Be a Tourist in Athens – Keep Calm and Wander

Be a Tourist in Athens - Keep Calm and Wander

Here is a list of touristy things to do in Athens. In its evolution, the ancient city has not let go of its ancient character despite the trials of time. So, if you want to be a tourist in Athens, pick some or a few of these places for your two or three days itinerary in the ancient city.

1. The Parthenon / Acropolis

This should be your first stop. Standing on the hill of Acropolis, the Parthenon before your eyes is surreal. You’ll see ancient Greek architecture standing on this sacred hill for about 2,500 years. It is actually a collection of buildings, where you’ll explore Parthenon (dedicated to goddess Athena) known for its best Doric columns.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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The Roussanou Monastery – Keep Calm and Wander

The Roussanou Monastery - Keep Calm and Wander

Roussanou Monastery sits on a low rock pillar – compared to the other monasteries in Meteora. It is very much accessible to public transport and there is not much climbing involved, but a few steps. The monastery itself is connected via a small bridge and is managed by nuns who are collecting the entrance fee themselves. Yes, it is now a convent for women – since 1988.

There are two rules that visitors need to remember when going inside the monastery. First, you have to cover your legs (aka, wear long skirts). The nuns at the entrance can loan you a plain cloth to wrap around your waist. This also applies to men. Second, photography is not allowed. However, no one is really watching inside, and if you want to take one or two (using your phone), be discreet – like me. 😀

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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These Meteora Monasteries Seem to Hover In the Air

Meteora monasteries

These Meteora monasteries are hovering in the air. On our way to see these monasteries, our jaws dropped as we passed by the towering rock formations. They are amazing geological formations that will never fail to make you wonder how they came into existence.

While these are marvels of nature, the monasteries on top of these rock pillars are themselves, marvels of human ingenuity. I declare that these natural and human-made wonders are one of the attractions that you have to see, to believe.

Who Built these Monasteries?

Meteora’s first Christian monks set up their monastic life here back in the 14th century. They constructed monasteries on top of these gigantic rock cliffs that must have been very difficult to climb. But, I guess, that was the point of putting these monasteries up there – to get away from worldly temptations and possessions.

And by looking at them, I have no doubt that the monks succeeded in their mission to practice their faith without much distractions from the outside world. They would do everything to live in unreachable places just to experience (or, maybe see?) God in their lifetime.

By Alain, Keep Calm and Wander

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Fira Santorini at Night – Keep Calm and Wander

Fira Santorini at Night - Keep Calm and Wander

Fira Santorini at night is truly mesmerizing. When the sun goes down and the lights are on, the island is something you can only see in movies. It will leave yourself breathless, constantly sighing at the beauty that never seems to fade.

Fira is the capital town of Santorini. The white-washed houses you see on postcards are either from here or from Oia. Both towns are expensive, but Oia seems to be more expensive when it comes to hotels/accommodation. However, if I had the money to splurge, I’d prefer to stay in Oia where I’ll have my own infinity pool.

Going Around Santorini

It is easy to get around Santorini. The island has convenient buses from one place to another but it takes around 10-15 minutes to wait at peak hours. Fare starts at 2.50 euros for one way only. Be aware that buses start and end in Fira. This means that if you want to continue your journey to another place, you’ve got pay another fare again.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Lesbian Europe – Once Upon a Journey

Lesbian Europe - Once Upon a Journey

We know, as a couple, that lesbian travel isn’t always as easy as packing your bags and go. There’s much more think about, regarding safety for example. For a holiday it’s important you can truly be yourself, don’t have to worry about safety and simply feel comfortable. Europe has been leading the way for LGBT travellers for the past decades. It has some of the most open and welcoming countries in the world and is, therefore, the perfect continent for your lesbian holidays. It has so much to offer: from stunning beaches to picturesque cities and much more. Europe is diverse, each European country has its charms, and there’s something for everybody. But which destination to pick?! Let’s dive into the best lesbian holiday destinations Europe has to offer.

Greece

For stunning beaches, you need to go to Greece! Greece has 6000 islands so it’s the perfect destination for some island hopping, tropical vibes and relaxing on the beach. The island Lesbos (also known as Lesvos) is, for us lesbians, a special one. More about that later on! Greece is one of the most liberal countries in South East Europe and it’s making great steps forward the past years. Homosexuality has been legal since 1951 and in 2015, civil unions were legalised for same-sex couples. Greece is a friendly destination for LGBT travellers. Mykonos especially is well-known under the male gay travellers as one of the best gay destinations in Europe. And of course, lesbians are also very welcome on the island, though you will find many men there. While Mykonos is great for parties, Santorini is the perfect island for your romantic holiday or a honeymoon.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

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Sailing Greece – Passport Magazine

Sailing Greece - Passport Magazine

I often thought about the timelessness of sailing Greece while aboard the Star Flyer, a 360-foot-long, four-mast clipper ship. It was a natural connection, because we were cruising aboard a modern vessel through the Aegean, the world’s great, famous sea of myths and legends. There I stood on the bow of a gleaming tall ship, traversing the same stretch of water as Odysseus at war with the Trojans. But unlike the tribulations in Homer’s Odyssey, I was relaxing with an Aperol spritz under blue skies.

