Exploring World Civilizations at the British Museum

17 December 20243 May 2025

I was overwhelmed with excitement as I entered each of the rooms at the British Museum. I have never before seen so much history represented in one place. Unprepared for the amazing relics and archaeological objects spanning thousands of years, I was excited for the opportunity to glimpse into the lives and cultures of so many ancient civilizations. Established in 1753, the British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and in my opinion, one of the most fascinating.

Credited as the first “archeologist”, Roman Queen Helena’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4^th century AD was focused on preserving the sites and relics relating to biblical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. It was her desire to protect the Christian items and locations so that others could visit them in the future.

Today, museums such as the British Museum, house spectacular finds through archaeological digs and private collections that span thousands, even millions of years. Covering the rise and fall of some of the most powerful civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome, these insights explain their religious, political and societal beliefs. From artwork to architecture and skeletons to sarcophagus, visitors have the ability to understand how these societies evolved over many generations.

Ancient Egypt:

The mummies are one of the most popular exhibits among visitors and are located in rooms 61 – 66 upstairs. On display are some of the various instruments used by embalmers to preserve the bodies before they were entombed. This floor also houses Coptic art, fancy jewelry and one of my favorite statues, the bronze cat with the gold nose ring.

Entering through the main entrance and arriving into the Grand Court, the Egyptian Exhibit is located to the left of the Reading Room in Room 3. Displays of large, colossal statues and Egyptian sculptures dominate the space dating from 3000 BC. One of the most historically significant finds in all of ancient history is the Rosetta Stone.

One of the most visited objects in the British Museum, along with the mummies, is the Rosetta Stone. Unearthed in the Egyptian desert in 1799, the Stone was used by Francois Champollion, a French scholar, to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics. This black slab of rock included three inscriptions in three different languages (Classical Greek and the two forms of ancient Egyptian) which assisted in the decoding of the Egyptian pictographs. Their biggest breakthrough was when it was discovered that the name of ruler Ptolemy V appeared on the sixth line of the stone. The Rosetta Stone dates back to 196 BC, made in honor of the coronation of Ptolemy. Large stones, such as this one, would have been displayed in temples all across Egypt and there are another seventeen quite similar that have since been discovered.

Not far from the Rosetta Stone (about 20 steps), is the Limestone False Door and Architrave of Ptahshepses dating back to 2400 BC. The door as well as the lintel are inscribed with hieroglyphics which tell the life story of a man named Ptahshepses. False doors were similar to our grave markings today, yet they were used as a ceremonial entrance into the room in which the mummified deceased was buried with his belongings. The purpose of the door was to allow the soul to come and go as it pleased but also used to keep out grave robbers from removing the earthly possessions of the dead.

Towering over the Ancient Egypt complex on the main floor, I easily spotted the Colossal Statue of Ramesses II in the distance. Ramesses took the throne in 1279 BC and reigned for 66 years. Known for his building accomplishments erecting temples, tombs, palaces and a large number of statues of himself, it is debated that he may have been the King of Egypt during the Exodus of Moses.

Weighing in at twenty tons, the full size sculpture stood 8 – 9 feet high. It was the largest Egyptian sculptures the British had ever seen and only the upper half of Ramesses statue is displayed at the British Museum. The statue dates back to approximately 1250 BC and was found in the Ramesseum, the pharaoh’s mortuary temple in Thebes. This memorial complex was built so that Ramesses could be worshiped as a god for many years after his death.

Exiting the Egyptian Room through the door facing the back of the Ramesses statue, there is a set of stairs that leads up to the mummies, coffins and one of the most fascinating displays I had ever seen, the human remains of the Gebelein Man (nicknamed Ginger due to a tuft of reddish hair) a naturally preserved body.

The body was discovered in 1856 in the desert of Egypt in a grave covered by stones. A combination of elements contributed to the preservation of the human tissue to include the hot sand naturally dehydrating and protecting the body and the additional layer of grave stones may have kept animals away. Scientists estimate Ginger to have died 5400 years ago, long before the pyramids were erected. He was found buried with bowls, beads and a flint blade next to his arm.

New technology has brought additional information to light about the death of Ginger. With digital imagery, it was determined that Ginger was “certainly murdered” and “his injuries suggest he was the victim of a deliberate, violent killing….consistent with a stab wound”. Additional information states that he was between the ages of 18 and 21 and was “stabbed by a blade of copper or flint at least five inches long.”

Ancient Assyria

Assyria, known today as modern-day Iraq, was a power-house civilization of the Middle East. Making their way as conquerors and traders, this Semitic culture expanded their dominion in a fierce ruthless manner terrorizing their neighbors from 900 – 600 BC. Some of the most beautiful artwork comes from the Assyrians on display at the British Museum.

Backtracking back to the Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian Gallery in Room 6, there are Two Winged Lions with Human Heads dating back to 870 BC. Found guarding the Assyrian palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud was called the Lamassu, the god of protection which defended the king from evil spirits. What makes this statue interesting is that it has 5 legs. The small marks between the loins of the Lamassu is cuneiform writing.

Passing through the Two Winged Lion entrance, turn right into Room 7, a narrow red hallway leading into a room with brown stoned panels. The beautifully detailed reliefs would have been painted and varnished, displayed in the throne room of Ashurnasirpal II’s palace. These intricately carved panels tell the story of Ashurnasirpal’s victories and hail him as the greatest king of the world.

Known to be ruthless in battle, the Assyrians carried their brutality into their leisurely activities as depicted in a set of reliefs in Room 10 labeled the Royal Lion Hunt. The impressive artwork depicts the horses and dogs preparing for the hunt while lions await unknowingly until the lions are killed by arrows. Lion hunts were the sport of kings and when wild lions were not available, staged hunts were arranged with animals bred for the fight. One of the reliefs shows King Ashurbanipal riding in a chariot participating in the hunt. Soon after the king’s death, the civilization of Assyria is overthrown by the Babylonians in 613 BC.

In Room 55, an extraordinary artifact is on display. Dating between 1500 – 500 BC it is identified as the “Flood Tablet”, which was found in King Ashurbanipal’s library. While many people are familiar with the story of Noah and the Great Flood, according to this writing, a similar story to the biblical account is referred to as the “Epic of Gilgamesh”. The gods planned to destroy the world with a flood, so Ut-napshti built a large boat to save his family and every type of animal. Of course the finding of this documentation in the late 1800’s caused quite a scandal due to the similarity between the Gilgamesh and Noah accounts.

Ancient Greece:

Visiting Greece last summer, a trip to the Acropolis was one of the highlights of my travels. I remember standing at the bottom stair leading up towards the Propylaea. This Panathenaic Way led to the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory. Inside, there once stood a colossal statue of her likeness made of gold and ivory, while the exterior was just as extravagant, with columns and colorful relief carvings.

Today, the ninety-two reliefs, known as the Elgin Marbles, are on display at the British Museum. These metopes, carved out of stone, depict war and battle scenes in elaborate detail. Some of them represent mythological conflict, while others portray actual battles. While many visitors stroll the exhibit to view the fifth century artwork, many are also intrigued by the political controversy that surrounds the display…should these ancient artifacts stay in London or should they be returned to Greece?

