tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91112361694744780602024-03-05T22:34:24.517+08:00Sembang at Kay's{Simplicity Patience Compassion}kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.comBlogger738125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-79778557541581521362016-04-07T16:20:00.001+08:002016-04-07T16:33:47.098+08:00Ancient Agora of Athens <br />
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Our tickets to the Acropolis was inclusive of entrance to the Ancient Agora of Athens. The Agora during its ancient days was a space might have been used as a market, or for an election, a dramatic performance, a religious procession, military drill, or athletic competition. Here administrative, political, judicial, commercial, social, cultural, and religious activities all found a place together in the heart of Athenians. </div>
kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-67017339653384189292016-04-07T14:09:00.000+08:002016-04-07T14:14:37.732+08:00Exploring Monastiraki<div style="text-align: justify;">
One good thing about doing your own travel itinerary is that there is no pressure to rush off to places and keeping to the tight schedule with the tour group. No doubt doing a DIY travel would require a lot of walking on foot. The feet do come to protest after a couple hours of walking. And when they do, we know that it's time for some light refreshments. </div>
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<img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aaoiEfd2uA/VwXvZ1K6uDI/AAAAAAAAoZ4/qw_qxpSxVekGegkDBlWn8yHbja5fOFtSQ/s640/DSC_0066.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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So after the quick stroll at the library, we stopped at a street seller for some Greek sesame bread rings or <span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">koulouri. </span></div>
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<span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">We walked a bit further and </span>ended up at Monastiraki Square - an open market square with bustling shops, street vendors and open markets.</div>
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Monastiraki area spreads out at the foot of the Acropolis to the North
of the Hephaestus Temple in the Ancient Agora and south of Ermou
street; it’s a charming alloy of colors, smells, tastes and senses.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oUGi2r0Als/VwXsMeIj4II/AAAAAAAAoY8/PWwE_P5YzKghyaV4Xw0dWSqvSitfmu1Tw/s1600/PC160374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oUGi2r0Als/VwXsMeIj4II/AAAAAAAAoY8/PWwE_P5YzKghyaV4Xw0dWSqvSitfmu1Tw/s640/PC160374.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nuts about coconuts on the Monastiraki Square</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAWVLav3P4Q/VwXsmVKuRiI/AAAAAAAAoZA/ob_H-zonizQexjLmkhBQ9sqlrjmkf8H0A/s1600/PC160375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAWVLav3P4Q/VwXsmVKuRiI/AAAAAAAAoZA/ob_H-zonizQexjLmkhBQ9sqlrjmkf8H0A/s640/PC160375.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shops at Monastiraki Square selling anything from kitsch and souvenirs to chandeliers and beautifully crafted armoiries.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YV8zj5GFCGE/VwXtLcu5o6I/AAAAAAAAoZM/r6bTa_LI1hsCPNVsoZeakF_R_Uv9fN6VA/s1600/PC160379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YV8zj5GFCGE/VwXtLcu5o6I/AAAAAAAAoZM/r6bTa_LI1hsCPNVsoZeakF_R_Uv9fN6VA/s640/PC160379.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the old days the flea market was called Yousourum
from the name of a rug and bones of the man who first made business in the Monastiraki area. </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppiJ0XO7yXI/VwXtVznxIvI/AAAAAAAAoZQ/eH_CjgRF5ZstrxSlKiVkbMQ1MHsN-4DlQ/s1600/PC160385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppiJ0XO7yXI/VwXtVznxIvI/AAAAAAAAoZQ/eH_CjgRF5ZstrxSlKiVkbMQ1MHsN-4DlQ/s640/PC160385.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Collectors items porcelains </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-xEZgCdYBA/VwXthQJ8pMI/AAAAAAAAoZU/WtzKkVvFfh4lEAv3tuToReM9LzrTa2v2Q/s1600/PC160386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-xEZgCdYBA/VwXthQJ8pMI/AAAAAAAAoZU/WtzKkVvFfh4lEAv3tuToReM9LzrTa2v2Q/s640/PC160386.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More collectors stuffs </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcExAewgwCY/VwXtr2772aI/AAAAAAAAoZY/fUIVF1XEt6oKiRFGdH8Q5wGtmg3Z2gsKA/s1600/PC160389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcExAewgwCY/VwXtr2772aI/AAAAAAAAoZY/fUIVF1XEt6oKiRFGdH8Q5wGtmg3Z2gsKA/s640/PC160389.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Old cameras for the photography enthusiasts </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CC7VmD64RA4/VwXuo8qvHBI/AAAAAAAAoZw/IP5bOfvr1qwXLoC60vVyuCb58QAX2Ye3g/s640/DSC_0268.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Tzistarakis Mosque</span></h3>
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At the south corner of the Monastiraki Square, bordering the Library of Hadrian stands a domed building with a triple-arched loggia. It was a mosque built in the eighteenth century during the Ottoman occupation by the local governor Tzistarakis. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnye0dgZitM/VwX3NClW8aI/AAAAAAAAoaI/lMrKf2ZixbUTSYoaTU9BNmEeEPycGOvFg/s640/DSC_0263.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quranic verses on the walls of what used to be a mosque</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNJSTQ3bsZg/VwXuZt18PUI/AAAAAAAAoZg/REO-18cjqhssaOs49uBa6GiglVkc6ubqQ/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNJSTQ3bsZg/VwXuZt18PUI/AAAAAAAAoZg/REO-18cjqhssaOs49uBa6GiglVkc6ubqQ/s640/DSC_0264.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Entrance to the mosque</span></td></tr>
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Today, however the mosque is home to a ceramics museum, an annex of the Museum of Greek Folk Art. Unfortunately, the museum was closed at the time of our visit. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6UJWOH3Pa8/VwXubWhRyeI/AAAAAAAAoZk/_xNO0DiSzOwf-G0VQrB2YdhGyCyNjTAlg/s640/DSC_0267.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monastiraki was the site of one of the largest monasteries in Athens. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The surviving church, also known as the Pantanassa Church. </span></td></tr>
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But most of this 'Great Monastery' was demolished during archaeological excavations in the nineteenth century. Little was left of the complex. Only the church remains intact. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHnlgsYbLfk/VwXuembyRPI/AAAAAAAAoZo/ZCaRm0ZoyPUhqxzs472IgYuCr0eVPuUyA/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHnlgsYbLfk/VwXuembyRPI/AAAAAAAAoZo/ZCaRm0ZoyPUhqxzs472IgYuCr0eVPuUyA/s640/DSC_0266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">What's your pick? Keep Calam & Drink Ouzo or I Love Greece? </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-16209623042830027422016-04-07T11:37:00.000+08:002016-04-07T11:37:09.998+08:00A Library Visit <div style="text-align: justify;">
Do libraries fascinate you? They do us - just like museums and when we get the chance we'd pop into one at places we are visiting.</div>
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We walked down hill towards the Roman Agora in Athens after we said
goodbye to the Acropolis. To the north of the Roman Agora is the
Hadrian's Library. Yes...a bit in ruins but the achitecture that comes with
it was overwhelming. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gRf9-o-X2K4/VwXEpTn1xCI/AAAAAAAAoXs/k-WHGr4iiWkwi2poM-n56mqFJ3CYehtFw/s1600/PC160340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gRf9-o-X2K4/VwXEpTn1xCI/AAAAAAAAoXs/k-WHGr4iiWkwi2poM-n56mqFJ3CYehtFw/s640/PC160340.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The library was built on the site of Late Hellenistic and Early Roman housing. </span></td></tr>
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The Library of Hadrian in Athens was constructed circa 132-134 CE as part of Roman Emperor Hadrian’s grand re-building plan for the city.</div>
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Hadrian (76-138 CE) was the fourteenth Emperor of Rome. Known for his
building projects which was perhaps his most enduring legacy. Hadrian
established cities throughout the Balkan Peninsula, Egypt, Asia Minor,
and Greece.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vPjbikWphA/VwXGKTCHa8I/AAAAAAAAoX4/P4mpHU2hmfMy_R9WwnQ7C8thHJ2n9ZSrQ/s640/display-4136_a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="470" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Picture from Google </i></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ur5TWFHS4RI/VwXG2OwLkrI/AAAAAAAAoYA/y2fwyatF5aYGFRegBqQxOy160BX96ZPFA/s640/DSC_0242.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Library complex impressive entrance, located on the west side of the building, had a Corinthian columned porch also known as <i>propylon</i></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_ka0Z_DeBI/VwXF1Ci4gWI/AAAAAAAAoX0/KZU-iaN35cUEZ_5irB1xrfyOJr322pudw/s1600/PC160341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_ka0Z_DeBI/VwXF1Ci4gWI/AAAAAAAAoX0/KZU-iaN35cUEZ_5irB1xrfyOJr322pudw/s640/PC160341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Columned façade with Corinthian columns in green Karystos marble </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEb6JmCDNIpqDUx-Qe7udZX1KgYnXYpjxe2J7ZmhyAD9UU7S2BvBhNfaSEAtTH2v_JGTcaogliiqSmVDVUi9CTW7bEpuzH2eOoiHaiCdwHddmReJ0i3t09JtgvjkbE9hf4kZF_GMwjbk/s640/DSC_0248.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The main part of the building was opposite the entrance on the eastern side. </span></td></tr>
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The library was the largest in Athens. It had columned façade and
high surrounding walls, built to impress. The building was used to
store important literary works and legal and administrative documents as
well as a place to hear lectures and host various philosophical
schools.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2xYDDYp92c/VwXG3seaTRI/AAAAAAAAoYE/lMOAwq1j8rw3oJSUE3Gc5FDYV4XDO52PQ/s640/DSC_0250.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Corinthian capital from the north facade of the Library of Hardrian</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-boJFIPjhOdA/VwXI8QOvUzI/AAAAAAAAoYY/Uasy7XOX5cEvSeZ-AjP72IFGS_9Q6bdmg/s1600/DSC_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-boJFIPjhOdA/VwXI8QOvUzI/AAAAAAAAoYY/Uasy7XOX5cEvSeZ-AjP72IFGS_9Q6bdmg/s640/DSC_0255.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Columns in the interior of Hadrian's Library</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tF3ZAz9nZdE/VwXI2hA5i2I/AAAAAAAAoYU/sDWF1HBopVckAoBD2K2lwahzeuQ2SPLVA/s1600/DSC_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tF3ZAz9nZdE/VwXI2hA5i2I/AAAAAAAAoYU/sDWF1HBopVckAoBD2K2lwahzeuQ2SPLVA/s640/DSC_0260.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mosaic pavements</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DCXakuyVAk/VwXEgl1CzrI/AAAAAAAAoYI/HFGOILqhfZsLUGsh5vPuIb491vclWvQGQ/s1600/PC160363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DCXakuyVAk/VwXEgl1CzrI/AAAAAAAAoYI/HFGOILqhfZsLUGsh5vPuIb491vclWvQGQ/s640/PC160363.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Library of Hadrian East Wall - restoration work on going. </span> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qiaev9y1kc/VwXPnKxFx3I/AAAAAAAAoYs/IVtTsZIZ_jY4bJOFm6WaxmwhbKi-Cf_1g/s1600/PC160361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qiaev9y1kc/VwXPnKxFx3I/AAAAAAAAoYs/IVtTsZIZ_jY4bJOFm6WaxmwhbKi-Cf_1g/s640/PC160361.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">During the Byzantine era a series of churches were built on the site. </span></td></tr>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Nv6aUynEmo/VwXPLJrVSrI/AAAAAAAAoYo/fDt-nvi-zZgM9oNKrgI5X2ED4dHuYFKRQ/s1600/DSC_0258.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Nv6aUynEmo/VwXPLJrVSrI/AAAAAAAAoYo/fDt-nvi-zZgM9oNKrgI5X2ED4dHuYFKRQ/s640/DSC_0258.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Architectural elements still visible in the Library of Hadrian central courtyard area. </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/athens/sights/historic/hadrians-library#ixzz456aLRggQ" style="color: #003399;"></a></div>
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As we left the complex, we imagined what an important centre of learning and philosophy it would have been during its heyday with books, scrolls, documents and papyri housed in the Library. kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-4079926726786881032016-04-07T09:25:00.000+08:002016-04-07T09:25:06.754+08:00April Already!Hi folks.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's already April. What happened to the 1st quarter of the year? It's like playing football, isn't it? You race up and down the field and before you know it time is up and game's over. Some analogy this is eh? ;)</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stories of my Greek soujorn has not much progressed. Keep promising myself that I'll get it done one of these days. Yes...fingers crossed on that "one of these days" promise. Surprisingly enough there are still folks out there who follow my stories. Once in a while I'd receive emails asking me to continue writing. Hi hi...kinda cool, isn't it? So for you out there who still follow me on Sembang, okay....I will somehow try and complete my Greek travel stories yah!</div>
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So drop by. Let's see where we are heading to next ;)<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv-6jj0wnno/VwW1spX4UqI/AAAAAAAAoXY/CbmG_TnWUGcqn_X8ECSn__BGvm0FiJ9nA/s1600/DSC_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv-6jj0wnno/VwW1spX4UqI/AAAAAAAAoXY/CbmG_TnWUGcqn_X8ECSn__BGvm0FiJ9nA/s640/DSC_0229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Quoting Homer in The Odyssey </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“There is no greater fame for a man than that which he wins with his footwork or the skill of his hands.”