This was my first sailing cruise—a weeklong voyage with Star Clippers (www.starclippers.com) through the Northern Cyclades Islands.The trip would take us round trip from Athens on an unforgettable journey to Patmos, Amorgos, Mykonos, Monemvasia, and to Kusadasi, Turkey.

Sailing is distinct from other cruises. Motor-powered cruising across an ocean or river have their own appeal, but the opportunity to sail was an intriguing alternative. As I plotted the trip along with my spouse and co-adventurer Denise, we wondered how the boat would feel on the sea, how much we’d rely on wind versus engine power, how easily would the crew manage the enormous sails?

That curiosity led us aboard the Star Flyer with open minds. At the cruise port of Pireaus in Athens, we climbed the gangplank on a hot Mediterranean afternoon, joining our fellow passengers in the ship’s open-air Tropical Bar where we awaited embarkation.

By Kelsy Chauvin – Full Story at Passport

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Seeing Athens From Mt Lycabettus – Keep Calm and Wander

Mt Lycabettus - Keep Calm and Wander

The views of Athens from Mt Lycabettus is one thing that most tourists miss. That’s because when they visit The Parthenon on Acropolis, they’d also see Athens’ skyline from there. And for most of them, that’s enough.

But, if you had time to climb Mt Lycabettus, you should do it without hesitation. The view from up there at sunset is something that you would never forget too soon.

Seeing the Parthenon from the side Mt Lycabettus is another angle of seeing Athens’ panoramic skyline. And guess what, the mountain is even so much higher than Acropolis. You’ll be able to see the white-washed city dwellings creeping all the way to the Aegean Sea.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Athens’ Acropolis Museum – Keep Calm and Wander

Acropolis Museum - Keep Calm and Wander

If I were you, visiting the Acropolis Museum in Athens should be your first business of the day. Then, climbing Acropolis to see the grandeur of The Parthenon is next. Yes, I know – you’d prefer to see the Parthenon first to avoid the crowd. Well, if you’re just going to take photos without the crowd in the background, then, that’s a smart thing to do.

But, if you want to fill in your brain with historical facts and visual feast on artifacts – visit the Acropolis Museum first. The displays on the last floor of the museum are shaped like the Parthenon. The set-up gives you a clear picture of what it was once like. You need to know that you can’t get close to The Parthenon in Acropolis because it is fenced and it is heavily guarded by workers in civilian clothes.

I would highly recommend that you go early to the museum. Have your breakfast at their outdoor patio on the top floor. They’ve got a fantastic view of The Parthenon. It feels good sipping your coffee or eating your pancakes while admiring the beauty of the Acropolis.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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Hadrian’s Library – Keep Calm and Wander

Hadrian's Library - Keep Calm and Wander

The Hadrian Library isn’t hard to find. Once you get off at the Monastiraki station, you’re right on Monastiraki Square. Look around 360 degrees and you’ll find Athens at a glance. Stand in the middle of the square and you’ll see domes of old Byzantine churches.

Look far ahead and the Acropolis with the stunning Parthenon is just within walking distance. The surrounding area is full of cheap shopping where you should buy your souvenirs. The smell of souvlaki evaporates into the air – and before you know it – you’re hungry!

Walk on the alley to the direction of the Parthenon. On your left, you’ll find an ancient domed architecture. Right next to it, you’ll find the ruins of Hadrian Library. The library is, of course, named after Hadrian, a Roman Emperor from 117 – 138 AD.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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The Parthenon – Keep Calm and Wander

The Parthenon - Keep Calm and Wander

I have seen the Parthenon in history books, TV documentaries and in gazillion postcards. I’ve also read about it in guidebooks and classical literature. Never have I ever thought that one day, I’ll be seeing it and standing on Acropolis where once the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology believed to have resided. No visitors in Athens would miss this enduring icon that withstood the weathering of time.

The Parthenon, however, isn’t mythical. It is a realm on its own merit. Nothing much has been left there to see but the archaeological ruins show a powerful civilization that spread its influence beyond lands and oceans.

The Parthenon is on the hills of Acropolis where Athens got its name. It had been said that the city was founded by a half-snake, half-human creature – Cecrops. In fact, the city’s first name was Cecropia, named after the legendary leader who turned the city into an important trading center.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

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