The Parthenon is surely one of the “must sees” of this world, but if, however you can’t make it this summer, have a look at this link and get as close to the wonders of the ancient world as possible:
http://www.airpano.ru/files/Acropolis-Athens-Greece/2-3-2?scene=s2&
( title and picture from the campaign to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, idea and concept: Ares Kalogeropoulos)
Many of you might have heard about the discussion and movement in favor of returning the Parthenon Marble Sculptures from Britain to Greece,
however this speech by Stephen John Fry (born 24 August 1957) an English comedian, actor, writer, presenter, and activist
might persuade you!
See for yourself:
After so many years here, I think I can answer this question, there are many things that make them different and special, for example:
They do take the sun and the sea for granted, but are more than happy to share it with the rest of the world!
They love having a coffee (from 8 in the morning to 8 at night), and enjoying it for hours and hours and hours…
They can prepare the most delicious meal with just the basics, like bread and olives, and turn it into a feast with music and dancing…
They all speak English and even if they don’t, they will always try to help a stranger..
They do not care about rules and regulations in their own country, but when abroad they know all the street signs and the smoking prohibited warnings..
They love their country more than anything, even if they criticize it all the time.
Family is very important and includes everybody from grand parents to the third cousin’s grand child…
Life takes place outside the house, on the street, on the beach, in the village squares, the tavernas, the cafeterias.. 24/7, all year.
They hold on to their traditions without making it look odd or old fashioned.
With History in every ruin and every monument on every corner, it is part of them, integrated in their thoughts and daily life.
Name days are more important than birthdays and most of the population is named after the grandparents, with a small variety of names, eg Dimitris, Georgos, Nikos, Giannis, Maria, Eleni …which might then turn up (too) many times within one family.
They are very passionate and love arguing about everything using a great variety of gestures, always making a lot of noise.
Philosophy is part of their DNA, as is tragedy, and comedy…
One of the first questions I get asked by foreigners is: ” Which island is the most beautiful in Greece?”
This is really difficult to answer, considering that there are about 6000 islands in Greece, and more than 200 are inhabited!
All of them are beautiful and the greatest thing is that each and everyone is different!
It depends on what one desires, a green landscape with sandy beaches, a rocky and untouched landscape, fantastic nightlife or a retreat to relax and find yourself.. it is all there!
What they all have in common is the unique sea and the great food and hospitality!
A good way to explore them is by taking a cruise, checking out a few of them and then returning the following year to the one you like most!
Check out the following site for 3,4 and 7 day cruises offered from Piraeus port:
If you are visiting Athens but are not that much ‘ into ruins’ , the Foundation of the Hellenic World is a completely different ‘museum’ experience!
A place where you can take a virtual tour in Ancient Greece and get to know the development of Hellenism interactively.
Have a look:
ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-TR34Mo9dA&list=PLC0D1523F80760340
When in Athens, even if only for a day, the one thing you must see is the Acropolis Museum which has been ranked the 3rd best museum in the world by the British newspaper Sunday Times.
It is truly breathtaking, both inside and out!
The architecture that integrates the building into the old town of Athens, its breathtaking view of the Acropolis and of course the ancient treasures on display make a visit a lifetime experience of time travel, when standing in awe in front of thousands of years of history.
http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr
‘One of the basic troubles with radio and television news is that both instruments have grown up as an incompatible combination of show business, advertising and news. Each of the three is a rather bizarre and demanding profession.’ (Edward R. Murrow 1908-1965)
Athens is a great place to have coffee, and when I say coffee, I mean sitting around, talking, having intensive discussions about important matters, getting to know some new acquaintance, or just enjoying the beautiful sea view, or observing the guests coming and going.
This is what I did yesterday and I thought to myself that everybody seemed so relaxed, calm and even happy. It seemed strange but also very positive with all the bad news about Greece on TV, on the radio, in Greece and worldwide.
Then it occurred to me that all these people must have stopped watching the daily news, just as I have done, months ago!
Why do journalists presenting the news have to put on that sad and worried face, the face that makes you upset and disturbed even before they start talking?
Then, all they say is the bad things going on in the country, the corruption, the pain, the dead-end it has come to…so you simply stop hoping, trying or feeling happy, which leads to a worse psychology and even less hope for the future.
If you don’t listen to the reporters on TV anymore you start feeling better right away! You don’t get manipulated by it, you rely on your own power, will and strength!
They cannot influence your creativity, your inspiration and your positivism.
I don’t mean that we should shut our eyes to what is going on around us, or to be ignorant, not at all.
Just to filter the information, even if it is just reading headlines on the internet, as a given fact, without all the discussions and negative comments that bring us to a point of no return.
Like Murrow said:
‘This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and even it can inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it’s nothing but wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful. ‘(Edward R. Murrow 1908-1965)
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