Magens Bay --San Thomas

Friday, June 22, 2012

Our four days tour beyond Athens ...


We started off our trip by embarking on a flight from our hometown to Madrid. One might ask, why on earth do you need to go thru Madrid to reach Athens? Well .. now that you have asked me! Let me explain further. We were supposed to spend our vacation in Spain then off to Italy. However, as I did more research, I found out that during the month of July and August, Madrid can be hot like in the hundredth degrees. Boy! We changed our plan as quick as wink! That means .. I needed a way to reach Athens from Madrid. After doing all of the wonderful calculation, I have decided to skip Madrid at all and catch it at the end of our trip! We took three legs of flight to reach Athens. Here is what my girl had told me, “Mom, would you please next time, don’t put us in 3 flights to reach our destination? Two is the most!” OK! :-:)

I have prearranged with a travel agency to have a taxi driver to pick us up from the Athens airport. He was a young man, in his twenties, and he spoke decent English. He even tried to explain to us some of the archaeology sites that we passed by on our way to our Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, a five star hotel!

Then off we went on our adventure by joining a four days classical tour started on our 2nd day at Athens. We left by the coastal road to the Corinth Canal.
The famous Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece, connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. The Corinth Canal, though only completed in the late 19th century, was an idea and dream that’s dates back over 2000 thousand years

Then the tour took us to visit the Theatre of Epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics. 

Theatre of Epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics

Afterward, we proceeded to the town of Naupilon and visited Mycenae’s archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon as well as the archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. 

the Archaeological Site at Mycenae

Great scenery of Mycenae's Archaeological Site

The ceiling of the Tomb of Agamemnon

Then we drove through the plains of Eliad and Achaia until we reached the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. 

Magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion

We also passed by the picturesque towns of Nafpactos and Itea, before we arrived at Delphi. 

Picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto)

picturesque towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto)


At Delphi, we visited the Archaeological Site and the Museum. The whole site was an awe inspiring site! We had to climb quite a height before we could reach the top of the site, where the Ancient Stadium of Delphi lays. 

Delphi's Archaeological Site

Archaeological Site of Delphi






Before we reached Meteora, we stopped at a factory where they made icons. They showed us how an icon is made. It was fantastic. When I was looking for one to buy, I immediately fell in love with one of them. It was made with fresh paint on a nice wood and decorated with pure silver. It was a bit pricey. I managed to talk them down to about 110 Euro so, which is about 165 USD at that time.

Last but not the least, we visited the Meteora, it was the striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seemed to be suspended in mid-air. From far one could eye the monasteries—sitting majestically on top of spectacular natural sandstone pinnacles located in the central Greece, Meteora. Currently there are only six magnificent monasteries left and they are now part of UNESCO World Heritage.

Getting there not only took a lot of miles from Athens but also a lot of footsteps. It was said that hermit monks constructed the first monastery before the nuns decided to follow the lead. Then we were there to enjoy the whole creations ….





Meteora, among striking scenery, perched o­n top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art.
We went inside the Monastery and one of the walls was filled with fresco paintings. There are no words that I can use to describe the beauty of the painting. Then we moved on to visit another nearby monastery. It was definitely an awesome site! 


When I went to the gift shop, I couldn’t believe my eyes! They sold one of the pieces, exactly the same with the one that I bought for ONLY 75 Euro. I felt cheated! Bah! Oh ... well!

Did I tell you that after trying so hard to avoid the three digits degree from Spain, we hit it here, right in our four days tour? It was hot! Hot! And hot! We were “very lucky” to bump into the so called “Heat Wave!” Wooala!

Nevertheless, we had so much fun and I hope you enjoy this journey with me and have a great weekend!

Until next stop,
 Journey of Life

18 comments:

  1. amazing photos! and an amazing journey (of life) :D
    my daughter is currently touring in europe.. she just left italy, now she's in switzerland. she's was in greece, also... what a way to live! thanks for sharing...

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  2. What an amazing set of photos and a trip of a lifetime. It is fun to read about your vacation.

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  3. I love traveling with you, your photos are so gorgeous along with your wonderful words :)

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  4. the pictures are amazing.. I feel like I was there now too!

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  5. I enjoyed my journey with you! I have Greece on my dream list to visit. My grandfather came from Petrina (Sparta) Greece. I would love to get there some day. Your pictures are awesome and I felt like I was there (without the yummy food though...!)

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    1. You definitely need to get there to visit your ancestors' land.

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  6. Great pictures! I'd love to take a trip like this.

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  7. These are beautiful photos!

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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  8. Am I EVER so jealous, Angela! The pictures make me feel like I am there. I've told you before that I dream of traveling with my husband, someday. I just wish it was already tomorrow. Sigh!

    Thank you, Amiga, for sharing your journey. :)
    ~Virginia

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    1. You will! You will, Virginia! Meanwhile just come with me :-)

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  9. these were really nice shots, angela. the views looks breathtaking and ruins, just mystical... thanks for sharing this. Yahweh bless.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. Glad that you stopped by.

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