The beginning
Worth
mentioning is the fact that, as it had
a pretty strict
itinerary
,I hardly ever
had time
to walk in
non-tourist places. To be honest, I do not remember everything it
was five
years ago, therefore I will only write about places that got into my
mind.
Meteora
Probably
most of you have heard about this place, where monks
lived in isolation on the rocks which were separated from the ground
and transport
– even food was delivered using ropes and some kind of lifts. As
the images often tell more than hundreds of words, take a look at the
picture I took:
As
this is known to be a
tourist
place, some of the monasteries were adapted for visitors.
Nowadays,
most of them are uninhabited.
Furthermore, women
have to be dressed in clothes which cover arms and legs in order to
enter the monastery. When it comes to global culture, some of the
scenes from „For You Eyes Only” with James Bond were filmed
right
there.
Athens
There
we are.. the place I was most disappointed by.
I took a really long walk around the city trying to feel the climate
of the city... as seeing the common places with common people, not
only the ones
visited by tourists. There was
debris all over the
place
and … stench.
There
was
only one really nice event I experienced:
the
changing
of the guards
in
front of
the tomb of the unknown soldier. Soldiers wore
extraordinary uniforms. The first time I saw it, Monty Python came to
my mind in a blink of an eye:
The
most funny
fact about Athens was that from 11 AM to 3 PM nobody works. Its too
hot, about 43 degrees in shadow. All of the shops are closed, people
hide in houses and literally... life dies.
Korinthos
 |
Corinth Canal |
Well..
quite a lot to show right there. Basically, all of you have probably
seen this place before.
However, I
could not afford to take
a trip
there.
Next to Korthinos, there is a little village called Epidauros, where
one of the Dionysos's theaters is located. The best about it is
the fact that it was
a natural place from which actors could be heard of
well, no matter which seat the
audience
took.
Notice a
little circle in the center, where the guy in the
green
shirt is
standing.
Tolos & Skiathos
Yeah,
this is what you need after a
tiring
trip. Tolos! A place, where hotels are located
really next to water (by the way, it was crystal
clear)
Skiathos
– a small island, where
you can learn to dance Sirtaki
(mostly known as Zorba):
this
music is the real soul of Greece!
Well...
I know that this island is again a place for tourists but normal
people live there too. In
the picture we can see how all of the cities and villages really look
like.
The end
There
is much more to talk about, starting with real orange trees and
memorable juice of their fruit through visiting Delphi,
drinking wine,
Akropolis, Agamemnon's grave, orchideas , sun sets to
delicious
food (Moussaka! I have eaten it in Warsaw restaurants but
they were
not even close to the one I got locally).
As
a
little bonus, look at the picture below.
This was surely an interesting trip, but was this not most irritating that you had this fixed schedule and spent a great part of this trip in a bus? I haven't picked even once this kind of leasure during some trip, just because of the fact that I hate pre-planned trips which do not allow you to be spontaneous and you must stick to the plan no matter what. I'd rather go there on my own, visit fewer places but have more time to "feel the spirit" of them, just as you've described.
ReplyDeleteApart from that, how was Akropolis? I haven't been to Greece however I'd really like to see that, it would be on top of my list because I was really tormented to memorize all the facts about this place in my elementary school and I really find this interesting how this really looks like.
As I mentioned, this was my very first trip abroad and its was not quite expensive, together with a group of people which one knows each other. I tottaly agree that going on your own is much better - especially, I haven't got enough time to make better photos, most of them were take in a very fast and I even couldn't repeat some of them to make a much better picture of what I had seen. The benefit of going this way is that we had a pilot and a guides who told us a lot of stories.
DeleteAkropolis.. to be honest I was a bit disappointed, most of the monuments were under rebuild phase - despite of that fact it was pleasure to see the place I had only seen in history books from elementary school. Nevertheless, I expected I would be astonished to see old, anctient and somehow 'powerful' building but in fact it was rather small and really it looks better on photos than in real.
BTW a photo how Akropolis looked like, especially for you :)
Deleteclick
I envy you! It certainly was great journey! Your photos are awesome (I'm in love in Tolos). I have never been to Greece, but when I look at your pics I would like to come there.
