This is a nice photo of the Via Appia in Rome, (also known as the Appian Way) one of the worlds oldest roads. First begun in the year 312 BC by the Roman consul Appius Claudius, the rode provided a paved route from Rome to important strategic positions to the south. Today parts of the road remain paved, and even used by cars, especially the section right outside of Rome itself. Other sections, like this one, are nice walking tours for those interested in exploring and experiencing the ancient Roman world in a first hand way.

It is always amazing to realize how old the Pyramids are. Imagine, these structures were built around 2500 BC. That is, as of today in 2021, 4500 years ago. Imagine, these structures have existed through nearly all of recorded history, and have been seen by every generation from times and places so different from ours. It boggles the mind.

There is certain mysterious beauty to such ancient structures! It never gets old to appreciate them.

A new year and a new decade has arrived. And with a new year there comes new territory to conquer. Alexander the Great is a good model to follow in such endeavors.

This painting is fanciful reproduction of a famous mosaic of Alexander (356-323BC), on horseback (on the left), defeating the Persian King Darius III at the battle of Issus in 333BC. Alexander eventually went on to subdue the entire Persian Empire, a remarkable feat when you consider that he died at age thirty-three. The original mosaic is from a Roman house in Pompeii from about 160BC. I prefer the more fanciful painting.

The point is: there are new things to do in this coming year and new paths to take. Although I cannot conquer territory in the sense of Alexander, there are other areas of life where conquest is still possible.

In honor of Thanksgiving, perhaps the best of all American holidays, here is look at where it took place (not to forget the founding of Jamestown Virginia in 1607): Plymouth Mass, in 1627 and today. It is interesting to see the contrasts. The first photo is from the Plimoth Plantation museum, a recreation of the original colony not far from the actual site. The view is of what is now called Leyden St., looking uphill to what was then the meeting house/church/fort.

A reconstruction of Plymouth Plantation from 1627…

The second photo is of Leyden St today, the oldest continuous street in British North America. This was the original street that the Pilgrims laid out and built their first homes, burial ground, and Church. It is amazing to think that it has been in continuous use since 1620, when the Pilgrims first arrived at Plymouth in December of that year. The Church at the top of the street is roughly in the same place as the original meeting house/church/fort.

Plymouth today, showing Leydon St., the oldest street in British North America, where the first homes were built by the passengers of the Mayflower.

It is also important to remember that half the members of the Mayflower perished during that first winter in Plymouth. They had little food, virtually no shelter, and all this in the brutal New England winter. In all our modern comforts and conveniences it is easy to forget just how difficult a journey it was back then to sail on a ship from England to America, especially in the middle of the winter, to a place which was basically unknown and uninhabited except for the local Native Americans. It was truly a perilous journey. Those who survived were the foundations for much of the future American spirit of fortitude and perseverance.

We should at least keep some of this mind as we safely enjoy our abundance of food with our friends and families on this wonderfully unique American holiday.