Here is another batch of pictures from our time in Europe. It includes more of Scotland as Pam requested. There is a little overlap on pictures that have previously been posted, but most of these you have not seen. They span the entire 6 months. You can view them here.
(or paste this in the address line of your browser if the hyperlink does not work: http://picasaweb.google.com/crabtreeg/MoreFromCrabtreesInEurope?authkey=Gv1sRgCJGK5JvptNrZ3AE#
The entire address needs to be on one line to work.)
As I was going through all of the snapshots we have taken, it surprised me how few of them were really good. That can mean only one thing--must be time to shop for a new camera!
On Tuesday I fly home. Looking forward to seeing family and friends.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
On running in Naples
Before I can tell you what it is like to run in Naples, I have to first explain something about the Neapolitan ethos. The people of this area have had to tolerate so many foreign rulers, economic crisis, congestion, etc., that they have learned to go with the flow. They accept hardships in life and things they cannot control. I guess the idea is that strong winds cannot break willows.
For example, the way Neapolitans drive. Traffic here is easier to understand if you think of it like water finding a path down a hill. This is why Neapolitans don't really pay much attention to the lines painted on the road. It is often easier to see what other vehicles are doing if you straddle two lanes. And where cars merge, resemblance to lanes of traffic can completely disappear. For instance driving home from work, there is an especially busy on-ramp that provides technically four lanes; three on the highway and one on the ramp. But I have counted herds of up to eight cars across until we sort out the merge.
There is only one important rule when driving, and that is to not touch. Even that statement has to be qualified. For instance, it is impossible to get into and out of some of these parking spots without bumping the car to the front and to the rear. Also, side view mirrors double as 'feelers'. When mirrors hit, this is an indication that our cars are starting to get too close. But for the most part, drivers here try not to run into other cars.
Because of this flow ethos, no one has the right of way. To Americans, this can be disconcerting. When driving into a roundabout, you just sort of push ahead along with everyone else...watch the other cars...take your turn, then squeeze on through. I have found it is not like this in other parts of Europe. When I tried this in Scotland, for example, it seemed to really bother people.
It's easy to see why mopeds are so popular here in Naples. With a moped, you can fit through places that cars just can't. Down the sidewalk for example. The key with a moped (apparently) is to quickly squeeze through narrow spaces in traffic before those spaces disappear. This takes a lot of skill, and you have to drive very fast to accomplish it. There are a few motorcycles, but they are too big to fit through really small openings very effectively.
Because they are so popular, it is not uncommon to see a family of three or four all riding on the same moped. And just as you would expect, they are careful to wear helmets. After all, you can never be too safe.
Also, you would be amazed at how much stuff can be carried on a moped. One day on the highway I saw a man on a moped ahead of me with his leg sticking out at a weird angle. I thought maybe he had a deformity. But when I got closer, I saw he was simply balancing a bag of groceries, which of course you have to do if you are travelling at 50 miles per hour on a busy highway. It is no wonder I feel so at home here. Back in Bellingham, people think its crazy when you do that sort of thing.
Which leads to running. Most Americans think it's dangerous to run off-base. I laugh at that. It is no more dangerous than spinning out of control on an icy mountain road (pay attention Brad and Scott). Running in Naples in some ways is similar to running on a rock seawall like I used to do at Annapolis. You concentrate on the boulders from 5 to 15 feet ahead, continuously looking for the best places to step that approximate your stride. I think it teaches you balance and coordination. Unless you fall. Then it teaches you that running on seawalls is foolish.
Running in Naples is very much like that. Except in Naples, you concentrate a little farther out--perhaps 15 to 30 feet. Much of the stuff around you is static, like light poles, garbage bins, parked vehicles and such. But a lot of it,--the people, cars and mopeds--are moving at various speeds and directions. They are all doing the same thing as I am, which is trying to figure out how to effectively "flow" through the parts that are congested. For pedestrians, it may mean picking their way through cars stuck in traffic. For the mopeds, it may mean winding between people on the sidewalks. For me running, it means both.
So if you ever get to go running in Naples, which I hope you do, my advice is that you watch out for the mopeds.
A humorous look at how Italians fit in with Europe here: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/italy
On a more serious note, Gayle, Josiah, Elijah and Timothy are currently in the air and en route home. If you are a prayer, please pray for
For example, the way Neapolitans drive. Traffic here is easier to understand if you think of it like water finding a path down a hill. This is why Neapolitans don't really pay much attention to the lines painted on the road. It is often easier to see what other vehicles are doing if you straddle two lanes. And where cars merge, resemblance to lanes of traffic can completely disappear. For instance driving home from work, there is an especially busy on-ramp that provides technically four lanes; three on the highway and one on the ramp. But I have counted herds of up to eight cars across until we sort out the merge.