ReplyDeleteHowever information about Athens is a dispiriting one. When I read greek mythology, I was sure that currently Athens are full of relics. Nevertheless, soliders walking way makes me happy.
As I mentioned before I'm totaly delighted to see your photo of sunset. I see lot of boats there. This is surely magical moment to see it from one of them.
I have ony one question to you, what mean sentences on last photo?
Quoting one of the sentences of our guide, ancient relics in Greece can be divided into two groups: "those above your knees" and "those above your knuckles" what sadly is mostly true. Again, another picture for you then, more boats ;) click
DeleteTo be honest, if you are asking about those non-polish, I cannot help you more than a simple translator (nevertheless, italian is such a nice language!)
Thanks a lot for additional picture :) I hope someday I will see this in real.
Deletebtw of couse, I'm in love WITH Tolos (not in ;)).
DeleteUnfortunately I must to admit that I haven’t been to Greece. However, this country is on my list, and definitely someday the right moment will come. So far, it was very nice to read your presentation - the memories from the trip. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteIt was a roadshow tour or a few optional trips? I ask, because although, both are organized by travel agencies, but they have spite of everything different character. I remember when my friend came back from sightseeing tour (by coach). He was mainly in Rome. He visited so many places and in such a haste, that he couldn’t answer a simple question – “What interesting did you see?” Shrugged his shoulders and said - "you know ... a lot of places ...." To clarify - he was concerned to discover the city – didn’t go there for the mere fact of being in Rome. Unfortunately, the strict itinerary on that type of trips, result that some of the attractions we only can see through the coach’s windows. If you have already get off the coach – the speed of sightseeing doesn’t allow you to feel the climate of the city - well, unless you sacrifice five minutes allocated to buy postcards and souvenirs. The places, recommended by the guide, for this type of shopping - are almost never the accidental…
Although as I said, I haven’t been in this country, the fact, that places in Athens, which tourists don’t usually venture into, are full of garbage didn’t particularly surprise me. When I was visiting Rome (not pre-planned)the situation looked very similar. It was about 10 years ago, so maybe something has changed.
Undeniably Zorba music is the real soul of Greece I haven’t tried the local moussaka but I must to boast that my girlfriend does the best moussaka that I have been trying so far.
And my question to you – How about Greeks? They are friendly towards tourists?
I will start from the end: yes, the are very friendly... may be even too much. Not a suprise, keeping in mind that most of their's income comes out from "us", tourists. One of the chef's even was able to talk our language a little! What is really sad, most of them do not know english, which was very hard to overcome - even in the "tourist places" they only knew if you wanted a beer/wine/food in general.
DeleteAs mentioned, it was organized by agency, definitly a roadshow - I was not very satisified about that but I have already put my complains in another comment and why I decided to have such a journey. Your friend's feeling are very similar - thanks to that I have strong visual memory on places together with the fact I took a lot photos, helps me to recall some places, events and so on - but you are right, there were so many places to visit in a very short time, that I could not "absorb" full picture of the ancient Greece. Nevertheless - it was indeed a great time!
What a great trip! I admire you for deciding to visit Greece by coach. 29 hours in a tourist bus sounds like a big challenge for me! I would probably not decide to travel so many hours in an uncomfortable seat, without a chance to walk or to strengthen my legs.
ReplyDeleteDid you learn to dance Zorba dance? I have heard that it is not so easy to master it and the steps that were shown in the movie with Anthony Quinn are just the basics.
I once was in Greece, but it was more than seven years ago. More precisely, it was in Matala: a small town at Crete, known for its caves curved in rocks, that were used as catacombs many centuries ago. I was there only for a week and I chose spending time on a beach, so I did not visit much, just those tourist attractions offered by city Matala. Therefore, my memories of Greece mostly consist of beautiful beach, fantastic sea and delicious food (fresh Greek salad, soup, or rabbit stew - I still recall those flavours with a big pleasure) than sightseeing. Who knows, maybe next year I will go back to Greece (I think about Rhodes island) and then, for sure, I will try to appreciate more the great historical heritage of Greece.
During the whole trip we got a lot of stops and the challenge was really not so huge - you know, playing cards and some drinking (there were some teachers which had birthday exactly that time).
