Our trip to Greece was a perfect complement to our previous week in Istanbul. Not accidentally, these two cultures have a long history together. Including that of the Greeks winning their independence from the Ottomans.
History reached deep back in Istanbul. History reaches even deeper back in Greece.
Hope you enjoy these pictures!
Notes:
1. OPA!
Greek-American columnist George Pattakos desribes Opa! - presenting it as a lifestyle lesson and possibly even a new entry into the annals of Greek philosophy. He describes what "Opa!" means to him as manifesting your inner Greekness - which he says you can have without being actually Greek. The word Opa has undergone the same type of transformation as that of the name "Zorba". Nikos Kazantzakis' character and the movie that was made from his book have become synonymous with a love of life and the triumph of the human spirit. To hear the word "Zorba" we just think of the expression of joy - just as Opa! has come to mean something similarly bright and positive.
2. Pericles Funeral Oration Speech
I compared the impact of the Lincoln Memorial and the Parthenon on me in the picture above. Well, there is a similar impact that the Gettysburgh address has and Perciles 'Funeral Oration Speech', where he lays out the principles of Athenian Democracy. A must read!
Speech:
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/pericles-funeralspeech.asp
Analysis:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/classics/thucydides/ttt/context/
History reached deep back in Istanbul. History reaches even deeper back in Greece.
Hope you enjoy these pictures!
Cradle of Western Civilization
The Parthenon is as inspiring for me as the Lincoln Memorial. From politics, culture, the arts, Athens leads the way. Their most far sighted leader Pericles, had the Parthenon (re-)built to reflect the ideals and glory of Athenian Democracy.
The Islands
Everyone of my friends who who knew of our trip, advised me to leave Athens and go to the Islands to really appreciate Greek life. And so we did. We went through the Island of Poros to the Island of Hydra. (You are right - thank you!)
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
This is a beautiful amphitheatre used for musicals. They are playing Madame Butterfly during our stay here. You can see the orchestra arrangements at the bottom in front of the stage.
Plato
The archealogical museum is a real treasure! They had very ancient remnants from as far back as 2000 BC or even older. For me the exciting discoveries were the sculptures of Plato, Aristotle, Athena, Aphrodite, Posiedon and Augustus (some real, some mythical of course). I looked and asked around for Socrates without success.
Seascapes and Tilework
A lot of interesting paintings abound - many being seascapes of course
Notes:
1. OPA!
Greek-American columnist George Pattakos desribes Opa! - presenting it as a lifestyle lesson and possibly even a new entry into the annals of Greek philosophy. He describes what "Opa!" means to him as manifesting your inner Greekness - which he says you can have without being actually Greek. The word Opa has undergone the same type of transformation as that of the name "Zorba". Nikos Kazantzakis' character and the movie that was made from his book have become synonymous with a love of life and the triumph of the human spirit. To hear the word "Zorba" we just think of the expression of joy - just as Opa! has come to mean something similarly bright and positive.
2. Pericles Funeral Oration Speech
I compared the impact of the Lincoln Memorial and the Parthenon on me in the picture above. Well, there is a similar impact that the Gettysburgh address has and Perciles 'Funeral Oration Speech', where he lays out the principles of Athenian Democracy. A must read!
Speech:
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/pericles-funeralspeech.asp
Analysis:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/classics/thucydides/ttt/context/
17 comments:
Once again, great pics.
BTW, who was that Indian Jones-type guy in the third photo?
Very nice. Glad that you had a good time
great pictures. Interestingly, 'Opa" means grandfather in German ( Oma for Grandmother)
Gorgeous Greece Pix's,..!!
You are a master photographer. I could see that the pictures have been taken which much thought and taste.
Nice pictures!
But special thanks for the link on Pericles speech. Brilliant, brilliant!
How intellectual, compassionate in measure, inspirational, reassuring and enterprising all at once!
The opening paragraph about the attitude of the speakers and audience is a rare gem. Thanks again.
Cool stuff … that second picture can be a postcard or poster. Your pic remind me that I should make plans to travel to different parts of the world before I get too old. My trips are usually to Disney or other pedestrian places. At least for now I can live vicariously through you.
Can’t wait to hear how the trip was! I’m sure both places were fascinating!
Very nice. Sounds like a great trip.
What? No salmon fishing in the Yemen? Gorgeous pix…thanks for allowing me to ‘imagine…’ J
I can only imagine - both are on my "bucket" list!!
GORGEOUS! Welcome back!!
Wow- what beautiful pictures! I am sure you are enjoying every minute of your vacation
Great Pictures SPK. I liked the 3rd snap with you in in it Nice toppi.
Wow I just opened the photos. I am very jealous of your trip and can’t wait to hear all about it.
Wow..beautiful! I’ve never been to either but hope to get there one day. Hope you had a restful vacation!
Wow I just opened the photos. I am very jealous of your trip and can’t wait to hear all about it.
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