Greece – Places I've Been, Beauty I've Seen

White and blue houses, narrow streets painted white, family gatherings, people who loved to laugh and dance are my favorite memories of Greece and its enchanting islands.

Known as the Cradle of Western Civilization and the Birthplace of Democracy, Greece continues to inspire the world. Our journey began in Athens, visit the islands of Mikonos, Paros, and Santorini and travel to Meteora the land of unique mountain formations and unreachable monasteries which was the highlight of my visit to Greece.

Acropolis of Athens, 2003

Acropolis of Athens, 2003
Parthenon, dedicated to Athena to shelter her ivory and gold statue

Parthenon, dedicated to Athena to shelter her ivory and gold statue
Temples were designed to be seen from outside

Temples were designed to be seen from outside
At Dionysus Theatre plays concluded with “mortals are at mercy of forces far outside human control”

At Dionysus Theatre plays concluded with “mortals are at mercy of forces far outside human control”
Greece Parliament, a palace until 1974 when the monarchy was abolished, Athens

Greece Parliament, a palace until 1974 when the monarchy was abolished, Athens
Saint Andrews Greek Orthodox Basilica where is said Apostle Andrew died, Patras

Saint Andrews Greek Orthodox Basilica where is said Apostle Andrew died, Patras
Meteora Mountains located in central Greece.

Meteora Mountains located in central Greece.
Monks climbed these mountains to escape persecution from Turk Army.

Monks climbed these mountains to escape persecution from Turk Army.
Roussanou Monastery built the 11th century BC, Meteora

Roussanou Monastery built the 11th century BC, Meteora
Meteoron Monastery, built by 15 monks using rope and ladders

Meteoron Monastery, built by 15 monks using rope and ladders
Great Meteoron the largest monastery in Meteora

Great Meteoron the largest monastery in Meteora
Outside Great Meteoron Monastery, Meteora

Outside Great Meteoron Monastery, Meteora
Holy Trinity Monastery on top, used to film movie “For Your Eyes Only”

Holy Trinity Monastery on top, used to film movie “For Your Eyes Only”
Temple of Apollo, Mount Parnassus, Delphi

Temple of Apollo, Mount Parnassus, Delphi
Delphi Theatre gave spectators great view of the valley

Delphi Theatre gave spectators great view of the valley
Entrance to the ancient Stadium of Olympia

Entrance to the ancient Stadium of Olympia
At center, ready for the 200mt at the stadium where ancient Olympics started

At center, ready for the 200mt at the stadium where ancient Olympics started
Olympia Stadium had capacity 50,000, Olympia, Greece

Olympia Stadium had capacity 50,000, Olympia, Greece
Earned the Olympian Wreath, first place, run at 102F temperature.

Earned the Olympian Wreath, first place, run at 102F temperature.
Temple of Zeus Archeological Site

Temple of Zeus Archeological Site
Steamy morning at the Mycenaean Civilization Site

Steamy morning at the Mycenaean Civilization Site
Lion Gate of Mycenae said to have been built by mythical Cyclopes

Lion Gate of Mycenae said to have been built by mythical Cyclopes
Corinth Canal finished in 1893, very useful then, now used mostly for tourism

Corinth Canal finished in 1893, very useful then, now used mostly for tourism
Fishing harbor of Santorini

Fishing harbor of Santorini
Hotel in Santorini, island formed after a large volcanic eruption

Hotel in Santorini, island formed after a large volcanic eruption
Kamari Beach, Santorini

Kamari Beach, Santorini
Lava-rock, warm waters at the caldera of Santorini

Lava-rock, warm waters at the caldera of Santorini
As we approach the marina in the caldera of Santorini

As we approach the marina in the caldera of Santorini
Houses dug in the volcanic rock of Santorini

Houses dug in the volcanic rock of Santorini
Structures are white-washed to keep them cool

Structures are white-washed to keep them cool
Santorini, Greece, 2003

Santorini, Greece, 2003
Orthodox Church, our meeting point in Paros

Orthodox Church, our meeting point in Paros
The Aegean Sea partially blocked by hotel décor, Paros

The Aegean Sea partially blocked by hotel décor, Paros
Windmills used to grind the corn brought in by ships, Mikonos

Windmills used to grind the corn brought in by ships, Mikonos
At Chora Hill, above the port of Mykonos.

At Chora Hill, above the port of Mykonos.
Area of Mikonos is known as the Little Venice

Area of Mikonos is known as the Little Venice
Orthodox Church is the icon of Mykonos

Orthodox Church is the icon of Mykonos
Mykonos and its iconic windmills

Mykonos and its iconic windmills
Shy pelican in Mykonos, 2003

Shy pelican in Mykonos, 2003
Mykonos is quiet in the day but pretty lively at night

Mykonos is quiet in the day but pretty lively at night
Little Venice, Mykonos

Little Venice, Mykonos
“Let food be thy medicine” Quote by Hippocrates engraved at the entrance of this restaurant

“Let food be thy medicine” Quote by Hippocrates engraved at the entrance of this restaurant
Art Gallery in Mykonos

Art Gallery in Mykonos
Streets of Mikonos are washed every night

Streets of Mikonos are washed every night
Traffic congestion, street of Mikonos

Traffic congestion, street of Mikonos
Mule knew where to go, Mikonos

Mule knew where to go, Mikonos
“Weaving skills have been in the family for 80 years” said the Great-Granny.

“Weaving skills have been in the family for 80 years” said the Great-Granny.
Melina Mercouri is known as ‘The Last Greek Goddess’ for her activism against military regime.

Melina Mercouri is known as ‘The Last Greek Goddess’ for her activism against military regime.