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	<title>Greece Travel Guide 2026: Islands, Athens &amp; Mainland</title>
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	<title>Greece Travel Guide 2026: Islands, Athens &amp; Mainland</title>
	<link>https://grandgo.com/category/destinations/greece/</link>
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		<title>A Guide to Athens, Greece</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/a-guide-to-athens-greece/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Dec 2024 09:00:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel tips]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=36278</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Ancient Athens was home to an agora, an open area surrounded by buildings which served as both commercial and government hub. Unfortunately, only upper-class male citizens had political voice &#8211; leaving women, slaves and outsiders without representation in politics. Solon introduced several laws to address this injustice, such as decreasing the power of wealthy aristocracy [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/a-guide-to-athens-greece/">A Guide to Athens, Greece</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ancient Athens was home to an agora, an open area surrounded by buildings which served as both commercial and government hub. Unfortunately, only upper-class male citizens had political voice &#8211; leaving women, slaves and outsiders without representation in politics.</p><p>Solon introduced several laws to address this injustice, such as decreasing the power of wealthy aristocracy and dismantling their large landed estates.</p><h2>Ancient Athens</h2><p>Athens&#8217; treasured heritage can be seen throughout its many ancient sites, many constructed during Athens&#8217; golden age. Most notable among these are its ancient monuments such as Acropolis with the Parthenon as its centerpiece as well as Erechtheion and Propylaia which house monumental structures dedicated to Athena and others such as Erechtheion and Propylaia.</p><p>These structures, along with the rest of Acropolis, have been declared World Heritage Sites by <a href="https://grandgo.com/lesser-known-unesco-sites/">UNESCO</a> due to their universal significance. Their monuments bear witness to democracy and philosophy ideals while simultaneously reflecting Greek artistic development over centuries. Both their exquisite beauty and inevitable damage throughout <a href="https://grandgo.com/what-time-is-it-in-london-5/">time</a> serve as reminders of their immense worth.</p><p>Athens was transformed during this era into an economically powerful political entity through trade and industry. Although agriculture, fishing, mining and manufacturing all played a role, textile production generated the greatest return.</p><p>Athens was then at the epicenter of Hellenism and an intellectual city with inhabitants from all backgrounds contributing to its political life by paying for various cultural events and contributing to political decision-making, whether in defense against external attacks or financial security matters. At this point, Athens was at its cosmopolitan peak. Both rich and poor residents contributed equally towards its political life through paying for various cultural events that furthered political life there. Athens citizens also played an active role in politics by participating in important decisions concerning its defense from external attacks as well as financial security decisions regarding Athens&#8217; defense from attacks from outside or financial situations within Athens itself.</p><p>Athens also developed a powerful military, led by generals. This force was responsible for protecting its city, finances and relations with other cities and states as well as maintaining state security. At this point the Assembly of the People still held some power but did not wield as much influence as later under Solon.</p><p>Athens reached its pinnacle during the middle of the 8th century BCE under Solon. His reform of political and military systems limited political participation to upper-class male citizens while disenfranchising women and slaves; his shift in political hierarchy from one that relied on dynasties to one with an oligarchic power structure further transformed Athens into one of its finest civilizations.</p><h2>Byzantine Athens</h2><p>Byzantine cities flourished for millennia, underpinned by both Christian ethos and classical antiquity&#8217;s legacy. Artisans and craftspeople created an elegant &#8220;Byzantine aesthetic,&#8221; which would come to define Italy, Russia, Balkans and Near East art traditions. The Byzantine <a href="https://grandgo.com/top-5-must-see-museums-in-america/">Museum</a> captures this great cultural flowering through a collection of exquisite icons housed within an idyllic monastery-style building.</p><p>The museum boasts an exceptional array of church furnishings, from an outstanding carved-wood chandelier exclusive to Greek churches to the exquisite 14th-century Galaktotrophousa icon depicting Mary and Child. Additionally, other masterpieces include 13th century mosaic depicting God the Mother gazing tenderly upon Her Child as well as 15th century icons depicting Christ with His followers.</p><p>This museum is considered to be one of the world&#8217;s premier Byzantine collections, boasting religious works and artistic treasures from 18 centuries of history. Though the permanent exhibition may seem daunting at times, taking the time to appreciate this amazing treasury of culture is well worth your while.</p><p>Monemvasia also boasts a small collection of Byzantine coins and several fascinating manuscripts from its thirteenth-century codex with Emperor Andronikos II&#8217;s chrysobull on one end and Monemvasia privileges on the other.</p><p>As the Byzantine Empire experienced decline, urban economic activity also decreased dramatically, while population shrunk substantially and archeological evidence points towards Athens becoming constrained to within its late Roman wall bounds. This contraction coincided with reduced demographic growth across Byzantium as a whole and likely had an impactful influence on Athens too.</p><p>Cleisthenes&#8217; reforms brought prosperity back to Athens during the mid-12th century. Four traditional tribes were replaced with ten new ones named for legendary heroes, electing fifty members each to the Boule, which served as an Athens council and oversaw everyday matters. Together with relative peace under French dukes Roche et de Brienne (1204-1311) and Catalans (1311-1387), these reforms brought an age of culture and literature with political satire reaching unprecedented heights; both comic poets achieved unprecedented heights of political satire.