HISTORY
To say that Greece has a great history is perhaps one of the greatest understatements one can make. The country positively drools historical sites and artefacts, and even on a trip like ours, where we deliberately set out to eschew Greece's formidable line up of historical must sees, before long, the history caught up with us.
We walked along the Avenue of the Knights in Rhodos....
....marvelled at the Acropolis at Lindos....
....treaded in the footsteps of the Minoans in Knossos.....
......bid farewell to the sun from the hauntingly beautiful Portara at Naxos....
.....tried to ascertain whether the Church of 100 doors in Parikia on Paros really does have 100 doors (we failed)....
.......walked alongst the impressive Stoa of Attalus in the ancient agora in Athens....
.....climbed the Acropolis hill......
......enjoyed the early morning rays on the facade of the Caryatids.....
.....and breathed the same aura and atmosphere that Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and countless others did so many years before us, at the entrance to that great temple of the people - the Parthenon.
INFINITY POOLS
There are pools, and there are pools. And then, there are these.....
GREEK CYCLADIC ARCHITECTURE
So iconic that the mere hint of white and blue together immediately evokes classic Greek decor, the geometrical facades and architecture are an art form unto themselves. Lyrically executed and unendingly photographable, below are some images to transport you to the poetry in stone otherwise known as the Cyclades.
GREEK ISLANDFOLK
One of the nicest things about visiting the islands is being able to interact with the wonderful folk who inhabit them. Kind, helpful, and satisfied with life in a way to be envied, they are truly the heart and soul of this wonderful paradise.
INDULGENCE - GREEK STYLE
There is a distinctly Greek flavour of hedonism that is on display at all times. A sense of life and time that seems to say - relax, don't get worked up about little things, sit down and take a load off, gaze out into eternity and let your mind drift free and clear of all worries. Its a potent, heady elixir, this, and you come away feeling languorous, sated, and carefree.
SUN WORSHIP
Somehow every evening, as soon as it is time for the sun to say adieu, life seems to come to a standstill on the islands. Tourists and natives alike make for the best vantage points to bid farewell to the sun, there is singing and laughing and a great festive atmosphere. Momentarily a hush falls over the crowds as the sun nears the horizon, and as the fiery ball dips its head beneath the waves, there is an audible sigh, followed by applause, at another fine performance, another day put to rest. The sky, as if envious at all the attention doled out to its solar occupant, seems to come into its own then, sullying forth shades of gold, followed by oranges and reds, which pale to pinks and mauves, and then, in a final burst of imperial purple, the inky darkness of night conquers the heavens.
CHORA
No matter which island you choose to visit, wandering around its "chora" or old town is de rigeur for all travellers. These beautiful whitewashed walls, houses and narrow lanes are filled with interesting shops and cafes and wandering around a chora is one of the most delightful things to do.
WINDMILLS
These evocative structures can be found on most of the islands, with Mykonos ruling the roost as having the most famous line up of them all. Throw in a sunset, and you have all the elements of a magical evening right there.
MUSEUMS
With a history over 5000 years old, its little wonder that Greece's museums are among the most important in the world. Whether its the brand new Acropolis Museum...
....or the age old Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodos.....
.......whether the treasures of the Minoan civilisation preserved for posterity in Iraklio....
.....or the wonders of ancient Thira in Santorini......
.....and of course, the grand daddy of the all, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens which holds among other things the gold death mask of Agamemnon, and arrow tips recovered from the epic battlefield of Thermopylae where the Spartans stood up to the Persians.
VENETIAN FLAIR
You don't have to be in Italy to get a flavour of Venice. The wonderful facades in Chania, Naoussa and Mykonos are enough to make one nostalgic for Venetian atmosphere.
THE AEGEAN
Not for nothing is Greece known as the jewel of the Aegean. And the islands are the best place to gaze upon the myriad tones of turquoise, lapis and emerald glinting in the clear waters.
BLUE AND WHITE CHURCHES
Instantly recognisable, these iconic structures are dotted all over the islands and form a crucial part of the unique architecture.
CAVE DWELLING, OIA
Nothing quite prepares you for the experience of coming home to a genuine cozy white cave cut into the cliffside. It may look spartan but its actually living au naturelle at its finest. And a hot shower in a white cocoon with a single chimneylike skylight that filters in the sun ever so gently, ensures lazy luxurious moments beyond compare.
TAVERNAS
The Greek taverna is alive and kicking, sometimes in traditional form, sometimes in a more contemporary version, but whatever the style, assured is a wholesome meal, kind hospitality, and a cheerful ambience.