DeleteWe were shown how to dance by the captain and his son, picture again :) click but indeed there were not enough time to learn it - even now I have forgotten basics ;)
In Greece indeed the water is very clear and being on the beach is the most relaxing you can have - but you can get in trouble, because there are a lot of small livings (they are called achinis (pl. jeżowce) ) with a lot of needles - if you are not wearing those funny rubber shoes (or similar) you can get hurt.
I have been in Croatia many times and the sea urchins (achinis, jeżowce) are an integral part of the Adriatic Sea, so I am used to them :-) But I also heard that in Greece you can meet a nice sea creatures (not blood-thirsty as sea urchins) - turtles! My brother-in-law saw one close to Zakynthos shore.
DeleteAnd as for Zorba dance: my friend (a really huge fan of Greece), during his vacation in Greece, won a competition in Sirtaki. Of course he competed only with other tourists, but all the native Greeks, who were watching his performance were amazed by his skills and admitted that his dance was very professional!
Piotr,
Deletetrue is 29 hours is a big challenge but it's the best solution if you want see to more. Unfortunately I never participate in such a trip ...... yet.
My parents were in Italy, they get there by bus.
I was remember what they said when they returned "We will always travel by bus."
They said also it is tiring, long, uncomfortable but by the way you can see to more beautiful places.
Nonetheless I understand people who choose a air travel because is more comfortable and sometimes cheaper.
About Zorba dance I don't have to anything interesting to say because this subject not to be friendly for me.
As my celloagues I also haven't been to Greece. But when I see your pictures I really wan't to be there! I love Mediterranean countries, especially Italy. I love they way they live - clamly, without a rush, they have time for common dinners and pleasure. I like the weather and love the moment when it gets dark and cities are waking up. I'm a huge fan of their food and theory that work is for life, not life for work.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think about to move to Italy but reading your presentation I start to think that there is so many places to visit before I make final decision.. ;)
I have been to a lot - most of the Balkans countries, Holland, Belgium, Finnland&Sweden - but I really encourage to visit Cerna Gora (Montenegro) - the best landspaces and place to rest while touring!
DeleteIn Greece, the dark comes quite quickly and waking up is really a pain, they live really "slowly", like they are resting all the time.. and in fact this is true, people there are not rushing anywhere, just living like on holidays - like you said "work is for life", very accurate :)
I always have a problem with such topics - " my trip to" , because quite frankly it’s very hard for me to respond to these memoirs. You have beautiful memories of your wonderful journey, but I wasn’t able to feel something special, while reading this article. Something, which would make me want to go there (again). Comparing it to a note from last semester ( http://konwersatorium3.blogspot.com/2013/12/week-6-asia-trip-hong-kong.html ) I learned very little about Greece itself . Could you tell us a bit more about the things you mention at the end? Because when some interesting topics began, there you’ve finished your story. What about those trees? Akropolis? Orange tree plantations? Agamemnon's grave? Those are such interesting topics!
ReplyDeleteNevertheless I do not agree with your opinion about Athens, because I felt the magic of this place, when I visited this city. Great local restaurants , serving delicious food, home-made wine, friendly people who were willing to share their history. Perhaps it is no longer “the ancient city” and people are not wandering in togas , but like any Mediterranean city has something special. I realize that I sound harshly and unkindly , but I believe that honest opinion is much more valuable than hiding my real feelings. I hope you won’t feel offended and would share a little more about your trip.
Jakub, I will not hide my feelings too since you appreciate honest opinions.
DeleteI think you don't get the point. This blog is not a typical blog running by someone who is an expert or fan of something. These are our English classes. You want to read about trees? Find a blog of traveler who is botanic expert. I don't even care about the trees while traveling. And personally I really don't want to read about trees. AT ALL.
To be honest - I like this presentation. Beautiful pictures. Not a lot of text, which sometimes is redundant. I got to know the opinion of the author about the Greece and this is really enough. I know he didn't like Athens. What to say more? He justified his opinion and what left for me is to go to Greece and check myself.
You don't know how to comment? You just did it in second part of your statement - you disagreed and shared the reason. That's fine. At least you visisted Greece.
How we should comment if we haven't seen this country? As you can see many people managed this problem.
