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Places Visited: Athens, Kalambaka, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Corinth Canal, Santorini, Paros, Mykonos
Following our Caribbean vacation in 2000, I made significant life changes. I was craving something different so I quit my current career to go back to school in Ottawa. After graduation in May 2001, we left on a 15-day tour of Greece with his mom and sister.
May 2001
There is simply not enough space to write how much we love Greece! To this day there is no comparison for what we feel for this beautiful country. Perhaps it is because it was our first European trip or possibly the amount of time we spent exploring the country. Whatever the case, recapping our highlights from our trip does not seem to do justice.
Athens...
Athens was a busy metropolis with squares practically every few blocks. The Plaka was great for shopping and we found many tavernas to satisfy our appetite for souvlaki. One notable restaurant was the Sissifos Taverna. We had to walk up many steps to reach it, although when we reached the top it was worth it. We sat on the roof terrace and had an incredible view of the Acropolis. The Kolonaki district was also good for shopping as was Omonia Square. It was easy to get around with the Athens Metro System.
No one can leave Athens without seeing the Acropolis. A true Greek landmark, it cost us about 2,000 drachmas (CAD8.00) to see the Parthenon, the Erechtheion or Porch of Maidens, the Temple of Athena, and the museum. So much history behind the Acropolis but there were just so many tourists during our midday excursion to really appreciate the beauty. Nevertheless we were in awe of the Parthenon, the symbol of Greece, which was built between 447 - 438 B.C.
About 440 km north of Athens is Kalambaka. At first glimpse of the rising rock formations of Meteora we were completely in awe! Even more astounding are the monasteries perched atop the rock towers. The most notable is the Monastery of Aghia Triada which can be seen in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. It was truly spectacular and our favorite excursion in Greece.
No kids yet...
Located 180 km north of Athens is Delphi. Similar to Olympia, some olympic games were also held here. Of interest was the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Athena and the naval of the earth, which is said to bring fertility to whomever touches it.
Let the games begin...
Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 7th - 6th century B.C. For 2,000 drachmas (CAD8.00) we visited the site and museum. Once again we were fascinated to be in a place were so much history occurred. We saw the Temple of Hera where the Olympic torch is lit every Olympic year and Dar even ran the 160-yard dash to the cheers of school children! At the time we were there, Greece was preparing for the 2004 Olympic Summer Games. Finally the games were returning "home." It was an amazing experience just to be there!
A 7-hour ferry from Athens brought us to the beautiful island of Santorini (our favorite of the Cyclidic Islands). The white buildings with blue domed roofs and the view of the turquoise Aegean Sea were breathtaking! The caldera, or cauldron, was best seen by taking a cable car from Fira and a short boat ride to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni.
Another interesting excursion was Akrotiri. The ancient city was discovered in 1974 when a donkey fell through the earth and excavation was still going on while we were there. Following our trip we have seen on the Discovery Channel that Akrotiri has been linked to the Lost City of Atlantis.
Greece is also known for the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. We arrived by fast ferry and stayed in Agios Stefanos, just a short bus ride away from the main town of Chora. The island was populated with many tourists. It was worthwhile however visiting Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach.
Next phase...
If you have read my closing remarks on our Dominican Republic page you will remember how I went through a state of depression after returning from vacation. No sooner than our arrival back home I had moved to Ottawa for a job opportunity - I was depressed again. This meant that we would be apart (except on weekends) for an indefinite period. It was hard going through the highs and lows.
Yassou from Greece!
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