There is only one important rule when driving, and that is to not touch. Even that statement has to be qualified. For instance, it is impossible to get into and out of some of these parking spots without bumping the car to the front and to the rear. Also, side view mirrors double as 'feelers'. When mirrors hit, this is an indication that our cars are starting to get too close. But for the most part, drivers here try not to run into other cars.
Because of this flow ethos, no one has the right of way. To Americans, this can be disconcerting. When driving into a roundabout, you just sort of push ahead along with everyone else...watch the other cars...take your turn, then squeeze on through. I have found it is not like this in other parts of Europe. When I tried this in Scotland, for example, it seemed to really bother people.
It's easy to see why mopeds are so popular here in Naples. With a moped, you can fit through places that cars just can't. Down the sidewalk for example. The key with a moped (apparently) is to quickly squeeze through narrow spaces in traffic before those spaces disappear. This takes a lot of skill, and you have to drive very fast to accomplish it. There are a few motorcycles, but they are too big to fit through really small openings very effectively.
Because they are so popular, it is not uncommon to see a family of three or four all riding on the same moped. And just as you would expect, they are careful to wear helmets. After all, you can never be too safe.
Also, you would be amazed at how much stuff can be carried on a moped. One day on the highway I saw a man on a moped ahead of me with his leg sticking out at a weird angle. I thought maybe he had a deformity. But when I got closer, I saw he was simply balancing a bag of groceries, which of course you have to do if you are travelling at 50 miles per hour on a busy highway. It is no wonder I feel so at home here. Back in Bellingham, people think its crazy when you do that sort of thing.
Which leads to running. Most Americans think it's dangerous to run off-base. I laugh at that. It is no more dangerous than spinning out of control on an icy mountain road (pay attention Brad and Scott). Running in Naples in some ways is similar to running on a rock seawall like I used to do at Annapolis. You concentrate on the boulders from 5 to 15 feet ahead, continuously looking for the best places to step that approximate your stride. I think it teaches you balance and coordination. Unless you fall. Then it teaches you that running on seawalls is foolish.
Running in Naples is very much like that. Except in Naples, you concentrate a little farther out--perhaps 15 to 30 feet. Much of the stuff around you is static, like light poles, garbage bins, parked vehicles and such. But a lot of it,--the people, cars and mopeds--are moving at various speeds and directions. They are all doing the same thing as I am, which is trying to figure out how to effectively "flow" through the parts that are congested. For pedestrians, it may mean picking their way through cars stuck in traffic. For the mopeds, it may mean winding between people on the sidewalks. For me running, it means both.
So if you ever get to go running in Naples, which I hope you do, my advice is that you watch out for the mopeds.
A humorous look at how Italians fit in with Europe here: http://www.albinoblacksheep.
On a more serious note, Gayle, Josiah, Elijah and Timothy are currently in the air and en route home. If you are a prayer, please pray for
- Timothy and Elijah as they re-integrate with friends
- Josiah, that he would find full-time work that is a good match for how God has wired him
- Gayle, that she will have the courage and strength to apply what God has shown her while in Italy
Thursday, March 19, 2009
From Pizza to Fish and Chips
After finally getting our Volvo out of that parking spot, I now have a chance to share a few more pictures.
These next few are from Paestum, which has well preserved Greek ruins. (Isn't well-preserved ruins an oxymoron?) There is a museum, with many of the relics that have been excavated, and vestiges of what was once a city.
This was painted on the inside of the tomb referred to as the tomb of the diver.
These next few are from Paestum, which has well preserved Greek ruins. (Isn't well-preserved ruins an oxymoron?) There is a museum, with many of the relics that have been excavated, and vestiges of what was once a city.
This was painted on the inside of the tomb referred to as the tomb of the diver.
Men in black
Italians take their coffee as seriously as we in the Pacific Northwest do.
One of the still standing buildings at Paestum.
Afterwards we went to the nearby beach.
We've enjoyed a couple of outings with the Hank and Lorraine B family. With the birth rate being so low in Italy, children get a lot of attention. With their 8 and our 3, we looked like a parade.
On most days, Josiah (Mr. Extrovert) would make the rounds to visit his Italian friends. The one he probably spent the most time with was a shop owner, Fabio, pictured below. He is a very nice man that we all enjoyed getting to know. Fabio plans to move to Connecticut in the near future, where his American girlfriend lives.
This picture of Mt Vesuvius is taken coming back from the Amalfi coast.