I don't know if author felt offended but I did. The reason is easy - you don't like the subject? Don't know what to say? Say nothing. It is not mandatory to comment all the presentations. Please do me a favor and remember that this form of classes should be pleasant for us and in my opinion is beeter than traditional one - I don't have to seat at the university spending 1,5h of my life by discussing about the subject I don't like, don't understand or have nothing to say about. I don't like the presentation - I can skip it and this is one of the advantages of this form of classes.
And please, remember one more thing - not everyone of us was born as a writer.
To be clear - we are obligated to comment presentations. Maybe not all, but we're getting grades for our comments as well. I shared my opinion - I feel that it could be better and it's mine opinion. "I don't like the presentation - I can skip it"? No, when I don't like something I can write that I don't and I gave reasons why. Personally I don't like visiting my friends and watching their photos from a trip, but it's mine personal feeling. We can pet each other in every comment, but I think it's better to be honest with ourselves. Most of you liked this presentation, I didn't. I'm not saying it's bad, but for me it's lacking something (maybe it's not my cup of tea). I've only pointed out, that I do not like memoir-like presentations and... it's mine opinion. You can agree with me or disagree, but I won't change my feeling about this. You don't want to read about trees? But maybe I like that kind of presentation with more historical/botanic information. It's great that people are so diverse. As I mentioned before - I'm not saying it's a bad presentation, I simply feel that it's lacking something and it's mine 100% honest opinion. That's all. And I really didn't want to offend kgajowy or anyone.
DeleteWow, I like these photos. Your trip was surely great. The presentation of yours, recalled me my journey to Greece. It was about seven years ago. It was holiday camp for high school students. We were accommodated in a typical tourist town at beach. I felt very blissful swimming at sea and lying on a beach day to day. I think everyone needs some lazy moments like these. The landscapes, pure water and golden sand at beach are amazing, but next time I’d like to visit more interesting places. I haven’t been in Athens, but I recommend Thessaloniki. In a road back, we spent there one day. So, if you don’t like the rush of big city, you will enjoy it. I remember the charming Old Town called Ano Poli. You can fell the spirit of the city walking through the byzantine ruins. The White Tower is absolutely must see in this town. When I see your photo of Skiathos, my memories came back… I miss these views.
ReplyDeleteI have a question: did you notice any strange habit among Greeks?
I have also been to Thessaloniki - the most amazing moment was when we went down from the hill on the road and see the city as a whole - a lot of white and red colors, all over the city. I can assume I have not seen any high building, only small houses!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures you took are gorgeous! Your trip looks awesome. I've been to Greece once, long time ago when I was a child, so I don't remember much. Basically all I remember is our trip to the Santorini island - it was really beautiful, but extremely hot. I also remember looking at ancient mosaic art, making meals on the beach, and... shopping at a supermarket. Unfortunately that's the whole extend of my memory from the trip ;)
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be a problem with you Monty Python clip. You can barely hear the dialogs - a man talks over them constantly, using some sort of an Eastern European language. You can find a fully working version of the clip here: Ministry of Silly Walks.
The landscape and views are forced to re-visit Greece;) I've been there many late ago on the island of Creta. In total, do not remember much of my trip. You definitely have delicious food and the next time for sure i will explore some Greeces restaurants on the next occasion ;)
ReplyDeleteFor me, the best time to visit the Mediterranean countries is spring and autumn (then is a better temperature). And this is the best time to watch the sights because then is less tourists.
The photos are fantastic! I've never been in Greece but I surely would like to, especially that it is not that expensive any more, is it? I'm surprised that the streets were dirty and messed up when you were there (I assume your visit was before the crisis) - reminds me of Naples :)
ReplyDeleteHey, we might have met in that bus :) Few years ago I took quite similar journey, with just one difference it was plane-bus-plane kind of trip.
ReplyDeleteHave to say it was my first and last time I took such format of a trip. Can't say I haven't enjoy it at all, but still planning and executing trips myself is much more pleasurable in my case.
I agree with you more than fully with regards to Athens. City seems to not have its own "taste", touristic spot yes, but besides of that ... nothing else really.
What I remember concerned me specially it's a number of homeless people on central squares after dusk. Surprisingly in Athens all rich people live outside center and all the poorest in the very center. Weird and uncomfortable.
