Landing in Athens on March 18, 2011, I was soon overwhelmed by the traffic, noise and very strange road signs...well, the writing on the signs anyway.
But its amazing how fast it all becomes familiar, and before I knew it: I felt right at home !
Athens is a city of 4.5 million people, in a country with a total population of 11 million. There is much to do, to see and explore: the world famous Acropolis, the old town ( Plaka), Museums etc. You can shop till you drop, eat and drink the most wonderful, unpronouncable foods and drinks, or just sit and watch the world go by.
Traveling along the Agean Sea, over the Corinth Canal to the Ancient City of Corinth, and on to Mycenae.
Greek Mythology takes hold of you, and soon you are immersed in folklore, mixed with ancient history.
On to Ancient Olympia, where in 776 BC the very first games were held in honour of the Olympian God : Zeus, and his wife : the Goddess: Hera
Walking among these ruins, running in the ancient track, and standing on the spot where the Olympic flame is lit every 2 years, is simply overwhelming.
Traveling to Delphi, we left the Peleponese behind us after crossing the magnificent Rio Antirio bridge, and entered Central Greece. Driving along the North Corinthian Gulf of the Ionian See, with its fishfarms and quaint towns, rugged mountains and diverse flora, offers spectacular sights.
Delphi,also called: the Navel of Earth.
It is said, that Zeus stood on Mount Olympus with two majestic eagles...sending one eagle to the east and one to the west....commanding the eagles to find the centre of the world.
The eagles met at Delphi !
Its a beautiful,very scenic area, with Mount Parnassus looming above.
Meteora...should not be missed when traveling to Greece. This is a place, that seems completely surreal. Massive columns of rock pillars rise from the plains of Tlhessaley, with several Monastaries built on the very top.
Whether you're interested in religion, hiking, climbing, photography, or just sit and quietly reflect in this extraordinairy sight...you will never forget Meteora, which translates to: rocks, suspended in air.
If you would like to explore Greece on an organized tour, you will certainly see the highlights of this diverse country, but the hospitality and kindness of the Greek people make it possible to experience the country at your own pace. Utilizing public transportation and your own sense of adventure will allow you to see " behind" the scenery. Bring half the luggage, and twice the money... you will have the time of your life !
One of the highlights for me was : standing in front of the monument of the Spartan King : Leonidas.
The simple words, engraved on the base of the monument : COME GET THEM ! was the answer of King Leonidas to the Persian King Xerces, when told to surrender all arms, in the battle of Thermopyle, 480 BC
May his courage live on, in all uf us !