Ancient Rome:

The Romans embraced many gods from various cultures and celebrated an assortment of beliefs. From Persia, they adopted the worship of Mithras, or Mithraism which involved a number of initiations and rituals. The Mysteries of Mithras lasted in Rome between the first and fourth centuries so there is limited knowledge about the religion. It was so secretive that there were underground temples. What remains of this faith are several marble sculptures portraying the god Mithras, including the Statue of Mithras on display at the British Museum.

Dating somewhere around the 2^nd century, the beautifully carved stone shows Mithras performing the ritual slaughtering of a bull. Wearing a Phyrgian cap and trousers, his attire depicts the fashion of the east. The bull’s blood was said to have had cleansing properties, which would explain the dog and snake licking the blood, while the scorpion is shown attacking the bull’s testicles.

The detail of this sculpture, the flowing skirt and cape, and the folds in the shirt are exquisite. The sculptor is unknown, but it is one of the most fascinating pieces of Roman art in the museum.

The British Museum collection includes additional artifacts from other cultures around the world. For example, the North American Otter Pipe, found in Ohio dates back to 200 BC – AD 100 or the Shang bronzes from 15=00 BC. There are modern plaques from Africa, Mayan statues, and the Lewis Chessman found on an Isle in Scotland. Even the Great Court and Reading Room are both impressive and historical.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the British Museum? What was your most fascinating memory of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Want to know where to go, eat and stay in London? Check out more of my recommendations below for a magical experience in London! Many thanks for exploring the British Museum through my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The British Museum
Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7323 8000

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting the British Museum
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5:30PM and open until 8:30PM on Fridays
Amenities: scheduled tours, audio guides are provided in 10 languages, special exhibitions, restaurant, cafes, shops
Scenic View: Photograph the glass ceiling of the round reading room designed by Sidney Smirke
Length of Visit: At least 2 – 3 hours to see the highlights
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, pick up a map of the venue for planning your visit.

Where to Stay:

The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7637 1001

Where to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7612 8416

On my first visit, I happened upon the Safari Themed afternoon tea which included an African-themed menu. I enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches of African-spiced chicken and apricot, scones baked fresh with Devonshire clotted creme, a giraffe macaron with toasted coconut mouse, banana meringue and a wide variety of teas to include traditional, flavored, aromatic, fruit and green teas. I couldn’t pass up the Leopard Cocktail made with Amarula cream liquor, decorated with leopard spots and a paw print.

On Sunday, I returned for the Free Flowing Champagne garnished with fresh strawberries. From 2 to 6, I could enjoy as much champagne as my heart desired along with a wonderful selection of scones, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.

What to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Bangers and Mash at Mother Mash in Soho
Beef Welington at Simpsons on the Strand
Cockles, a type of clam, are best tried at Borough Market
Crumpets, similar to English Muffins should be ordered at Ask for Janice in Farringdon
Eton Mess is an amazing British dessert made of crushed meringue, cream ans strawberries at the National Cafe at the National Gallery
Fish & Chips at Poppies Camden in London
Full English Breakfast, which also includes blood pudding (a blood sausage) at The Ivy
Pie and Mash at the Windmill Mayfair
Pimm’s Cup, a gin-based drink made with ginger ale or lemon lime soda, fruit and mint is the official drink of Wimbledon and is best ordered at Lido Cafe Bar in Hyde Park
Scones at Gail’s Bakery
Scotch Egg is a dish that includes a hard boiled egg wrpeed in sausage meet, breaded and then fried; Try this at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Shepard’s Pie is on the menu at The Ivy Restaurant
Sticky Toffee Pudding at the Queens Arms in Kensington
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding in Nottinghill at The Windsor Castle
Toad in the Hole, a pastry filled with sausage at Bistro Union
Victoria Sponge is a vanilla sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream at the Wallace Collection Museum

What to Read:

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes
Act Like It by Lucy Parker
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
London: The Novel by Edward Rutherford
My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Kroomson
Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Photo Guide to London:

The Lobby of the British Museum
Covent Garden Market
St. Paul Cathedral from the Restaurant Madison at One New Change, Millenium Bridge or Paternoster Square
Summerset House, especially during the Christmas holiday
The houses of Notting Hill
The architecture of Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Saturday market at Portobello
For amazing views, photos from the Coppa Club, close to Tower Bridge
The lovely pink cafe in London, Peggy Porschen
Panorama of London from Sky Garden Rooftop
Street art in Shoreditch
Leadenhall Market looks like Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
South Bank for photos of the Thames
Panoramic Views of London from the London Eye
Saint Aymes Cafe for lovely feminine photos

A Masterpiece of Athens Architecture, The Acropolis

12 September 202315 April 2025

First inhabited by the Mycenaeans, the Acropolis (acro, meaning high and polis, meaning city), towers 490 feet over the city of Athens. Strategically positioned on a large boulder of limestone, the ancient, hilltop citadel has been in existence for over 3500 years. Acting as both a fortress and place of worship over the years, it is the symbol of Athens and represents the classical civilization of Greek. The main structures of the Acropolis include the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Propylaia, many of which were completed during the Golden Age of Pericles. This inconceivable scale of buildings have been in a constant state of renovation since 1975.

The Acropolis is only accessible by its western end. This was once the entrance of the Acropolis during the Hekatombaion celebration to the goddess Athena. It was here that the Greeks built a sanctuary in her honor which included a colossal bronze statue of the goddess, designed and built by Pheidias.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is located close to the entrance to the Acropolis. It is also known as the Herodeon and “Yanni’s Theater”. It was constructed between 160 and 170AD by Herodes Atticus, a Greek aristocrat as well as a Roman senator. While this magnificent structure shows the grandeur of Greek architecture, its phenomenal staircases and mosaics are no longer visible.

The 5,000 seat (34 tiers) amphitheater functions as a venue for various modern cultural events such as festivals and concerts: Frank Sinatra – 1962; The Miss Universe pageant – 1973; Luciano Pavarotti – 1991 and 2004; But the most remembered concert was Yanni’s Live at the Acropolis in 1993. Sting, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Jean Michel Jarre, and a long list of Greek entertainers have also performed here over the years.

Upon reaching the Acropolis, visitors will enter the Beule Gate built by Flavius Septimus Marcellinus in AD 280. During Roman times, this was the official entrance to the Acropolis.

After passing through the gate, a brief climb heads towards the Propylaea, which is quite steep. Propylaea means “gates in front of something”. This was the entrance into the Acropolis during the Golden Age of Athens. It was originally decorated with statues and painted in bright colors with a marble tiled ceiling painted sky blue adorned with stars. Each year, the people of Athens would climb these steps to celebrate the Hekatombaion (1^st of the month in the day of the summer, usually July), to sacrifice 100 oxen to the goddess Athena. To the left, the Propylaia housed artwork and provided accommodations for dignitaries and important visitors called the Pinacoteca. The grey, stone, 25 foot pedestal (pictured to the left) is the Monument of Agrippa. This platform once displayed a bronze statue of the four-horse chariot driven by the chariot race winner in 178 BC. According to archaeologists, this gate is actually concealing the Mycenean Palace gate that was erected here around the 5^th century. This central walkway, continuing into the Acropolis, is named the Panathenaic Way.

