Today's #DecemberReflections2022 prompt on Instagram is "gold", so here are three gold photos from the October vacation.
1. Parliament Building in Athens
The sun was setting and caused the Hellenic Parliament building to have this beautiful golden glow. In front, there, is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
2. Venetian Lighthouse, Chania
The shimmery golden reflection of the lighthouse in the water is dreamy!
3. Mariensaule, Munich
The gilded statue of the Virgin in the Marienplatz is impressive. I like the story behind why it's there, too. I'll probably mess it up, but here's what I remember. When the Swedes invaded Germany in the 1600s, the Duke in charge of Bavaria at the time, probably called Max, took his army and hid in the mountains, leaving the people of Bavaria to fend for themselves against the Swedes in the 30 Years' War. I think there was some money gathered by the people of Munich to get the Swedes to leave, which they eventually did. The Duke then returned to the city, telling the people that he had taken the army with him so they would not be attacked by the Swedes. He told them he prayed for them every day, and his prayers were answered because the Swedes were gone, so the people should erect a statue in his honor. The people decided they would erect a statue, but to the Virgin Mary because they felt it was she that delivered them from harm, and not the Duke.
Now there is a big, golden statue of Mary and Jesus in the city's central square, which is named after her, as well. Marienplatz means Mary's Square.
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