HISTORY AND CULTURE ABOUND

Do you need to getaway? Are you starting to plan your summer vacation? Looking for somewhere exciting to go?

We all hear, at one time or another, about Greek mythology, Zeus, Troy or the Trojan horse. So many dreams have come to fruition by the Olympic Games making their debut here. Go experience the culture and history of Greece!

When you set foot in Athens, your life will never be the same. You will experience ancient times that can’t be taught through a book or felt in a movie.

Athens, the capital of Greece, populates almost 3.7 inhabitants, according to wikipedia.com, and there is plenty to see and do.

The book “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” says two must-see places lie in Athens, The Acropolis, the most famous landmark in Greece, according to wikipedia.com, and The National Archaeology Museum.

A sight that will be unforgettable in your mind , The Acropolis, meaning the “highest city” in Greek, lies in Athens at 490 feet above sea level on a flat top rock. In time of war, having your defense at this level gave you a unique advantage over your enemies. The Acropolis encompasses the Parthenon, a Doric temple that is the largest of its kind in Greece. It is considered by many, “The Most Important Ancient Monument in the Western World,” according to the book.

The National Archaeology Museum “holds more masterpieces of ancient Greek art and sculpture than any other museum in the world,” according to the book. Collections include a room of Byzantine gold jewelry, a 15th century mask of a bearded kind, and Thira. The Thira collection includes pottery and artifacts from the island of Santorini.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is also a must-see. A thunderstorm, about a century ago, brought down most of this temple except the column that remains today. Once here, you must venture to the 1896 Olympic Stadium (Panathinaiko Stadium) nearby.

For a great view of Athens, go to Lycabettus Hill by walking or railway. Make sure you take the time to enjoy the views along your way to the top.

If your heart desires museums, Athens holds other great ones too, the New Acropolis Museum, Benaki and Cycladic Art Museums, Agora Museum, and Kanellopoulous and Folk Art Museums.

I don’t know about you, but when I travel, food occupies my mind. I love trying traditional food of locales. In Greece, try souvlaki’, which is mainly grilled meat and tzatzki, which is yogurt with garlic and cucumber. Oh, also don’t forget to try a real Greek gyro. I’m sure they won’t compare to the American version you have had.

If you seek history and culture, Athens possesses the perfect mix. Museums and architectural landscapes abound the city.
You won’t leave wanting more, but you will depart with more knowledge and understanding of this ancient world that so many only “see” through school books or movies. You will experience firsthand what it must have been like to live during ancient times. When you leave, your life will be enriched because of it.