Kallikrates designed the Temple of Athena Nike in Ionic style between 427 and 424 BC. It replaced the former sanctuary that was destroyed by the Persians in 479BC. The interior of the building held a wooden statue of Athena Nike holding a pomegranate in one hand and a helmet in the other. After the statue’s wings were broken, the temple became known as the Temple of Wingless Athena Nike (Nike Apteros, the Wingless Victory). The relief sculptures and Ionic columns are well-preserved.

Through the Propylaea is a vast field of stone ruins. Long ago, there was a bronze statue of Athena that once stood in this area as well as the original of Temple of Athena Polis. The bronze statue was moved from this location to Constantinople and the temple was burned down by the Persians under the reign of Xerxes in 480 BC as retaliation against the Athenians for destroying one of their temples in Sardis years before.

The Parthenon is the most recognized structure on the Acropolis and the largest measuring 228 feet long by 101 feet wide. This Doric-style creation was designed by Phidias, a sculptor and two architects, Iktinos and Kallikrates back in the fifth century BC (440s). This classical Greek masterpiece was constructed of the finest Pentelic marble from Mount Penteliko and was once the greatest temple of its time.

The 22,000 tons of precious marble was extravagantly painted in various colors, not the white marble you see today. Many architects have marveled at the complex design of this temple which is constructed on a platform of three steps measuring 228 feet long and over 100 feet wide. Serving as a Christian church as well as a mosque, the Parthenon has been in a state of renovation for many years.

The temple is surrounded by a peristyle with 17 Doric columns down each side. At the end is a double row of columns, eight on the outside and six smaller columns on the inside. Above the columns you can see the metatopes, the marble that sits atop these columns. The metatopes acted as bases for the pediments (triangular structure) which contained statues depicting mythical scenes of Athena, the city’s patron goddess. Inside of the Parthenon, there was once a large statue of Athena, which sat on the large socket that remains in the floor of the Parthenon.

The Erechtheion, located across from the Parthenon, was built in 406BC to replace the original temple that had once stood in the middle of the acropolis. It has been thought that its purpose was a place of worship for Erechtheus, the celebrated king of Athens and other significant gods. It is known to have included altars to Athena Polias, the protector of the city as well as Hephaistos, the god of blacksmiths and fire.

But it is the Caryatid Porch, the columns of six maidens, that is the most recognizable feature of this structure. The porch was the landing where the priestesses would stand to watch the procession of people and oxen during the annual Hekatombaion celebration. The original Caryatids can be found in the Acropolis Museum. Notice the olive tree to the left of the Erechtheion which is said to have been a descendant to the one that Athena planted.

A phenomenal view from the Acropolis is the Areopagus, a limestone rock which was once a place of judicial rulings for the Athenians. Several notable trials were conducted here, including the trial of Orestes for the murder of his mother, Clytemnestra.

To view the sculptures and fragments from the Parthenon as well as the original Caryotids and replicas of the Elgin Marbles, visit the Acropolis Museum. It can be seen here in the distance (the dark glass windowed building) from the south parapet.

A Greek flag flies high at the outer edge of the Acropolis. The tour guide explained the significance of this flag. It represents a historical event that occurred after the German invasion during World War II. It was told that German troops ordered that the Greek flag be replaced with the swastika after it had conquered Greece. During this time Greek soldiers would stand guard of their country’s flag and were responsible for the raising and lowering of if each day. On this very day, the Greek soldier on guard, lowered the Greek flag, wrapped it around himself and jumped over the parapet to his death. It would be a story that reached the citizens of Greece and would mark the beginning of the Greek resistance towards the Germans. A perfect example of the Greeks’ resilience and their nationalism…their strength to forge ahead.

Have you visited the spectacular city of Athens? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my day in Athens and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Acropolis
Athens 105 58, Greece

Where to Stay:

Divani Palace Acropolis
Parthenonos 19
Athens, 117 42 Greece
Telephone: +30 21 0928 0100

Where to Eat:

To Kafeneio
Epicharmou 1, Plaka
Athens, Attiki, 105 51 Greece

What to Eat:

- Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
- Greek Salad
- Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
- Gyros
- Lamb
- Local Olives
- Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
- Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
- Pomegranates
- Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
- Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
- Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
- Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
- Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

The Odyssey, by Homer
The King Must Die, by Mary Renault
Little Infamies, by Panos Karnezis
My Family and Other Animals, by Gerald Durrell
Uncle Petros and Goldbach’s Conjecture, by Apostolos Doxiadis
Freedem and Death, by Nikos Kazantzakis
The Dark Labyrinth, by Lawrence Durrell
The Names, by Don DeLillo
Atticus the Storyteller’s 100 Greek Myths by Lucy Coats and Anthony Lewis

Photo Guide for Athens, Greece:

Acropolis
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Ancient Agora
Dromeas “Running Man” Sculpture
Changing of the Guard (Evzones)
Panatheniac Stadium
Anafiotika Neighborhood
Mount Lycabettus
Lake Vouliagmeni
Pentelikion Waterfall

Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

5 September 202323 September 2024

Athens was once the center of civilization….the pulse of the world and believed to be the center of the universe. Today it is a living museum, full of archaeological sites and artifacts. A city steeped in history and a love for philosophy and science. In Athens, you can walk in the footsteps of countrymen who have made an impact on the world in areas such as medicine, architecture and mathematics. Over the years, Athens was a city to conquer and has suffered a few setbacks, but this ancient civilization, even today, has always managed to forge ahead.

Our first stop on our tour of Athens was Mars Hill. Traveling by bus from the airport, we passed a few sites which our guide pointed out, starting with Syntagma Square. Located northeast of the Plaka, a popular city neighborhood, the square stands in front of the neoclassical Parliament building.

Also referred to as Plateia Syntagmatos, this beautiful courtyard was once a part of the Royal Palace of Greece’s first king, King Otto I. Organized demonstrations took place here leading to the country’s historic constitution of 1843 in which they gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Today, the Evzone Guards, an elite unit of the Greek military perform the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The uniforms of the guards have historical significance. The pompoms on the shoes go back to the ancient Mycenaeans. The 400 pleats in the winter skirts resemble the number years that the Greeks were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

At five minutes before each hour, the guard changes, providing a presentation of the crossing of the guard. On Sundays at 11AM, visitors can witness a full crossing of the guard ceremony complete with marching band.

Taking a right from the Parliament building we came upon the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion), measuring 360 feet by 145 feet when it was completed, towered 56 feet high. Construction began during the rule of Peisistratos and was completed by Hadrian, the Roman Emperor in 131 AD, taking over 700 years to complete.

Only 15 of the original 104 Corinthian columns remain. The structure once displayed colossal statues of both Zeus and Hadrian.

Close to the area of Lysicratu is Hadrian’s Arch which was once a dazzling white structure topped with Corinthian columns. The arch was built in 131 AD by the Roman Emperor, Hadrian who is also credited for completing the temple. On the arch side facing the traffic (west) is an inscription, “This is Athens, ancient city of Theseus” and on the east, “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus”. The east side was a gateway to Roman structures which included the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also completed by Hadrian. It represents the division between Classical Greece and the Roman Province.

The Church of Agios Eleftherios was once a meeting place for the archbishops of Athens when the Ottomans prohibited them from meeting in the church within the Parthenon. Known as the “old cathedral”, this place of worship has been around since the 13^th century.