</i><br /> <span id="quote_book_link_1381">
</span></div>
<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-75510826712885118062016-03-30T11:50:00.001+08:002016-03-30T11:55:32.136+08:00Wordless Wednesday <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xzuw4BJCwI/VvtLaA_iojI/AAAAAAAAoMQ/MJU2JNKEEZ88rOkjyeWTAf9jZ0H-Jksmw/s1600/Yang%2BShou%2BRiver_pedit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xzuw4BJCwI/VvtLaA_iojI/AAAAAAAAoMQ/MJU2JNKEEZ88rOkjyeWTAf9jZ0H-Jksmw/s640/Yang%2BShou%2BRiver_pedit1.jpg" /><span class="algo-summary"><b></b></span></a></div>
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<i><span class="algo-summary">Li-river boat cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="algo-summary"><i>17.5.2011</i><b><br /></b></span></div>
kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-30361594678479489622016-03-10T11:15:00.000+08:002016-03-10T11:16:04.837+08:00Throwback Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uReWoLaQLWQ/VuDlgpUwXtI/AAAAAAAAno4/sY0BkTnAwWs/s1600/nissadadPedit_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uReWoLaQLWQ/VuDlgpUwXtI/AAAAAAAAno4/sY0BkTnAwWs/s640/nissadadPedit_2.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <span class="_58cl"></span><span class="_58cm">trails</span> maybe <span class="_58cl"></span><span class="_58cm">crooked,</span> <span class="_58cl"></span><span class="_58cm">winding</span>, <span class="_58cl"></span><span class="_58cm">lonesome</span> and <span class="_58cl"></span><span class="_58cm">dangerous</span>. But it can lead to the most <span class="_58cl"></span><span class="_58cm">amazing</span> <span class="_58cl"></span><span class="_58cm">view.......</span></div>
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<i><span class="_58cm">Lake Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji</span></i><br />
<i><span class="_58cm">Japan</span></i><br />
<span class="_58cm"><i>4 June, 2013</i></span><br />
<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-63847366411945552822016-03-04T15:16:00.003+08:002016-03-05T00:26:58.798+08:00Greece Adventure Day 2 - Climb The Acropolis Part 4<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By the time we finished doing the Parthenon, the winter sun was up. The warmth <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">of</span> sun made the walk pretty pleasant. In fact it didn't feel like it was winter, felt more like spring. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We decided to take a break. Found an empty bench nearby and took out ou<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">r</span> packed sandwiches to fill up our already growling stomachs. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkSL2-mBcr8/VtkoxwU30uI/AAAAAAAAne4/xD-6xolt290/s1600/PC160292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkSL2-mBcr8/VtkoxwU30uI/AAAAAAAAne4/xD-6xolt290/s640/PC160292.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't think of any better spot for a pit stop than this one looking right at the Parthenon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsyzofsKTa8/VtkowOkEnyI/AAAAAAAAne0/R-vP7bfL2Zk/s1600/PC160299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsyzofsKTa8/VtkowOkEnyI/AAAAAAAAne0/R-vP7bfL2Zk/s640/PC160299.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After refueling, Nissa did her signature jumps </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkKr7O_tIuU/VtkpxAnBeDI/AAAAAAAAnfE/YDLdah8rGmw/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkKr7O_tIuU/VtkpxAnBeDI/AAAAAAAAnfE/YDLdah8rGmw/s640/DSC_0222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">And Abe started paparazzing....</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After everyone was happy (read: kenyang...) we walked to another main highlight inside the
Acropolis - the Erechtheion. This is a sanctuary made prominent by the
Porch of the Caryatids with the six maidens supporting the southern
portico.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xi66N-56piA/VtkrTlRGmRI/AAAAAAAAnfU/USOv3y8uswA/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xi66N-56piA/VtkrTlRGmRI/AAAAAAAAnfU/USOv3y8uswA/s640/DSC_0192.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Erechtheion - an ancient Greek temple constructed on the Acropolis between 421 and 406 BCE in the Golden Age of the city to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fiRp2NnaEBc/VtkreaCAIwI/AAAAAAAAnfc/BywkIBvryKs/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fiRp2NnaEBc/VtkreaCAIwI/AAAAAAAAnfc/BywkIBvryKs/s640/DSC_0187.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Porch of the Caryatids where the real stars of the Erechtheion are the Caryatids or <i>korai</i> as they were known to the ancient Greeks.</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIW1R4FeNMM/VtkrVB7RpxI/AAAAAAAAnfY/t8uRoIe0ZFc/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIW1R4FeNMM/VtkrVB7RpxI/AAAAAAAAnfY/t8uRoIe0ZFc/s640/DSC_0188.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The caryatids are female figures that serve as the architectural support for the entablature of a building.</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqkb5P4LwH4/VtkrovQvXoI/AAAAAAAAnfg/KRV14lcJEvA/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqkb5P4LwH4/VtkrovQvXoI/AAAAAAAAnfg/KRV14lcJEvA/s640/DSC_0196.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gigantic columns on the eastern side of the Erechtheion.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Erechtheion was definitely an intricate temple. Beautiful and captivating; photography can't do justice to its beauty.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We couldn't stay long as the sun was already piercing sharp. Time to go. Time to say <span class="algo-summary">adieu to the Acropolis. </span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FJ90yFHdds/VtkyoO_YDJI/AAAAAAAAnf8/_9Hyqjvf99o/s640/PC160324.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One last shadow play with her furry friend on the Acropolis </span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="algo-summary"></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEkdHPwbwJU/Vtky748VwpI/AAAAAAAAngE/47qVfq6mevc/s640/PC160329.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bye bye...Athens from up above the Acropolis</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="algo-summary"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhOgJd5xV-w/Vtky2ebxomI/AAAAAAAAngA/mUvvnKX9HIM/s640/PC160330.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nike saying byes to (Temple of) Nike</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="algo-summary"></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-34TNW55MHAI/VtkzOJdJnbI/AAAAAAAAngI/wydYqNIXcuc/s640/PC160331.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His way of saying good bye</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="algo-summary"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y6OffbvAxE/Vtkxuk7BNQI/AAAAAAAAnf0/7ENE-OmFUhw/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y6OffbvAxE/Vtkxuk7BNQI/AAAAAAAAnf0/7ENE-OmFUhw/s640/DSC_0233.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our way in was also the way out. </span></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Acropolis was by far one of the grandest of sites that impressed us more than we expected. There is a spirituality to standing atop the Acropolis that neither time nor cynicism can destroy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Definitely worth the climb...a must do if you are in Athens! </span></span>kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-31061218132238968592016-03-04T13:30:00.000+08:002016-03-07T16:42:20.716+08:00Greece Adventure Day 2 - Climb The Acropolis Part 3 <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we were the few earliest visitors to the Acropolis complex, we took our time viewing this<span style="font-weight: normal;">
fortified citadel and state sanctuary of the ancient city of Athens. While walking to our next destination we imagined how magnificent </span>it must have been during its glorious days. The many people who have taken the same path we did; people like Alexander
the Great, Plato, and Socrates just to name a few.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4-jnVM5LeY/Vtmnrff7KiI/AAAAAAAAnhs/3-z7HQYDg1U/s640/PC160328.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Careful steps at this slippery pathway. Perhaps it’s the strain of supporting so many visitors over so many thousands of years.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moving forward we headed directly to the Parthenon. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span>he temple of
Parthenon<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>was dedicated to the goddess Athena, protector of the Ancient city of
Athens.</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yg-NHbpmbg4/Vtmm1DOY-gI/AAAAAAAAnhE/aSDrNaUIqog/s1600/PC160288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yg-NHbpmbg4/Vtmm1DOY-gI/AAAAAAAAnhE/aSDrNaUIqog/s640/PC160288.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Parthenon is one of the most most famous buildings of the world. It was constructed at the initiative of Pericles, the leading Athenian politician of the 5th century BC.</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm93EmZ135k/VtmpH0OvtZI/AAAAAAAAnhw/1DLoXUd44Dg/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zm93EmZ135k/VtmpH0OvtZI/AAAAAAAAnhw/1DLoXUd44Dg/s640/DSC_0203.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pediment of the Parthenon.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhb9TAAWJMU/VtmpPmr2wjI/AAAAAAAAnh0/gRxvscohYX4/s1600/DSC_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhb9TAAWJMU/VtmpPmr2wjI/AAAAAAAAnh0/gRxvscohYX4/s640/DSC_0204.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the metopes at the Parthenon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDOgSOSepuI/Vtmo0bYmNBI/AAAAAAAAnho/SDqjXOupCjY/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDOgSOSepuI/Vtmo0bYmNBI/AAAAAAAAnho/SDqjXOupCjY/s640/DSC_0195.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elaborate Doric column of the Partnenon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDHeaRXQT7o/VtmpU2IPhKI/AAAAAAAAnh4/_OVdiRapA4w/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDHeaRXQT7o/VtmpU2IPhKI/AAAAAAAAnh4/_OVdiRapA4w/s640/DSC_0216.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Feeling just great to be at the Parthenon where it had everything from a temple, treasury, church, and mosque<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLfM8CNbd9I/Vtmmm53ykGI/AAAAAAAAnhM/0UOnEIfhWpw/s1600/PC160302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLfM8CNbd9I/Vtmmm53ykGI/AAAAAAAAnhM/0UOnEIfhWpw/s640/PC160302.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found a Parthenon furry friend </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5NOhZqUo_Q/VtmnLzZRrdI/AAAAAAAAnhY/gtyq78xbNCE/s1600/PC160303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5NOhZqUo_Q/VtmnLzZRrdI/AAAAAAAAnhY/gtyq78xbNCE/s640/PC160303.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a very serious one this friend.....</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICOBeFDrd0U/VtmmdiQpugI/AAAAAAAAnhM/uVuPiaezxZg/s1600/PC160294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICOBeFDrd0U/VtmmdiQpugI/AAAAAAAAnhM/uVuPiaezxZg/s640/PC160294.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprawling Athens from the Parthenon from the lookout point near the Parthenon </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tfTYemn190/Vtmpatd4eSI/AAAAAAAAniI/lidQwzo_4rI/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tfTYemn190/Vtmpatd4eSI/AAAAAAAAniI/lidQwzo_4rI/s640/DSC_0221.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A Greek flag at the lookout point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCKZncLE2rE/VtmnhbJoK5I/AAAAAAAAnhs/7CA-3YzVmHE/s1600/PC160326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCKZncLE2rE/VtmnhbJoK5I/AAAAAAAAnhs/7CA-3YzVmHE/s640/PC160326.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It has weathered time and man as such extra pampering does not hurt. Restoration works on the Parthenon making progress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Parthenon we must say has its aesthetic appeal that emanates from the
refinement of many established norms of Greek architecture. There was just so much expectation here and nothing beats being present and seeing how real it is with your very eyes. </div>
<br />
<br />
