Kaufman takes on Nessie

Scotland, as part of the UK, is also hosting a portion of the Olympics. We thought we'd escape here for a few bucolic days, returning to London closer to the event finals. Little did we know that Steve would be drafted into a highly secretive, much feared event - wrestling the Loch Ness monster.

Nessie, as she's known in these parts, has long eluded the efforts of scientists and thrill seekers. The Olympic committee thought, why not take this opportunity to leverage some of the worlds most competitive resources?

Using his prowess in process and his cunning insight into what drives behavior, Steve baited Nessie with chocolate ice cream. When she emerged, he pounced. Chalk up another gold for team US - if the SIS ever agrees to let the event go public.

You never know who you'll run into

When we were in Potmos earlier this month, we met this terrific Dutch family who travel at least as much as we do.

The de Meyere's were also planning to be at the Olympics. Phone numbers were exchanged, but original plans seemed doomed. Our phone rang as we passed into the Olympic Village. Among thousands, Carine and Viet were just a few yards behind us!

What are the chances? Olympic magic.

Olympics - Record smashing Day 1

The first day of Olympic competition did not disappoint.

We began with women's weightlifting - one of our favorites. Petite women weighing under 100lbs lift barbells, inching up from 154 to 193lbs in the Snatch and an astonishing 242lbs in the Clean and Jerk.

On to Fencing, which moves at lightning speed. Even with electronic touch scoring and replays in slow-mo, we can barely follow the scoring, but its dynamic, looks amazingly graceful and has long been on Karen's bucket list, so Steve sticks it out.

Swimming at the Olympic Village rounds out the day. The cheers are deafening!

Ryan Lochte (model material handsome) from the US, breaks the 400M medley record at 4:05:15, a full 3 seconds ahead of the other two medal winners. Mark Phelps looked crushed at not medaling. World records were also broken at women's 400 medley (China) and 4x100 meter relay (Australia).

Star power went beyond the Olympians. Kobe Bryant and family were close by for the swimming. Steve disappeared for a while and reemerged from where Michelle Obama, Bill Gates and Mitt Romney were sitting. He insists he was just getting ice cream. Hmmmm.

Olympia 2012 - the Opening

The "Isle of Wonder" opening theme, orchestrated by Danny Boyle of "Slumdog" fame, was indeed wonderful. Very definitely British. Who else could mix bucolic country scenes with the Sex Pistols and parachuting her Majesty in with 007 to save the day.

Miles of athletes paraded through, many encouraged by thundering cheers. Besides adding our voice for team US and the Aussies, the Kaufman's were there for some of our other faves - Bhutan, Fiji, Mongolia, Cambodia, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Cuba.

Stay tuned for more as the games continue!

Olympic Torch Relay

Staying with our London friends, it appeared that the towns people had left and those coming for the Olympics were yet to arrive. That was until 4-PM on Thursday. As if by magic, people appeared, lining the roads 6 deep, to cheer on the Olympic torch relay. Regular folk have been carrying the torch throughout the UK, as shown by the map in this picture.

The strange orange one eyed creature is reportedly the 2012 Olympic mascot.

See you all at the opening ceremony!

Witch Trials Continue

After nearly 9 months, we needed to get our sea legs back on Blue Chip. A mere hour north lies Glouchester, of "A Perfect Storm" fame, and Salem famed for its historic witch trials. Storm it didn't, but have no doubt, the Salem witch trials continue. Best to put on your bonnet, keep your head down and DON'T wear red. If red you wear, then the ONLY question the town elders will care to ask is are you a good witch or a bad witch.

Acropolis - 2,500 years and counting

So here's the thing. Being slightly addicted to HGTV, living in a 130 year old brownstone and having remodeled a 60 year old condo, I think of repairs as a way of life - a Loews credit card as a distinct possibility.

Then when in Athens, we visited the buildings of the Acropolis. The coffered ceilings are intact. The pillars secure and the marble facing doesn't seem to need polishing or resealing. Marble deep plunge tubs and their clay pipes are certainly in better shape than the 60 year condo plumbing I just replaced.

In all fairness work has been done since the Parthenon was built in 438BC. The big remodeling job came in 1204 when it was converted into a Christian church. In 1460 the Ottoman Turks added a mosque's minaret and dome. In 1687 an artillery shell caused a fiery explosion and in 1820 the British removed to London over two-thirds of the statuary and relief work.

A quick glance at what remains may look like a general contractors dream. However, I compare it to the homes I know and somehow think the ancient Greeks had a better return on their investment.

Patmos - the blue and white island

Thank goodness for dear friends and weddings! If not for these two ingredients, this fantastic Greek island would most likely have been missed.

St. John is widely believed to have written Revelations here and is honored with a Greek Orthodox monestsry and the preservation of the cave which was his haven when exiled from Turkey.

Today 2,000 people call Potmos home. A widely international group own or rent traditional medieval houses and enjoy a lively creative environment on this volcanic island, rich with flowers, food and warm industrious people. The debt crisis? That is for another day!

Ephesus - over 2,000 years and counting

A two hour drive north of Bodrum, along the southwest coast of Turkey, stands Ephesus. Originally settled in 700BC, what remains was primarily built between 100BC and 200AD. Curetes Street was paved in marble, enhancing numerous temples and monuments, including the Temple of Hadrian. (photo top right).

Heated floors, hot and cold running water, mosaic floors, frescoed walls, outdoor covered malls, dinner parties, catering and "take-out" food - all part of life in Ephesus.

Life doesn't sound so different from ours. Okay maybe except for their technologically advanced heated floors. Come to think of it, maybe we haven't come so far in 2,000 years after all.