In the district of Pangratti is the Panathanaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro, “beautiful marble”), the “stadium of the first modern Olympic games”. It has since been refurbished through funding by Evangelis Zappas and George Averof.

There is a statue of George in the square near the stadium.

Known as the Areopagus, Ares’s Hill as well as Mars Hill, this amazing climb provides impressive views of historic Athens as well as a remarkable vantage point to photograph the Acropolis. This location is most popularly known as the place where the apostle Paul shared his Christian faith with local Greek intellectuals.

A panoramic View from Mars Hill, from left to right, are structures such as Ancient Agora and Thissio Park. The Plaka would be located towards the center and the Acropolis to the right. Tickets to the Acropolis are also valid for visiting the Greek and Roman Agoras, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysos and the Kerameikos Cemetery.

From Mars Hill, the Temple of Hephaestos, is the most intact Doric temple in Greece. It is dedicated to the god of iron workers, blacksmiths, those that worked with fire who created items such as tools, statues, jewelry and armor. It was transformed into a Christian church, the Chapel of St. George (of the dragon) which may have helped in keeping the temple in its current state.

From Mars Hill, we were now ready to explore oneof the most magnificent temples of Greek architecture, The Acropolis.

What to See and What to Do:

Syntagma Square
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Hadrian’s Arch
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Church of Agios Eleftherios
Acharnon 384, Athina 111 43, Greece

Panathanaic Stadium
Vasileos Konstantinou Anevue (opposite the statue of Myron Discobolus)
Athens, 116 35, Greece

Areopagus
Theorias 21, Athina 105 55, Greece

Ancient Agora
Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55, Greece

Thissio Park
Apostolou Pavlou, Athina 105 55, Greece

Hadrian’s Library
?, Areos 3, Athina 105 55, Greece

Theatre of Dionysos
The Acropolis
Mitseon 25, Athina 117 42, Greece

Kerameikos Cemetery
Ermou 148, Athina 105 53, Greece

Temple of Hephaestos
Athens 105 55, Greece

Chapel of St. George
Thrasillou 18, Athina 105 58, Greece

Acropolis
Athens 105 58, Greece

Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 55, Greece

Where to Stay:

AVA Hotel and Suites
9-11 Lyssikratous Street, Plaka,
Athens, Attiki, 105 51 Greece
Telephone: +30 21 00325 9000

Where to Eat:

2Mazi Restaurant
48 Nikis Street, Plaka
Athens, Attiki, 105 51 Greece

What to Eat:

- Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
- Greek Salad
- Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
- Gyros
- Lamb
- Local Olives
- Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
- Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
- Pomegranates
- Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
- Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
- Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
- Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
- Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

The Odyssey, by Homer
The King Must Die, by Mary Renault
Little Infamies, by Panos Karnezis
My Family and Other Animals, by Gerald Durrell
Uncle Petros and Goldbach’s Conjecture, by Apostolos Doxiadis
Freedem and Death, by Nikos Kazantzakis
The Dark Labyrinth, by Lawrence Durrell
The Names, by Don DeLillo
Atticus the Storyteller’s 100 Greek Myths by Lucy Coats and Anthony Lewis

Photo Guide for Athens, Greece:

Acropolis
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Ancient Agora
Dromeas “Running Man” Sculpture
Changing of the Guard (Evzones)
Panatheniac Stadium
Anafiotika Neighborhood
Mount Lycabettus
Lake Vouliagmeni
Pentelikion Waterfall

The Archaeological Museum at Olympia, Greece

22 May 20233 May 2025

The Olympia Archaeological Museum is within walking distance of the site where the first Olympic Games took place. The weather was beginning to heat up outside, so it was a welcome sight as we were met by our tour guide in the air-conditioned lobby of this fantastic exhibition of Olympic treasures.

Entering the museum, my eyes were immediately drawn to the small scale replica of the Olympic grounds. It was a perfect way for me to put the ruins that we had just visited in perspective. I could now imagine the ancient city of Olympia as it would have stood at the height of its splendor.

Continuing toward the main hall, I could see statues lined up on each side of the room. To the left were the Lapiths and Centaur statues that made up the West Pediment of the Temple of Zeus. From left to right, the lifelike figures included: The Old Ladies, Lapith Boy, Centaur with Lapith Boy, Deidama, Apollo, Theseus, seen here as the bearded man on the left, is beating up a Centaur, half man/half horse who has come down to break up a wedding reception and the god Apollo, is urging him on, Lapith Girl, and lastly, The Old Ladies.

To the right, I could see the Statues of Pelops from the East Pediment of the Temple of Zeus, which would have been located above the main entrance of the temple. It was here that the victors were crowned with their olive wreaths. From left the right the statues stood in the following order: Alpheios, Pelops Quadriga,(shown here: Hippodamia, Pelops, Zeus, Oinomaos), Sterope, Dinomaos Quadriga, Kladeos. Pelops was the mythical founder of the games and King Oenomaus prepare to compete in the chariot races. Standing beside Pelops is Hippodamia, the king’s daughter.

Exiting this room, I continued straight ahead for a view of the statue of Nike (Nee-kee), also known as the statue of Victory as well as the Nike of Paconios. It was originally located next to the Temple of Zeus. The statue is made of marble from the island of Paros. With her wings she would have towered 36 feet tall, alit on her pedestal rising above the Olympic winners during their crowning ceremony.

The room to the right of the statue of Nike contains artifacts that were found in the Workshop of Pheidias’ Room. The large cup shown as #10, was found to have an inscription that stated, “I belong to Pheidias.” There are several items displayed here that show the fascinating artistry of the ancient Greeks. With their various designs and figures of Greek gods, their possessions prove to show the importance of their religious beliefs and talent in the arts.

Set apart in its own alcove, the Hermes of Praxiteles is a masterpiece in Classical sculpture. Praxiteles was known in his day as the first artist to sculpt nude women and was the master of creating figures that were anatomically correct. This statue took Praxiteles 10 years to complete and was uncovered in the Temple of Hera. Hermes, seen here with Dionysis, is one of the most brilliant discoveries of the site of Olympia.

There were two tiers of statues lining the extravagant Nymphaeum (fountain) and they can be found by a bit of backtracking to the Workshop of Pheidias and turning left towards a long hall. This next room is lined with the statues of the emperors and their families, while the bull, located in the center of the room, would have been a central masterpiece adorning the fountain of the Nymphaeum.

It is absolutely astonishing that many of the archaeological finds from Olympia remained intact and have been restored quite nicely. For example, the Disk of the Sun, located in the Temple of Hera is a fabulous example of the preservation of these timeless artifacts. This seven and a half foot wide disk made of terra-cotta was painted in various colors. It was the akroterion that rested upon the crest of the temple’s roof, representing the virtue of truth.

The prize for winning the Olympic Games were not medals like the athletes receive today. Some of the gifts may have included bronze cauldrons or items made with precious medals. These large pots were also used as vessels containing gifts to the gods such as incense, sacrificial offerings or liquid potions.

