In 2016, we traveled to Europe to research two of my planned series, one inspired by Rome, and one by Greece. After our time in Italy, and brief hiccup getting to Greece, we arrived in Athens. Naturally, for my interest in ancient history, Athens presented both the high point and the starting point of my research. We had a wonderful tour guide who took us through museums and a walk through the city, as well as a climb up to the acropolis (see the cover photo). It was as stunning as expected. What caught my off-guard though, were the purple trees in the city. Purple, gorgeous trees. Yeah.
Out of Athens, we took a day tour by bus to see Mycenae and Epidaurus. According to legend, Perseus himself founded Mycenae (Mykenai in my books). The ancient ruins offer breathtaking views of the landscape, and a few nearby tombs you can explore.
Epidaurus is another ruin that includes the Sanctuary of Asklepios, where an amphitheater with perfect acoustics lies (this inspired a bit in the Tapestry of Fate series too).
After our return to Athens, we next took a day cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. All were worth visiting, and one of them (I can’t remember which) had no cars on the whole island (love it). I apparently didn’t take too many pictures there, as it was more a relaxing family day than much research. Following our cruise, we flew to the island of Santorini for a couple of days. Santorini was quiet and beautiful, famed for its whitewashed buildings and blue roofs. My wife really wanted to see those blue roofs, but after climbing for a long trek, the sun began to set, and things grew too chilly for our baby, forcing us to turn back. I imagine one day we’ll return and try again.
So … it took my five years, but the series I went there to research has finally seen the light of day: Tapestry of Fate (in The Titan Era).