Enchanting Greece - 20/10/04

Hi all,

Greetings from Athens! This is going to be the beginning of another one of my online travellogues like the one I did for Romania 2 months back, for those of you who were on my mailing list. Anyway, my apologies to those who have messaged me to wish me a happy birthday. Was not able to reply as I was either on the flight or too bushed from the long journey - Singapore - Dubai - Cyprus - Athens.

Despite the arduous journey, I must say that the time and effort expended in getting here is really well worth it. For those of you who are die-hard romantics about greek history and culture, this is really the place to be. As for those who are into tales of war, Athens is all this and more, from the early Minoan and Myceanean times to the Peloponesian wars between Athens and Sparta, the Trojan War, Alexander the Great's conquest to Roman rule, the warlike nature of the Greeks is inextricably intertwined with its history.

But history and culture is not all there is to it, this is a also a place with breathtaking scenery, especially from the Acropolis. Imagine trekking up the hills amongst throngs of people to see the colossal Parthenon of Doric architecture, the Ionian Erechthion with its famous Caryatids (supporting columns made shaped in the form of women from a particular village in Greece) and awesome Propylaia as you enter the main part of the acropolis. And at the apex where all these structures reside, one can have an unimpeded view of the Saronic Gulf, the foothills of the Ancient Agora and the whole of Athens right underneath your feet. Simply amazing.

For all those of you guys out there who want to impress gals, this is simply the place to be. Imagine coming up here at night to view the floodlit Acropolis with the glittering lights of the city down below, it is simply a romantic sight to behold. With the cool breeze coming from the seas and the twinkling stars up above in the sky, it is hard to believe the the 'gods' are not conspiring to aid you in your romantic endeavours.

The many cafes and restaurants here are really great, with the great food, nice music and excellent ambience a very good place to nuah. I would seriously recommend all of you to come here when you can. My descriptions simply cannot do any justice to the beauty of this place.

Anyway, there's all for now, folks. Internet usage here is expensive. Will drop you a note soon when I reach Corfu the day after.

Cheers,
Jerry