Home of the Ancients
By: Mary Dunn ©2007

PART I.  Because there is so much to cover with this trip, I am going to post it in two parts.  This way, it is my hope that you don't get bored reading it and look forward to the next installment .

When I travel abroad, I plan my trip well in advance because it is the one chance to see a different country, take in its history and really get to investigate monuments and local scenery.  Also, unless you are going to visit the country via a tour, most likely, it is best to plan on sights to visit that have interest to the traveler and sites that are worthy of the time. 

Today, planning a trip or finding information about a possible travel destination is easy with the technology and research capabilities of the internet.  The surfing makes it easy for the novice and provides an array of travel tips and instructions on traveling no matter where you go. 

The past few months, we have stayed in the states, but this month, it is time to venture across the ocean and take our travel into a land of history and beauty.  The country is Greece and the history is not restricted to the ancient era because Modern Greek culture is a fusion of diverse influence that dates back to 1000 BC and the Mycenaean civilization.  From the previous millennia which led to the Classical and Hellenistic eras to those millennia that came after are a part of the rich cultural imprint on the land of Greece and the people who live there.

If you don't already know, the history of Ancient Greece has been the largest influence to today's western society.  The Renaissance was guided in part by the re-discovery of the ancient Greek ideas through art, text, literature, philosophy, science, architecture as well as language which has been the inspiration of many and has been imbedded in western culture for many years.

Perhaps the best way to begin this trip is to know some information before traveling.  Greece is a modern country and some of the larger cities like Athens , Thessaloniki , Patra and Heraklion are very fast paced and can be difficult for one to get used to at first.  So, it might be best in planning to escape from the big cities and travel into the country side or to one of the many Aegean Islands .  This is an option if you aren't used to a big city; however, in planning, be aware not only of the fast pace but of the typical awareness in traveling to a different country.   Be aware of language barriers and the cultures of the country.  

First, it might be wise to take some cash for the trip.  Normally, you might travel with travel checks, but always keep a little stash and put it away for items that you may need when going through customs and finding your luggage.  A little side cash can provide something to eat while waiting for these little disturbances that occur while traveling to a different country.

Secondly, you will be happy to know that there are no immunization vaccines required for the trip to Greece if you are traveling from the US or Canada .  However, if you are traveling from other countries, I suggest consulting the Greek Embassy for vaccination requirements.

Third, for US and Canadian citizens, visiting Greece for a period of less than three months, a valid passport is all that is necessary.    Remember if you are staying longer, obtaining a visa and travel insurance will be necessary.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you live in North or South America, the only way to get to Greece is by air.  There are a few airlines that offer non-stop flights to Athens from New York .  Olympic Airways, the Greek carrier, offers non-stop service from JFK airport ( New York ) to Eleftherions Venizelos airport located in Athens Greece .  However, if you are more budget conscious, just like me, you might want to find indirect flights to Athens .  Many of the major and minor airlines offer these options that are easy on the pockets. 

Just for kicks, I went on Expedia and input some information and came up with a round trip flight that ranged from $804 to $983 roundtrip for one person.  Priceline.com offered a package that includes a hotel and plane fare for a two week trip per person at $2931.  I suggest playing around with those online calculations to come up with a flight/accommodation package that meets your budget.

If you are getting to Greece from Europe , you have several options.  One, is fly, the second is drive.   All major European airlines fly daily into Athens .  If you drive, most European visitors travel through Italy to take advantage of the highways.  Italy connects to Greece via ferry boat.  Once you arrive in Italy that could be an option if you have an interest in visiting northern Greece .

Having the time to plan out this vacation is very important.  However, if the previous options are something that you haven't the time to consider doing, and you just want to let someone else get all the details sorted out; let a travel agent handle the complexities.  A travel agent makes the planning so much easier as they can research the connecting flights, and airlines provide incentives to travel agents, thus providing you a significant savings. 

PACKING FOR GREECE

Packing for any trip can be exhausting.  Should I bring this, or should I take this instead?  Well, packing doesn't have to be difficult.  As you decide on essentials for your trip, think also about space and how much weight is added to the load.  Remember, at one point, you will be carrying the luggage, and making it too heavy can really create problems especially if you are not a person of strength.

Consider that some of the items that you are planning to put in the luggage may already be available in Greece .   Ask yourself, is it really essential to carry 3 bottles of shampoo with you when it is easily purchased. 

Looking at Greece as ancient Greece is really not the case as it is a modern city with "Supermarkets" that have been imported from Europe and the United States , so you don't have to pack a years worth of toothpaste and mouthwash.

Here are a few of the "necessities" that you will definitely want to take.

If you live in a country with 110V electricity, your accessories such as a blow dryer or shaver will not work in Greece because 220V is the standard.   I would suggest purchasing an adaptor kit. These can be found on the internet and for as little as $10.00.   The electrical adaptor will assure you that all your equipment will work.  

Next, if you are like me, you can't live without your computer.   Taking a computer along and planning to connect to the Internet is simple if you have a Modular Telephone Adaptor for Greece.   Many older Greek telephone plugs are almost certainly different than the ones you use in your country.   If you feel that purchasing an adapter is not practical, there are many cafés in Greece that have internet connections.   So, with that in mind, you can always send a message or retrieve emails for a small fee.

There is another option for internet usage by connecting with a pre-paid internet card which can be purchased from a "Periptero" (the ubiquitous yellow kiosks).   Be careful in purchasing a card.   Certain cards are nothing but trouble and can be costly.   Purchase a NetKey card issued by ForthNet.   On the back of the card, a telephone number is provided.   Once the number is dialed, you will be connected.   However, don't forget, each call will also be charged.   But, it only costs around $.25 for an hour by connecting using the telephone number provided on the card.   Visit www.netkey.gr for more information, and don't be shocked when you visit the site as you can change the language to English in order to find more information on the product.

If you run out of usage minutes, you can add more to the card via the internet.  

The next and most important necessity is of course, your camera.   If you don't have a camera, you must go purchase one, because you will regret not taking photos in Greece .   I find the best time to take photos in Greece is early morning and late afternoon.   That is when the sun is low on the horizon and the sharp shadows provide excellent volume.     Greece is an absolute photographer's paradise.   Everywhere you turn, there is a great photographic moment whether it is landscapes, artifact, architecture, street life or people, and Greece offers the most wonderful experience for incredible photography.

One thing to note, most of the museums and archeological sites will not allow flash picture taking.   Allow for this when taking a photo.   Most cameras have aperture settings, and if you purchase the correct film or apply the setting for a digital, your photographs should be successful.   As with any photo experience, within a museum where an artifact is behind glass, there is a glare.   A simple remedy to the situation is to purchase a polarizing filter.   This will eliminate those glares of the glass.

Another interesting point is that if you decide to photograph an ancient statue, some of the museums will not let people stand next to them.   Remember the statues are works of art and could potentially be nude.   Some reactions could be alarming and can come forth in the photograph.   The rules are in place to prevent posing with them in strange ways.

Being in Greece , you will also want to know that you will be around quite a bit of water and sea salt.   Pack some baggies for your equipment.   It will keep it dry as well as sand free.

See you next month where we will take on the city life, peruse the shops and enjoy some of the Greek restaurants.