<i> to be continued....</i>kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-24901923422245315552016-03-02T15:14:00.001+08:002016-03-02T15:22:44.532+08:00Greece Adventure Day 2 - Climb The Acropolis Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since we were rather early, getting tickets into the Acropolis was a breeze. Perhaps winter is also not peak time for visit. Tickets were 12Euro for each adult and Nissa got to go in for free. Yeahhh....she belonged to the category of <span class="informcontent">young people, under the age of 18 with show of Identity Card or passport to confirm the age</span>. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cZMfhAbfSg/VtZ9ZZ9-lhI/AAAAAAAAnZE/4IrCEOiftUU/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cZMfhAbfSg/VtZ9ZZ9-lhI/AAAAAAAAnZE/4IrCEOiftUU/s640/DSC_0152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olives vegetation on the foot of the Acropolis Hill</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLUNxRbkXBY/VtaAG8c2AxI/AAAAAAAAnZg/n_bI_CxHhms/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLUNxRbkXBY/VtaAG8c2AxI/AAAAAAAAnZg/n_bI_CxHhms/s640/DSC_0159.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Acropolis complex - all of marble.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YBbj1hluTs/VtZ-1c8MseI/AAAAAAAAnZQ/91S7L9lLSrA/s1600/nissa%2Band%2Bmom_acro_picedit_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YBbj1hluTs/VtZ-1c8MseI/AAAAAAAAnZQ/91S7L9lLSrA/s640/nissa%2Band%2Bmom_acro_picedit_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All excited to go in. There’s so much expectation there, especially when you’ve seen so many photos of the Acropolis and now you are going to see it for for self! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpHMpJPDt_E/VtaEQ1JUnfI/AAAAAAAAnZ4/ZGc906jXDWQ/s1600/PC160250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpHMpJPDt_E/VtaEQ1JUnfI/AAAAAAAAnZ4/ZGc906jXDWQ/s640/PC160250.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climb up the final set of stairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3oLrHE1nV6o/VtaLuDcjW5I/AAAAAAAAna0/1UvCsKxvrwk/s640/DSC_0150.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="424" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What you'll see on the Acropolis Hill</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
The Acropolis is a great sanctuary of ancient Athens. It is dedicated primarily
to its patron, the goddess Athena. It is the most celebrated
myths of ancient Athens; all related to its greatest religious festivals and earliest
cults.<br />
<br />
The history of the Acropolis of Athens is long, with moments when
democracy philosophy and art flourished, leading to its creation. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cmZvmtO3AA/VtaEH_7PWKI/AAAAAAAAnZ0/HnQzT3VsMaE/s1600/PC160251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cmZvmtO3AA/VtaEH_7PWKI/AAAAAAAAnZ0/HnQzT3VsMaE/s640/PC160251.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After we climbed the steps emerged a scattering of ruins that lies around. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHGXEiM-7OA/VtaL1sCQCaI/AAAAAAAAna4/GybnRB4AY0E/s1600/DSC_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHGXEiM-7OA/VtaL1sCQCaI/AAAAAAAAna4/GybnRB4AY0E/s640/DSC_0171.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After
climbing the steps you are at the
entrance, or the Propylaea, which
was completed in 432 just before the outbreak of
the Peloponnesian wars.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RI78DoaMfnE/VtaL8O46lCI/AAAAAAAAnbA/599n8adR8Ao/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RI78DoaMfnE/VtaL8O46lCI/AAAAAAAAnbA/599n8adR8Ao/s640/DSC_0169.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MM-VVW5ZERE/VtaALeLpbDI/AAAAAAAAnZk/2_X3446PkmU/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MM-VVW5ZERE/VtaALeLpbDI/AAAAAAAAnZk/2_X3446PkmU/s640/DSC_0160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The main
architect of Propylaea was Mnesicles. He used </span>Pentelic marble and the design was avant-garde.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3oLrHE1nV6o/VtaLuDcjW5I/AAAAAAAAna0/1UvCsKxvrwk/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5EOQ0c5eeY/VtaKGb9lmbI/AAAAAAAAnac/YJQovpZq4HM/s1600/PC160265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5EOQ0c5eeY/VtaKGb9lmbI/AAAAAAAAnac/YJQovpZq4HM/s640/PC160265.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superb architecture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2u8o5gzgeDA/VtaKedFAqTI/AAAAAAAAnaw/avUAQ6pYsE0/s1600/PC160267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2u8o5gzgeDA/VtaKedFAqTI/AAAAAAAAnaw/avUAQ6pYsE0/s640/PC160267.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Architectural splendor and engineering marvels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGo6I40VlmE/VtaKNELCMoI/AAAAAAAAnao/r0sd53wX3vk/s1600/PC160268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGo6I40VlmE/VtaKNELCMoI/AAAAAAAAnao/r0sd53wX3vk/s640/PC160268.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roof of the Propylaea</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_J9xJWGpEk/VtaKpeL0f7I/AAAAAAAAnaw/oEPpZiY001k/s1600/PC160269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_J9xJWGpEk/VtaKpeL0f7I/AAAAAAAAnaw/oEPpZiY001k/s640/PC160269.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If the column could talk.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEijVuiGZI8/VtaLKQEyoaI/AAAAAAAAna8/gt3VlNHDdzY/s1600/PC160274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEijVuiGZI8/VtaLKQEyoaI/AAAAAAAAna8/gt3VlNHDdzY/s640/PC160274.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything that had been visible from a distance was now in front of me - just as seen photographed in the postcards.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIBHeBD5hsI/VtaMHdy1MoI/AAAAAAAAnbQ/Q4AX6oHHYsE/s1600/DSC_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIBHeBD5hsI/VtaMHdy1MoI/AAAAAAAAnbQ/Q4AX6oHHYsE/s640/DSC_0174.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple breath taking....these unique masterpieces of
ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical
art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for
many centuries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<i>To be continued.....</i>kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-1790040165884807932016-03-02T02:34:00.000+08:002016-03-02T13:02:20.938+08:00Greece Adventure Day 2 - Climb The Acropolis Part 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Acropolis in Athens is a MUST see when you visit this city; even if it requires you to get up super early in order to beat the crowd and the striking sun. And that was what we did on our second day in Athens.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We actually slept very early the night before. Still jet lagged and the whole day walk about was enough to wear us down. But the body was still on Malaysian time and by 4am we were already wide awake (and hungry too..heh heh).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We settled for a very early breakfast and left the apartment by 7am.
Took the Metro to the Airopoli Station and then walked up to the
entrance on the Acropolis Hill. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0bRmi6HF2s/VtXQgPYbuzI/AAAAAAAAnVg/-VM9JFHYLGk/s1600/PC160207.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0bRmi6HF2s/VtXQgPYbuzI/AAAAAAAAnVg/-VM9JFHYLGk/s640/PC160207.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Akropoli Station - pretty deserted at 7am</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udPwXncjbjk/VtXQCGdFDdI/AAAAAAAAnVc/83bkPkX3enA/s640/PC160208.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The station is like a museum too. Findings of the ancient Athenians were discovered during the building of the metro station. They are displayed at the station. The Greeks have so much respects for these archaeological finds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgGih07P3GA/VtXQgLKk3fI/AAAAAAAAnVk/b43NP8w1GQw/s640/PC160211.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frescoes on the Metro wall. The duo saying from W with Love. The "W" hand sign is the synonym to UW - Madison </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eszYVbGCo_I/VtXVueZH2iI/AAAAAAAAnWE/g1qKYtg_eUw/s1600/PC160222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eszYVbGCo_I/VtXVueZH2iI/AAAAAAAAnWE/g1qKYtg_eUw/s640/PC160222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very wide walkway heading up to the Acropolis Hill. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Surprisingly winter in Athens was pretty mild. Temperatures range between 10C in the morning and by midday it got to around 20C. So it was really nice weather for walking. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abix9P7nxrQ/VtXVKNkyv-I/AAAAAAAAnV0/KGvK3S0UvuQ/s1600/PC160213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abix9P7nxrQ/VtXVKNkyv-I/AAAAAAAAnV0/KGvK3S0UvuQ/s640/PC160213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abe became a hit with the dogs that morning. Bill told us the day before that dogs in Athens are extra friendly with men who carried bag packs. Perhaps they thought that there was food in there. Many of these dogs were released by their owners. Times are bad and they can't afford to keep these dogs in their homes any longer. So they became strays - but very friendly strays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEGTooyQIqE/VtXVOcxFBzI/AAAAAAAAnV4/qwiIfxm9W6Y/s1600/PC160214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEGTooyQIqE/VtXVOcxFBzI/AAAAAAAAnV4/qwiIfxm9W6Y/s640/PC160214.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was huge! And he keep trailing Abe for quite some distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mi_hVXvWw24/VtXVetoS7aI/AAAAAAAAnV8/bBZ7wHG3M6w/s1600/PC160215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mi_hVXvWw24/VtXVetoS7aI/AAAAAAAAnV8/bBZ7wHG3M6w/s640/PC160215.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was rather fierce. Kept barking at us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cq0Cc9WU6bM/VtXZtJt7ayI/AAAAAAAAnWY/V-mgyITqY6Y/s1600/PC160237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cq0Cc9WU6bM/VtXZtJt7ayI/AAAAAAAAnWY/V-mgyITqY6Y/s640/PC160237.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking up towards the Acropolis Hill. We passed the garden with many olive trees.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9mfasS926I/VtXZfrdHxFI/AAAAAAAAnWU/bYQxAQ-4Igg/s1600/PC160239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9mfasS926I/VtXZfrdHxFI/AAAAAAAAnWU/bYQxAQ-4Igg/s640/PC160239.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These olive trees must have been there for a while</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8kcnoJRLHH8/VtXZvO_Oz-I/AAAAAAAAnWc/uSuqx5D-VYA/s1600/PC160241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8kcnoJRLHH8/VtXZvO_Oz-I/AAAAAAAAnWc/uSuqx5D-VYA/s640/PC160241.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The uphill walkway leading up to the Acropolis Hill. Heavily guarded by the Greek Armed Forces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCOgEpt9XE8/VtXatP8wyjI/AAAAAAAAnWs/rp6917PFPHo/s1600/PC160226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MCOgEpt9XE8/VtXatP8wyjI/AAAAAAAAnWs/rp6917PFPHo/s640/PC160226.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we walked up we came to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus or the Herodeon. It was built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0iWsgzYoSc/VtXbdkoSIPI/AAAAAAAAnXA/gvKcY2YsEGI/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0iWsgzYoSc/VtXbdkoSIPI/AAAAAAAAnXA/gvKcY2YsEGI/s640/DSC_0141.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stone theatre structure is located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IF3yrycfWdI/VtXbliT5UVI/AAAAAAAAnXE/QeQOw7ZdZU0/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IF3yrycfWdI/VtXbliT5UVI/AAAAAAAAnXE/QeQOw7ZdZU0/s640/DSC_0146.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was originally a steep-sloped theater with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof made of expensive, cedar of Lebanon timber. It was used as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of 5,000.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNtJHUvVdVY/VtXbLA_AoSI/AAAAAAAAnW0/ScOMlXFdPJo/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNtJHUvVdVY/VtXbLA_AoSI/AAAAAAAAnW0/ScOMlXFdPJo/s640/DSC_0144.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrVbZ8ltKXw/VtXbTQaBhFI/AAAAAAAAnW4/k2CHyvPQ56M/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrVbZ8ltKXw/VtXbTQaBhFI/AAAAAAAAnW4/k2CHyvPQ56M/s640/DSC_0137.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Odeon of Herodes Atticus - down looking up to the Acropolis Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>To be continued...</i>kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-5111318477080678872016-03-02T01:00:00.000+08:002016-03-02T01:35:29.383+08:00Wednesday One Liner <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RE6FGQ48u5k/VtW05ONWvjI/AAAAAAAAnVM/lPkB-qnnS9o/s1600/PC170503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RE6FGQ48u5k/VtW05ONWvjI/AAAAAAAAnVM/lPkB-qnnS9o/s640/PC170503.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 class="topictitle">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Wonder is the beginning of wisdom ~ <i>Greek Proverb</i></span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="algo-summary">Temple of Poseidon</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="algo-summary">Cape Sounion, Greece </span></span><br />