A fascinating collection of artifacts tell the story of the Olympic Games and explains how this location was also an important religious site for the athletes. These were some of my favorites:

Bronze Griffins

Terra Cotta Medusa

Shield Device with Representation of Phobos

Statue with Intricate Detail of Uniform

What interested me about Olympia was that the area was not only a stadium, arena and training center but also the religious sites and housing for the athletes and their families. This is only a small fraction of the delicate items that are displayed at the archaeological museum and is well worth the time to explore.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Olympia Archaeological Museum? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia
Archea Olimpia 270, 65
Greece
Telephone: +30 2624 022742

Admission Fee: 12 Euros from April to October and 6 Euros from November to March.
Hours: Open from April 1 to October 31. From November 1 to March 31 from 8AM to 3PM.
Scenic View: Beautiful views of the ancient ruins of Olympia and view of Knossos Hill
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early in the day as tours come in during the afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring bottled water and snacks as there are no options available until you enter the Archaeological Museum.

Where to Stay:

Bacchus
Arhaia Pissa 10,
Archea Olimpia , 270, 65
Greece
Telephone: +30 2624 022298

Where to Eat:

Bacchus Tavern
Arhaia Pissa 10,
Archea Olimpia , 270, 65
Greece
Telephone: +30 2624 022298

I ordered a mix of appetizers which included the Dolmadakia (grape leaves stuffed with rice), Tyropitakia (feta cheese wrapped in a puff pastry) and the Rolakia (smoked bacon and cheese wrapped in puff pastry) and a bottle of Malagousia Assyrtiko wine, locally produced in Olympia.

What to Eat:

Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
Greek Salad
Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
Gyros
Lamb
Local Olives
Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
Pomegranates
Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

Mythos by Stephen Fry
The Olympic Games in Ancient Greece by NicolaosYalouris
Ancient Greek Athletes by Stephen G Miller

The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games

15 May 20233 May 2025

Watching the Olympic Games as I child, I always admired watching the gymnasts during the Summer Games and favored the ice skating competition in the winter. As a family, we would cheer on our favorite contenders and anxiously await the results of the victor, much similar to the ancient games that first took place in the city of Olympia, Greece.

Olympia is a popular day trip from the port of Katakalon, a cruise ship port in the Peloponnese district of Greece. Entering the location of the original Olympic Games, we had the opportunity to watch archaeologists continue their work in uncovering the gymnasium site of these ancient ruins.

It is amazing to consider that the first Olympic Games began in 776 BC during the Bronze Age as a religious festival in honor of the Greek mythical god, Zeus. Ironically, just off into the distance is Kronos Hill, the location which the Greeks consider to be the birthplace of Zeus. According to the Greek mythology, Zeus is the god of the sky, lightning and thunder, law, order and justice.

The site of Olympia is a compound with numerous buildings in association with the competitive games. We strolled past the Prytaneion, the building for which the presiding officers of the game would welcome the competitors. Athletes from miles away would journey to this location to compete, which was an honor not only to themselves, but to the villages for which they were representing.

Because the Olympic Games took place over several days, the athletes would arrive weeks prior to the competition for training. It is for this reason that the Gymnasium was built as temporary lodging for the competitors until after the games were completed.

A dedicated training area and separate living quarters from all other athletes were built for the wrestlers, boxers and long jumpers called the Palaistra. It was here were the pankratiasts would train and was an event where these “all In” fighters would fight to the death, a popular event of the Olympics and similar to the Ultimate Fighting Championships of today.

Our next stop was a visit to Pheidias’ workshop and it was one of my favorite locations on the site. Phieidias was the great artist known for building the 40 foot gold statue of Zeus, housed in the temple’s inner room. A Byzantine church was built over this site, but when excavations were conducted in this location, there was a cup that was excavated with the notation, “I belong to Pheidias”. The archaeological items from his workshop are located in the museum, a short walking distance from the ancient ruins.

From Pheidias’ workshop we could see an enormous structure with one column which has been identified as the temple to Zeus. He was the king of all Greek gods as well as the patron of the Olympic Games. It was the largest of the Greek temples during its time, with 34 colossal Doric columns, measuring 6 stories high. A replica of the temple and photo of the Statue of Zeus is located in the archaeological museum.

Throughout the Olympic site there were various pedestals for which statues were displayed. A lone standing pillar measuring 29 feet tall once supported the goddess of Nike, who represents victory. The column remains but the statue was moved to the archaeological museum to protect it from the environment.

Winning the Olympic Games was a big deal in Greece and winning three times elevated the athletes to god status. Various columns were erected to display statues of these newly appointed gods. The winners would also be showered with gifts back home and songs would be written about them.

Unfortunately for the losers, public humiliation was just as intense. It was said that many would go into hiding to escape from the embarrassment of facing their friends, family and fellow countrymen.

What I found interesting at Olympia was, in addition to honoring the winners of the games, the cheaters were publicly called-out with their own displays. There are a total of sixteen “Bases of Zanes” which were inscribed with the name of the cheater and their offense. It was intended to remain here for all to see for generations and was a way to humiliate the families as well as the offender. It was said that people would spit on the stones as they entered the stadium. Some of the offenses included the use of forbidden herbs, drinking of animals blood, taking bribes, and quitting the games.

Prior to entering the stadium, there was a terrace where the Row of Treasuries was located. This building housed the expensive offerings that were collected from the spectators of the Olympic Games and the currency of these items were used to support the maintenance of the grounds and for building additional structures.

Another feature located up on the hill were the remains of the Nymphaeum. This impressive fountain served as an oasis to the visitors and athletes at the Olympic Games. Inside of the Nymphaeum was a statue of a bull, which can be viewed at the Olympia Archaeological Museum.

Soon, we found ourselves nearing the location where the Olympic foot races took place and we passed through the archway where many talented athletes entered before us. The 100 foot tunnel leading to the stadium (or stadion) was called the Krypte (a vaulted corridor), and was the official entrance for both the judges as well as the athletes. The recesses along the side of the tunnel served as a type of “locker” for the athletes. The Krypte was also known as the “secret entrance”.

Walking into the stadium was an exhilarating feeling as I approached the starting line. Flanking the 640 foot clay track are two hills which could seat over 40,000 people to watch the athletes compete in their respective sport. There is a small stonelike structure to the left of the starting line, about halfway down the field. It was here that the goddess Demeter Chamyne would sit on her altar as the only woman permitted to attend the competition. On the opposite side of the altar was the Judge’s Box. It was the designated seating area for elected local nobles who acted as referees (Hellanodikai) during the Games. At the starting line, there are 20 blocks made of white marble, each with two grooves for the feet of the athletes preparing for their race. It is a fun exercise for visitors to stand on their mark, get set and go, running downfield towards the end of the track.

There were several structures that had played an important role in the festivities of the Olympic Games over the years. One of these was the Altar of Hera. Not much remains of the Altar, but it functioned as the location of the ceremonial “Lighting of the Olympic Flame”. It was here where the select, local Greek women would commence the celebration dressed as priestesses, performing ritualistic dances in honor of the gods. Once the torch had been lit, the light would begin its long trek from Olympia ending its journey in the city that will host the Olympic Games. This ceremony signifies the official start of the contemporary Olympic Games and is televised months before the athletic competitions begin.

In close vicinity to the altar is the The Temple of Hera which is the oldest structure in the sanctuary. It dates back to 630 BC, with dimensions of 61 feet wide and 164 feet long. Inside of the temple were statues of Hera, the wife of the Greek god Zeus. Impressive artifacts from the temple include a statue of Hermes and the Disk of the Sun, both of which can be seen in the museum.

