September 12, 2010

Athens, the Birthplace of Western Civilization - National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece, which allows you to understand its golden era in a short time.

















Among all exhibits, the sculptures about Greek myths are the most attractive to me.

Venus, Cupid and Satyrs.



















Athena and Nike.






















The classic decoration of buildings.

















Best evidences of civilization - the use of gold and jade.


































In fact, many of the museums in the world houses some exhibits from the ancient Greece. It seems the collection of a museum is incomplete without these invaluable treasures.

September 11, 2010

Athens, the Birthplace of Western Civilization - The Westin Athens

If you wanna embrace the sea, the Westin Athens is certainly your choice. (Can't understand why the signage of a 5-star hotel can be in a mess like this)

















Good place to relax.


Ideal facilities for couples to appreciate the view together.

















Water activities at your choice.















Enjoy sunshine at the private beach.

















Or have a cold drink at the pool side.



















Spacious room with cozy bed for enjoying life.

















Outer look of the hotel rooms.

September 10, 2010

Athens, the Birthplace of Western Civilization - Plaka

Plaka, carries the meaning neighborhood of the Gods is located at the north of the iconic landmark, Acropolis.It's somehow looks like an old district of Athens.

Elderly playing chess, a goood exercise to the brain.


















There are some chess shops around.

















This coconut candy bar is super sweet.

















It's better to have refreshing fresh coconut drink.

September 9, 2010

Mykonos, the Island of Small White Houses - All about Mykonos

Apart from Athens, Mykonos is also a key point of the trip.

Here is the Island of Little White Houses. 


These windmills are ones of landmarks of the island.

















Another landmark, a church.

















It's interesting to discover various hidden gems on the narrow roads.




Take some classic Greek coffee and burrito like food to recharge. Pity I've forgot the names.





These people are getting ready to welcome sunset.

















Fantastic view~~~

Bye bye, Mr Sunny.















After another dawn, it's the time to say bye to Mykonos.






Mykonos, the Island of Small White Houses - Royal Myconian Resort & Thalasso Center

The Royal Myconian Resort & Thalasso Center is built on a hill where the guests can overlooks the beautiful island and the sea.

















Hotel lobby.

















Another side of the lobby.

















Pool.

















The rooftop of the office building. A good place to relax.

View from the rooftop.
 















Greece is an ideal place for water lover. There's a beach about 10 minutes walk away from the hotel.

















Outer look of hotel rooms.

















Huge and well-equipped room with supreme water view.








Athens, the Birthplace of Western Civilization - The Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis is the symbol of Athens as well as an official world heritage. I was so excited to visit ironic landmark for I am a big fans of Greek myths and history.

After climbing numbers of steps, the Propylaia finally appeared. It is the entrance of the invaluable historical site established thousands of years ago.


































The Parthenon is probably the most famous building of the site. This temple was dedicated to Athena, the protector of Athens, a city named after her.


































The Erechtheion is also a temple, yet it's for both Athena and Poseidon, who competed to be the protector of Athens. The Porch of the Caryatids make the temple identical.

















The Theater of Dinoysus Eleuthereus was an open-air theater. Not sue if the Greek Gods and Goddesses spared some time to watch performance there.



















The Acropolis was built on the top of a mountain which offers visitors a stunning panoramic view of Athens.


































































Lavatory combines the ancient architecture and modern hygiene standard. 

















I always wonder how the ancient Greek could establish such a majestic heritage. Their technology is far beyond of my imagination. The Greek Government has launched a huge restoration project to showcase the site's former glory.