So Many reasons to visit this Gem
February of 2019 we were kind of on a roll. We hit Paris France, Brussels, Czech Republic, Rome, Pisa, 4 areas of Cinque Terre, Venice, Portugal, Athens, Santorini Island, and Great Britain. Uffda......then we were tired.
One week in Fort Lauderdale Florida to recover, then a road trip to St Augustine to the Players Championship. We managed this little European travel extravaganza all before June.
Today we are going back to our time in Athens Greece and Sanorini Island. The people for sure were the best part, well the scenery too, I don't know, we loved it all. Greeks are hardwired from history to be hospitable to strangers and guests. The PMA felt this in nearly every interaction we had with locals. It is an affordable country that is relatively easy to get around. We had some super affordable and very modern accommodations. It was February and kind of the off-season with unseasonably warm weather which was a plus.
360 Views of Athens's highest and most central point. So much to see in this wondrous city. Parthenon, Erechtheion, Red tile Roofs, Acropolis, Syntagma Square, Greek National Garden, Panathenaic Stadium (Olympic Stadium), and quirky fun neighborhoods.
The National Museum of Archeology
We did stand in line to go to one of the best museums in the world, The National Museum of Archeology. It did impress, but a lot of the good shit was stolen by the Britts. Rosetta Stone, sculptures, and parts of the Parthenon to name a few. It was kind of sad, but a fact. https://www.dw.com/en/greece-could-use-brexit-to-recover-stolen-parthenon-art/a-40038439 We will review our trip to England and the Brit museum. But honestly, there isn't much British in the British museums. Kind of a side note, but relevant to Greek history.
We were ready at the opening of the museum doors in the morning and we were stopped by a security guard who was chatting in Greek to fellow workers about us. He said that Brett looked so much like a famous Greek actor. We thought that was cool, so the guy pulled up his photo, which did look like Brett but he was very dead, like a long time ago. We all laughed a lot. The people there are so kind and joyful.
Tiny cool alleys in hilly neighborhoods made for some fun exploring. We buzzed all over Athens. So easy to walk and explore.
Athens is the capital of Greece one of the oldest cities in the world, and the heart of Ancient Greece. 5th Century BC landmarks Parthenon, Acropolis, Sculptures, and so much more. The Greeks like to drink wine and eat fish, grains, and olives, we were pretty down with that and happy to join in. We found a family eatery close to where we were staying and ate there 3 times during our short of stay in Athens.
We loved the ancient ruins, like kind of unreal. The food was really quite delightful.
While you are there catch a puddle jumper and
pick a Greek Island to visit. Just pick one it doesn't matter.
There wasn't much that we could say negatively about this beautiful nation. It is an Eastern European country that embraces Christianity as a key part of its national identity. Many Greek Orthodox don't practice religion regularly but consider it an important element of their national belonging.
The Firaa-Ola Hike is probably the best thing to do in Santorini. We hiked along the caldera cliff and through the villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imrovigil, and Oia. The photos below show some of the hike. It was beautiful and desolate, then you would get to a village of pure white.
Athens, Greece. A city to visit for sure. The historical significance, beauty, ease of travel, food, people, it has it all
The Greek Island of Santorini is also worth the stop. Honestly, you can pick any of the islands and you will not miss the mark.
I would not hesitate to put this travel as a destination for about anyone. It has so many great attributes and a little that everyone will love. I can see us coming back........ someday, maybe?
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