Places to See – Teaching Adventures

2013/11/13

Turkey Pics (Segment 1)

I’ve finally got a few minutes to get some of the pictures from our Turkey Ancient New Testament Sites Tour up.

This first segment covers our travels to Patara, Myra, Smyrna (Izmir), Ephesus and Pergamum.

I chose this picture, not because it is the best of the bunch. It’s actually just an ordinary picture, go see some better ones here or click on pics. I chose this picture for what it represents.

Where you see just a couple blocks of stone and a large pillar once stood one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world! We are talking one of the most prestigious and famous temples known from the time of Alexander the Great (323 BC) through most of the Roman Empire (268 AD).

Here stood the famed Temple of Artemis (if you click there you can read about it on Wikipedia).

The simple lesson I learned? That no great thing, no accomplishment survives forever. Things come and things go but God remains from eternity to eternity. And through Jesus alone are we invited to spend eternity with him. We don’t worship buildings or riches or strength or fame or ideas. They too will fail and fall. Only the Lord is eternal and he alone is worthy of our worship.

2012/08/13

Places to See: Kyiv

Kyiv (Russian: Киев) is Ukraine’s capital and one of the world’s most beautiful and ancient cities. It is Europe’s eighth most populous city after Moscow, London, Paris, Instanbul, St Petersburg, Berlin and Madrid. The city was founded in the 6th century and in the middle ages was the capital of a powerful East European state, Kyivan Rus, and was also the political centre of all the slavic lands. The city is famous for its magnificent golden domed Orthodox cathedrals, two of which, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and St Sophia from the 11th century are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Museums

State National Chernobyl Museum – Haven’t been yet.

Peregova Historical Museum – Massive outdoor experience.

State National Aviation Museum – About 50 planes, all outdoors, can enter a few of them if you pay.

Microminiature Museum – Mykola has about 20 micro miniature pieces of art in a little room, some are quite amazing! (inside the Lavra)

National History Museum – Haven’t been yet.

National Art Museum of Kyiv – Haven’t been yet.

Churches

St Sophias –

St Michaels –

St Andrews –

Pechersk Lavra –

Entertainment

Dream Town Aquapark – Excellent Water Park with a huge kids area.

Nemo Dolphin Show – Haven’t been yet.

Circus – Haven’t been yet, mostly a winter event.

Opera / Ballet – Great experience, great value.

Kyiv Zoo – Great for kids with lots of parks and a petting zoo. Not so many animals.

Quest Room – 1 Hour to get free of the room through logic puzzles and riddles. Great for groups of 4-5. Kids can do it to, strength not required.

** There are lots of other activities available like bowling, parks with rides and beaches, etc.

2012/08/13

Places to See: Lviv

Lviv (Russian: Львов), The city of Sleepless Lions was founded by King Danylo in the 1256 and is known as the cultural centre of Ukraine. Being located in the centre of Europe it has always been a tempting prize so it is no surprise that it has been under control at different times to Poland, Habsburg emperors and the Russians. After WWII Lviv ended up in the Soviet Union and is now the informal capital of Western Ukraine. Since the 14th century Lviv’s heraldry has exploited the image of the lion (in Ukrainian the words “Lviv” and “lion” sound similar) and there are about 4500 sculptures, reliefs and paintings of lions in the city.

Landmarks

Lychakivsky Cemetary (Lychakivsky Ysvyntar) – Enormous cemetary and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

High Castle (Vysokyi Zamok) –

Market Square (Ploshcha Rynok) – Enjoy the European flavour. Climb the tower for a city view.

Shevchenko Monument – Unmistakable black wave sculpture by Opera.

Museums

Churches

Latin Cathedral (Roman Catholic) – Church by Market Square, Jesus is sitting down.

Armenian Cathedral – Never been inside.

Dominican Church (now Greek Catholic) – Beautiful inside. Only God be the Glory.

Dormition Cathedral (Orthodox) –

Entertainment

Gloria Jeans Coffee – Great atmosphere. Find the big circle mirror.

Kriivka Restaurant – Password: Glory to Ukraine. Authentic Ukrainian experience!

** Of course, there are lots of other things to do as well – coffee and chocolate are the things to find here.