Festivals, Churches & Rocket ships

Of all the countries I've traveled to, Greece was my favorite. I didn't spend nearly enough time there, but immediately feel in love with the people, food and music. On our way home from a beach trip, I noticed a roadside sign for a Greek Festival. I got home and did some research and realized that the festival was about an hour from our camper the very next day. 

You bet I get some work in early in the morning and headed to Melbourne for their annual Greek Festival.

The lines were long, the tables were full and the music was beautiful. 

The kids aren't as brave as I when it comes to trying new foods. I went for the Baklava and they went for the chocolate dip. You CANNOT go wrong with the Baklava. It was the perfect combo of flakiness and sweetness! 

My favorite part of the day was watching the dancers:

The kids wanted to grab a drink before we headed out so we each tried a Greek Soda. I went for the Orange and the kids went for the Lime. Both were delicious! 

St Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church is where the festival is held every year. The inside was magnificent. Hosting this festival every year is not the only effort to keep their culture alive and well. 

Bakaliko is an effort to keep the connection to Greece strong! 

A need for parishioners to readily have access to certain Greek food products prompted a parishioner, Charlie Diamond, with the help of his wife Aleka and with the permission of the Parish council, to establish the Bakaliko in August 2001 at Saint Katherine.  Starting with a few basics like ‘good’ feta cheese and olives he expanded the inventory to include various dry goods like: orzo, pastitchio noodles etc., imported canned goods and some frozen foods.
We continue to have the very best imported and domestic Greek food products available. All proceeds generated from our Bakaliko, go to the Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Operating Fund.

If you are ever in this area of Florida at the end of February, IT'S A MUST to make it to this festival. It's small, family-friendly and truly Greek! 

We learned of a satellite going up on a rocket from Kennedy Space Center and decided to make a quick trip there to watch what could be a once-in-a-life-time event take place. ​

We planned on heading to Cocoa Beach to watch the launch, but on our way there we noticed cars pulling off on the side of the highway and realized that we could see the launch from there. So what made a U-turn and joined the crowd. 

It was spectacular!!! 

I would have to say that of all the "fun" things we do, this was something that all of us enjoyed. Finley jumped up and down and screamed, Jon stared at the sky and the questions went flying. Pun intended.

So what did they learn at the festival and watching a satellite lunch?

What is the Greek Orthodox Church?
How is it different that other churches?
Where is Greece located?
Why are they dressed like that?

How often do rockets launch?
Why do they launch?
What do we learn?
Can I go to outer space?
Why didn't it get loud until a few seconds after launch?
Where does it go?

Yep all of those questions were asked. We didn't research every single one of them. But asking questions leads up down roads no desk could ever lead us down.

If you'd like to help support our family, consider hiring me to plan your next travels!

Schedule Travel Consult