Sitting among the shaded trees in proximity to the Temple of Hera is the Philippeion, which is said to have been built during the Hellenistic era. The structure was designed as a memorial to Philip the Great, the ruler of Macedonia and father to Alexander the Great, who would one day create one of the largest empires of the ancient world. The circular edifice displayed statues of Philip and his family and was the first building that visitors would see upon entering Olympia.

After our tour we were provided the opportunity to explore the grounds and additional buildings on site. Walking back towards Kronos Hill, I noticed a well preserved structure which was known as the Leonidaion. Named after an affluent Naxian, Leonidas, it served as a guest house for the wealthy spectators as well as the visiting officials. Our scheduled time at leisure was minimal so that we would have the opportunity to visit the treasures that are housed at the Olympia Archaeological Museum. Knowing that this site was well-preserved due to its abandonment in the 4^th century BC, I could not wait to see the artifacts. Stay tuned for Part II of my exploration of Olympia, Greece which highlights the amazing relics on display at the museum, uncovered at this spectacular archaeological site.

What is your favorite sport of the winter and summer Olympics? Have you visited the city of Olympia? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my excursion to the site of the original Olympic Games! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ancient Olympia
PC 27 065
Olympia
Telephone: +30 26240 22742

Admission Fee: 12 Euros from April to October and 6 Euros from November to March.
Hours: Open from April 1 to October 31. From November 1 to March 31 from 8AM to 3PM.
Scenic View: Beautiful views of the ancient ruins of Olympia and view of Knossos Hill
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early in the day as tours come in during the afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring bottled water and snacks as there are no options available until you enter the Archaeological Museum.

Where to Stay:

Bacchus
Arhaia Pissa 10,
Archea Olimpia , 270, 65
Greece
Telephone: +30 2624 022298

Where to Eat:

Bacchus Tavern
Arhaia Pissa 10,
Archea Olimpia , 270, 65
Greece
Telephone: +30 2624 022298

What to Eat:

Baklava: made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
Choriatiki: Greek salad
Dolmadakia/Dolmades: stuffed grape leaves
Ellinikos: Greek coffee
Gyros
Kataifi: similar to baklava, but rolled
Moussaka: Greek’s answer to lasagna
Pastitsio: pasta made with noodles, ground beef and a bechamel sauce
Retsina Wine: has been made over 2000 years
Souvlaki: meat on a skewer
Spanikopita: pastry filled with spinach and cheese
Tzatziki: a Greek sauce made with yogurt, garlic, olive oil and fresh dill

What to Read:

Olympia: The Story of the Ancient Games, by Robin Waterfield
Race Through Time! Kid’s Guide to Olympia, Greece by Penelope Dyan
The Olympic Games in Ancient Greece – Ancient Olympia and the Olympic Games, by Nicolaos Yalouris

Santorini: Life on a Volcano
Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu…the Favorite Vacation Destination for an Empress
Corinth, a Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

Corfu, Greece…the Favorite Vacation Destination for an Empress

8 May 20233 May 2025

Overlooking the Mandraki Harbor in Corfu, the old fort displayed evidence of Venetian influence with images of winged lions resting on its fortification.

Kerkyra, more commonly known to tourists as Corfu, is located just off the mainland of Greece, between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Corfu Town is a popular port with a strong Venetian influence as exhibited in its architecture.

Throughout the maze of streets in the Old Town, there were several streetside cafes.

One of the more interesting areas of Corfu Town was Liston. Because it had once been occupied by the French, the country’s influence on Corfu was visible in its architecture. Fashioned after the Rue de Rivoli, it was a replica of one of Paris’ most famous streets. The French ruled here from 1797 to 1814 (with a brief rule by the Ottoman in between), and then later the British from 1814 to 1864.

In the early days when the Venetians ruled Corfu, only the noble and aristocrats were permitted to walk among the arcades.

Through the alleyways I caught a glimpse of the beautiful flowers cascading from archways and apartment balconies.

The Church of Agios Spyridon was located a few blocks behind the Liston. Built in the 16^th century, it displays ceiling murals designed by Panagiotis Doxaras.

I love the Greek tradition of placing candles in the sand outside of the church.

There are many shops scattered among the streetside restaurants that offer local delicacies. One of the shops provided samples of kumquats and kumquat liquor. Kumquats are a fruit that comes from a tree. They are small, about the size of an olive and resemble the orange in both appearance and taste.

It was time for us to board the bus headed to the Achilleion Palace. Sailboats anchored off the scenic coast as we made our way south during our drive.

The Achillion Palace was built for Empress Elisabeth in 1890 as a second home and retreat from her native Austria. It was later acquired by German Kaiser William II in 1898 after she was assassinated. The palace is now a museum displaying the belongings of both the Empress and Kaiser.

Throughout the mansion there were statues and paintings of Achilles. Achilles was a mighty warrior and Greek hero of the Trojan War. He was killed when a poisoned arrow was shot through his heel, the only vulnerable part of his body.

Another statue on the grounds of the mansion showed Achilles reaching towards his ankle in pain after having been shot. Today we know the tender area behind our foot as the “Achilles Tendon”.

In keeping with the Achilles theme throughout the mansion, the mural inside titled “The Triumph of Achilles” depicted Achilles’ defeat over Hector during the Trojan War. Achilles was riding a chariot dragging Hector behind.

Empress Elisabeth had a tragic life. A year after the death of her son, she decided to build a summer home on the island of Corfu. She grew to love the Greek culture and language and the Achillion Palace was her favorite place with its panoramic view of the island.

Elisabeth’s love of Greek mythology was evident in the entryway of her palace with statues depicting fairies and fauns.

Once I had completed the tour of the Achillion Palace, I took a moment to have a drink at the Nova Bella Vista, a Mediterranean café. It was the perfect opportunity to take in the coast.

We had a short bus ride to the town of Paleokastritsa on the east side of the island where we would visit a monastery, have a group lunch and then hang out at the beach if there is enough time.

The Monastery of the Virgin Mary, also known as Panagia Paleokastritsa, is of Byzantine origin and was first built in 1228. It was a short uphill climb from the beautiful bay of Paleokastritsa. The current structure was from the 18th century and provided stunning views of the coastline.

Even today, there are Greek Orthodox Monks who reside here to hold mass and provide assistance to the local residents. They offer tours of the monastery and grounds and are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their home.

There are several resident cats who will take the time to play with you during your visit to the monastery. They live here permanently and are cared for by the monks.

As we approached the church, we were reminded that only those dressed appropriately (shoulders and knees must be covered) were permitted to enter. They also requested that we provide a small monetary donation.

Leaving the village of Lakones towards the bay, I was rewarded with a magnificent view of Paleokastritsa and the fir trees.

The crystal blue waters and rock formations below can be explored by kayak. There is a small beach here for those that have brought the proper attire, but soon we would board the bus to head back to the ship.

The bay of Paleokastritsa from the beach was full of craggy rocks. There were several restaurants across the street to enjoy a light lunch and there were a variety of menu items for sale. I did not want to leave the beautiful blue sky and blue sea, the friendly locals and the relaxed atmosphere. I can see why this island is perfect for an Empress.

