Copenhagen

Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen! 

The Fates recently drew the Emperor to the enchanting city of Copenhagen.

  

The great depth of history and the many monuments and civic works that adorn this northern polis are fantastic to see.  

A mesmerising day was spent slowly wandering and wondering at the pleasant beauty.  

Under the glow of the warmest Autumn sunshine, Copenhagen left a most favourable impression and the Emperor looks forward to more visits in the future.

There's Only Enough for One Mind

 
Skopelos Town - Sept 2018

Emperors in the Aegean

[Leaving the shelter of Skopelos Town]

[Hilltop towns on Alonnisos]

Much like a Roman Emperor of old, this ruler has spent some enchanting time floating about the Aegean on a imperial pleasure cruise.

The opportunity to sail around the Sporades islands, off the coasts of Skopelos and Alonnisos has revealed to the Emperor this amazing region of the Western Aegean.

Its a stunning place, where richly shaded pine-tree islands float upon a blue and shimmering sea. The trees come right down to caress the waters edge and it presents a timeless land and sea-scape of elemental simplicity and great natural beauty.

Its more than a tonic and a true antidote to the inevitable stresses that accumulate from running an empire - albeit a modest one.

[Tracing the coast of Alonnisos]

One is reminded that I am not the first of the imperial progeny to have enjoyed the charms of Greece and her islands. Even a casual view of Imperial Trip Advisor yields some impressive 5* reviews.

[Up at the prow]

The surly Tiberius - before he adorned the purple - was no stranger to Hellas and chose to spend much of his time as a retired-citizen on the isle of Rhodes.

While, great, great ...[+] uncle Nero, was positively smitten by Greece and its ancient culture.

Nero also spent a major holiday in the region back in 66/67AD.  By all accounts it was one hell of a tour, taking in city visits, building works, sporting games and even musical and theatrical recitals.  Of course, Nero was the star performer at such recitals and you can guarantee that the audience loved it. "It would be dangerous not to, darling!"

I digress ... but it remains the truth that my tour of these ancient lands has been a revelation and greatly enjoyed by this Emperor.

"Oh Italia, you never mentioned you had such a beautiful sister, Hellas! You kept that quiet"

[Dreamy views from below deck: "Row you dogs!'

Classical Fragments

Its amazing to see how many classical fragments from ancient Greek and Roman antiquity have been gathered and put to good use within the old orthodox churches on the island of Skopelos, Greece. Even a cursory view round the islands many churches can reveal many gems. 

[Roman Figure Embedded in Greek Church, Skopelos 2018]


It seems nothing has bee left to waste and fragments of great history (from all periods) are hidden within the walls. Those Byzantine churchmen were real magpies and who indeed can blame them?   
    

  

Hellenic Roof Tiles

[Ornamental Roof Tiles on the Isle of Skopelos - Sept 2018]

''Small wonder that Trojans and bronze-greaved Greeks have suffered for such a woman, she is so like an immortal goddess.''

[Homer, Iliad]

Sea Monsters

Around the isle of Skopelos in Greece, strange and ancient creatures have been seen in the sea, by the Emperor's very own eye!

The 'Sea Pig' being a beast of notable renown, is found off the coast of Skopelos in the Sporades islands.

A creature of ancient origin the sea-swine lies in wait for unsuspecting sailors, ready to gash their ships with a viscously protruding snout. The scaley spine of this sleeping monster, perfect for dashing the keels and hopes of men, does nothing to soften the malignancy of its form.

On a hazy day, its not hard to imagine how this landscape - beautiful though it is, also nurtures an inherent malice. A danger that can only have nourished the ancient myths and superstitious fears of men.

How many such beasts did ancient hero's fell. The enemies of Odysseus or Theseus can still be seen in this land.