Hello People,
Well, our time in Moscow has come to an end. Awesome experience. . . Bolshoi ballet, the circus and Red Square not to mention ST. BASIL'S!
Anyway, come and join us on our flight to ATHENS. We love you all, Sofia.
1. Athens is the capital of Greece; it is in Southeast Europe and one of the European Union countries.
2. Greece consists of a mainland area and several islands. Athens is situated on the south part of the mainland.
3. The main language is Greek, although English, French, German and Italian are also spoken by those in tourism and many of the young people.
4. Since 2002 the currency has been the Euro; prior to that it was the Greek Drachma.
5. The religion is 97% Greek Orthodox, with Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.
6. Athens sprawls across the central plain of Attica; often referred to as Attica Basin which is surrounded by four mountains.
7. It has been continuously inhabited for at least 7,000 years.
8. It was chosen as the capital of the new State of Greece in 1834 after the Greek War of Independence.
9. In ancient Greek, the name Athens relates to the goddess Athena. There is a myth regarding this name. Both Poseidon and Athena, requested to be patrons of this city. They competed for it by each bringing a gift. Poseidon produced a salt water spring by striking the ground with his trident thus showing naval power, whereas Athena created the olive tree symbolising peace and prosperity. Athena was chosen by the people.
10. Athens has hosted the Summer Olympics three times in 1896, 1906 and 2004.
11. Perhaps the most famous landmark in Athens is the Acropolis. Originally built in 5th century BC during the 30 year leadership of the Athenian politician, Pericles. It was the most sacred place for worship in Greece.
12. The term 'Acropolis' in Greek, simply means 'High City' and translated as 'Citadel' in English. Today's visitor to the Acropolis takes a steady climb up to the Parthenon, the great temple situated on the top. While walking up one can only think and marvel at what the original city of Athens surrounding this magnificent temple must have been like.
13. This Acropolis is nominated to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
14. Athens, steeped in history, has numerous museums and is one of the world's main centres for archaelogical research.
15. It has 148 theatrical stages including the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus which hosts the Athens Festival from May to October every year.
16. At the centre of the city is Syntagma Square, where the Parliament and most of the Ministries can be found.
17. The magnificent 15.5 hectares of The National Garden of Athens, completed in 1840, is a green refuge in the heart of the city.
18. The old quarter of the town is known as Plaka, which is around the Acropolis. It is picturesque with winding streets, tavernas, craft shops and a famous flea market.
19. Athens has a superb transport system; a large bus fleet, trams, metro and railway service. Take a tram ride from the centre to Paleo Faliro, just 30 minutes to the outskirts of the city and see a different side to Athens. It's the coast!
20. Its nickname is 'The Glorious City' and if you live there you are an Athenian!
"Well, here we are Donald in Athens. Let's do the Parthenon first. Do you remember the last time we were here?"
"Sure do, Sofia. It was that naughty weekend, paid for by Derek. It's all in 'her' book."
"Next week, 'she' is finishing this touring lark in Rome."
"Guess, we had better enjoy ourselves then before the show is over."
"Did you know, Donald, that Mother Teresa would be 100 on 26th August, this Friday?"
"Wow, I wonder if she will be celebrating upstairs?"
"No, shouldn't think so. . .she's not the type."
"You're right, as usual Sofia. So, are you going to leave them with a thought for the week and then we can hit the Parthenon."
"Yes, but don't forget you can still view 'her' interview at www.SarahButland.com "
Thought for the week: A true friend is one soul in two bodies (Aristotle, Greek Philosopher 384-322 BC)
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