Have you visited the island of Corfu? Where did you go and what was your favorite activity? I would be happy to hear about your adventures in Corfu if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit and wishing you Many Happy Travels!

…dragging Hector behind…

Have you had the opportunity to visit the island of Corfu? What was your favorite part of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing visit to Corfu and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Venetian Fortress
Corfu, 491 00 Greece

Admission Fee: 6 Euros per person and 3 Euros for seniors
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 8PM
Amenities: restaurant (expensive), restrooms, ice cream and refreshments
Scenic Views: The views of Corfu Town and the Ionian Sea are spectacular from the fort.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The entrance is located in front of the Liston near the Explanade. The climb to the top to see the lighthouse is steep. The walking paths are a bit slippery, so wear appropriate walking shoes. When the cruise ship is in port, the fort can be quite busy and with only one restroom, the lines can be long. The attraction is not handicap accessible.

Church of Agios Spyridon
Platytyra, Corfu, 49100
Telephone: +30 26610 39912

Admission Fee: No charge, but a small donation is much appreciated
Hours: Open daily from 7AM to 8PM
Length of the Tour: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Wear appropriate dress which requires the shoulders and knees to be covered.

Achilleion (Achillion) Palace
Telephone: +30 26610 56245

Admission Fee: 10 Euros per person
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 9PM
Amenities: restaurant nearby, audio guides, gardens, souvenir stalls, restrooms,
Scenic Views: The views of Corfu Town from the gardens is beautiful.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Have your passport/identification ready for renting the audio guide. When the cruise ship is in port, the palace can be quite busy and they have priority over individual entries, so go early in the day or late afternoon to escape the crowds.

The Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Panagia Paleokastritsa
Kavos, Greece

Admission Fee: No fee, but be prepared to make a small contribution
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 9PM
Amenities: restaurant with stunning oceanside views. udio guides, gardens, souvenir stalls, restrooms,
Scenic Views: Beautiful view of the Paleokastritsa up the climb and the restaurant also has amazing views
Length of the Tour: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The walk up the hill to the monastery is quite steep. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water if the temperature is warm. There is a monk available to answer any questions you may have.

Where to Stay:

MarBella Corfu
Agios Ioannis Peristeron
49084 Corfu, Greece
Telephone: +30 26610 711836

Where to Eat:

Cafe Liston
Kerkiras 10
Kerkiras, 491 00 Greece
Telephone: +30 2661 045528

What to Eat:

Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
Greek Salad
Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
Gyros
Lamb
Local Olives
Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
Pomegranates
Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

The Rough Magic by Mary Stewart
The Raven Witch of Corfu by Effrosyni Moschoudi
The Holiday by Erica James
Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts
Invincible Summer by Alice Adams
The Venetian House by Mary Nickson

Photo Guide for Corfu, Greece

Old Town Corfu (Kerkyra)
St. George’s Church in Kerkyra
Achilleion Palace
Palaiokastritsa and the Monastery
The Gorge at Agni Bay
Cape Drastis
Vlacherna Monastery (near Mouse Island)
Canal d’Amour
Sunset at Loggas Beach
Porto Timoni Beach

A Girl’s Trip to Turkey and Greece: Arriving in Istanbul

13 March 20233 May 2025

It was June and my best friend, Melissa was trying to put together a girl’s trip to Turkey and Greece. She had spent last summer there and wanted to bring a group of us to experience these amazing countries with the friends she had made there.

At the last minute, I learned that I would have to leave early because of an FDA audit, but I was so excited to meet up with our friends, old and new, for an opportunity of a lifetime.

From left to right: Shawna, Amye, Melissa, Trish, Me and Maria

Since each of us lived in different states, we met together in Newark enjoying drinks and snacks at the United Club’s lounge. Most of us had arrived early, so it was a long day of waiting but so much fun catching up and getting to know each other.

We decided to have dinner at the airport before our flight and agreed upon Vino Volo.

Our flight was scheduled for an evening departure the flight but was continuously delayed until we learned that the pilot bringing in the flight had too many hours and therefore, the Istanbul flight was cancelled.

We found a local hotel for the evening and would be back the next day in hopes of catching the next flight out.

We woke early the next morning only to learn that there had been a shooting at the hotel so we were sequestered in the lobby until they could finish their investigation. About an hour later, we called a taxi and began our quest for reaching Istanbul the next day.

We were able to board a flight to Frankfurt instead of the direct flight we had attempted the night before. At least we would be closer to our destination and have more opportunities in the event there were more flight cancellations.

Our flight from Frankfurt to Istanbul was a couple of hours away, so we found a corner to drop our bags and wait while Melissa took care of all of the details. We had fun listening to music from Bruno Mars, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, which became our trip’s theme songs.

As the time approached to check in, It was down to the wire. We were worried that we would be split up so that some of us could make the trip and the rest would follow. Luckily, they had just enough seats for all of us and we were becoming more excited about our arrival into Turkey.

I had the perfect seat to watch us land into Istanbul. The sun was shining and we could see the beautiful city and the Bosporus.

As soon as we had arrived, Melissa’s friend Timur had met us at the airport. He had arranged a couple of cars to pick us up, provide a driving tour of the city. We had a few minutes to stretch out while we were in the heart of Istanbul and I couldn’t get enough of this amazing city.

After strolling around for a couple of hours, we continued our carpool tour escaping near accidents with wild drivers and narrow tunnels. The sound of car horns is prohibited adding to the charm of the Old Town and its cobblestone streets.

The traffic was in full force as we had arrived during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. Locals filled the streets and vendors were selling their Turkish Taffy (Ottoman candy) and trinkets. Restaurants were open as usual but hardly filled due to the fasting that is required of the Muslims during this time. We found a cute little cafe for lunch, ordered pita bread with hummus and drank the local beer.

Timur was hosting a welcoming party so we decided to go back to his extravagant house along the Bosporus. Timur is an art dealer and has done exceptionally well in the city. He was so happy to host us, enjoy some time at his home and then go out on the town for the evening. We were excited to have the opportunity to spend time with him and learn more about the customs of Istanbul and make plans for our afternoon in Istanbul the next day.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Istanbul? Were you on a guided trip or had the pleasure of meeting one of the locals to take you around? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my first-ever visit to Istanbul and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Contact a Local Tour Guide to take you around the city!

Where to Stay:

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul
Alemdar, Ticarethane Sk. No. 10
Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 522 32 00

Where to Eat:

Cozy Pub and Restaurant
Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No. 60
34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 212 520 09 90

Tip: Take the elevator up to the rooftop for spectacular views of the Blue Mosque and surrounding area.

What to Eat:

Baklava: made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
Gozleme is a type of bread that is shaped in a square and stuffed with various fillings such as meat, cheese, potatoes or vegetables and then cooked over a griddle. The cheese and spinach reminds me of spanikopita.
Iskender Kebab: thinly sliced lamb is smothered in tomato sauce and served with traditional bread, then topped with yogurt and butter.
Mezze is a sample of several small bites that may include yogurt with herbs, hummus, olives, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), meatballs, eggplant, white cheese and warm bread.
Simit is a fun street food bread that is similar to a pretzel.
Turkish Apple Tea is absolutely amazing and was one of my favorite drinks while visiting Turkey.
Turkish Delight: a delicious dessert is made up of dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, which is pink in color.
Turkish Ice Cream, also known as Dondurma, is a little thicker in consistency, but it will not melt. A must try.
Turkish Pizza is outstanding and tastes so fresh. Made from Turkish Pide (a type of pastry), it is similar to a flatbread with a variety of toppings.
Turkish Ravioli: dumplings stuffed with beef or lamb served with yogurt.