<span class="algo-summary"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">17.12.2016 </span></span>kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-16845682137725888042016-02-04T18:10:00.001+08:002016-02-04T18:17:45.214+08:00Last Stop for the Day - Port Visit <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">Our walk down from Acropolis Hill brought us back to the place we started in the morning - the Acropolis Metro Station. We were slowly getting our bearings with the Acropolis as our landmark guide. Our apartment was pretty close. We could just walk home but we decided to walk in the area to be better familiarized with the city. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVckmT0tm94/VrMSvQYjl4I/AAAAAAAAm3U/7r7z3xLdZtY/s1600/PC150190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fVckmT0tm94/VrMSvQYjl4I/AAAAAAAAm3U/7r7z3xLdZtY/s640/PC150190.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Acropolis - a building next to the Acropolis Metro Station. It is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gth6qPYrY_k/VrMRjNYhCgI/AAAAAAAAm28/QIsADT1dSKM/s1600/columns%2Bpedit_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gth6qPYrY_k/VrMRjNYhCgI/AAAAAAAAm28/QIsADT1dSKM/s640/columns%2Bpedit_1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand entrance to an apartment complex near the Acropolis<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQBtVn2iV4U/VrMT8E01t2I/AAAAAAAAm3w/SJ_RiSxURbo/s1600/20151215_152544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span>n my itinerary the plan was to go to </span><span style="color: black;">Monastiraki Square<span style="font-family: inherit;">; </span>bit of a walk from where we were. However, since we got ourselves the all day Metro ticket, we might as well head to the furthest that we could go on the Metro. </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">So we decided to go to Piraeus Port and save Monastiraki for the next day. </span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSjXpllPWmc/VrMTupeC58I/AAAAAAAAm3o/-Cjh8rkVyxQ/s1600/20151215_150323.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSjXpllPWmc/VrMTupeC58I/AAAAAAAAm3o/-Cjh8rkVyxQ/s640/20151215_150323.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took the Metro from Akropoli to Omonia and then change to Metro Green Line to Port Piraeus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMzkxAjEgkc/VrMT0flOQ2I/AAAAAAAAm3s/T0ovyBrL2-k/s1600/20151215_150339.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMzkxAjEgkc/VrMT0flOQ2I/AAAAAAAAm3s/T0ovyBrL2-k/s640/20151215_150339.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tickets are available from the ticket dispense machines or the window counters</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQBtVn2iV4U/VrMT8E01t2I/AAAAAAAAm3w/SJ_RiSxURbo/s1600/20151215_152544.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQBtVn2iV4U/VrMT8E01t2I/AAAAAAAAm3w/SJ_RiSxURbo/s640/20151215_152544.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Piraeus is quite far from Athens - about 15kms away. The Metro cuts through the busy suburbs of Athens. Arrival at Port Piraeus stop the last stop on Green Line. </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Piraeus
today it is the main port of Athens, the biggest port in Greece, one of
the leading ports in the Mediterranean in fact. It is an important centre of the
merchant marine, industry and transportation.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJzO6FRRAlY/VrMURVEUf1I/AAAAAAAAm34/t6gD2YoV_ec/s1600/20151215_153142.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJzO6FRRAlY/VrMURVEUf1I/AAAAAAAAm34/t6gD2YoV_ec/s640/20151215_153142.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferries to the islands</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j8lJ593rPv0/VrMUYOpn50I/AAAAAAAAm38/j9TQf7JE_pY/s1600/20151215_153307.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j8lJ593rPv0/VrMUYOpn50I/AAAAAAAAm38/j9TQf7JE_pY/s640/20151215_153307.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As it waits for more passengers to embark...</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1ntnvAFYa8/VrMSfYEz5vI/AAAAAAAAm3I/DiMTPsPzc3g/s1600/PC150198.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1ntnvAFYa8/VrMSfYEz5vI/AAAAAAAAm3I/DiMTPsPzc3g/s640/PC150198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruises to the Mediterranean</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Piraeus port is the chief
exit point from the city by sea for destinations amongst the Aegean
Islands and elsewhere in the east Mediterranean. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6A8HKnChSU/VrMRpWAEagI/AAAAAAAAm3A/oycPObdf2zM/s1600/nissa%2Bat%2Bpiraeus%2Bpedit_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6A8HKnChSU/VrMRpWAEagI/AAAAAAAAm3A/oycPObdf2zM/s640/nissa%2Bat%2Bpiraeus%2Bpedit_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where to Mom?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq4PltQ17fI/VrMSuHDfnwI/AAAAAAAAm3Q/vtmld9ZpqRI/s1600/PC150199.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iq4PltQ17fI/VrMSuHDfnwI/AAAAAAAAm3Q/vtmld9ZpqRI/s640/PC150199.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No taking ferries today. So we dropped by this shop for some fruits</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMF5UnCh-uQ/VrMTHJDhvOI/AAAAAAAAm3c/OVGbzm9bCwE/s1600/PC150200.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMF5UnCh-uQ/VrMTHJDhvOI/AAAAAAAAm3c/OVGbzm9bCwE/s640/PC150200.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And coffee and some snacks from the next door shop...happiness :) :) :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As <span style="font-family: inherit;">it</span> was almost <span style="font-family: inherit;">dark, we decided to <span style="font-family: inherit;">head back to the apartment. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Tired <span style="font-family: inherit;">from the whole day adventure, we must have do<span style="font-family: inherit;">zed off the moment we got on<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the Metro. Luc<span style="font-family: inherit;">kily we didn't miss our stop!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-69036041214845472042016-02-04T14:37:00.000+08:002016-02-04T14:39:49.772+08:00Parting with Bill <div style="text-align: justify;">
The Acropolis was out last walking tour stop. Bill asked us if we wanted to go and do the Acropolis complex after that. I told him that we'll save it for the next day. After the long walk and the uphill climb, we didn't want to push ourselves. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3eV0F9T8ps/VrLqFJaxJnI/AAAAAAAAm0g/2xKmbE1eTAA/s1600/photomania-b3778e763ac0fd7ec60084ffe8e1484f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3eV0F9T8ps/VrLqFJaxJnI/AAAAAAAAm0g/2xKmbE1eTAA/s640/photomania-b3778e763ac0fd7ec60084ffe8e1484f.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climb this we did on another day. The cranking knees couldn't take it no more </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xc2OF9iog98/VrLrmA2uB_I/AAAAAAAAm0w/I91JH0jzKAo/s1600/photomania-b07845483e0a3901a7ec634a1352cf66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xc2OF9iog98/VrLrmA2uB_I/AAAAAAAAm0w/I91JH0jzKAo/s640/photomania-b07845483e0a3901a7ec634a1352cf66.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found an empty bench near the Acropolis Hill </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father & dotter bumming as we left the Acropolis Hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1...2...snap snap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nw7ox5io1A/VrLvrdxbazI/AAAAAAAAm1U/plwBYuxamYM/s1600/church%2Bat%2Bacropolis%2Bpedit_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nw7ox5io1A/VrLvrdxbazI/AAAAAAAAm1U/plwBYuxamYM/s640/church%2Bat%2Bacropolis%2Bpedit_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of Agia Sophia - an old church near the Acropolis</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIVh4F2Vx5A/VrLw-XsucfI/AAAAAAAAm1g/Q_USeriRkaM/s1600/with%2BBill%2Bpedit_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIVh4F2Vx5A/VrLw-XsucfI/AAAAAAAAm1g/Q_USeriRkaM/s640/with%2BBill%2Bpedit_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And at the Acropolis too we parted with Bill our guide. We were grateful that we got him to provide us with interesting information about the places we saw.<br />
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<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-92113650602326405852016-02-04T10:43:00.000+08:002016-02-04T11:24:02.531+08:00Walking with Bill - Part 5 The Off Beaten Track Up The Acropolis<div style="text-align: justify;">
I guess only the locals would be able to negotiate the small streets in Athens and not get lost in the elaborate maze like area. Bill said there are many ways to go up this most popular site in Athens. Tourists by the throngs would take the guided tour routes. He however was going to take us on the off beaten track to the sacred hills. It was a bit exhaustive on the knees the climb was but it was so well worth it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTNWV0g6eHg/VrKnsjZcXgI/AAAAAAAAmxs/CGYkSLtXjys/s1600/PC150136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTNWV0g6eHg/VrKnsjZcXgI/AAAAAAAAmxs/CGYkSLtXjys/s640/PC150136.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked pass local Athenian houses that were built on the steep hill going up to the Acropolis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White washed & blue houses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEbMTuJiXqA/VrKodditoAI/AAAAAAAAmx8/0pG6O073Suw/s1600/PC150147.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEbMTuJiXqA/VrKodditoAI/AAAAAAAAmx8/0pG6O073Suw/s640/PC150147.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The climb along the small streets </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrRVRRTaXMA/VrKoMvtZpNI/AAAAAAAAmx4/wi59WzXi-0E/s1600/PC150146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrRVRRTaXMA/VrKoMvtZpNI/AAAAAAAAmx4/wi59WzXi-0E/s640/PC150146.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we arrived up the hill....and our route down to Plaka</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFvP3zm5f0I/VrKpbrsaOKI/AAAAAAAAmyM/ATL2P6Qsrz8/s1600/PC150142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFvP3zm5f0I/VrKpbrsaOKI/AAAAAAAAmyM/ATL2P6Qsrz8/s640/PC150142.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprisingly there are many cactus plants in Athens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rgguaxcIswA/VrKtgVsYXGI/AAAAAAAAmyk/_LEygHC6arM/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rgguaxcIswA/VrKtgVsYXGI/AAAAAAAAmyk/_LEygHC6arM/s640/DSC_0095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greek Orthodox Church at the base of the Acropolis</span></span></h1>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greek Orthodox Church at the base of the Acropolis. Many Orthodox churches sport this style of design</span></span></h1>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqWo9_7yoxQ/VrKtYNNtMmI/AAAAAAAAmyg/12dNPPgSoSQ/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqWo9_7yoxQ/VrKtYNNtMmI/AAAAAAAAmyg/12dNPPgSoSQ/s640/DSC_0099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the church </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHQUsp2yx48/VrKvGUPkYPI/AAAAAAAAmzA/QyMIqybF0Oo/s1600/PC150156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHQUsp2yx48/VrKvGUPkYPI/AAAAAAAAmzA/QyMIqybF0Oo/s640/PC150156.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A beautiful path through some trees before you begin the ascent to the Acropolis.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru-J3cokjPg/VrKv5nA7wxI/AAAAAAAAmzQ/6yDfc6qBZm4/s1600/PC150169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru-J3cokjPg/VrKv5nA7wxI/AAAAAAAAmzQ/6yDfc6qBZm4/s640/PC150169.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally we were almost at the top </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful site...indeed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcuC1diepQ8/VrKxsKvl_7I/AAAAAAAAmzs/x_Vh3JnjA9M/s1600/20151215_125824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcuC1diepQ8/VrKxsKvl_7I/AAAAAAAAmzs/x_Vh3JnjA9M/s640/20151215_125824.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you are up there you can see the whole of Athens from every direction.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBDAICdz9Ts/VrKx3X4ar6I/AAAAAAAAmz0/clWB9vVpxyM/s1600/20151215_133602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBDAICdz9Ts/VrKx3X4ar6I/AAAAAAAAmz0/clWB9vVpxyM/s640/20151215_133602.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is really like a concrete jungle as far as the eye can see.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAlkHIb-36E/VrKuAjjUV9I/AAAAAAAAmy0/zocyPnplGyk/s1600/family%2Bon%2Bacropolis%2Bhill%2Bpedit_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAlkHIb-36E/VrKuAjjUV9I/AAAAAAAAmy0/zocyPnplGyk/s640/family%2Bon%2Bacropolis%2Bhill%2Bpedit_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US on the Acropolis Hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Them...bumming & shooting the Acropolis</td></tr>
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<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-89348105767761232282016-02-04T01:58:00.003+08:002016-02-04T10:50:37.765+08:00Walking with Bill - Part 4 Syntagma Square & Plaka<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the long walk we decided to stop for coffee at one of the cafes near Syntagma Square. Syntagma Square is the hub of public transportation in the city; buses, trolleys, trams, and the metro stops are here. It is the most important square of modern Athens from both a historical and social point of view.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oidf_dtIX6Y/VrIwGTR4IXI/AAAAAAAAmuo/ZsfOa75o8Hk/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oidf_dtIX6Y/VrIwGTR4IXI/AAAAAAAAmuo/ZsfOa75o8Hk/s640/DSC_0068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The square also boasts a central fountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jsgxc83Rrok/VrIwUtFmNWI/AAAAAAAAmus/35q2YPpg6Gc/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jsgxc83Rrok/VrIwUtFmNWI/AAAAAAAAmus/35q2YPpg6Gc/s640/DSC_0067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folks passing time at the square</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WsmNXWwLYy0/VrIxlwja3CI/AAAAAAAAmu0/_pLuSZENZok/s1600/PC150113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WsmNXWwLYy0/VrIxlwja3CI/AAAAAAAAmu0/_pLuSZENZok/s640/PC150113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live basking</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Done with coffee (and a couple of cigarettes for Bill) we were taken to Plaka - a famous neighborhood in the city of Athens. Bill mentioned that Plaka is called
