two days to athens

[Kas]

two days before my easter in Athens...

anyone have any advice about any aspect of athens what to do what to see, what to avoid how to be safe..andf what to do if I get lost et cetra...

Kas...anything about anything would be greatly appreciated...

[nutroll]

The one thing I really wanted to do in Athens but was unable to do is see the Byzantine Museum. When I was there, most of Athens was closed to prepare for the Olympics. I have a few icon books with icons from the Byzantine Museum, and they are very beautiful. I don't know whether they would be open, but I would consider it if they are.

[Philothei]

Yes, the Byzantine Museum on "Vassilisis Sofias" Street (close to Constitution square) would be an interesting site, if they are open. I went about 2 years ago while it was still open. Also the Museum in Acropolis is fantastic!
We went in the middle of the summer and it was so hot!! Now it would be the perfect time. You can take pics, without the flash, in the Museum too.

Also The Athens Cathedral (down town Athens) would be a wonderful Church to visit as well the small Church next to it that dates 1500 AD. I hope by now to be open to the public. When we left last summer it was going through renovation. Another point of interest would be to visit the Archdiocesan building. It is a old buiding that was the monastery of St. Philothei. It has beautiful iconography.

Just for the day you can go to St. Irene Chrysovalantou Monastery in Attiki, Athens, Greece.

You only need a taxi to get you there. Also you are lucky as Athens would be empty because of Pascha everyone goes to their villages and on vacation, since schools are out.

As I think of more things for you to do and see I will post again.

God bless,
Philothei

[Philothei]

By the way, if you get lost just ask anyone you find (esp. youngsters!) they all speak English. They will direct you. Athens is confusing make sure you get a map with you, and you will be fine. Prefer to get a taxi with a young taxi driver he would speak English for sure.
Avoid any places with protesters... just stay clear. Police would think you are among the protesters...lol...

Also avoid late, late at night in down town places as Monastiraki or Omonia square. You could be attacked and magged. If you travel with company is better. After 10 I would make sure not to wonder around down town. in northern suburbs is more safe, and also have great nice Tavernas with good food. Do not count on any "night life" though because during Holy Week things tend to slow down (thank God) a bit. Fasting food will not be a problem though, stuffed veggies, baked beans, halva, etc. On Easter Sunday you got to go to Arahova (three hours away from Athens and also visit Delfi near by) an awesome place for roasted lambs...They line them up and the visitor sample from them free...mmmm... so good. There must be buses that could take you there. Also Delfi would be an interesting ancient historical place to visit. It got a wonderful museum as well.

If you feel up to it also you can take the boat to St. Nectarios Monastery in Aegina Island. This is an awesome monastery to visit, and very close to Athens.

God bless,
Philothei

[Mary of Bethany]

Yes, the Byzantine Museum on "Vassilisis Sofias" Street (close to Constitution square) would be an interesting site, if they are open. I went about 2 years ago while it was still open. Also the Museum in Acropolis is fantastic!
We went in the middle of the summer and it was so hot!! Now it would be the perfect time. You can take pics, without the flash, in the Museum too.

Also The Athens Cathedral (down town Athens) would be a wonderful Church to visit as well the small Church next to it that dates 1500 AD. I hope by now to be open to the public. When we left last summer it was going through renovation. Another point of interest would be to visit the Archdiocesan building. It is a old buiding that was the monastery of St. Philothei. It has beautiful iconography.

Just for the day you can go to St. Irene Chrysovalantou Monastery in Attiki, Athens, Greece.

You only need a taxi to get you there. Also you are lucky as Athens would be empty because of Pascha everyone goes to their villages and on vacation, since schools are out.

As I think of more things for you to do and see I will post again.

God bless,
Philothei

OT:

I was just reading about the life of St. Philothei the other day. What an amazing woman of God she was. It's great that her monastery building is still there.

Mary

[Philothei]

Yes, and obviously she is my favorite saint ...:).

God bless,
Philothei

[Kas]

thankyou...please tell me more...
I'll keep you updated as to how the trip goes...