What to Read:

Istanbul: Memories of a City, by Orhan Pamuk
The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shahak
My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk
Istanbul Passage, by Joseph Kanon

Photo Guide for Istanbul:

Galata Tower for views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus River
The Blue Mosque for its amazing blue tiles
The Rainbow Stairs at Sali Pazari Yokusu
The Rooftop Terrace of Seven Hills Hotel for views of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace AND the Hagia Sophia
Rooftop Terrace of Cozy’s Restaurant for views of the Blue Mosque
Inside the Hagia Sophia in the afternoon when the light shines in from the windows
The Grand Bazaar
Balat for colorful structures in the former Jewish neighborhood

Jungle Jim’s International Market, Fairfield, Ohio

10 November 201616 September 2024

To describe Jungle Jim’s as an “International Food Lovers’ Paradise!” is more than accurate and may quite well be understated.

The parking lot was packed as I arrived at the supermarket’s flagship location in Fairfield, Ohio. Not quite sure what to expect, I was happy to have picked up a map because this place is ginormous. With my shopping cart, I began my trek through over 150,000 worldwide product and was happy to try some samples as well. I could have easily spent hours browsing the aisles, sorting through all of the fabulous merchandise and produce.

Greeted by a talking corn stalk, I would soon learn that the entertaining displays are as much a part of the experience of Jungle Jim’s as exploring the superstore and its endless grocery items.

Bearing towards the right, I passed the pharmacy and American grocery aisles. I soon arrived at the delicatessen where I found several stands displaying a wide variety of snacks. Attendants were distributing samples of organic crackers topped with brie cheese and fig jam. I found myself adding these items to my cart for my next get-together with friends.

I selected a few dairy products from Greece and Italy to create a charcuterie board to enjoy later that afternoon. I also selected a variety of cheeses from England, Ireland and Australia.

What’s a charcuterie board without wine? The wine and beer “wing” of the market is stocked with spirits from all over the world that at first glance, I was a bit overwhelmed. The wine representatives at Jungle Jim’s are more than helpful to help visitors find the best wines in their price range based on the wine that interest them.

Nearby was a liquor store, a humidor and a tasting bar. There is not much that Jungle Jim’s does not offer and who wouldn’t mind a glass of wine while shopping for groceries?

This is not just the average grocery store wine selection. There are aisles and aisles of wines from Argentina to South Africa, clearly marked by country.

One of my favorite areas of wine to explore is the local vintages where I stocked up on a few bottles from my favorite Ohio wineries.

The beer selection is just as impressive. I had a great time shopping for a few international beers to enjoy throughout the week. Each aisle is clearly marked by country and local beers making it easy for me to find the brands I wanted to sample.

Jungle Jim’s also has a tasting room where visitors can sample a pre-selected list of wines and beers for a minimal charge. I ordered a couple of samples and then a glass of wine, that I could drink as I continued shopping.

I passed the beer cave and restrooms heading away from the beer and wine until I arrived at the bakery. With so many selections, I decided to pick up some cannolis and macaroons.

The desserts seemed to continue on into eternity. In addition to Jungle Jim-made sweets, there are local selections from some of the best bakeries in Cincinnati.

The meat counter offers fresh cuts of meat or packaged items that include some exotic cuts of beef. One of my favorite areas of the market is the International produce where fruits and vegetables are imported from all over the world.

Where else can you find Durian fruit in the state of Ohio?

To the left of the International Produce section which includes such items as bok choy, chili peppers, yucca, etc., there are several rows of freezers and shelving units that display Asian foods and spices.

From Japanese to Balinese, Chinese to Taiwanese, there is no shortage of cooking items for making some of the best Asian dishes.

I couldn’t wait to explore the seafood area. Jungle Jim’s is one of the rare markets that carries sushi-grade tuna. I was also able to find lobster, oysters as well as a selection of local fish.

Once I had taken in the smells of the seafood and said goodbye to the lobster, I arrived at a large fire truck showcasing a never ending supply of hot sauce.

Germany is to my right and further down the aisle is a great selection of cookware and gadgets. From here, I could see Sherwood Forest representing the foods of Great Britain. I picked up some Twinings Tea and proceeded past the Hispanic section towards the aisles of Italy.

In the market for a couple of great pasta sauces, the Jungle Jim’s representative suggested a local option, so I grabbed one off of the shelf and began making my way towards the check out line.

Within minutes I was home and ready to open one of my bottles of wine after a long day of shopping. I had such an amazing experience at Jungle Jim’s and couldn’t wait to make a few new dishes from the ingredients I had just purchased. Removing a pad and pen from the kitchen drawer, I began a new list of items to purchase for another visit I planned for the next weekend.

Jungle Jim’s International Market first opened its doors as a permanent fruit and vegetable market in 1975. From its humble beginnings in a 4,200 square foot complex to a 6-acre megastore, Jungle Jim’s also provides a variety of additional services to its customers including banking, pharmacy, post office, jewelers, hair dressers and restaurants to name a few.

Have you visited Jungle Jim’s or experienced an international Superstore? I would love to hear about your experience so leave your comments below! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Jungle Jim’s International Market
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield OH, 45014
Telephone: 513 674 6000

Jungle Jim’s International Market – Eastgate location
4450 Eastgate South Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 674 6000

Hours: Daily from 8AM to 8PM; Holiday Hours – Easter: 8AM to 8PM, Thanksgiving: 8AM to 5PM, Christmas Eve: 8AM to 6PM, Christmas Day: Closed, New Year’s Eve: 8AM to 8PM, New Year’s Day: 8AM to 8PM
Amenities: worldwide merchandise, guided tours, cooking classes, events, wine tastings
Length of Visit: Minimum 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Pick up a map of the venue; plan on at least a couple of hours if you want to explore the whole store. check out the website for upcoming events and cooking classes, arrive on Saturdays and Sundays for samples, and visit Monday through Friday to avoid the large crowds.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Fairfield
6755 Fairfield Business, Joyce Park Drive
Fairfield, OH 45014
Telephone: 513 860 2900

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Eastgate
4521 Eastgate Blvd.,
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 947 9402

Where to Eat:

Acapulco
5953 Boymel Drive
Fairfield, OH 45015
Telephone: 513 874 5777

I ordered the Hot & Spicy Burrito filled with refried beans, ground beef, shredded chicken and rice, topped with supreme sauce and sour cream.

BanThai

792 Eastgate S Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 752 3200

The Bento Boxes for lunch are the best deal priced at only $10.95 served with salad, spring roll, crab rangoon, fruit, and lo mein noodles or rice. So far, I have tried Box Number 3 (spicy tuna roll and 3 pieces of a California roll), Box Number 4 (Shrimp Tempura roll and 3 pieces of a California Roll), and Box Number 15 (Grilled 4 chicken satay). They are made fresh and extremely filling.

More of My Favorite Places to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Books to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.