many times in the Greek literature as the neighborhood
of the Gods and also because Plaka dominates the
sacred rock of the
Acropolis. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJmxKn_-HRI/VrI30VSLBlI/AAAAAAAAmvw/qG3a2nGq6gA/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJmxKn_-HRI/VrI30VSLBlI/AAAAAAAAmvw/qG3a2nGq6gA/s640/DSC_0083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streets in Plaka are mostly closed to automobile traffic. Very pedestrian friendly to visitors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mV_jJ2KZn2g/VrI1xaKh3LI/AAAAAAAAmvY/Ha7mrMX3hyE/s1600/PC150117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mV_jJ2KZn2g/VrI1xaKh3LI/AAAAAAAAmvY/Ha7mrMX3hyE/s640/PC150117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small school in Plaka. Parents were waiting to pick up their children</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-mzm_CGMC8/VrI2IWjLZvI/AAAAAAAAmwE/a2MBOtq93sQ/s1600/PC150116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-mzm_CGMC8/VrI2IWjLZvI/AAAAAAAAmwE/a2MBOtq93sQ/s640/PC150116.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bougainvilleas along the small and winding roads in Plaka </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lgfeTQRL3c/VrI3DwCSYMI/AAAAAAAAmwE/Xt5C0mUL-lI/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0lgfeTQRL3c/VrI3DwCSYMI/AAAAAAAAmwE/Xt5C0mUL-lI/s640/DSC_0078.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The many neoclassical
mansions and houses on such small roads</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpTLnBgzj7o/VrI28ToeB3I/AAAAAAAAmwE/2WbxDU4qeGs/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpTLnBgzj7o/VrI28ToeB3I/AAAAAAAAmwE/2WbxDU4qeGs/s640/DSC_0074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill explaining something about these shops in Plaka</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O52Z_fzrEPQ/VrI32yKBV2I/AAAAAAAAmwE/STlS56ve5GI/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O52Z_fzrEPQ/VrI32yKBV2I/AAAAAAAAmwE/STlS56ve5GI/s640/DSC_0085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souvenirs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2pWHPXS8Vws/VrI4EiwFp8I/AAAAAAAAmwY/oFW2OlaUMJw/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2pWHPXS8Vws/VrI4EiwFp8I/AAAAAAAAmwY/oFW2OlaUMJw/s640/DSC_0090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jewelry store. It is said that these pieces are exact copies of the ones in the museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXg9Erp1OPA/VrI4RqytLUI/AAAAAAAAmwY/mlnV2EdwaUk/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXg9Erp1OPA/VrI4RqytLUI/AAAAAAAAmwY/mlnV2EdwaUk/s640/DSC_0091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umppp...danger zone here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IuniOhTl90c/VrI3Ci6fOSI/AAAAAAAAmwE/LZ3CGK-2HO4/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IuniOhTl90c/VrI3Ci6fOSI/AAAAAAAAmwE/LZ3CGK-2HO4/s640/DSC_0080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ear marking the restaurant for dinner perhaps?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cg_B60O9SyQ/VrI4g5IS5MI/AAAAAAAAmwY/NoytA_OM4kY/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cg_B60O9SyQ/VrI4g5IS5MI/AAAAAAAAmwY/NoytA_OM4kY/s640/DSC_0093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafes and more cafes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqdSjVSCrl8/VrI3uhr8miI/AAAAAAAAmwE/cDoXR4w5MRA/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqdSjVSCrl8/VrI3uhr8miI/AAAAAAAAmwE/cDoXR4w5MRA/s640/DSC_0089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon trees are everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9iftL9XSM4/VrI5FDIpkxI/AAAAAAAAmwY/AQKs9WbySeU/s1600/PC150132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9iftL9XSM4/VrI5FDIpkxI/AAAAAAAAmwY/AQKs9WbySeU/s640/PC150132.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern day graffiti adds colors to the mundane streets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWHvLPi9NXg/VrI5rI9LYoI/AAAAAAAAmwY/v1cGBxl3VHs/s1600/PC150130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWHvLPi9NXg/VrI5rI9LYoI/AAAAAAAAmwY/v1cGBxl3VHs/s640/PC150130.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very narrow street </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LR_9obJMDDs/VrI5VDMJi1I/AAAAAAAAmwY/kG7tCzyruow/s1600/PC150135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LR_9obJMDDs/VrI5VDMJi1I/AAAAAAAAmwY/kG7tCzyruow/s640/PC150135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where to next....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-66035739459769272682016-01-29T01:55:00.002+08:002016-01-29T01:55:38.318+08:00Walking With Bill - Part 3 : The Changing of Guards<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bill told us that if we wanted to catch the changing of guards ceremony, we'd best hurry. He said the ceremony would be at 11am at the Presidential Mansion and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A bit of walking for us still to get there. I was very exicted and trailed behind Bill as fast as I could.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTW5nAXXG5U/VqpJvpRM58I/AAAAAAAAmo8/_IK2crVTb9o/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTW5nAXXG5U/VqpJvpRM58I/AAAAAAAAmo8/_IK2crVTb9o/s640/DSC_0042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guards leaving their barracks for the Presidential Mansion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_kzZLVBu2E/VqpK9zA3GhI/AAAAAAAAmpI/r7b0wrOpuic/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_kzZLVBu2E/VqpK9zA3GhI/AAAAAAAAmpI/r7b0wrOpuic/s640/DSC_0044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the new guards arrive the old ones get ready to leave their post</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ceremony marks the end of the hourly shift of the guards or Evzones as they are called and the beginning of the other. These guards are carefully selected for the honor of participating, and most of them are very tall, averaging over 6'3". We were told that the Evzones are the keepers of the Greek flag.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
What was very unique about these guards were their uniforms. They wore
kilts and shoes with pom-poms on them representing ancient Minoan times. Bill told us that the uniform has a historical meaning. It also refers
to the uniform of the Kleftes and Armatoloi, two groups of Greek
warriors during the War of Independence i(1821) against the Ottomans. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HndAik6JpE0/VqpSqqpMv5I/AAAAAAAAmp0/LU6baJraU74/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HndAik6JpE0/VqpSqqpMv5I/AAAAAAAAmp0/LU6baJraU74/s640/DSC_0050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very precise movements</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nO33S8T7Bfs/VqpQcLRyJFI/AAAAAAAAmpY/dwgG7m-id-8/s1600/PC150099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nO33S8T7Bfs/VqpQcLRyJFI/AAAAAAAAmpY/dwgG7m-id-8/s640/PC150099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to leave</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWrkoTs82R4/VqpRIgGqorI/AAAAAAAAmpg/hSf9UjvyRmY/s1600/PC150100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWrkoTs82R4/VqpRIgGqorI/AAAAAAAAmpg/hSf9UjvyRmY/s640/PC150100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceremony done and done with very much precision and synchronization.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-46091278003854290252016-01-28T20:39:00.002+08:002016-01-28T20:41:24.229+08:00Walking with Bill - Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
Athens is the capital of Greece and is also largest city in the country. It has a recorded history that goes back 3,400 years. Bill, our guide explained that classical Athens was a center for philosophy, art and learning and considered the cradle of Western civilization and democracy. Today, Athens with its 5 million inhabitants is a modern metropolis that is the financial, political, cultural and economic center for the country.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVUe1jBS_ew/VqoGHcMKpYI/AAAAAAAAmnM/cdX8g1jqOMk/s1600/athens%2Bsweat%2Bshirt%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVUe1jBS_ew/VqoGHcMKpYI/AAAAAAAAmnM/cdX8g1jqOMk/s640/athens%2Bsweat%2Bshirt%2B2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The name of Athens in Ancient Greek was Athenai (pronounced At-he-na). According to Bill the Greeks believed the city was named for its protectress - the goddess Athena. Before our trip I read a fair bit about Greek mythology and its Olympian Gods and also its heroes and monsters. Zeus (king of all the gods), Aphrodite (goddess of beauty and love), Athena (goddess of wisdom and defense), Poseidon (god of the sea) were my favourite reads. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the stadium, we walked towards Herodou Attikou St. According to Bill this is one of the most aristocratic thoroughfares in Athens. The street is home to the Presidential Palace and the Maximos Palace which is the official residence of the Prime Minister. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRbzXnEqK74/VqoIfPI6vlI/AAAAAAAAmnw/TtoYTvsbjds/s1600/20151215_104640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRbzXnEqK74/VqoIfPI6vlI/AAAAAAAAmnw/TtoYTvsbjds/s640/20151215_104640.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herodou Attikou St is lined with orange trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLxQg5m83y8/VqoH5ymWycI/AAAAAAAAmnk/hMHAA8iFDvU/s1600/PC150080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLxQg5m83y8/VqoH5ymWycI/AAAAAAAAmnk/hMHAA8iFDvU/s640/PC150080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Residence of the Prime Minister behind those gates</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFSJv97lKwo/VqoIBgk7MOI/AAAAAAAAmno/zvCB2vm_ymw/s1600/PC150081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFSJv97lKwo/VqoIBgk7MOI/AAAAAAAAmno/zvCB2vm_ymw/s640/PC150081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Police wheels near the PM Residence</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xtimoU0ByU/VqoHvo5GZSI/AAAAAAAAmnc/Xc-u3jjqwHM/s1600/PC150087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xtimoU0ByU/VqoHvo5GZSI/AAAAAAAAmnc/Xc-u3jjqwHM/s640/PC150087.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greek Presidential Guards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-zJ2SQahDg/VqoI4sdtHWI/AAAAAAAAmn8/ORcNnwtO_wo/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-zJ2SQahDg/VqoI4sdtHWI/AAAAAAAAmn8/ORcNnwtO_wo/s640/DSC_0035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very unique kind of march</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>next...changing of guards ceremony </i></div>
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kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-2679029104918112362016-01-28T01:46:00.000+08:002016-01-28T17:18:28.711+08:00Walking With Bill - Part 1When Bill our walking guide shared stories about Athens - its people, the myths, culture and many more I was very thrilled. I am no history buff. Never excelled in history in school. Somehow history lessons to me was all about memorizing dates. <br />
<br />
However now late in life, I actually regret my fooling around during those history lessons days. During my travels, I saw how the engagement with history of a certain country or ancient civilization would provide you with a better understanding of the people, culture and politics of the country. <br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before we started our walk with Bill, he explained the routes we were going to take. He said there was quite a bit of walking especially when we get to the Acropolis area. As there were only the 3 of us, Bill had more time to share stories about the places he took us - very much to our delight!</div>
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Our first stop was Temple of Olympian Zeus.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0kEAPfVaw4/VqjuVGAMsOI/AAAAAAAAmkU/rEC-dPLUnJQ/s1600/PC150043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0kEAPfVaw4/VqjuVGAMsOI/AAAAAAAAmkU/rEC-dPLUnJQ/s640/PC150043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is a Greco-Roman temple in the center of Athens.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXaGNR9LOMw/VqjvAXtaeCI/AAAAAAAAmkc/k2nD4y2nIko/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXaGNR9LOMw/VqjvAXtaeCI/AAAAAAAAmkc/k2nD4y2nIko/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the years of Greek democracy, the temple was left unfinished.The temple is made of fine marble brought from Mount Pentelus. Originally 104 Corinthian columns, each 17 meters high; 48 of these
stood in triple rows under the pediments and 56 in double rows at the
