Greece: Athens, Acropolis, and Agora

If you visit Greece, you must spend some time in Athens. It would be a waste to miss out this gorgeous city.

Out of the many countries I have visited, Athens boosts one of the best transportation system I have seen - airport, train, and bus. The city is also extremely clean. I thought I had gone to a European version of Singapore.

Throughout the city, you can see history everwhere - an ancient pillar here, a statue over there. It would be an understatement to say that Athens thrive on its rich past.

The highlight of Athens has to be the Acropolis. The Acropolis is a place where ancient Greeks dedicated to their gods. In particular, the Parthenon was and is the most important landmark in the Acropolis.

It is easy to see why the Acropolis was the heart of ancient Greek civilisation.

You get a bird’s eye view of the entire city, including all of its cultural sites that were so very important to the ancient Greeks.

At the foot of the Acropolis lie notable landmarks - the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Plays were a huge part of the ancient Greeks. The Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes were said to have the best acoustics (in those years) to enhance the audience’s sensory experience.

Adjacent to the Acropolis lie the Agora (or marketplace), which was an important commercial hub for ancient greeks. Contrary to believe, the Agora (and not the Acropolis) was the centre where ancient Greeks made their policies. It was also the place in which democracy was born. Here famous philosophers and politicians once roamed the grounds.

The stoa of Attalos is the most distinct building in the Agora. Restored to its original glory, the stoa houses a collection of greek artefacts. The other distinct building is the temple of Hephaestus, located on a hill opposite the stoa of Attalos. This is the most well preserved temple in the whole of Greece.

Do wear comfortable clothing and footwear, for it can hit 40 degrees in Athens.

It is also recommended to spend two full days to fully appreciate both the Acropolis and Agora. Visitors are required to purchase tickets to enter the Acropolis and Agora. However, on public holidays, visitors can visit the places for free.

*Pardon the badly taken picture at the Stoa. Greecian sun is really bright!

Graduation Part II

One year ago on this day, I was packing to go on a 30-day long graduation trip with my two best girl friends. I never really got around to upload the photographs, except for Egypt’s.

So as an anniversary, I thought it would be cool to upload the remainder of the photographs.

First up, beautiful Greece! Where the sun is always shining and the sky is always blue.