Magical Places
Celebrating places of beauty & magic
This ruin-rich land is characterized by bright sunshine, crystal clear Mediterrenean waters, olive groves and cypress trees.
Overflowing with archeaological treasures, you can easily feel the vibrations of a once great civilization; a civilization that worshipped gods and goddesses, held beauty and aesthetics in high esteem, and excelled in art, architecture and philosophy.
Athens
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View of Athens from the Acropolis (Temple of Olympian Zeus at center)
Athens is a sprawling megalopolis...Noisy and very lively.
Motorcycles tear through the city day and night like chainsaws. So much for getting over my jet lag in a budget hotel in the heart of the city!
The Ancient Agora
Ruins still stand throughout the city - it's pretty amazing!
The Ancient Agora
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The Acropolis
The Propylaia (entrance to the Acropolis)
High above the hustle and grunge of Athens is the regal entrance to the acropolis, well worth the arduous climb to the top. I arrived at sunset for the beautiful golden glow.
The Propylaia - left side
Not yet at the top, and already a stunning view of Athens below...
The Parthenon
It must have been exquisite when first constructed eons ago...Now it's held together by scaffolding amidst slippery crumbled marble rocks.
Unbelievable how many women were at the sight wearing heels and clogs!
The Erectheion
Standing to left of the Parthenon is the Erectheion, which houses the beautifully sculptured Caryatids
The Caryatids
Aren't they lovely... These are actually replicas; the originals are kept safely nearby in the Acropolis museum.
Exploring the back of the Erectheion.
Too bad you can't go inside!
Exploring the back of the Erectheion.
Too bad you can't go inside!
Leaving the Propylaia
Even amidst scaffolding, the massive columns remain impressive...
Once exiting through the gigantic columns of the Propylaia, look over to your left to view the little box shaped Temple of Athena Nike (and note the stairway to nowhere) Makes you wonder what this magnificent site must have looked like centuries ago...
The Acropolis, as it may have looked centuries ago...
I created this 3d model to enhance your virtual tour. It's not really in the clouds, but the cloudplane does offer a heavenly quality...
More mystical images at http://www.PlacesofLight.com
Santorini
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Looking south
Looking north
Sky and sea blend into a beautiful blue infinity...
Looking down
Cable cars take you up and down the side of the caldera.
What a blast!
View from my hotel room (charming Hotel Loucas in Fira)
I was lucky to have my own little patio. What a joy it was to relax here in the afternoon sun with a good book and delicious falafel...
Looking down from the rim of the caldera...
The waters are so blue!
Fira (main city on Santorini)
Snaking cobblestone walkways crammed with every shop and store imaginable. What a great shopping experience!
Splendid sunset at Oia (a city on the northern tip of the island)
People gather here daily to view the sunset, complete with cameras and champagne. A perfect end to a perfect day...
Delphi
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Up north, nestled in the mountains, is the Oracle at Delphi.
View of the Sanctuary of Apollo
The Sanctuary of Apollo against the lofty mountains
The Sanctuary of Athena
Lovely mountain view...