sides. Today, only 15 columns remain standing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Not far from the Olympian Zeus Temple, close to a Metro station we saw an excavated site that was believed to be the bath area of the ancient Athenians.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnR_J7r9Vsc/Vqj03Fbyv0I/AAAAAAAAmk0/RACc17WhHyw/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnR_J7r9Vsc/Vqj03Fbyv0I/AAAAAAAAmk0/RACc17WhHyw/s640/DSC_0012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ancient bath complex was uncovered during the building of subway in Athens in preparation for the Olympics.in 2000. This was a Roman bath actually - a well-preserved complex that can be viewed from above. Clear view of the pillars that would have allowed the floors and rooms
to be heated for a luxurious bathing experience.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIeBmhUsoHg/Vqj0rCX4_jI/AAAAAAAAmks/PK1KSDB4ick/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIeBmhUsoHg/Vqj0rCX4_jI/AAAAAAAAmks/PK1KSDB4ick/s640/DSC_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bath must have been quite a happening place I imagine. After a hard day at work, folks come here to chat and share latest gossips while they soak and relax. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We continued with our walk until we arrived at the Zappeion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByvKmr0CDvc/Vqj3zsvqwoI/AAAAAAAAmlA/XPcXZJDFaYA/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByvKmr0CDvc/Vqj3zsvqwoI/AAAAAAAAmlA/XPcXZJDFaYA/s640/DSC_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="nav2">The Zappeion - its architecture is in the neoclassical order, with a Corinthian portico. </span><span class="nav2">It was an exhibition hall and was the first building in the world to be constructed in order to serve Olympic needs.</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxUIY3siSBg/Vqj4GGmLjQI/AAAAAAAAmlI/g0kagxSv7Ic/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxUIY3siSBg/Vqj4GGmLjQI/AAAAAAAAmlI/g0kagxSv7Ic/s640/DSC_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The columns in Zappeion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From the exhibition hall the Zappeion, we passed its lush green gardens known as the Parrilissia and headed to the Panathenaic<b> </b>Stadium. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2jPGmCE1Mc/Vqj_zEoZZAI/AAAAAAAAmlg/L0Z-fGfx4V4/s1600/PC150067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2jPGmCE1Mc/Vqj_zEoZZAI/AAAAAAAAmlg/L0Z-fGfx4V4/s640/PC150067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The home of the first modern day Olympic Games. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OW-jk0FOlOQ/Vqj_VXlfjrI/AAAAAAAAmlY/I6w7owl2hqU/s1600/PC150068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OW-jk0FOlOQ/Vqj_VXlfjrI/AAAAAAAAmlY/I6w7owl2hqU/s640/PC150068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reconstructed from the remains of an ancient Greek stadium, the Panathenaic is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble from Mount Penteli and is one of the oldest in the world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C53LdfYBviU/VqkAHh-RjzI/AAAAAAAAmlo/Tt9zmJ7GCls/s1600/PC150070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C53LdfYBviU/VqkAHh-RjzI/AAAAAAAAmlo/Tt9zmJ7GCls/s640/PC150070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For museum souvenirs </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
to be continued....kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-2732901129303757802016-01-27T17:09:00.000+08:002016-01-27T17:16:45.027+08:00A Walking Tour & A What If.....<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had about 3 days in Athens. When I was doing up the itinerary for our "to dos" in Athens, it was tough, like I said
earlier. Athens is a big city there was no way we could visit the many recommended interesting places. On top of that we
have our own must do gigs at the must go places - gigs like the jumps, the bums, the selfies, wefies...and others. It's
really a pull hair task coming up with this itinerary.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VX4ZHyHsy5A/VqiGAXmiNMI/AAAAAAAAmjY/cWkdVfs3Lko/s1600/PC150022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VX4ZHyHsy5A/VqiGAXmiNMI/AAAAAAAAmjY/cWkdVfs3Lko/s640/PC150022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nissa & her "signature" bum post...so how to go on group tours like this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And this was also one of the reasons why we don't do group tours anymore. The photography that we do could get us really
carried away and in group tours the time allocated may not permit us doing things we like most when we are on holiday.
However, we also enjoy listening to the stories given by the tour guide when we go on a tour. So much of information and
there was no way we could get such valuable information from any readings about the city.</div>
<br />
So how??<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the past we'd go on the City Sight Seeing Tour Bus and the bus would take us to most of the recommended sight seeing places. There's
always an audio guide we would listen to. Not comprehensive but it suffice in giving us a brief introduction to the city. When I googled city tours for Athens, other search categories came about ie. the "Walking Tour" and "Free Walking Tour". I clicked on a few of these websites and found very interesting information about these walking tours. I did comparisons on their walk routes and the reviews others gave about their service and I finally decided on the <a href="http://www.athens-freetour.com/" target="_blank">Athens Free Tour </a>Team. Sent them an email on the date we chosed and they were fast at responding. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was our first time doing a free walking tour. I wanted to try it when we were in Ghent last year, but some conditions given on the website somewhat put me off. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The email from Athens Free Tour Team provided a meeting place and time for the tour. We were earlier, took the metro from our apartment and stopped at the Akropolis station as instructed in the email. The meeting place was near the Hadrians Arch. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVkFKmIYNjQ/Vqh9f-FeKoI/AAAAAAAAmh8/wlTP7hlInds/s1600/20151215_083153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVkFKmIYNjQ/Vqh9f-FeKoI/AAAAAAAAmh8/wlTP7hlInds/s640/20151215_083153.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first try at taking the Athens Metro. This was Metro Line 2 and we were to take the train that goes to ELLINIKO.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NRr4KfjibZs/Vqh926XJf5I/AAAAAAAAmiQ/Th_H795joxM/s1600/20151215_083813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NRr4KfjibZs/Vqh926XJf5I/AAAAAAAAmiQ/Th_H795joxM/s640/20151215_083813.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Platform was not crowded as it was still early</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNozSC_-HtU/Vqh9tv6_voI/AAAAAAAAmiI/E5ED-JQFOFo/s1600/20151215_084442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNozSC_-HtU/Vqh9tv6_voI/AAAAAAAAmiI/E5ED-JQFOFo/s640/20151215_084442.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean and spacious</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocmzqnJcB6Q/Vqh-r536YHI/AAAAAAAAmio/WXfFGFnboH4/s1600/20151215_084529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocmzqnJcB6Q/Vqh-r536YHI/AAAAAAAAmio/WXfFGFnboH4/s640/20151215_084529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Metro stop - Akropoli...only 2 stops from where we boarded</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6s2p7twGhXg/Vqh-fwg8NTI/AAAAAAAAmig/A9GMJwbPYu4/s1600/20151215_084516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6s2p7twGhXg/Vqh-fwg8NTI/AAAAAAAAmig/A9GMJwbPYu4/s640/20151215_084516.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archaeological finds at Akropoli Metro Station. The frescoes on the wall are well preserved </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQN_qj3Nz1c/Vqh--qNzHTI/AAAAAAAAmiw/C5gzRZTIm-s/s1600/20151215_090037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQN_qj3Nz1c/Vqh--qNzHTI/AAAAAAAAmiw/C5gzRZTIm-s/s640/20151215_090037.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She...in her element</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the email it said that the tour was to start at 9.45am. We didn't see anyone there except just the 3 of us. Not long after that came this really tall guy and he asked if we were joining the walking tour. I hesitated at saying yes in the beginning as somehow, suddenly, this thought "what if this guy was....." hit me. Yikess I hate that feeling, really! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVQQ_XoPtg8/VqiBxHGgetI/AAAAAAAAmjA/NY3wxPRiKXI/s1600/PC150048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVQQ_XoPtg8/VqiBxHGgetI/AAAAAAAAmjA/NY3wxPRiKXI/s640/PC150048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Hadrian Arch - where we met our tour guide Bill. The arch was erected by the Athenians in honour of the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a token of their gratitude for the works he had done for their city.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEwROqs8Ozc/VqiDzTBdvEI/AAAAAAAAmjM/p1BSY3ayyjU/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEwROqs8Ozc/VqiDzTBdvEI/AAAAAAAAmjM/p1BSY3ayyjU/s640/DSC_0007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one facade of the Arch of Hadrian demarcated the borders of the
historic centre of ancient Athens and the other one of the modern part
of the city, where Hadrian had built great public buildings. On the one
side of the arch, there is the inscription: “This is Athens, the ancient
city of Theseus”, and on the other one, the inscription reads: “This is
the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus”.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, after exchanging greetings and he showed us his ID <i>(still...it could have been a fake one)</i> I decided to give him benefit of the doubt. Later we got talking and he told us that he was an Irish who is married to a local girl from Athens. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bill (that was his name) later explained the routes and the time we would take to complete the tour. He started explaining the history of Athens and as he started telling his stories about the places we visited, my "what if..." thoughts just flew into the winds :) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And off we went with Bill..... </div>
kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-62931323511804175312016-01-21T15:52:00.000+08:002016-01-21T17:09:44.502+08:00Crib in Athens<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back to my Greece story. We are still on day 2. Didn't I say that this story telling is gonna take forever?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We got on the correct bus and then took the right tram to get to our apartment. I had found an apartment on the Airbnb website when I was making accommodation arrangements for the trip. In fact I booked 4 out of the 7 accommodations on Airbnb. I first discovered Airbnb during our trip to Italy. We liked the concept of staying in real homes where there are cooking and other facilities that would add more comfort to the trip. What we really liked was we also got to meet with our local host and most of them were very helpful when assistance is needed.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Someone asked me if Airbnb is legit. There have been reports about scams and money lost in bookings. Their question was how can you double ensure that this doesn't happen to you.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My reply to that is yes, Airbnb is very legit. Maybe when it first started there had been loopholes in the system. But now, I'd say it had put in security measures for both the guests and hosts. When I wanted to make my bookings for the apartment in Athens, I was required to submit a photo ID (1st page of the my passport) as verification, something which was not required when I made my bookings for Milan and Rome in Dec 2014. I believe the same goes for the hosts. So, it's pretty secured, no worries.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But having said that, you know, crooks are every where. They get ultimate kicks by hacking systems and once they were able to do so, there is no limit to the type of vice they could do. Exercise full caution at all times before you submit your payments.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the features in Airbnb is that you are able to communicate with your host prior to locking your deal with them. you can ask as many questions you like about the apartment, its location, facilities that come with it - everything! Most hosts would respond to your enquiries in a few hours (depending on the time difference between you and them). And another advice I'd normally give is to choose accomodations that many people have written reviews on. If there are 100 ++ reviews, go thru them one by one. This is a form of feedback for you in order to decide if that particular place was going to be your final choice. It's a laborious task, yes I admit. Like I said earlier, research is very important when one wants to do this type of free and independent travels.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We chosed this place called Acropolis - Home4u on Airbnb. The host - Athina (name of the Greek virgin goddess of reason, intelligent activity, arts and literature....i like very much!) had been in constant communication with me via email and Viber about our arrival arrangements. I sent her a screen grab from Google Maps to confirm the place. And she was very quick with her affirmations.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5Rje6zJZwI/VqB-TuVci8I/AAAAAAAAmck/-rL9zcTU2OE/s1600/PC150017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5Rje6zJZwI/VqB-TuVci8I/AAAAAAAAmck/-rL9zcTU2OE/s640/PC150017.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tram & metro stop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9s28aVTh78/VqCApXlGsUI/AAAAAAAAmdI/utgheMiSwdo/s1600/20151215_082048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9s28aVTh78/VqCApXlGsUI/AAAAAAAAmdI/utgheMiSwdo/s400/20151215_082048.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main street near the apartment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We got down at the right tram station. Followed the instructions Athina gave us. It was quite a challenge to read the street names as they were mostly written in Greek!! We stopped and asked folks on the street and they helped us locate the place. I recall asking an elderly guy who was just about to ride off in his Ducati about which street to take and he was really sweet to actually get more help from others who knew. Later he
