Welcome to Athens

To experience Athens is to discover the pages of history coming to life. To explore Athens is to walk in the footsteps of those who planted the seeds of Western Philosophy, science, culture and art. It is an experience one can never forget.

Although it is a bustling modern capital city, Athens still holds the ancient Acropolis and all of its history high enough for everyone to remember. The core of the city is built on a lofty hill with steep sides, providing an excellent defensive site. It is protected by a ring of lower hills, and by two rivers that flow into the sea nearby. Despite its many protections, Athens was far from isolated.

Through Greek eyes, the unique traits of Athens disclosed a special relationship with both Poseidon, god of the sea, and Athena, goddess of wisdom. Athena's characteristic owl was a frequent symbol on Athenian coins and her olive tree, signifying peace and harmony, commonly appears on decorative works.

During the Persian Wars (circa 400 B.C.) the city was captured and destroyed; but Athens anad her allies ultimately expelled their Persian foes from Europe.

PLACES OF INTEREST
The Acropolis "High City"
Acropolis Museum
Ancient Agora
Erectheion
Hadrian's Arch
The Hill of the Muses
National Archaeological Museum
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Parthenon
Plaka
Propylea
Syntagma Square - Constitution Square
Temple of Athena Nike or Temple of Wingless Victory
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Theater of Dionysus
Tower of the winds - "Horologion"

TRAINS
Trains are available from Piraeus and Faliron Train Stations to Athens. The Athens station that is cloest to the Plaka shopping area is Monastiraki, and the station closest to Acropolis is Thiseio Station. Local currency will be needed for the fare. For more information inquire at http://www.urbanrail.net/

SHOPPING
Many of the best souvenirs are inspired by Athen's ancient civilization. You'll find good buys in: Jewelry: High quality gold and silver leather: Particularly sandals and bags. Woodworks; everything from worry beads to bowls and sculptures, made of fragrant olive wood; also folkoric bread stamps and hand guards used in harvesting grain Reproductions: early bronzes, figurines and vase paintings Sponges: These natural, unbleached sponges are a favorite gift Pottery: The best places to shop are along Syntagma and the Plaka, in addition to the area bounded by Kolonaki Square. for last minute shopping, the terminal building houses several stores.

PUBLIC SERVICES
Post Office: located at the corner of Nikis Street and Mitropoleos. Open monday through saturday from 7:30am to 8:00pm
Banks: generally open from 8am to 2pm monday to friday.
Museums: vary, but generally open from 8:30am to 1:30pm except one weekday. Major museums are often open until 6pm or 7pm during the summer
Shops: most shops are open monday, wednesday and thursday from 8am to 3pm. Tuesday and Friday from 8am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm. The Plaka area and tourist shops are usually open all day from 9am to 9pm.

LOCAL CUISINE - Food Specialties
Meals in greece are a time to indulge and enjoy. Some recommended foods are:

Tzatziki - well known appetizer made with yogurt, cucumbers and garlic

Pastitsio - a baked dish of minced lamb and macaroni

Moussaka - minced meat and vegetables served with rich cheese

Gemista - cooked tomatoes or peppers, usually stuffed with ground lamb

LOCAL CUISINE - Drink specialties
Wine is a centerpiece of greek life. Retsina, a strong, aromatic resonated wine, is the national taste. You may prefer the kokkino (red) and aspro (white) wines, which are inexpensive and quite satisfying.

Ouzo - a clear licorice-flavor liqueur, is teh favorite aperitif. Sip it slowly over a plate of mezedes or appetizers.

You'll also want to try Brandy, Botrys and Metaxa or Mavrodaphne: a heavy dessert wine.

TIPPING
suggested tipping is 10 percent for good service

SOME USEFUL WORDS
Yes.................... Malista or Ne
No .................... Ochi
Please................ Parakalo
Thank you.......... Efcharisto
Good Morning..... Kalimera