Every time I mention that I went to Greece, someone asks me to write a post about it. I don't know if it's Greece specifically that people want to hear about or if they're just surprised by the fact that I've actually been to Europe.
Either way, I decided to dig out my Greece pictures and take you on a flashback post. Hope you enjoy!
During January term of my senior year in college (2008 for those doing the math), I took a class in Greek mythology. I got 3 credits for the class, traveled around Greece for 11 days, and all I had to do was pay something like $1,200 (I can't remember the exact amount) and read a book on Greek mythology. I think I won that round.
Greece is the only place I've ever been in Europe, and I honestly think that if I never again get myself across the pond, I'll still be satisfied.
So here's a snapshot of my time there. There's obviously way too much to detail out extensively (seriously, I have like 1,000+ pictures from the trip), but I'll hit the highlights. Due to some cancelled flights, we actually got to spend THREE extra days in Athens. All of those days were spent basically just wandering around on our own. Our class was part of a tour, and for the rest of the week we took a guided bus tour all over Greece to see the ruins. We also took a one-day cruise on the Mediterranean, which is pictured later on.
NOTE: The following pictures are not in any kind of order of the trip. I did, however, resurrect my trusty Shutterfly book that I made of our trip many moons ago so I could have an accurate description of the pictures for you.
On our first actual day of touring sites in Athens, we visited the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The picture above this one is another view of the temple. It was really neat because we could see the Parthenon too!
We took a one-day cruise from Athens to three Greek islands on the Mediterranean Sea: Poros, Hydra, and Aegina. On Poros we got to see a special ceremony called the "Blessing of the Waters." It happens once a year during Epiphany, and it was really special that we were there for it!
^^^We took a three-day bus trip around Greece. We stayed at various hotels along the way and saw some cool sites and ruins all around Greece. It was awesome! One of the things we saw on the trip was the Corinth Canal. We passed over it on the bridge but stopped to take pictures. It was built to connect the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea.
^^^I honestly don't remember if these were pictures on an island during the one-day cruise or if these are pictures from when we went walking around Athens. But I love how Greece actually does look in real life like it does in the movies!
^^^This picture was taken on the last day of our bus trip. (Can you see me? I'm the one blending into the background wearing all brown. WHY???) We made a few different stops on our way back to Athens. This is the "Lion's Gate," which is also where the Tomb of Agamemmnon was discovered in the 1800s.
I remember our tour guide saying that it is very rare to get a picture with the gate where there aren't a bunch of tourists. We went during the off season, and it was nice because at all the places we went, there weren't too many people!
^^^The Central Market was one of my favorite places. I remember there being SO much food and so many different kinds. I mean look at all those olives! One thing I remember distinctly about this part was that as we walked around, people were totally staring at us. They were trying to talk to us in English and asking where we were from. One vender even had us take a picture next to his meat stand with, I kid you not, a literal dead pig's head.
^^^On day 2 of the bus trip, we visited Olympia, which is the site of the ancient Greek stadium where the very first Olympics were held. The picture above is my friend Lauren and I standing on the track & field arena, where they would do all the running events. Isn't that crazy? People would sit on the grass on the sides, and the men (only men were allowed to participate) would start on those stones, sprint to the end, and then come back.
^^^This picture is also from Olympia. This was the Greek Temple of Zeus (not to be confused with the earlier picture of the Temple of Olympian Zeus). It was destroyed in an earthquake, and the 6x13 columns all fell, leaving exactly what you see in the picture--a domino-type effect.
^^^These are the Roman Baths (I'm pretty sure that's what this is, but don't quote me on that). I didn't have this picture in my Shutterfly book, but that's what the caption is on my flash drive.
^^^This is the Theater of Epidaurus. It was built in 400 BC and was used until 400 AD. It is actually still 99% intact today because rain and erosion caused the whole thing to be covered in dirt until it was discovered many years later, so it was very well preserved. The acoustics in this place are insane. The theater seat 15,000 people, and anyone sitting anywhere in the entire theater can hear even the smallest sound from someone standing in the middle. Even today, no one knows how they were able to create such an acoustically perfect theater.
^^^Lauren and I on top of Fhilopappos Hill. You may recognize Lauren from other posts on this blog. She's still one of my best friends and was a bridesmaid in my wedding! We were friends before going on the trip, and it was fun to share the experience with her.
From Fhilopappos, you get an amazing view of Athens and the Parthenon. We actually walked up this hill (it was a tiny mountain kind of) a few times during the 11 days we were there. On our last night, we watched them light up the Parthenon, which was really cool.
Then I got home and slept for days and days. I found this gem on the flash drive and decided to share. One thing I won't forget about that trip was the 8-hour layover in DC after an 11-hour flight from Germany. We were those people passed out on the airport floor. I don't ever remember being so tired.
It was the trip of a lifetime for sure, and I'm so thankful I was able to go! Given the chance, I would most definitely go back!
Have you ever been to Greece?
What location is top on your travel bucket list right now?