Also, I experienced a mixed feelings trying to understand how such great nation as Ancient Greeks could transform to such ... well ... problematic nation as modern Greeks. It seems to be inevitable law of nature, but still quite unbelievable, specially when you see history that left.
Hi. Unfortunatelly, I have never been to Greece, but I really would like to visit this country.
ReplyDeleteLike many of you, I also can't imagine spending the whole trip in a bus. I prefer going sightseeing on my own. I just buy the tickets and organize everything myself. Thanks to that I'm independant and I can spend time in the way I choose. Of course, there are also disadventages of such a kind of travelling, You need to spend a lot of time organizing your stay, looking for accommodation and planning your trip. However, I find that this kind of travelling much more exciting.
28h in a bus? That's a neat trophy you've got there. It can be a nice trip with good friends probably, but with strangers I'd never go for such kind of a holiday.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with most of commentary here – travelling abroad with travel agency and with a tight schedule is not so appealing. It's hard to feel the climat. In fact I hate places kept to manage waves of toursits. I'd rather stay in one place for more than a week only to get the chance to feel how is it like to live there.
Nice pictures :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for you presentation I really think warmer about Greece. I know it's a very hot place but last time when I heard something about Greece, it ruined economy and very funny news about law.
For example politician which got a pass to restaurant, he recive to the money if they used it.
What means?
Not only that politician eating and drinking in restaurant for taxpayers' money,
a government pay them for the use of this privilege additional money. It's funny and horrible at the same time.
I end my post becouse policy is sensitive point and he can call disputes on the blog.
Once again, congratulations on a beautiful tour.
Greece, as most of the Mediterranean countries, must be a beautiful place. I have been to the island of Crete a while ago, but never in continental Greece and the places described by you. The Greek influence on the entirety of the European culture is not to be missed. It is fascinating how the first theatres, the beautiful architecture, all these tokens of enormous development of our civilization, can be experienced in person there, in the country of great philosophers, poets and scientists.
ReplyDeleteI love the houses of Santorini with blue rooftops, the minimalist and somewhat chaotic, but coherent, architecture of the Cyclades. I also find some of the dishes of Greek cuisine delicious. They’re not only delicious, but healthy!
It is a pity, that bad politics and irresponsible management of the country almost brought the Greek economy to an end. Fortunately (some might disagree), European unity made it possible for Greece to try to get out of the big financial trouble the country found itself in.
Honestly, I would find it hard to take part in a trip so scheduled, with no time for discovering those places on your own. Especially, because what I find interesting in visiting places, is most often aside of the main tourist routes and sights considered as “worth seeing”.
Greece... My first exotic holidays were in Greece too, but I was on Crete. Not too many old buildings to see there, but lots of wonderful beaches...
ReplyDeleteI’m rather into sightseeing and I get board very fast when lying on the beach all the time. I’ve only seen Bałtyk before, so I had neither enthusiasm nor big expectations in regards to Crete and its beaches. I was so wrong – I’ve never seen so stunning landscapes, swam in so warm sea, dived in such a clear water, see such a strange and beautiful nature around... And the greek food... mmm! I still think about how to move there ;) and your note that you don’t work from 11 Am till 3 PM made me think about it even harder! :)
I always wanted to visit Athens, I was surprised with your opinion about the city... Can’t believe that the “Silly Walk” made by guards is the only interesting thing there. There have to be more. hope that soon I’ll be able to check it by myself.
Beautiful view dude :-))) I have never been to Greece but one day I will get there :-))) Thanks for the song LOL, I have been looking for this song, because of the movie "Pod mocnym aniołem" shame on me I didn't know the title before. Now I will listen to this song for the whoooole week. Monty Python lol hahaha classic. James Bond? Orange trees? Cheap trip, are you serious? I haven't found the information on what was the total cost of the trip, I would be glad if you'd give the information. Also I was thinking which season of the year is best to visit Greece, as I assume you've been there in July and it was really hot.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Greece is beautiful and very interesting especially when it comes to monuments and their history. I fly there every summer for wind and kitesurfing Rodos, Prasonisi exactly. Greeks are lazy but very friendly nation. Unfortunately I’ve never been to places you mentioned in the presentations because I’m more of a sportsman but I know I will get there at last.
ReplyDelete