</p><h2>Modern Athens</h2><p>Modern Athens has evolved beyond its earlier conservative concrete structures and begun experimenting with more contemporary materials and designs, such as those found at 111 Louizis Riankour Street &#8211; home of one of Greece&#8217;s premier banks &#8211; is an outstanding example.</p><p>Athens during this period was also experiencing a revival of interest in art and architecture, with many architects drawing inspiration from its ancient heritage. A movement known as neoclassicism emerged, using classical elements like columns and arches in contemporary buildings like Panepistimiou Avenue&#8217;s Athenian Trilogy or Patision Street National Library/School for National and Technical Education/Technical School buildings.</p><p>Neoclassicism witnessed the construction of numerous government buildings as well as an increase in church presence throughout Athens; many pagan temples were converted to churches. Antiparochi, an arrangement where landowners gave away their land in exchange for apartments from builders (polikatikies), was one of the more interesting aspects of this period; while it provided affordable housing solutions it also destroyed much of Athens&#8217; architectural heritage, particularly mansions designed in neoclassical style.</p><p>Athens was at its cultural peak at the turn of the 20th century, boasting many museums and enjoying international renown for high culture. Unfortunately, this period soon came to an end, as Athens entered an extended economic decline period.</p><p>Following an initial period of revitalization in the 1970s, Athens underwent an incredible rebound characterized by major construction projects and a surge in tourism industry growth. Today, Athens stands as a vibrant modern metropolis that&#8217;s alive with energy and creativity.</p><p>Greece is an amalgamation of old and new; Hellenic classicism and Athens neoclassicism meet productive modernism from postwar Greece with renovation projects reflecting its ongoing evolution. Ioanna Theocharopoulou&#8217;s book Builders, Housewives and the Construction of Modern Athens provides an insightful analysis of informal urbanism within Athens as an adaptable design strategy which could be seen elsewhere globally.</p><h2>Athens Today</h2><p>Athens&#8217; stunning ancient monuments and elegant neoclassical buildings draw visitors in large numbers, but its vibrant contemporary art scene also attracts attention. Open-air theatre productions to thought-provoking exhibitions abound here; something is sure to catch your interest here.</p><p>Athens&#8217; most striking landmark, the Acropolis is a rocky hill with a flat summit where ancient temples once stood. At one time this site served as the hub of an empire stretching from Egypt to Macedonia; today it remains an intriguing destination with its magnificent Parthenon and other remains from past empires.</p><p>Archeological complex in Europe and one of the greatest wonders of the world. You can witness remains from an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Athena, her equestrian steed shrine, as well as other structures from antiquity. Plus you&#8217;ll discover modern museums housed within nearby neoclassical buildings!</p><p>Athens is an energetic city filled with vibrancy and creativity. Residents take great pride in celebrating their rich heritage with various festivals throughout the year, while Athens hosts many international events of interest that draw crowds from all around.</p><p>Athens is an inspiring, creative city where old warehouses and industrial sites are being recycled as spaces for new ideas, making this city such a fertile ground.</p><p>City remains an epicenter for arts, with an annual festival honoring ancient drama and classical music. Theaters host performances and concerts throughout the year and it houses several notable academic institutions. Syntagma and Omonia squares boast majestic neoclassical buildings. Athens&#8217;s most beloved market, Monastiraki, is an excellent spot to sample local street food while shopping for handicrafts or antiques. Athens is an excellent place for traditional Greek meals like souvlaki (skewered meats) or spanakopita (spinach pie). Athens&#8217; most significant archaeological site is undoubtedly its Acropolis &#8211; an impressive monument consisting of ancient temples on a rocky hill that are dedicated to goddess Athena; most notable temples on its summit include Parthenon, Erechtheion and Hephaisteion.</p>


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<li><a href="https://grandgo.com/athens-airport-to-city-centre/">How to Get from Athens Airport (ATH) to City Centre</a> — Airport guide</li>
</ul>

<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/a-guide-to-athens-greece/">A Guide to Athens, Greece</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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		<title>Mykonos &#8211; A Foodie&#8217;s Paradise</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/mykonos-a-foodies-paradise/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Dec 2024 19:09:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=36274</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Mykonos is famous for its stunning beaches. Sun worshipers can relax on both public and private shorelines while scuba divers explore nearby wrecks. Nighttime on the island teems with lively entertainment featuring youthful party culture, celebrity glamour, an exciting and active gay scene and high-end shopping &#8211; but all around this glittery facade locals are [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/mykonos-a-foodies-paradise/">Mykonos &#8211; A Foodie&#8217;s Paradise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mykonos is famous for its stunning beaches. Sun worshipers can relax on both public and private shorelines while scuba divers explore nearby wrecks.</p>
<p>Nighttime on the island teems with lively entertainment featuring youthful party culture, celebrity glamour, an exciting and active gay scene and high-end shopping &#8211; but all around this glittery facade locals are struggling.</p>
<h2>Beaches</h2>
<p>Mykonos, located in the Aegean Sea, is one of Europe&#8217;s premier summer destinations, known for its sandy beaches, clear waters and vibrant party scene. While many beaches on Mykonos have become overrun with parasol rentals and bars playing loud music, others still remain refreshingly unspoiled.</p>