One day after church we took 3 of the B children with us and hiked around nearby Lago di Averno (literally, "Lake of Fire"). This lake has prominence as the mythical entrance to hell from the time of the Greeks. The perimeter is (I'm guessing) about 3 miles.
Italians take their coffee as seriously as we in the Pacific Northwest do.
One of the still standing buildings at Paestum.
Afterwards we went to the nearby beach.
We've enjoyed a couple of outings with the Hank and Lorraine B family. With the birth rate being so low in Italy, children get a lot of attention. With their 8 and our 3, we looked like a parade.
On most days, Josiah (Mr. Extrovert) would make the rounds to visit his Italian friends. The one he probably spent the most time with was a shop owner, Fabio, pictured below. He is a very nice man that we all enjoyed getting to know. Fabio plans to move to Connecticut in the near future, where his American girlfriend lives.
This picture of Mt Vesuvius is taken coming back from the Amalfi coast.
One day after church we took 3 of the B children with us and hiked around nearby Lago di Averno (literally, "Lake of Fire"). This lake has prominence as the mythical entrance to hell from the time of the Greeks. The perimeter is (I'm guessing) about 3 miles.
The area has a lot of geologic activity, and as a result has changed significantly in the past 3000 years. It used to be accessible from the sea, and about the time of Christ a large Roman Fleet was homeported there. About 500 years ago the newest mountain in Europe errupted and got the name Monte Nuovo (literally, "New Mountain"). That erruption choked Lago di Averno's access to the Mediterranean.
There is a tunnel there that is sometimes open to visitors. At the tunnel entrance, a very old man provided lanterns and led us into caves that were supposedly used by the Sybill (Oracle of this region). Underground water goes into the caves, and so locals claim this is River Styx. The water is quite warm because of the geothermal activity.
Gayle and the boys have said their goodbyes. On 3/12 we had our packout from the Pozuolli apartment, and on 3/14 boarded an airplane for England. We have been staying with our dear friend Marcie H, who lives in Garstang. Or more accurately, we have been staying in her home, visiting her church and getting to know her people while she is away on work-related travel. Fortunately Marcie returns tomorrow, 3/20, so we will get to see her too. 
On Monday, we left for Scotland. The first night we spent at Glasgow and the second near Inverness near Lochness.
It is lambing season.
There is a tunnel there that is sometimes open to visitors. At the tunnel entrance, a very old man provided lanterns and led us into caves that were supposedly used by the Sybill (Oracle of this region). Underground water goes into the caves, and so locals claim this is River Styx. The water is quite warm because of the geothermal activity.
Gayle and the boys have said their goodbyes. On 3/12 we had our packout from the Pozuolli apartment, and on 3/14 boarded an airplane for England. We have been staying with our dear friend Marcie H, who lives in Garstang. Or more accurately, we have been staying in her home, visiting her church and getting to know her people while she is away on work-related travel. Fortunately Marcie returns tomorrow, 3/20, so we will get to see her too.
The worship, the preaching and the fellowship at Garstang Free Methodist were wonderful. It was clearly the same Spirit that guides Sure Foundation Minstry, our english speaking, charismatic african and african american church near Naples. However, that is where the similarity stops. What a wakeup to cultural differences!! (What! no whistles and tamborines??)
On Monday, we left for Scotland. The first night we spent at Glasgow and the second near Inverness near Lochness.
It is lambing season.
In the below picture, Hadrian's Wall is in the background. This wall was built by direction of the Roman Emperor Hadrian to separate the relatively civilized Roman territory of England from the unruly barbarians who lived to the North of it, in Scotland.
And of course, we had to look for the monster.
We had a couple of very nice hikes and saw some lovely countryside. (I typed that in my very best English accent.)
So what is next you ask?
And of course, we had to look for the monster.
We had a couple of very nice hikes and saw some lovely countryside. (I typed that in my very best English accent.)
So what is next you ask? Thanks for asking. Over the next couple of days we will go on outings, including a trip to a Norman castle after Marcie gets back. But this is pretty much it for the Crabtree's in Europe field trip. On 3/26 the rest of the family flies home to Bellingham. I return to Italy on 3/22 for two more weeks on this set of orders, then home for approximately a week.
After that I will go back to Naples for another 6 weeks, but this time with a completely different purpose and focus; this will be a chance for me to re-enter the world of information technology. I will be on a short-term assignment to help a department establish their knowledge management and tasker workflow. In the evenings and weekends I will be doing computer based training to sharpen my skills. After that I will go back to my regular work, refreshed and hopefully with a better skillset.
This whole experience has been awesome, and I want to thank God publically for every aspect of it. I'm overwhelmed with his goodness and grace. We have met some top-notch people, learned lots and had wonderful experiences. I believe each of our kids has been significantly impacted by their first-hand exposure to history, art and other cultures.
