Athens on your own
Lykavittos Theater Reopened - Concerts Continue
The city of Athens had closed the theater at Lykavittos Hill, the Lykavittos (Lycabettus) Theater on June 19, 2008, causing the James Blunt concert to be cancelled. As of June 23, 2008, the city announced that the theater will reopen and the remaining summer concerts will continue as scheduled.
It seems that the theater was [...]
Catch the silver screen under the light of the silver moon
One of my favorite summer evening activities in Athens is the outdoor cinema. Most Americans are familiar with our verson, the drive-in theater - but in Athens you don’t need a car to enjoy the silver screen under the light of the silver moon.
An evening at the outdoor movies isn’t merely about what’s showing on [...]
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Music in Athens – European Music Day – June 19 – 21, 2008
OK, so the summer solstice only lasts one day, but leave it to the Greeks to stretch the celebration out over a three day period, and to pack the city with free, live musical performances at thirteen (mostly outdoor) venues around the city!
A festival which celebrates all things music, European Music Day began in 1982 [...]
Full Moon Festival in Athens, August 2008
Every August, on the eve of the full moon, several archeological sites in Greece stay open late for a full moon festival. This year, 2008, is no different, and if you are fortunate enough to be in Athens on August 16, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon under the light [...]
Recession proof your Greek holiday
Dreaming of a Greek holiday but feeling like the Gods of the Economy are conspiring against you? Not only has the dollar fallen, but prices in Athens have risen dramatically since the introduction of the euro to Greece. But those two factors don’t have to squash your dream vacation. You can still plan a fantastic [...]
World Heritage Sites in Athens and Beyond
While most visitors to Greece know that the country is full of archeology, many visitors are not aware that Greece is home to a total of 16 UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites, and four of these sites are easily visited from Athens?
1. The Acropolis, which, by the way, was not the first Hellenic World Heritage [...]
Old Rockers don’t Die … They Just Go to Greece!
One year around New Years, while heading up to the top of the Hilton for drinks with friends, I found myself in the elevator with a very familiar looking American woman. It was one of those moments when you know that you know someone, but just can’t place it. It wasn’t until later that evening, [...]
Athens metro line to airport suspends service
Visiting Athens in 2008? Don’t rely on your guidebook for directions on getting downtown via the metro. The Athens metro connection between Venizelos airport and downtown Athens will be closed from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 due to ongoing expansion work.
There are options, of course. You will still be able to take the suburban rail [...]
A week in Athens … What to Do?
1. A day in the old city, Plaka, Acropolis - wandering around Plaka you can visit the Folklore Museum as well, and of course, a visit to the Parliament, for the changing of the guard (Evzones — I never tire of seeing those tall, young handsome men in skirts :-).
2. A day trip to Delphi.
3. [...]
Easter in Athens
Greek Orthodox Easter is a wonderful time to visit Athens. Spring will have sprung and the Good Friday processional and Easter eve (midnight Saturday) service will always leave me with a tingle down my spine for their beauty. Regardless of your faith, Orthodox Easter is a beautiful time to visit Greece and the rewards of [...]