<p>Mykonos&#8217; southern coast offers some of the island&#8217;s finest beaches, from family-oriented Platis Gialos and Psarou Beaches to glamorous Ornos Beach with its high-end beach clubs and range of tavernas and clubs. Additionally, these spots are all protected from Meltemi winds which blow across Europe, providing additional shelter and peace.</p>
<p>Agios Sostis Beach in Mykonos&#8217; northern section offers an idyllic beach experience without the crowds. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and soft sand, Agios Sostis&#8217; serenity is a soothing counterbalance to some of Mykonos&#8217; more bustling beaches. Plus, Agios Sostis&#8217; restaurants often host live musicians.</p>
<p>Super Paradise Beach offers an energetic party scene and vibrant dance music. The beach features sunbeds for rental that may prove difficult to secure during peak season; nonetheless, Super Paradise Beach makes for a fun place for partygoers who prefer partying by the water&#8217;s edge.</p>
<p>Paraga Beach is another luxurious spot, frequented by celebrities and stunning yachts alike. Renowned for its covetable beach bars and restaurants &#8211; like Soho House&#8217;s Scorpios designed by their team -, Paraga attracts an elite crowd so be sure to dress accordingly when planning on visiting.</p>
<p>Panormos Beach on Mykonos&#8217; north coast provides an alternative, quieter option with soft sand backed by rocky cliffs, crystal-clear waters, less crowding than other Mykonos beaches, shallow waters for shallow swimming and calm conditions &#8211; perfect for families. There are several taverns serving freshly caught seafood as well as Greek-influenced <a href="https://grandgo.com/local-cuisine-hotspots/">cuisine</a> in this area &#8211; it also makes a culinary hotspot!</p>
<h2>Nightlife</h2>
<p>Mykonos&#8217; bar and club scene is legendary, offering something for every partygoer in town. Offering a vibrant cosmopolitan environment with music of various genres playing until dawn &#8211; some of the world&#8217;s most acclaimed clubs can be found here as frequented by world-famous DJs!</p>
<p>Mykonos clubbing season runs from May through August when temperatures are both warm and dry. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the night to stay hydrated, keep energy up, dress comfortably, and be considerate of locals and tourists alike when clubbing.</p>
<p>Mykonos offers several beach clubs renowned for hosting parties and DJ performances. Paradise Club and Cavo Paradiso are two such spots; both can be found directly on the beach with beautiful ocean views. Here, some of the world&#8217;s renowned DJs can be seen spinning out there music to get people dancing all night long!</p>
<p>Mykonos offers more than beach clubs; it also has numerous smaller venues that specialize in electro, house, and techno music &#8211; most are small enough for only a handful of guests at any one <a href="https://grandgo.com/what-time-is-it-in-london-5/">time</a>! Some even provide intimate settings, allowing visitors to have an exclusive experience.</p>
<p>For a romantic evening, head to one of Mykonos&#8217; many rooftop bars. With stunning views, these venues provide the ideal spot to admire a gorgeous sunset or gaze upon stars overhead while sipping cocktails or having dinner there.</p>
<p>Another great way to spend an evening in Mykonos is visiting a piano bar. These venues typically attract a young, trendy crowd and serve up cocktails and wine from all over the world &#8211; often complete with outdoor patio seating areas for enjoying the scenery while enjoying dancing and drinking! There may even be venues hosting events specifically targeted towards LGBT community members!</p>
<h2>Shopping</h2>
<p>Mykonos is world renowned for its perfect party atmosphere and exceptional accommodation facilities; but its shopping opportunities also rank highly. From internationally acclaimed boutiques to charming street markets, this vibrant Island provides ample shopping opportunities that cater to every taste and budget.</p>
<p>Matogianni and its surrounding alleys are home to some of the most well-known shops on Mykonos, often frequented by international celebrities looking for designer fashion wear or jewellery. With such beautiful surroundings and luxurious stores to browse through, this location should not be missed when planning on spending big!</p>
<p>Luxury brands with flagship boutiques on the island can be found here, alongside popular stores offering everything from hand-woven baskets and other traditional souvenirs to designer collections from leading fashion houses. Jewellery shops are known around the globe for their precious pieces, while art galleries feature an impressive collection of paintings and sculpture pieces.</p>
<p>Beyond these offerings, there are other shopping experiences to enjoy in Chora. One such option is Mytho concept store founded by two friends with distinct styles; here, you will find incredible jewelry, shoes and clothing all under one roof; making Mytho an essential stop if you care about supporting local businesses and artists.</p>
<p>Mykonos Gallery is another highly coveted spot on the island for picking up stunning art pieces. Run by an exceptional and experienced team of artists who have been creating amazing pieces over many years now. Their collection boasts everything from contemporary paintings to traditional Greek sculptures &#8211; so whatever your taste, this store has something beautiful waiting for you!</p>
<p>For something truly captivating and unique, check out Mykonos <a href="https://grandgo.com/top-5-must-see-museums-in-america/">Museum</a> of Contemporary Art housed within an iconic old windmill. Inside are plenty of exhibits that are sure to excite children as well as adults, while its store stays open even late into the evening so visitors can visit even after sundown!</p>
<h2>Food</h2>
<p>Mykonos isn&#8217;t just a party island &#8211; it&#8217;s also a culinary haven! From delicious souvlaki and Amygdalota treats to gourmet restaurants in Mykonos Town or tranquil cafes on its coast, here are a few delicious bites you should definitely experience while visiting Mykonos.</p>
<p>Amygdalota are traditional almond cookies characterized by their distinct rose aroma and almond flavor, making them popular across Mykonos&#8217; many bakeries. You can find these treats scented with rose or orange blossom water for an unforgettable taste experience, making them the perfect treat to pair with coffee!</p>