Am wishing I could give you some pithy summary statements of what the takeaways are for Gayle and I personally. Unfortunately, we are still sorting through what they might be. Certainly we are refreshed and rejuvinated. But as far as life-changing lessons, we are reluctant to call anything life-changing until some months or years pass and we can see that our lives have changed. We know we want them to. Maybe in a future blog I will better be able to articulate a summary of this adventure. But for now, I just want everyone to know how grateful we are to have had this opportunity.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Catching Up since Christmas
Rachel will be happy to know that we finally got this puzzle put together. It was 1500 pieces; by far the most difficult puzzle I have ever done. While other people were goofing off watch movies and playing games, I slaved over that thing.
Rachel and Meagan ensured we had stockings for Christmas.
These couple of pictures come from the aggressive sightseeing day that Marcie, Dean, Gayle and I made of the Vatican museum and Borghese gallery.
This probably doesn't need explaining.
Back at Amalfi.
One day Dean, Josiah, Timothy, Elijah and I took the ferry to a nearby island, Procida. What started out as a little rain turned into full-fledged squall.
Along with Phil and Fran we took another trip into Rome this past Saturday. This time it was to see ancient Rome.
This is the Pantheon. It was built at the height of the Roman empire as a temple to all gods, but for the past 1500 years has been a church. It's a beautiful building--very influential. All modern domes trace their lineage back to this building.
We have lots to tell you about our church, but that is going to have to wait for another day. Recently Pastor Joe Fears, his wife Theresa, son Joshua and daughter Melody came over for dinner. Josiah and Joshua have been spending some time together.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Winding Down
Why anyone would still read this when I never post is beyond me. However, just in case...
Dean, Marcie, Gayle and I went to the Vatican Museum and the Borghese Gallery on 1/27. We were drinking from a cultural and artistic fire hydrant. Very draining but fun day.
Dean, Bonita and Marcie left for Garstang, UK on 1/29.
I fried our home computer fiddling with it. This European 220V fries wires pretty fast. We have a new power supply on order, but until then, no pictures.
Today (2/3), Phil and Fran flew in to Rome and took the train to Naples. Gayle met up with them there, and I imagine they are currently unconscious in our guest room.
Mark your calendars--yesterday I set up Gayle and the boy's return legs to Bellingham--they get in late on the 26th of March to SeaTac. I also set up travel for us to England on 3/14. I will return a week later, and they will stay with Marcie a bit longer before heading home.
We're wrapping things up here, and looking forward to being home.
Dean, Marcie, Gayle and I went to the Vatican Museum and the Borghese Gallery on 1/27. We were drinking from a cultural and artistic fire hydrant. Very draining but fun day.
Dean, Bonita and Marcie left for Garstang, UK on 1/29.
I fried our home computer fiddling with it. This European 220V fries wires pretty fast. We have a new power supply on order, but until then, no pictures.
Today (2/3), Phil and Fran flew in to Rome and took the train to Naples. Gayle met up with them there, and I imagine they are currently unconscious in our guest room.
Mark your calendars--yesterday I set up Gayle and the boy's return legs to Bellingham--they get in late on the 26th of March to SeaTac. I also set up travel for us to England on 3/14. I will return a week later, and they will stay with Marcie a bit longer before heading home.
We're wrapping things up here, and looking forward to being home.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Dear family and friends.
I have no excuse or even explanation to offer for why it has taken me so long to get back to this blog. At first, right around Thanksgiving, we got real busy. Our apartment came available, then people started arriving. After that, there was just too much to write. A lot has happened since we last posted, and I'm not going to even bother trying to give you the details. And even if I did, you wouldn't have time to read it anyway. But here is a highlight and a few pictures.
- Thanksgiving weekend, The car lasted for our trip to Garmisch, Germany, and for quite a few trips since.
- Dec 8 we moved into our flat in Pozzuoli. It wasn't until we moved in that we really felt like we were fully in Italy. We love the apartment.
- Dec 10, Gayle and I drove to Rome to pick up Josiah, Dean and Bonita from the Rome airport.
- Dec 11, Gayle and I drove to Rome to pick up Josiah, Dean and Bonita from the Rome airport. This is the day they were supposed to actually get in.
- Dec 14, Josiah and Rachel took trains to Rome to meet Nathan and Meagan.
- Trips to Sorrento, Amalfi, Christmas Alley, Pompeii, Naples museums and the Vatican
- Dec 29, Meagan and Nathan left.
