It seems that most every country came with its own 'warnings' of things to avoid while we were there visiting, the two things we were warned of when we visited Greece were ouzo and communists. Ouzo, the national drink of Greece is illegal because it contains absinthe, and is considered to be psychoactive, or narcotic effects and possible death. Though it is legal to buy ouzo in the U.S., it is not the true ouzo as it is distilled to taste the same, but not contain the same ingredients, or have been processed [distlled] the same way.
Though I can recall 'visiting' a bar while there, sitting around the table with a number of shipmates, one afternoon enjoying our drinks, getting the 'necessary' fill of 'rum.' partying and drinking was not the same past time while there as it was in other places. And of course, we 'avoided' the ouzo.
The other thing we were told to avoid while there was the communist protests which were going on at the military base on the island at the time.
Despite the 'lack' of drinking and this 'warning' of visiting the military base to avoid the communist, there was plenty to see and do while we were there! Actually there was more to see and do, than the time permitted! So my choice was to visit the Tempe of Apollo, which was in my mind, the 'best' choice!
To get to the temple from the city, was a rather 'long' bus ride and it provided an opportunity to see the countryside during the travels. It was amazing as we traveled along the highway to see the 'red mountains' [due to their high iron content] and the olive trees that seemingly 'lined' the countryside. Along the way, we stopped at a 'roadside' outpost for souvenirs and to 'visit' with the locals' for time.
Now this outpost was not a 'tourist trap' such as one might imagine one would visit while traveling the U.S.! It was no 'chain' that is for sure and it wasn't 'right off' the highway' either! Instead, it was a wooden building, where a number of goods and wares were available for purchase. Not the multitude of 'popped' trinkets and souvenirs one might find while stopping while traveling the U.S., but genuine goods and products of the local community! Still I can remember the wool jacket I bought while there, though I haven't a clue what happened to it!
After the 'brief' stop at the outpost, it was onward to the main purpose of the trip and undoubtedly the highlight of the trip, the Temple of Apollo! Back then, and even now, the Temple of Apollo, was and is a 'big' thing and I expected a magnificent and colossal visitor [tourist] center to 'mark' the spot, surrounded by a 'sprawling' metropolis - after all, isn't that what I would expect 'back home' around such a significant sight? It was obvious Greece was not home as we pulled into the parking lot for the temple. Instead the Temple was surrounded by trees, mountains and Quiet!!
Despite the 'lack' of home, all the expected sights and sounds. Where the heck was the McDonalds or Denny's? It was still awe inspiring and breath taking. Not so much in the maintained landscape and 'remodeled' and well maintained facility, but more just by the history and thought of all that had taken place here! It was quite a surprise to me, that we were actually able to go into the stadium and sit on the very 'seats' that undoubtedly many others had 'during the day.' There was nothing modern about the Temple, no signs advertising the local 'hot spots' or eateries, instead the 'raw' arena, much as it must have appeared during the time that is was a 'center' of activity! Siting the arena, it was hard not to look out on the 'field' and imagine the activities that went on during the time the Temple was 'alive.'
Indeed, not the most interesting of stories I am sure, but the experience and opportunity to travel to and visit Greece was in many ways, for many reasons well worth it! Undoubtedly, it is a place I would go to visit again, should the opportunity arise!
Though I can recall 'visiting' a bar while there, sitting around the table with a number of shipmates, one afternoon enjoying our drinks, getting the 'necessary' fill of 'rum.' partying and drinking was not the same past time while there as it was in other places. And of course, we 'avoided' the ouzo.
The other thing we were told to avoid while there was the communist protests which were going on at the military base on the island at the time.
Despite the 'lack' of drinking and this 'warning' of visiting the military base to avoid the communist, there was plenty to see and do while we were there! Actually there was more to see and do, than the time permitted! So my choice was to visit the Tempe of Apollo, which was in my mind, the 'best' choice!
To get to the temple from the city, was a rather 'long' bus ride and it provided an opportunity to see the countryside during the travels. It was amazing as we traveled along the highway to see the 'red mountains' [due to their high iron content] and the olive trees that seemingly 'lined' the countryside. Along the way, we stopped at a 'roadside' outpost for souvenirs and to 'visit' with the locals' for time.
Now this outpost was not a 'tourist trap' such as one might imagine one would visit while traveling the U.S.! It was no 'chain' that is for sure and it wasn't 'right off' the highway' either! Instead, it was a wooden building, where a number of goods and wares were available for purchase. Not the multitude of 'popped' trinkets and souvenirs one might find while stopping while traveling the U.S., but genuine goods and products of the local community! Still I can remember the wool jacket I bought while there, though I haven't a clue what happened to it!
After the 'brief' stop at the outpost, it was onward to the main purpose of the trip and undoubtedly the highlight of the trip, the Temple of Apollo! Back then, and even now, the Temple of Apollo, was and is a 'big' thing and I expected a magnificent and colossal visitor [tourist] center to 'mark' the spot, surrounded by a 'sprawling' metropolis - after all, isn't that what I would expect 'back home' around such a significant sight? It was obvious Greece was not home as we pulled into the parking lot for the temple. Instead the Temple was surrounded by trees, mountains and Quiet!!
Despite the 'lack' of home, all the expected sights and sounds. Where the heck was the McDonalds or Denny's? It was still awe inspiring and breath taking. Not so much in the maintained landscape and 'remodeled' and well maintained facility, but more just by the history and thought of all that had taken place here! It was quite a surprise to me, that we were actually able to go into the stadium and sit on the very 'seats' that undoubtedly many others had 'during the day.' There was nothing modern about the Temple, no signs advertising the local 'hot spots' or eateries, instead the 'raw' arena, much as it must have appeared during the time that is was a 'center' of activity! Siting the arena, it was hard not to look out on the 'field' and imagine the activities that went on during the time the Temple was 'alive.'
Indeed, not the most interesting of stories I am sure, but the experience and opportunity to travel to and visit Greece was in many ways, for many reasons well worth it! Undoubtedly, it is a place I would go to visit again, should the opportunity arise!
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