<p>Mykonian melopita, or its Mykonian counterpart baklava, is another delightful treat that you must try while in Mykonos. Made with honey, butter and cinnamon for an irresistibly crunchy treat paired perfectly with wine &#8211; you&#8217;ll find melopita served at local tavernas as well as family gatherings and wedding receptions alike!</p>
<p>Mykonos Vioma farm and vineyard offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. This historic, family-run property provides tours and tastings of its wines, offering tours on how winemaking works as well as sampling other products like grape molasses, vinegar and syrup from their vineyard.</p>
<p>Whoever loves cheese will surely relish sampling Mykonian delicacy louza. This delectable pork loin dish, marinated with spices and dried in the Aegean winds for maximum smokiness is a staple dish on Mykonos that can be enjoyed at restaurants such as To Maereio or Captain&#8217;s.</p>
<p>Onion pies are an essential taste of Mykonos! Although popular throughout Greece, in Mykonos they&#8217;re typically baked using local aromatics such as dill and trivolia cheese made exclusively in Mykonos &#8211; often served at family gatherings and taking centre stage during culinary tours of Mykonos. You may even get offered one when visiting someone&#8217;s home! Sharing is part of Greek culture!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/mykonos-a-foodies-paradise/">Mykonos &#8211; A Foodie&#8217;s Paradise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Best Time to Visit Greece</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/the-best-time-to-visit-greece/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 01:15:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=36202</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Greece offers so much to see and experience &#8212; whether that means sunbathing on its pristine beaches, uncovering ancient artifacts, savoring anise-flavored ouzo at bouzoukia clubs or shopping in Athens&#8217; magical squares. Spring, summer and autumn are ideal times for visiting Greece because temperatures remain mild throughout these three seasons. Travelers with disabilities should keep [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/the-best-time-to-visit-greece/">The Best Time to Visit Greece</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Greece offers so much to see and experience &#8212; whether that means sunbathing on its pristine beaches, uncovering ancient artifacts, savoring anise-flavored ouzo at bouzoukia clubs or shopping in Athens&#8217; magical squares. Spring, summer and autumn are ideal times for visiting Greece because temperatures remain mild throughout these three seasons.</p><p>Travelers with disabilities should keep in mind that access to many sights, hotels and restaurants in Greece may be limited; advance planning will make your experience as hassle-free as possible.</p><h2>Greece’s History</h2><p>Greece is a land brimming with history. At its foundation lies democracy &#8211; first established by Solon of Athens in 5th Century B.C. as a means to give political rights and abolish slavery for free men &#8211; then later adopted in other thriving democratic nations around the globe, including America. Visitors can marvel at this historical legacy while admiring Acropolis Parthenon or sitting atop Pnyx hill where ancient Athenians gathered to cast ballots in times past.</p><p>Greece is currently a secular, parliamentary republic governed by a president and prime minister who are both elected by its parliament (Vouli). Under Greek law, parliament has wide-ranging powers which enable it to choose cabinet members who manage government departments. Government bodies possess their own independent budgets, with approval required from the president prior to any major spending plans being approved by Congress. Public education from kindergarten through university level is under state control while private schools must comply with certain educational standards. Greek is the official language of government and school instruction, while many young people speak English as their second language. Traditional choral chanting of a Greek folk song known as bouzoukia still takes place at local bars and restaurants; however, plate-smashing traditions at live music clubs (bouzoukia) have mostly disappeared.</p><p>Greece is divided into 51 prefectures that are led by prefects who are elected through direct vote, while 13 regional administrative districts, or peripheries, as well as an additional position called nomarch are appointed by the central government. Furthermore, municipalities elect their mayor directly through direct voter balloting while villages have appointed village heads; state pays salaries to clergymen while Orthodox Christianity reigns supreme.</p><p>In the 1950s, Greece saw rapid development through Marshall Plan funds and NATO membership in 1952. Unfortunately, Greece experienced its worst civil war from 1946-49 as tensions between leftist and rightist factions continued to divide it further. Meanwhile, industrial legislation and protective tariffs enabled factories in Greece to flourish while tourism helped boost its economy even further &#8211; full suffrage being granted in 1952 and Lina Tsaldari becoming first female minister during that decade.</p><h2>Greece’s Culture</h2><p>Ancient Greece became home to an advanced civilization around 3,000 BCE, with emphasis placed on government, art and philosophy. Citizens were encouraged to play an active role in public life while honoring multiple gods.</p><p>As such, Greeks take great pride in their culture and the fact they invented democracy. Since modernity began, a sense of national identity has emerged that is comprised of language, religion, democracy, an analytic approach to life, travel, entrepreneurship, cleverness and an intimate knowledge of Mediterranean landscape.</p><p>Greek culture has left us an impressive legacy of art and architecture; they also left behind an abundance of literature and philosophical thought. Plato is often considered the founder of Western Philosophy; Odysseas Elytis was known for romantic modernism and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1979.</p><p>Greece&#8217;s culture is grounded in strong family structures. Household units serve as the central point for social life and provide psychological and material support throughout a person&#8217;s lifetime. Bilateral kindreds (loose networks of relatives on both the mother&#8217;s and father&#8217;s sides) also offer identity and support, with godparents or wedding sponsors keeping close ties throughout life.