- Dec 31 was absolutely amazing. We were completely surprised by the fireworks. They were like what Bellingham puts on the 4th of July, except they were going off all around us and across the Pozzuoli bay. It was like being out at Paul and Rhonda's, only on steroids. (Nate, you left too soon.)
- Jan 2-4 the 8 of us went to Pisa and Florence. Stayed at an Agritourismo in two apartments on a lovely farm. This is similar to the idea of a Bed and Breakfast.
- Jan 7 Rachel left for Multnomah Bible School (Portland, OR)
John and Chris, I want you to know that I am real sorry about the Army Navy game. We enjoyed watching it with our friends Hank and Lorraine and family. About halfway through I started rooting for Army because they clearly needed it. Hank's family was pretty amazed at my lack of loyalty.
We've been attending the same church as our friends Hank and Lorraine B. They have 8 children, two of which are boys about the same ages as our two, and the oldest of which is a girl Rachel's age. The worship service is a lively blend of African and African American styles. That alone goes for an hour. It is also fun at another level, as it is Assemblies of God, which is the denomination I was raised in. We've literally been dancing in the aisles :) I'm not much of a dancer so I do my best to sway in rhythm.
We miss the folks back home, but we're doing well. Internet access continues to be an issue. In just a minute here I am going to go try out a local Internet point. If you do not see this update to the blog, it didn't work.
Greg for all
Neuschwanstein castle
mingling with the natives.
Meagan, Rachel, Elisa B and Julia B
This temple is within walking distance from our home.
Pompeii
Vatican museum is overwhelming. It felt like we were racing, just to see the basics.
One of the many great meals we have had at our flat. I think D and B made this one for us, but at least one was a 4 course Italian meal prepared by Rachel and Meagan.
In Florence we saw some of our previous favorites and picked some new favorites.
I have no excuse or even explanation to offer for why it has taken me so long to get back to this blog. At first, right around Thanksgiving, we got real busy. Our apartment came available, then people started arriving. After that, there was just too much to write. A lot has happened since we last posted, and I'm not going to even bother trying to give you the details. And even if I did, you wouldn't have time to read it anyway. But here is a highlight and a few pictures.
- Thanksgiving weekend, The car lasted for our trip to Garmisch, Germany, and for quite a few trips since.
- Dec 8 we moved into our flat in Pozzuoli. It wasn't until we moved in that we really felt like we were fully in Italy. We love the apartment.
- Dec 10, Gayle and I drove to Rome to pick up Josiah, Dean and Bonita from the Rome airport.
- Dec 11, Gayle and I drove to Rome to pick up Josiah, Dean and Bonita from the Rome airport. This is the day they were supposed to actually get in.
- Dec 14, Josiah and Rachel took trains to Rome to meet Nathan and Meagan.
- Trips to Sorrento, Amalfi, Christmas Alley, Pompeii, Naples museums and the Vatican
- Dec 29, Meagan and Nathan left.
- Dec 31 was absolutely amazing. We were completely surprised by the fireworks. They were like what Bellingham puts on the 4th of July, except they were going off all around us and across the Pozzuoli bay. It was like being out at Paul and Rhonda's, only on steroids. (Nate, you left too soon.)
- Jan 2-4 the 8 of us went to Pisa and Florence. Stayed at an Agritourismo in two apartments on a lovely farm. This is similar to the idea of a Bed and Breakfast.
- Jan 7 Rachel left for Multnomah Bible School (Portland, OR)
John and Chris, I want you to know that I am real sorry about the Army Navy game. We enjoyed watching it with our friends Hank and Lorraine and family. About halfway through I started rooting for Army because they clearly needed it. Hank's family was pretty amazed at my lack of loyalty.
We've been attending the same church as our friends Hank and Lorraine B. They have 8 children, two of which are boys about the same ages as our two, and the oldest of which is a girl Rachel's age. The worship service is a lively blend of African and African American styles. That alone goes for an hour. It is also fun at another level, as it is Assemblies of God, which is the denomination I was raised in. We've literally been dancing in the aisles :) I'm not much of a dancer so I do my best to sway in rhythm.
We miss the folks back home, but we're doing well. Internet access continues to be an issue. In just a minute here I am going to go try out a local Internet point. If you do not see this update to the blog, it didn't work.
Greg for all
Neuschwanstein castle
mingling with the natives.
Meagan, Rachel, Elisa B and Julia B
This temple is within walking distance from our home.
Pompeii
Vatican museum is overwhelming. It felt like we were racing, just to see the basics.
One of the many great meals we have had at our flat. I think D and B made this one for us, but at least one was a 4 course Italian meal prepared by Rachel and Meagan.
In Florence we saw some of our previous favorites and picked some new favorites.
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