Athens’ National Archaeological Museum – Keep Calm and Wander

Athens' National Archaeological Museum in Athens

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens has wide collections of artifacts from various times in Greek history. It’s very overwhelming to see them all, especially when you don’t have much time to spare. So I’m breaking down 14 artifacts that you must see when inside. This is, for me, a very subjective list, of course! You’re welcome to add yours to the comment below this post.

Golden Age of the Mycenaean Civilization

As soon as you enter the museum, you will find the relics from Mycenaean civilization. The golden face masks command attention and the rest of the golden pieces of jewelry are fascinating.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Athens Gay Travel Resources

Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon in Athens – Keep Calm and Wander

Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon in Athens - Keep Calm and Wander

The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion is where you should spend your sunset viewing outside Athens. It takes an hour to get there by bus from the Greek capital, but it’s all worth the hassle. 

Homer, the well-known Greek writer, was the first one to record Sounion in “The Odyssey” as the “sacred cape of the Athenians.” 

Herodotus, Aristophanes, Sophocles, and Thucydides all mentioned the Temple of Poseidon in their stories and poetries. 

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Athens Gay Travel Resources

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Ancient Athens from Philopappou Hill – Keep Calm and Wander

Ancient Athens from Philopappou Hill

From the top of Philopappou Hill, you will be able to see the sweeping views of ancient Athens. The hill is named after Philopappou, a royal prince of the Kingdom of Commagene. On top of the Hill of the Muses, you’ll find a memorial in his honor.

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The Temple of Zeus – Keep Calm and Wander

The Temple of Zeus - Keep Calm and Wander

The Temple of Zeus is at the heart of Athens. It is a few minutes walk from Syntagma and not far from the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games was held.

BEWARE. A friend of mine did a headstand here and I had a jumping photo when a security officer came over and told us not to do it because it is a holy place! Ooopppsss!!! Silly us! We apologized.

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Nea Kameni – Keep Calm and Wander

Nea Kameni - Keep Calm and Wander

Nea Kameni is one of the volcanic islands situated in the Santorini caldera. It’s almost two millennia old and around the caldera, there are many volcanic islands present – active volcanic islands, mind you.

If you’re holidaying in Santorini, you must go for a day trip to the surrounding islands. Find a tour agency that brings you not just to one island, but two or more. This is what we did – and Nea Kameni was our first stop of the island hopping day tour.

Here are some interesting facts about the island.

An Island Made of Lava

The island and its neighboring Palea Kameni are a result of a repeated dacite lava eruptions and ash. While strolling on the island, you’ll be able to see not just one, but a few deep craters. It’s surreal.

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Gay Nea Kameni / Santorini Travel Resources

 

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

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

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

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

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

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

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

Santorini Gay Travel Resources