Fw: Portland and Hawaii

Live Long and Prosper,
James H. Johnson

________________________________ From: Jim Johnson <jamesj0922@outlook.com> Sent: Monday, June 16, 2025 3:14 PM To: Website Jamesj0922 <b457412rp927@jamesj0922.com> Subject: Portland and Hawaii
This is a link to the [https://www.bing.com/th?id=OVP.h9aqoHe7kgEA9qJmkTQCjgHgFo&pid=Api] 2023 Vol. Portland and Kona, Hawaii A shour video to document the Month of October 2023 www.youtube.com

Jim Johnson jamesj0922.com

Johnson Family Reunion

Johnson-Fennell Family Reunion: A Week of Fun, Family, and Sun in Myrtle Beach!

The Johnson-Fennell family gathered on the shores of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a week-long reunion filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories. From August 10th to 14th, family members from all corners of the country came together to celebrate their shared heritage and forge new bonds.

Among those enjoying the festivities were Karen and myself. We had the wonderful opportunity to meet relatives we hadn’t seen in years, some for the very first time. The joy of reconnecting with loved ones and learning about their lives was truly heartwarming.

A big shoutout to Robin and Michael for organizing such a fantastic event! Their dedication and hard work ensured that everyone had a wonderful time. From planning activities to arranging accommodations, they thought of every detail, making the reunion a truly seamless and enjoyable experience.

The Blue Masque, Istanbul, Turkey

The Blue Mosque: An Architectural Marvel in Istanbul

Soaring majestically above Istanbul’s skyline, the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a captivating landmark that embodies Ottoman grandeur. Constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque remains a functioning house of worship and a dazzling tourist attraction.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini: A Paradise with a Price Tag

Santorini is a postcard come to life. Dramatic cliffs plunge into the Aegean Sea, while whitewashed villages cling precariously to the slopes. Everywhere you turn, breathtaking vistas unfold, making it a photographer’s dream. But Santorini isn’t just a looker; it caters to a variety of travelers.

Foodies will be in heaven with the abundance of fresh seafood restaurants lining the calderas. Sample local Santorini specialties like fava bean purée (fava) or cherry tomatoes lightly breaded and fried (tomatokeftedes). Indulge in a glass of Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine grown on the island’s volcanic soil.

Couples seeking romance will find it in abundance. Luxurious hotels with infinity pools and sunset views were practically made for honeymoons. Oia, with its whitewashed houses and iconic blue domes, is particularly charming, but be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.

Adventurers will find ways to keep busy beyond lounging on the beach (which, with volcanic black sand or pebbles, isn’t for everyone). Hike the trails that weave through the caldera, offering stunning views from every turn. Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan settlement buried by a volcanic eruption. Wine enthusiasts can visit wineries nestled in the caldera, where tastings often come with panoramic vistas.

Florence

Michelangelo’s David

Imagine this giant statue, carved by Michelangelo himself way back in the early 1500s. It’s called David, and it’s a total masterpiece of Renaissance art. Standing at a whopping 17 feet tall, it’s the first super-sized marble statue made since ancient times, basically paving the way for all the cool sculptures that came after.

Crazy thing is, David wasn’t always meant to be such a big deal. Originally, he was supposed to be just one of many statues chilling on the roof of the Florence Cathedral. But they ended up putting him in a super important square right in front of the city’s government building. Unveiled in 1504, David quickly became a symbol of Florence’s fight to be its own boss.

To keep the original safe, they eventually moved it indoors to a museum in 1873, but there’s a replica standing in the original spot now.

David’s a pretty popular dude, you see. He’s based on the biblical hero of the same name, who was kind of an underdog himself. So, the statue became a symbol of Florence standing up for its freedoms against anyone trying to push them around, both from other countries and even the powerful Medici family who wanted to rule the city.

Venice: First Stop on our vacation

The initial leg of our vacation led us to the mesmerizing city of Venice, Italy. With its timeless charm and enchanting waterways, this was an experience that had long been on our must-do list, and it absolutely exceeded all expectations.