samaria gorge - not as in biblical samaritans.

First - an update on internet cafe music... right now, Natalie Imbruglia. When we walked in, Shakira.

We did it. 11 miles, 17 kilometers, and eight hours later, we can say we hiked the Samaria Gorge. It was absolutely, completely, in every way worth it. I wish I could figure out how to upload pictures, so you could grab the tinest glimpse of the beauty we were immersed in yesterday, but you'll just have to take my word for it.

I think, in some ways, the length and physical challenge made it even more spectacular. On the one hand, I wish everyone could easily access the park, on the other hand, I like that I had to invest something to receive the magnificent outcome. It seems very economical - but in a fair and just way.

The gorge begins as a vast exapanse, defined by slabs of rock that make any biblical reference (or contemporary Christian worship song, as the case may be) to God being higher than the mountains understandable. These walls are absolutely dwarfing - not only putting humanity into perspective, but testifying to the grandness of creation. As we hiked through the gorge, we stumbled into empty riverbeds, which were near frightening to imagine in the midst of a winter storm (or flash flood...?). Seemingly out of nowhere, the dry riverbeds would wet, with slate-blue, almost icy looking, water. At times, it imposed that slightly terrifying awe that creation often elicits in me, but upon second (or fifth glance), it often mellowed into peaceful serenity. Further on through, the walls narrow (at one point to just three meters - nine feet - wide). I expected to feel claustrophobic, but I felt almost comforted in its power.

I can't wait to show y'all pictures of yesterday - please do google in the meantime. Beyond the above description, I must just reiterate the sense of awe at such remarkable beauty. In some ways, it felt familiar - almost fake because of the ways humanity has replicated nature. But that was exactly it - humanity has imitated nature, nature hasn't imitated humanity. And nature has a way of proclaiming its stake boldly - every familiarity I detected was juxtaposed with the obvious inception of beginning at divine creation.

In other godly-esque observations, I've been realizing more and more about my relationship with the greek language, and the strange ways it manifests in modern greek culture. This was actually glaringly obvious to me in Santorini, where I was determined to read something - anything - in greek (unsuccessfully determined, I might note. Other than that sign pointing to the holy temple, of course.). To me, because my education in greek has been for the sole purpose of reading scripture, I think I've learned to associate these distinct characters with some sort of divine implication. The language seems almost holy to me (in a way I certainly hadn't realized until now). Seeing these brush strokes I've learned to associate with scripture splashed across buildings to declare everything from cars to bars is strange... It almost strikes me as being unholy and a defilement to the language I've poured over. At first it was sad, almost tragic. I think it always is, when we realize that the things we associate with divinity are not, in fact, divine. And yet, it still reigns true - it still proclaims that God is wholly divine and we are not. I can pour over greek, studying every nuance of the language, but ultimately, my purpose in studying is to pour over scripture, and know every nuance of God. These manmade tools can be only that - tools propelling us to closeness with God, yet never things to replace closeness.

Okay, off my speculation on man's failings in seeking divinity and onto one last Samaria Gorge story... there were numerous signs posted to caution of falling rock. One such sign read (the english translation), "Great danger! Walk quickly." This struck me as particularly odd - "walk quickly" didn't seem like the best piece of advice one could offer. I think of similar signs at Multnomah Falls, and I believe they read something along the lines of "Great danger! Don't linger." Or "Great danger! Watch above." Or something that wouldn't imply danger as inevidable, suggesting that one take the pain as, well, painlessly as possible, but rather that danger can be avoided, with careful precaution. In fact, couldn't walking quickly actually increase your chances of danger? If you walk quickly (particuarly if you fail to follow the national park's "no high heels" rule) couldn't you more easily slip and fall, potentially then being pinned to the ground by said dangerous mammoth boulders in your effort to rise? I just don't think "walk quickly" is the best piece of advice...

Crete is raining today. So, alas, it's not the perfect greek oasis I'd thought... ah well, just makes me think of home. We go to Athens tomorrow (this trip seems to be sliding away quickly). I'm looking forward to two museums in particular (looking forward to museums is a rarity for me). One is at the base of the Acropolis, in the Agora - the ancient marketplace/gathering place of intellects (read: where Socrates, Plato and Aristotle spoke and where Paul preached). The museum is evidently filled with artifacts of democratic significance, tracing the development of greek democracy. Interesting! The other museum I'm particularly interested in follows the ancient matriarchal cultures in the Cyclades islands... also should be fascinating!

One last note - if you'd like a postcard, you'll need to e-mail me your address (beythhogue@gmail.com). Otherwise, there'll just be a large stack of postcards at my house, addressed to: "You, c/o Beyth" and that's just not as much fun... In particular, I need addresses for Anna, Rachael, Laura (both), Trippe/Davis(/Krispin?), Danny/Ryan/Adam, Jesse/Cait/Hannah, Cil/Kam, the 16 at large (JB - I sent your's to your mum's house...) and anyone else who thinks I should be sending them a postcard... Upon reciept of an address, I will gladly compose a very nice postcard.

That's it for now! A few personal notes below... My love to all, as always! - b.

Danny - I just want to confirm your theory on greek drivers. Whatever number of degrees all that adds up to is probably too small... But, ya know, we get anywhere we want to go VERY quickly in a taxi.

Laura and Trippe - how was Georgia?

Laura (the other one) - best of luck w/classes starting this week...