Athens – Greece
I visited Greece recently, it was an amazing vacation! I landed in Athens. The largest city and capital of Greece, also one of the biggest economic centers in southeastern Europe. Athens is one of the greatest cities on earth to visit! There are many very famous sites such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus and many more, right in the middle of the city. Getting around is super easy and completely safe for a woman on her own. I’ll tell you all about these sites in the following weeks.
Greek Legend
The king of the city wanted to name it after himself, Cecrops but the gods felt the city was too beautiful and deserved an immortal name instead. Poseidon – god of the sea and Athena – goddess of wisdom both wanted to become the patron of the city, so Zeus held a contest where each would bring a gift to the king of Cecrops and whoever brought the best gift would become the patron of the city.
Poseidon struck his trident and caused a spring of water to gush from the ground. This was supposed to supply the dry city with a source of water, the only problem was that the water was salty, just like the oceans where Poseidon ruled.
Athena was next and she planted a seed in the ground and it grew into an olive tree. The tree would offer food, oil and firewood. The god of Cecrop was thrilled and Athena was proclaimed patron of the city.
Birth of Democracy
Athens started out as an aristocratic society. Only rich and elite men that were born in Athens were allowed to participate in the legislative council. This meant that only about 20 percent of the population could vote. Every middle and lower class citizen was required to pay dues to the King.
In 510 BC Sparta helped the Athenians overthrow their king, the tyrant Hippias. Cleisthenes stepped in and took leadership of Athens. In 508 BC Cleisthenes founded the Athenian democracy by giving all citizens equal rights. For the first time in history, legislative members were randomly picked from the population of citizens.
Cleisthenes created democracy. It was a simple system. People would be asked to vote on a subject by placing a black or white stone into a jar. Black meant no and white meant yes. The stones were then counted and the decision was made. He was the one who introduced ostracism. Every 10 years the people could vote to exile any citizen judge that they felt was a tyrant. Ironically Cheithenes was the first person to get ostracized by the people.
Periclese then became the leader. He’s the one who came up with the idea of building the Parthenon to celebrates Athens power but needed funds to do it. He diverted money that was supposed to be used to protect the nation and he used it to glorify his city by building the Parthenon instead. It was to honor Athena – goddess of wisdom and courage.
Periclese also introduced the first water and sewage system in Athens. Clay pipes were installed to bring in fresh water from streams and wells to peoples homes and other pipes were installed to take the waste water out.
Fun Facts
Athens got it’s name from the goddess Athena
Pheidippides ran 240 km (150 miles)to Sparta to request help when the Persians invaded Marathon. He did this in 2 days. Then he ran from the battlefield at Marathon to Athens 40 km (25 miles) to announce that the Persians were defeated. After which he collapsed and died.
Socrates taught in the marketplace at Athens
Must See!
Acropolis
Hadrians Library
Temple of Olympic Zeus – Olympeion
Switching of the guards at the parliament
Omonia Square
Monastiraki
Ancient Agora
National Archeological Museum
Travel Secrets
- It’s safe to walk around alone as a woman. You may get honked at, it’s how men express their appreciation for your looks. They just honk at you and keep going. They may also flirt with you but will never harass you.
- Beware of pick pockets at the Omonia metro station. I didn’t encounter any. As always, stay safe!
- Greeks are extremely friendly and hospitable. Don’t be surprised when they bring you complimentary desert instead of your bill. They just want to make you as happy as possible so that you will return.
- While in Greece, learn a few Greek words. The Greeks are thrilled when you try to say something in their language.
- Efcharisto – Ef-ka-ris-to -Thank you. Learn how to say this one early and use it often because the Greeks will respond
- Parakalo – You’re Welcome It sounds like singing when they say it. It’s beautiful to hear.
- Kalimera – Good morning or good day
- Kalispera – Good evening
- Kalinichta – Good night
- Nostimo – Delicious
- Panemorfi – Beautiful
TOURS
Tours are a great way to visit Athens. The will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the site. There is a driver and a guide and the guide will give you all sort of information about the history and culture. Once you arrive at the site, he will already have your entry tickets ready. He will give you a guided tour of the site pointing on special features that you may not have noticed on your own as well as tell you all about them. You will then have some free time to explore the site on your own after which you will be taken to a location for lunch and once the tour is over, they will take you back to your hotel.
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Hours
Attractions in Athens are open year round. For 12 € (About $15 USD) you can buy a pass that will give you access to the majority of the main attractions.
Keep in mind that if you plan on visiting the Greek Islands during the winter months, the majority of attractions will be closed, including restaurants.
Getting Around
Getting around on foot in Athens is safe as long as you follow the street signals. If you are a woman walking alone, men will tend to stop to let you cross the street, even if their light is green.
The subway, called Metro, is a quick way to get from one location to another, It cost 2 € per passage. Make sure you keep your ticket. You will need it to get out! It’s open everyday from 5 am to midnight.
Taxis are another way to get around. They are cheap and will get you to your location very fast. Don’t be surprised if your driver runs through red lights or stop signs. They have a whole driving system that’s a little different than in America. To be honest, it’s a little crazy but they don’t seem to get into many accidents either, so I guess it works. They also drive on the right hand side of the road.
Accommodations
There are plenty of hotels, motels, hostels, airbnb in Athens. It’s really hard to find a quiet room in Athens. The sound of cars is pretty constant no matter where you are. There are constantly riots in the city so avoid hotels near the parliament.
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