</p><p>Greece stands at the crossroads between Eastern and Western cultures, thus becoming home to various cultural influences from both sides. These can be seen reflected in its <a href="https://grandgo.com/local-cuisine-hotspots/">cuisine</a>, music and art forms &#8211; one such form being the hexastyle building with six columns front and 13 on either side &#8211; one of its most distinctive architectural styles in Greece.</p><p>Greeks take great pride in their heritage and often display ancestral statues in their home. Greeks are passionate people and love spending <a href="https://grandgo.com/what-time-is-it-in-london-5/">time</a> with friends and family; social activities may include eating, drinking, playing games, listening to music or having animated discussions. Personal relationships between family members are valued highly; many live near elderly parents or grandparents and continue providing care as they age.</p><h2>Greece’s Cuisine</h2><p>Greek cuisine is famously revered around the globe for its fresh ingredients, robust flavors and ancient traditions. Its main components are meats (lamb, chicken and pork), vegetables, fruits nuts and legumes. Meat dishes such as lamb are typically cooked using herbs and sauces on grills or barbecue pits before being stewed or stewed for hours in sauces with aromatic spices such as rosemary. Vegetables including tomatoes cucumbers eggplants zucchini served raw or cooked into casseroles or pies while fruits like oranges lemons grapes can also be eaten fresh while nuts such as almonds walnuts pistachios can also be eaten raw or made into desserts while beans &#038; lentils make great additions for soups or stews!</p><p>Greek cuisine reflects its multiethnic past, drawing influences from Turkey, Iran and other Mediterranean nations such as Italy. Dishes like tzatziki, hummus and dolmades serve as evidence of this multiculturalism in Greek cuisine.</p><p>Greece&#8217;s cuisine is known for being light and nutritious due to the use of olive oil and fresh vegetables in its cuisine. A balanced Greek diet includes moderate quantities of cheese and wine while oregano, thyme and mint are common spices found throughout its cuisine; in addition, Greece boasts influences from Asia via cinnamon and nutmeg as popular spices used here.</p><p>There are numerous iconic Greek dishes that have become world-famous, such as gyros, moussaka, feta cheese and tzatziki. Gyros is a deceptively simple sandwich consisting of marinated pork or lamb served on a rotating spit and usually stuffed into pita bread with onion and tomato for a delicious comforting dish rich with tradition. Moussaka is another satisfying classic Greek meal composed of layers of eggplant, ground meat and bechamel sauce; both dishes represent some of the best that Greek cuisine can offer!</p><p>Feta cheese, often served melted over toasted pita with chopped tomatoes and onions, is another iconic Greek dish, found almost anywhere you travel in the country. Other favorites include tyropita (cheese pie), spanakopita (spinach pie), as well as numerous regionally inspired sweet and savory pies with ingredients sourced locally; for dessert there&#8217;s bougatsa and baklava filled with creamy custard. Greek wine production boasts over one hundred indigenous grape varieties that create wines of vibrant hues and distinctive flavor profiles! The Greeks also pride themselves on producing quality wines with vibrant hues and distinctive tastes; over one hundred indigenous grape varieties produces wines of vibrant hues and distinct tastes!</p><h2>Greece’s Weather</h2><p>Greece boasts a temperate Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Temperatures differ throughout the country with Mykonos and Santorini islands experiencing higher average temperatures than mainland regions such as Attica or Myrni; mountainous regions in the north can experience freezing winter conditions with snowfall during some parts of winter months.</p><p>Greece is best visited from May through September when temperatures are warm yet not overly hot and crowds are considerably thinner than during peak summer months. Visitors can take advantage of swimming, sightseeig, snorkelling and sightseeing both in and on the waters and beaches during this period, while fall offers great opportunities to discover Athens with its museums, contemporary art galleries and local culture of Greece&#8217;s islands.</p><p>Summer in the islands can be extremely hot and muggy, and Meltemi wind, which blows during July and August&#8217;s warmest months, can make being outdoors even less appealing.</p><p>Spring and fall provide ideal hiking conditions, with cooler temperatures and clear skies. However, December through March can bring cold and wet conditions, though sunny days do occur during these months; during these times visitors can comfortably visit Delphi ruins and Athens&#8217; ancient sites.</p><p>Climate in central and southwestern parts of Albania resembles Italy in that coastal areas tend to be warmer while interior regions often experience colder conditions; mountains of Balkan Peninsula generally experience lower rainfall compared with other areas of country.</p><p>The number of wet days across the country varies, with most precipitation concentrated in the southern and western regions. Rain alone or snow plus rain days is equally variable; rain alone being most prevalent; at Athens Ellinikon in Greece there is only an average of 14.8 wet days annually as opposed to Gubden Russia (5,615) or Hakuba Japan (6,488) both far more wet places.</p>


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<li><a href="https://grandgo.com/athens-airport-to-city-centre/">How to Get from Athens Airport (ATH) to City Centre</a> — Airport guide</li>
</ul>

