Footsteps 2024 - Roma (Day 2)!

 

It was another beautifully full day in Rome! We started our day exploring the Roman Forum. Following the Forum, our next stop was the Mamertine Prison. 

Then, after a trip on a few buses, we arrived at St. Paul's Outside the Walls. We paused for lunch and then made our way into the incredible basilica. We ended our time

A quick trip on the metro got us back to our hotel in time for a nice break at our hotel before heading for our final meal together. 

Now the journey home to Indianapolis begins. 

Our hearts are full. Our lives have been transformed. 

Footsteps 2024 - Roma (Day 1)!

Our first day in Rome was a full one! 

Vatican Museum. Sistine Chapel. St. Peter’s Basilica. Piazza Navona. Pantheon. And, of course, we visited Giolitti’s for some gelato!

We finished up our day with delicious small group meals!

Oh, and we also learned some very valuable lessons about public transportation! :)

Footsteps 2024 - Ephesus and Arrival in Rome!

 

 

It has been two full days of transformation and travel!

On Monday, we spent the day in Turkey where we visited and explored the ancient city of Ephesus, the Terrace Houses, and the Basilica of St. John. We also enjoyed the always fabulous Turkish buffett lunch at Bizim Ev Hanimeli. We finished the day with dinner in our small groups. 

The word of the day for Tuesday was TRAVEL. We flew from Samos to Athens and then from Athens to Rome. After a little time for rest and relaxation, we then had a delicious dinner together as a group at La Gallina Bianca. 

Today (Wednesday) we are off for a full day of exploring and experiencing Rome! 

Footsteps 2024 - Samos/Patmos

 

Yesterday was a day for rest and recovery. It was a day of sabbath as we traveled from Athens to Samos. We landed in the early afternoon and enjoyed a leisurely day at the hotel which included swimming at the pool and a quick trip to the beach!

We finished the day with a wonderful dinner at our hotel.

Today we spent the day on the island of Patmos where we visited St. John's Monastery and the Grotto of the Revelation. It was a holy and sacred day.   

We ended our day with delicious meals in our small groups at the pier on Samos. Tomorrow we’re off to Ephesus!

Footsteps 2024 - Athens

Yesterday was a FULL and AMAZING day! 

Led by our incredible guide, Eleni, we toured all over Athens, exploring both the Acropolis and the Agora!

Some stops along the way included the Erechtheion, the Parthenon, the Stoa of Attalos, Mars Hill (Areopagus), Temple of Hephaistos, and so much more!

During our journey, Rev. Ben Davison spent some time reflecting on Acts 17 when Paul preached to the Athenians from the Areopagus.

After a full morning and afternoon, we then enjoyed a delicious lunch together at Mystilli Restaurant. 

We then had some time to rest and relax before meeting Eleni again for a wonderful exploration of the Acropolis Museum. 

We ended the day with dinner at Attikos Greek House with a spectacular view of the Acropolis. 

Today we're off to Samos!

Footsteps 2024 - Corinth

 

Today was incredible! We visited the ancient city of Corinth. 

Before reaching ancient Corinth, we took a brief pit stop at a local shop for refreshments and snacks and for an opportunity to look at (and down!) the Corinth canal.

We started our day exploring ancient Corinth, spending time at both the museum and the archaeological site. While we were there, Rev. Rachel Klompmaker led us in a time for communion. After exploring ancient Corinth, we then stopped for a delicious lunch overlooking the ancient city. 

Following lunch, we made our way to the top of the acropolis of ancient Corinth! 

Once we got back to our hotel, we had some time to rest and relax. Then it was off to explore Athens a bit followed by dinner with our small groups! 

Footsteps 2024 - Arrival in Athens!

 

We are officially in Athens! Our flight landed around 10:30AM this morning. Once we got through customs, we grabbed our bags and then met Eleni, our AMAZING guide while we are in Greece. After a quick restroom break, we then got on the bus to travel to the hotel. On our way, Eleni gave us a wonderful tour of Athens.

Once we got settled into our hotel rooms, we then took the opportunity to eat some lunch and do some exploring on our own. 

We finished the evening with a delicious dinner at The Cave of the Acropolis restaurant.

We are TIRED, but we are grateful and we are so looking forward to a transformative journey together!