told me, sorry I am not from here. Awwwww....so sweet!! <i>(Nissa went
like ewwwww.....Mr Daddy, your wife ni kan sure knew how to flirt!! Jet
lagged & muka basi et all!!)</i></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PqcsCvw98o/VqCAAYo_1NI/AAAAAAAAmcw/okZzMZtFJ4w/s1600/20151216_134749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PqcsCvw98o/VqCAAYo_1NI/AAAAAAAAmcw/okZzMZtFJ4w/s640/20151216_134749.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted this bike on our way to the apartment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhYBtyrnsiA/VqCAglxrzZI/AAAAAAAAmdA/z4oskxqEDZg/s1600/20151216_163442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhYBtyrnsiA/VqCAglxrzZI/AAAAAAAAmdA/z4oskxqEDZg/s640/20151216_163442.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the main street to the apartment there are many motor bike shops. And this vespa shop was one.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WhpASjJe4o/VqCCamlCdFI/AAAAAAAAmdw/XaJIuaOUYLY/s1600/20151218_112402.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WhpASjJe4o/VqCCamlCdFI/AAAAAAAAmdw/XaJIuaOUYLY/s640/20151218_112402.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee and pastry place for our frappe fix </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RI7TEP8a_Y/VqCAd1IYk6I/AAAAAAAAmc4/yPwdk6Oa510/s1600/20151216_163921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RI7TEP8a_Y/VqCAd1IYk6I/AAAAAAAAmc4/yPwdk6Oa510/s640/20151216_163921.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acropolis - Home4U on Zan Moreas 23. Apartment was on 6th floor</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Athina's place was on the main street actually. If only we saw the road
signs, we could have found the place easy peasy. When we got to the
apartment, Athina welcome us and showed us aroud. It was a complete unit
and we very extremely happy with the place. It had a kitchen, a small
bedroom, washer, sofabed for Nissa and walking distance to the Metro
station and other visit sites in Athens. Bliss...what more can we ask
for :) </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZUM_PEWfWE/VqCBDYYVlmI/AAAAAAAAmdQ/8ceXieOp73U/s1600/20151214_144703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZUM_PEWfWE/VqCBDYYVlmI/AAAAAAAAmdQ/8ceXieOp73U/s640/20151214_144703.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athina the host was already waiting for us when we arrived.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUx8-0wkpdE/VqCB4Gdv3mI/AAAAAAAAmdg/AIbwtrFSu34/s1600/20151218_123952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUx8-0wkpdE/VqCB4Gdv3mI/AAAAAAAAmdg/AIbwtrFSu34/s640/20151218_123952.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bedroom - complete with its own heater. Very warm and comfy in those cold winter nights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXzxjEWFFM8/VqCCNANXhQI/AAAAAAAAmdo/rKiNyYFoFHQ/s1600/20151218_124026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXzxjEWFFM8/VqCCNANXhQI/AAAAAAAAmdo/rKiNyYFoFHQ/s640/20151218_124026.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen with most of the utensils needed available. Also a washer to catch up on the laundry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1rJqP_Rn8s/VqCCk3MaRbI/AAAAAAAAmd4/YSuLqFU5C10/s1600/20151218_124033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1rJqP_Rn8s/VqCCk3MaRbI/AAAAAAAAmd4/YSuLqFU5C10/s640/20151218_124033.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat screen with cable service. But we had fun watching Greek MTV too ;)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7G14xkmfZc/VqCDsCEyztI/AAAAAAAAmeE/dxhHbQRyxzc/s1600/20151214_161253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7G14xkmfZc/VqCDsCEyztI/AAAAAAAAmeE/dxhHbQRyxzc/s640/20151214_161253.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other apartments in the Zan Moreas area</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaU0MnE7xxI/VqCDyxXrfDI/AAAAAAAAmeM/L6no807k5Xg/s1600/20151214_161306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaU0MnE7xxI/VqCDyxXrfDI/AAAAAAAAmeM/L6no807k5Xg/s640/20151214_161306.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee on the balcony? Nahhh too cold for us!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqZbougqNfU/VqCD76t7pfI/AAAAAAAAmeU/ubxWyb1Jhcw/s1600/20151218_124119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqZbougqNfU/VqCD76t7pfI/AAAAAAAAmeU/ubxWyb1Jhcw/s640/20151218_124119.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nissa's convertible sofa bed </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hL0zv5BfCjQ/VqCBP1RmKcI/AAAAAAAAmdY/8llZpGLsRjY/s1600/20151214_154407.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hL0zv5BfCjQ/VqCBP1RmKcI/AAAAAAAAmdY/8llZpGLsRjY/s640/20151214_154407.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makan time...dua Melayu who were extra famished as we got to the apartment. I made rendang & pulut for bekal during the journey. These two finished everything in just one sitting :P</td></tr>
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<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-122117448675792182016-01-19T00:36:00.000+08:002016-01-21T12:45:30.462+08:00Trip Planning - Creating the Itinerary <div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the past few years, I have independently designed our holidays sans the use of tour agents. It is not easy coming up with the itinerary as there's quite a bit of thoughts to put into, the research to be done, the comparing of prices, aspects on safety and many others. At times my research came to a puzzling stop. Information I needed was no where to be found. I felt like giving up many times. So I'd stay low for a while and give myself a break and continue when I am inspirational enough to work on the itinerary again. </div>
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Coming up with the itinerary for our trip to Greece was equally challenging. Information was abundance but to fit our varried interests and to scale it down to the number of days for our trip was mind boggling. There were so many must dos and places to must see. It wasn't easy and most of all to ensure everyone is happy at the end of the trip. </div>
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Alhamdulillah...about two weeks before the departure date, I finally managed to finalize everything. All bookings for accomodation done and paid for. All information needed was captured into my 18 page itinerary. What a relief...and we were all set to go...yess!! </div>
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Our trip took us to big cities like Athens, Thessaloniki and Corinth. We also did Santorini island, Mount Olympus and a few other places that are rich with history and ancient finds. To Santorini we took a flight to safe time and for the rest of the trip, we moved in our rented car. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IiLwSUHR32k/Vp0H6tsBGpI/AAAAAAAAmZI/X0pM5Pi0SY8/s1600/20151213_225034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IiLwSUHR32k/Vp0H6tsBGpI/AAAAAAAAmZI/X0pM5Pi0SY8/s640/20151213_225034.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like always we never know how to travel light. Two pieces of medium sized luggage and one large one. Our flight was at 2.20am on 14/12/2015. Imagine how sleepy we were when we boarded. Bye bye KL...see u in 16 days. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hptdhAAV1zI/Vp0HvNOL84I/AAAAAAAAmZA/xUqpQAeqvNA/s1600/20151214_074633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hptdhAAV1zI/Vp0HvNOL84I/AAAAAAAAmZA/xUqpQAeqvNA/s640/20151214_074633.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 hours after we boarded Etihad Airlines from KUL - AUH. Arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport just in time for subuh prayers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVzGHobhD4o/Vp0H8P6VIgI/AAAAAAAAmZQ/lVrN6Hcphco/s1600/20151214_074645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DVzGHobhD4o/Vp0H8P6VIgI/AAAAAAAAmZQ/lVrN6Hcphco/s640/20151214_074645.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Abu Dhabi airport...so futuristic looking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRuErDjgeqc/Vp0Isf9-pLI/AAAAAAAAmZY/BMLQC84wHyU/s1600/20151214_074840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRuErDjgeqc/Vp0Isf9-pLI/AAAAAAAAmZY/BMLQC84wHyU/s640/20151214_074840.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the very busy Abu Dhabi Airport....as we wait for our flight to Athens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0dld7350DM/Vp0I_cCq03I/AAAAAAAAmZo/z9o17foPnzQ/s1600/20151214_122423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0dld7350DM/Vp0I_cCq03I/AAAAAAAAmZo/z9o17foPnzQ/s640/20151214_122423.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival at Athens Airport at almost 1.00pm local time. By then we had traveled for almost 17 hours. Tired & jet lagged. But the adventure is just starting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Dq0vp8UXQ/Vp0I3ALjoNI/AAAAAAAAmZg/9akjJC8v110/s1600/20151214_122621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Dq0vp8UXQ/Vp0I3ALjoNI/AAAAAAAAmZg/9akjJC8v110/s640/20151214_122621.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop for coffee refuel at one of the cafes at the airport</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSoWcYn-ZQM/Vp0JaXhnrmI/AAAAAAAAmZw/HYJv06QO3sY/s1600/20151214_123128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSoWcYn-ZQM/Vp0JaXhnrmI/AAAAAAAAmZw/HYJv06QO3sY/s640/20151214_123128.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free wifi...yeahhh!! Happiness!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42wuwuax9Qs/Vp0JbTo0jjI/AAAAAAAAmZ0/fnY5XICPbCc/s1600/20151214_124150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42wuwuax9Qs/Vp0JbTo0jjI/AAAAAAAAmZ0/fnY5XICPbCc/s640/20151214_124150.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the ways to downtown Athens is by bas from the airport. The X95 bus goes straight to Syntagma Square and from there we changed to the tram to get to our apartment in Athens. Ticket was 5Euro per person and journey takes about an hour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqYNkpeXnas/Vp0K8U7N2QI/AAAAAAAAmac/9BhdBdXEaMk/s1600/20151214_125724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqYNkpeXnas/Vp0K8U7N2QI/AAAAAAAAmac/9BhdBdXEaMk/s640/20151214_125724.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our luggage on the bus. Had to exercise extra care to ensure that they don't slide away. An incident happened in the bus when one of the passengers didn't produce the correct ticket for the journey. I was not sure if he didn't have one or he used an expired ticket. He was fined 73Euro on the spot!! What a lesson learnt. Beli je lah ticket dari dikenakan such hefty fine. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYIRSxspHxg/Vp0JoRbgacI/AAAAAAAAmaA/Einb3XnIZjE/s1600/20151214_135305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lYIRSxspHxg/Vp0JoRbgacI/AAAAAAAAmaA/Einb3XnIZjE/s640/20151214_135305.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the tram to get to our apartment in Athens. Tram ticket was separate and could be easily purchased from the ticket booth near the tram station. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AuCcawsEWk/Vp0Jw0KtoPI/AAAAAAAAmaI/CNk7vKdnLhI/s1600/20151214_135930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AuCcawsEWk/Vp0Jw0KtoPI/AAAAAAAAmaI/CNk7vKdnLhI/s640/20151214_135930.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Them looking like locals already. Stop for the apartment was <span class="st">Syngrou Fix only 3 stops after Syntagma Square where we boarded the tram. </span></td></tr>
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kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-15036475959603043582016-01-16T02:34:00.000+08:002016-01-16T02:34:00.484+08:00Greece....It's Been A Month<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a month since we did our holiday last December. I promised myself that I must blog about our travel this time. There is just so much to share about our adventures, the people we met and the off beaten tracks we took - all that 16 days in Greece!</div>
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Yes, we picked Greece as our year end holiday destination. So...why Greece? Oh well, the travel channels on tv got me influenced,
the pictures had me captivated and the history had me all intrigued.