<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/the-best-time-to-visit-greece/">The Best Time to Visit Greece</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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		<title>Delphi &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Object-Oriented Programming</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/delphi-a-beginners-guide-to-object-oriented-programming/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:16:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel tips]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=36115</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Delphi is a software development tool that makes creating user interfaces with visual form designer easy, using the Object Pascal programming language for application creation. Furthermore, Delphi features component palettes, object inspectors, and Project Explorer to assist developers. Delphi studies may present their greatest weakness by being difficult to reach consensus due to many different [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/delphi-a-beginners-guide-to-object-oriented-programming/">Delphi &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Object-Oriented Programming</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Delphi is a software development tool that makes creating user interfaces with visual form designer easy, using the Object Pascal programming language for application creation. Furthermore, Delphi features component palettes, object inspectors, and Project Explorer to assist developers.</p>
<p>Delphi studies may present their greatest weakness by being difficult to reach consensus due to many different factors, including:</p>
<h2>Basics</h2>
<p>Delphi is an industry-proven Rapid Application Development (RAD) visual programming language for Windows that generates native code, supports most modern server and desktop platforms, and boasts an amazing third-party ecosystem.</p>
<p>Delphi programmers are used across a range of fields in scientific and engineering to create software for data analysis, simulation, modeling and other specialized applications. Furthermore, this programming language is often employed when building applications for financial services like accounting software and trading platforms.</p>
<p>The Delphi workflow begins in an IDE where you create an application project and select its target platform. After creating your user interface using drag-and-drop components from the component palette into forms in the designer window, then using the Object Inspector to display their properties and events &#8211; you can run and test your app&#8217;s functionality! Delphi was originally known as procedural Pascal but was later rebranded to &#8220;Object Pascal.&#8221;</p>
<h2>Components</h2>
<p>Delphi components are reusable objects or modules used to build both visual and nonvisual user interfaces. They&#8217;re stored together in the Component Palette for quick access when adding them to forms or data modules.</p>
<p>Delphi stands out from other programming languages by having an expansive third-party ecosystem that extends its functionality without needing to rewrite or port code, thanks both to Embarcadero&#8217;s efforts and community contributions.</p>
<p>Gnostice, as a reliable Delphi component, offers developers a single unified framework when dealing with files and documents. Gnostice not only converts images PDFs and DOCX files but also allows developers to view and print them as well as support additional functions that aid development tasks using Delphi; additionally it is cross-platform supporting Windows macOS Xamarin iOS devices.</p>
<h2>Objects</h2>
<p>Delphi is a visual integrated development environment (IDE) for rapid application development, powered by Pascal programming language and supporting object-oriented programming (OOP), component-based design, and compilation code with optimized performance in mind.</p>
<p>The Delphi IDE is powered by Borland Software Corporation&#8217;s Visual Component Library and FireMonkey application frameworks, offering cross-platform compilation for Windows, Mac OSX, iOS, Android, and Linux platforms. With its visual drag-and-drop interface you can quickly build user interfaces (UIs) for your applications.</p>
<p>Delphi objects are like records in Pascal; however, unlike records they offer additional capabilities not found within records. Instead of just being data elements they also contain functions and procedures (known as methods) as well as methods. They inherit data and behavior from their parent classes as well as properties to set values at run <a href="https://grandgo.com/what-time-is-it-in-london-5/">time</a> using properties. Object browser or spy tools allow you to select any object to view its members more in-depth.</p>
<h2>Variables</h2>
<p>Delphi is an incredible programming tool, yet is often overlooked outside its user base. That is a shame because Delphi is truly fantastic!</p>
<p>The variable declaration statement must include the name and type of variable being declared, separated by a colon. Delphi does not take into account case sensitivity when assigning names to variables.</p>
<p>The var keyword declares global variables visible throughout a unit and local variables only visible within a subroutine. Variables declared using this syntax can either be initialized with values that determine their behavior, or left uninitialized for later use. Delphi offers type inference; you don&#8217;t usually need to explicitly declare their type, saving time and preventing errors; additionally it is used when declaring variable fields within a class.</p>
<h2>Functions</h2>
<p>Delphi provides you with the capability of creating custom function statements, which are blocks of code that return values such as integers, strings or booleans &#8211; or combinations thereof.</p>
<p>A function must have a name, parameter list, beginning and end statement block as well as using local declaration section, variables from uses clause as well as default parameters specified within its Parameters section of parameter list.</p>
<p>As an example, the Pos function searches for a specified string in a given Source, looking for its complete occurrence before returning its position number (positive or negative). Other examples include Clear&#8217;s clearing contents of a dynamic variable while Evaluate interprets mathematical expressions runtime and returns an interpretation result;</p>
<h2>Classes</h2>
<p>Classes form the cornerstone of object-oriented programming in Delphi. Each one represents a data type and may contain fields, functions, procedures, properties and methods. Classes can inherit from other classes and also utilize class helpers when the usual inheritance restrictions do not suffice.</p>
<p>Classes may have public, protected, private and strict private visibility settings. Only procedures or functions defined within an unit containing a class can access public, protected and private members.</p>
<p>Building modern cross-platform applications using Delphi and FireMonkey framework is easier than ever with this course! Learn to write clean, testable and maintainable Delphi code that can be deployed into real world scenarios &#8211; taught by an Embarcadero trainer with extensive real world experience, this hands-on course equips participants with valuable skills needed to quickly develop and deploy high-performance enterprise apps quickly.</p>
