lesson I cherished all my life.

When I was older and had a family of my own

We moved far away, yet you were still dear in my heart.

You gave me advice on child rearing

From the phone, your voice, soothing and soft, 

Laid to rest my concerns, 

Yet you had problems of your own

When Father passed away, leaving you alone.

And now, in the winter of your life, your smile never fades

Always loving, always forgiving, always grateful you are

For even a glimpse of your children and grandchildren

You’ll always be strong, 

You’ll always be loving,

You’ll always be caring,

You’ll always be my mother,

Wherever you are.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Patty Apostolides May 12, 2019

Writing to Embrace A Rich Heritage - Interview by Dr. Diane Helentjaris

I am please to announce that the interview that Dr. Helentjaris did of me and my writers' group is now live in the following online journal "Live An Artful Life":

https://liveanartfullife.com/20-public-articles/300-writing-heritage?fbclid=IwAR2Fhvg57mhGp-JCxmsrSUgQ8vaLt2Bk88QUT0DD1f1KhSaHBVbK92lmz6g

She did a wonderful job in capturing all the highlights of my life and writing career. She is interested in joining my writers' group and I am truly blessed to know her.

Patty

Chapter 1 of Lipsi's Daughter

Here is the first chapter of Lipsi's Daughter that I read out loud and added some sound effects on 
youtube.  

                                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmHk3J8GdJc

         Available on Amazon.com:

         https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1947532871/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

Prometheas 40th Year Banquet

Recently, my son and I went to the Prometheas 40th Year Banquet held at St. Sophia's Hall in Washington DC. Being a member of the executive board of Prometheas, I had been involved in this event. Rewards were given to previous Prometheas Presidents as well as members of the board with more than 10 years of service. More information can be found on: www.prometheas.org

Photos from the Family Labor Day Picnic 2018

The family reunion at Lemon Drop Lake in Crown Point, Indiana was a blast! I had a chance to meet with relatives from Ohio, Indiana, Texas, and New Zealand. Although the weather was unpredictable, it behaved on the day of the picnic. I had not seen my Aunt Patia for several years. She turned 96 years old this weekend and we celebrated her birthday at the picnic. She is my late father's oldest sister. We even had a chance to dance some Greek dances. Overall, an enjoyable weekend and much, much too short!  T-shirts were provided. Given that the majority of the people at the picnic are from Lipsi Island, I  donated copies of LIPSI'S DAUGHTER to each family that attended.

I am with cousin Patia who helped organize the event.

With cousins Helen and Filio and Aunt Patia.

My son with Cousin Filio.

Relatives arriving at the picnic.

Lipsiotiko Picnic

We will be in Merrillville, Indiana this weekend for the Lipsiotiko Picnic. It will be attended by people who are from the Greek island of Lipsi (mostly all related to each other!) and friends. I have donated my latest copies of LIPSI'S DAUGHTER (3rd Edition) for the picnic, free for those attending. As those who have read the book know, it takes place on Lipsi Island in the 1970s and has preserved that time period in a capsule. If you go to the island now, electricity, cars, and modern technology abound. I wrote it based on my travels to Lipsi during those early years when I was a college student. The book cover includes Lipsi island in the background. 

https://www.amazon.com/Lipsis-Daughter-Patty-Apostolides/dp/1947532871/ref=sr_1_2_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535653050&sr=8-2&keywords=lipsi%27s+daughter

Hagerstown Magazine

Recently, I was interviewed for a local magazine "Hagerstown Magazine" and the interview is listed in the print and online editions.

I have included a link to the online edition:

http://www.hagerstownmagazine.com/news/telling-it-it


Enjoy!
Patty