Good enough reason to actually go see the real thing, yes? </div>
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Of that 16 days in this beautiful country, we were not disappointed. Each place we stopped was memorable and gorgeous. Greece is a country that is not only beautiful with its ocean landscapes, distinct
architecture and delectable food, but it was "some what" affordable.</div>
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More stories in other postings. But for now, I shall let some of the pictures do the talking. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oL7ydpiVB2E/VpkqbFxDhzI/AAAAAAAAmSU/cv8xF76vtfo/s1600/PC140014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oL7ydpiVB2E/VpkqbFxDhzI/AAAAAAAAmSU/cv8xF76vtfo/s640/PC140014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the islands in the <span class="st">Aegean Sea</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXDl1UjrTaU/VpkrdXElkrI/AAAAAAAAmSg/7OwUl4N5u00/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXDl1UjrTaU/VpkrdXElkrI/AAAAAAAAmSg/7OwUl4N5u00/s640/DSC_0106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span class="st">Mount Lycabettus in the center of Athens </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LW_Wcyg7zo/VpktRrCGKVI/AAAAAAAAmSs/SUmiB6dVZDM/s1600/PC150112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LW_Wcyg7zo/VpktRrCGKVI/AAAAAAAAmSs/SUmiB6dVZDM/s640/PC150112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syntagma Square or the <span lang="el"></span><span class="IPA" title="Representation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)"></span>Constitution Square is the central square of<sup> </sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syntagma_Square#cite_note-1"><span></span><span></span></a></sup>Athens.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz28e7K4qxU/VpkvHGfepII/AAAAAAAAmS4/hTCX4Qby_-k/s1600/PC150124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz28e7K4qxU/VpkvHGfepII/AAAAAAAAmS4/hTCX4Qby_-k/s640/PC150124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A corner cafe in Plaka, Athens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Siye_y30VKc/VpkvS4F43xI/AAAAAAAAmTA/hPGyLoLqgvk/s1600/PC150125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Siye_y30VKc/VpkvS4F43xI/AAAAAAAAmTA/hPGyLoLqgvk/s640/PC150125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still early...the cafes were empty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brUIRxN5jhI/VpkvpJnFqaI/AAAAAAAAmTI/KalVEALQRRE/s1600/PC150126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brUIRxN5jhI/VpkvpJnFqaI/AAAAAAAAmTI/KalVEALQRRE/s640/PC150126.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafes along the stairs are common sights in Athens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBIhqfM2zsM/VpkwPQIqKBI/AAAAAAAAmTU/uim1D6K_KgA/s1600/PC150183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBIhqfM2zsM/VpkwPQIqKBI/AAAAAAAAmTU/uim1D6K_KgA/s640/PC150183.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ekklisia Agia Sofia - old church near the Acropolis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wHJRPYmFTE8/Vpkwm5rA0tI/AAAAAAAAmTc/g1yqN3V5NVc/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wHJRPYmFTE8/Vpkwm5rA0tI/AAAAAAAAmTc/g1yqN3V5NVc/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span class="_ynj"><span class="st">Panathenaic Stadium </span>- site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHBLZmRKBxI/VpkxPgYDvSI/AAAAAAAAmTk/fCjZ_29-Yhk/s1600/PC150095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KHBLZmRKBxI/VpkxPgYDvSI/AAAAAAAAmTk/fCjZ_29-Yhk/s640/PC150095.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulberry trees line the streets of Athens</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvcnYBmqKsA/Vpkyo8sdWEI/AAAAAAAAmTw/Ht9GXn77rdo/s1600/PC150079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvcnYBmqKsA/Vpkyo8sdWEI/AAAAAAAAmTw/Ht9GXn77rdo/s640/PC150079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A official residence of the Prime Minister on Herodou Attikou Street <i>(and a very modest one, don't you think so?)</i><span class="st"><em></em> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m7-TUbnX48/VpkzE5ZX5yI/AAAAAAAAmT4/B-0s5GwevyA/s1600/PC150085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m7-TUbnX48/VpkzE5ZX5yI/AAAAAAAAmT4/B-0s5GwevyA/s640/PC150085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the main street in Athens - orange trees are many</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YH4LTWPvHs/VpkzoT_rTTI/AAAAAAAAmUA/1W5yu71W22U/s1600/PC150107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YH4LTWPvHs/VpkzoT_rTTI/AAAAAAAAmUA/1W5yu71W22U/s640/PC150107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white building - Hotel Grande Bretagne. The structure was built in 1842 as a house for Antonis Dimitriou, a wealthy Greek businessman from the island of Limnos,<br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjtepeDzIi8/Vpk0Vovly_I/AAAAAAAAmUI/HBBLpir8DgI/s1600/PC150020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjtepeDzIi8/Vpk0Vovly_I/AAAAAAAAmUI/HBBLpir8DgI/s640/PC150020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street cafes near the Acropoli Metro station</td></tr>
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<br />......and more pictures to come<br />
<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-45047417540697366222016-01-06T16:00:00.001+08:002016-01-06T16:00:46.051+08:00Welcome 2016January 6th 2016.<br />
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Six days into the new year and things are going pretty well. Other than my bout of fever and irritating cough - which is very much under control nonetheless, life is a bliss. </div>
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Have been deliberating about keeping this blog alive again. Let's hope I can keep to my words - a promise that seems very difficult to fulfill. Distractions are just too many. And keeping a blog doesn't seem very hipster no more.But we'll see, okay. </div>
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And I guess it's not too late to wish everyone a blessed New Year. Let's look forward to<br />
a year of wonderful happiness<br />
a year of good health<br />
a year of great success<br />
a year of incredibly good luck<br />
a year of continuous fun<br />
a year of world peace.....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0frgvNuZT8c/VozIi55bn0I/AAAAAAAAmQk/zrTzB6UsLNM/s1600/golden-happy-new-year-2016_1017-1104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0frgvNuZT8c/VozIi55bn0I/AAAAAAAAmQk/zrTzB6UsLNM/s400/golden-happy-new-year-2016_1017-1104.jpg" /></a></div>
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Happy New Year 2016
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kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-56289525274294488392015-06-23T01:18:00.002+08:002015-06-23T01:32:10.807+08:00Trivia Tuesday #1 - Van Gogh Museum <div style="text-align: justify;">
We are ardent fans of art galleries and museums. When we travel, we try to make a point to visit one or two famous ones around. </div>
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I find museums very intriguing; a place where you can see things you have never seen before and these things hold a lot of history in them. They also tell you about the about the country and its people and culture too. </div>
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Some museums and art galleries allow photography as long as it is done without the flash. However, there are many that prohibit any form of photo taking and video recording. </div>
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During my recent trip to Amsterdam, I visited the Van Gogh Museum - an art museum in Amsterdam dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It is located at the Museum Square. </div>
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Before going I had checked online if photography was allowed. There was nothing official on its website but some forums have reported that it is allowed to snap pictures in the museum as long as you take extra caution on the usage of the camera flash. </div>
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Excited to see great masterpieces of Van Gogh, I was all set with my cameras. I went in happily snapping away - one picture after the other whilst being extra cautious with my flash function. Unfortunately, after a couple of captures of the paintings, the museum officials came to me and informed me that photography is not allowed in the museum. I was disappointed of course! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrEGC4DfB1s/VYhFIfQs4eI/AAAAAAAAf0s/KNpdmILcdJg/s1600/DSC_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrEGC4DfB1s/VYhFIfQs4eI/AAAAAAAAf0s/KNpdmILcdJg/s400/DSC_0575.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vincent Willem van Gogh the Post-Impressionist painter </td></tr>
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However, I did manage to snap some before the warning. I guess those will suffice to help me remember the greatness of Van Gogh's works. </div>
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And here are some of them.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6-Iz-PrKRU/VYg6PzbCSmI/AAAAAAAAfzc/Yu8xzzUGeAo/s1600/P4180648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6-Iz-PrKRU/VYg6PzbCSmI/AAAAAAAAfzc/Yu8xzzUGeAo/s640/P4180648.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 in a row of Van Gogh's flower paintings</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c01ZjURhXAg/VYg6cl4l9sI/AAAAAAAAfzk/WiTr2t1xX_c/s1600/P4180649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c01ZjURhXAg/VYg6cl4l9sI/AAAAAAAAfzk/WiTr2t1xX_c/s640/P4180649.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Iris</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLeFaSgpsm8/VYg66izMo7I/AAAAAAAAfzs/G8ixVsjjqJM/s1600/P4180650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLeFaSgpsm8/VYg66izMo7I/AAAAAAAAfzs/G8ixVsjjqJM/s640/P4180650.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qN35wW53j6c/VYg7TolottI/AAAAAAAAfz8/YcwGkqtOf38/s1600/P4180652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qN35wW53j6c/VYg7TolottI/AAAAAAAAfz8/YcwGkqtOf38/s640/P4180652.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The almond blossom</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKv0_wzsD-E/VYg7jA_2v8I/AAAAAAAAf0E/hBqY02pHMHQ/s1600/P4180653.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKv0_wzsD-E/VYg7jA_2v8I/AAAAAAAAf0E/hBqY02pHMHQ/s640/P4180653.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9111236169474478060.post-7864565038295939502015-06-17T20:00:00.000+08:002015-06-17T20:00:08.837+08:00Marhaban Ya Ramadhan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lf27uzwnc-g/VYEKDgS3t6I/AAAAAAAAfsk/9kMK6SgdK7Q/s1600/ramadhan%2Bkareem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lf27uzwnc-g/VYEKDgS3t6I/AAAAAAAAfsk/9kMK6SgdK7Q/s640/ramadhan%2Bkareem.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Allahumma Sallimnee Li Ramadhaan Wa Sallim Ramadhaana Lee Wa Sallimhu Lee Mutaqabbala (Kanz-ul-ummal)</div>
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“O Allah! Safeguard me for the Month of Ramadhaan (by making me see the Month of Ramadhan healthy and fit),and safeguard the Month of Ramadhan for me (by making the conditions in it such that I can take maximum benefit from it) and accept it from me.”</div>
kay_leedahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02538691439521114684noreply@blogger.com0