<h2>Interfaces</h2>
<p>Delphi has seen significant advances over time. While not on par with more recent languages, Delphi still contains many features found in other RAD tools.</p>
<p>Delphi&#8217;s Graphical User Interface (GUI) implementation is built upon a component model. As such, hundreds of visual and non-visual components are accessible through Delphi&#8217;s Components Palette while more can be created by members of the community or distributed as third-party libraries.</p>
<p>Delphi supports various interface standards, such as COM, IUnknown and IInterface. These interfaces can be implemented using standard methods such as _AddRef, _Release and QueryInterface to provide automatic memory management while also permitting classes to implement multiple interfaces simultaneously while still adhering to all their methods.</p>
<h2>Events</h2>
<p>Delphi events are special properties that represent runtime occurrences triggered by user actions or system events. Code that responds directly to events is called an event handler.</p>
<p>At its height in the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, pilgrims from around the ancient world came to Delphi to consult the Pythia, high priestess of Apollo&#8217;s sanctuary. Her prophecies were believed to have divine authority, while its popularity also resulted in three Sacred Wars between Delphi, its protectors, and various factions.</p>
<p>Beyond the Sacred Way lies an ancient theater which could accommodate up to 6500 people for performances and athletic events, followed by the stadium located within its mountainside setting; both are truly impressive when one considers their capacity and how many crowds would fill them each time an event took place; but my greatest admiration belongs to Adyton itself, with its intricate mosaic designs that could hold back crowds &#8211; but my eyesight cannot accommodate too much detail right now!</p>
<h2>Object Inspector</h2>
<p>Delphi&#8217;s Object Inspector panel allows you to quickly view and modify the properties and events of a selected component in script form or code editor file format, as well as creating the framework of an event handler using this tool.</p>
<p>Embarcadero&#8217;s purchase of Borland&#8217;s defunct product line allowed them to quickly rebuild its user base with a new compiler and increased support for 64-bit Windows and unicode, along with improvements to delphi&#8217;s graphical user interface design and real-time capabilities, effectively reinstating it for modern software development projects.</p>
<p>Delphi&#8217;s Object Inspector offers a filter which enables you to choose which properties and events to display. For instance, by selecting Localizable from the Filter menu you can easily focus your inspection only on properties or events which need localizing &#8211; this allows for reduced clutter while quickly finding those items needing your attention.</p>
<h2>Project Explorer</h2>
<p>The project explorer displays your files and their dependencies, as well as the project options which contain many compiler/linker settings (for instance default library/file formats).</p>
<p>Project Explorer makes it easy to locate usages of classes, methods, variables, overriding methods and implemented interfaces in Delphi source code projects. To get a list of uses simply right-click a class in the Explorer and choose Find Usages dialog from Tools Menu.</p>
<p>Flows are similar to procedures in class code, except they&#8217;re publically called instead of protected. To create one, right-click any module you&#8217;re calling it from and choose &#8220;Add flow.&#8221; Name your flow &#8220;GetTimeOfTimeZone&#8221;, make it public, and click Save; this will create a class called GetTimeOfTimeZone in the project explorer.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/delphi-a-beginners-guide-to-object-oriented-programming/">Delphi &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Object-Oriented Programming</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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		<title>Attractions in Athens, Greece</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/attractions-in-athens-greece/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:40:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=36099</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Athens flourished once more as its activities and trade advanced. Meanwhile, its inhabitants experienced both wealth and poverty simultaneously. Solon took steps to counterbalance this imbalance by dividing his people into ten tribes, expanding the senate from forty members to fifty members and initiating democracy by setting up an ekklesia that made decisions by simple [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/attractions-in-athens-greece/">Attractions in Athens, Greece</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Athens flourished once more as its activities and trade advanced. Meanwhile, its inhabitants experienced both wealth and poverty simultaneously.</p>
<p>Solon took steps to counterbalance this imbalance by dividing his people into ten tribes, expanding the senate from forty members to fifty members and initiating democracy by setting up an ekklesia that made decisions by simple majority vote.</p>
<h2>The Acropolis</h2>
<p>The Acropolis stands as a towering symbol of ancient Athens. Home to important cultural and historic landmarks like the Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike, its significance cannot be understated.</p>
<p>The Parthenon stands as the centerpiece of the Acropolis. A massive Doric temple that contains an immense statue of Athena, its grandeur symbolises Athenians during Pericles&#8217; Golden Age in the 5th Century BCE.</p>
<p>Pericles&#8217; desire to revitalize his city led to an enormous building project that involved architect Callicrates, engineer Ictinus, and sculptor Phidias assisting him. Work was not completed until after the Peloponnesian War had concluded in 449 BCE but remains one of Greece&#8217;s crowning achievements.</p>
<p>At the <a href="https://grandgo.com/what-time-is-it-in-london-5/">time</a>, it was considered to be one of the finest examples of classical architecture, serving as an icon for beauty and harmony. Today, its influence can still be felt, having inspired many notable works of art and literature.</p>
<p>The Acropolis also contains other temples dedicated to Athena Nike and Poseidon &#8211; the latter was dedicated to both. Athenians who founded their city favored Athena as she symbolized it for them and provided rich offerings such as marble korai and horsemen sculptures as well as bronze and terracotta statuettes as votive offerings.</p>
<p>The Erechtheion features a frieze with rows of figures in Ionic style depicting scenes from mythology and history. On its eastern side are metopes depicting Olympus gathering its gods together while its southern side shows Centauromachy (the battle of mythical centaurs against Lapiths).</p>
<h2>The Odeon of Herodes Atticus</h2>
<p>The Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Greek:, also referred to as Herodion) is an ancient theatre located in Athens, Greece. Constructed by Athenian rhetorician and Roman senator Herodes Atticus as a tribute to Regilla after her death, its name adds further dimension and meaning to its stunning stone and marble structure.</p>
<p>This semicircular structure can seat around 5,000 people, boasting an elegantly sculpted facade and interior richly decorated with columns, arches, and niches. This theater represents Roman culture as opposed to its more archaic-influenced predecessor, the Theater of Dionysus; consequently it stands as an important monument of Greek civilization.</p>
<p>For centuries, Athens theatre was an integral part of cultural life and served as a venue for dramatic, comedic, and musical performances. However, over time its condition deteriorated significantly until in 1950 it underwent major refurbishment efforts that reinstated its former glory.</p>
<p>Since 1875, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus has become a favorite venue for theatrical performances and concerts, playing host to legendary artists like Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis as well as international stars like Maria Callas and Nana Mouskouri.</p>
<p>The Odeon of Herodes Atticus should be at the top of your itinerary when visiting Athens. With its captivating architecture and rich history, this truly magnificent piece of human creativity and art stands as a testimony to our creative past and culture. If you get lucky enough to attend one of their performances you&#8217;ll experience something truly unforgettable &#8211; connecting to past moments through music and culture will bring this historical landmark alive in an extraordinary experience!</p>
<h2>Syntagma Square</h2>
<p>Syntagma Square in Athens&#8217; central district has long been one of the city&#8217;s most visited locations for locals and visitors alike, initially known as Palace Square before becoming more widely recognized after King Otto was forced by revolutionaries to grant a constitution and therefore gave rise to its current name, Syntagma (which means constitution).</p>
<p>This lovely square features small fountains and shady trees, creating the ideal setting to enjoy coffee or lunch in the shade. Visitors can also view the Greek Parliament building and an impressive aristocratic palace which once served as the king&#8217;s residence &#8211; be sure to witness its changing of guard every hour outside Tomb of Unknown Soldier.</p>
<p>Syntagma Square offers more than restaurants and cafes; it also contains two of Athens Plaza Hotel Grande Bretagne as well as Zacharatos Cafe-Patisserie which has long been a gathering spot for politicians and intellectuals.</p>
<p>The Square is also well connected to other key areas in Athens, including Plaka, Monastiraki and Psiri. Furthermore, it&#8217;s only a short walk from both Metro stations and bus stops.</p>
<p>Syntagma Square in Athens is an attractive tourist spot, yet especially significant to residents of this ancient city. Since antiquity, its importance as a political and cultural gathering spot has only increased with time; indeed, today you can see evidence of economic turmoil through demonstrations taking place there during recent economic turmoil.</p>
<h2>The National Gardens</h2>
<p>National Gardens offer an oasis of tranquillity within the bustle of Athens&#8217; city life, featuring flowers, ancient trees, shrubbery and small ponds as well as an expansive green lung and botanical garden filled with rare species of plants and trees.</p>
<p>Narrow labyrinth paths and wooden benches create a peaceful ambience within this park, while its small lakes make birdwatching enjoyable. In addition, The National Garden houses a small zoo, Botanical <a href="https://grandgo.com/top-5-must-see-museums-in-america/">Museum</a> and conservatory &#8211; considered to be the country&#8217;s first working greenhouse &#8211; while offering visitors access to children&#8217;s libraries, playgrounds and duck ponds as well as several restaurants and cafes for lunch or refreshments.</p>
<p>The National Garden is an exquisite park situated at the heart of Athens near Syntagma Square and behind Parliament Building. Established by Queen Amalia in 1836 and initially planted by Bavarian horticulturists, today this botanical paradise can be explored at leisure by anyone.</p>
<p>In 1920, the National Garden witnessed a tragic event which would alter both Greece and Turkey history forever. While strolling in the park, King Constantine was bit by a monkey and contracted severe sepsis, eventually succumbing just three weeks after admission to hospital. Subsequently, Eleftherios Venizelos won election and took control of Greece.</p>
<p>Additionally to these attractions, National Gardens also feature a small zoo surrounded by palm trees as well as the Conservatory of Plants and Flora of Athens with its world-famous collection of cacti. Additionally, during warmer months National Gardens play host to various events and performances.</p>
<h2>The Temple of Zeus</h2>
<p>The Temple of Zeus is an extraordinary sight, featuring 104 Corinthian columns that stand 17 meters tall and 2 meters wide &#8211; making them one of the largest columns ever constructed. Unfortunately, only 16 remain standing today; most were used elsewhere during construction or reused elsewhere in other buildings. It&#8217;s easy to understand why this attraction has become one of Athens&#8217;s top tourist spots &#8211; its convenient location directly in front of Olympic Stadium makes it easily accessible via Dionysius Aeropagitou street from which Roman Emperor Hadrian dedicated it in 132 AD during his visit during which time a large gold and ivory statue depicting him both made by Pheidias that had stood outside in Olympia &#8211; another popular tourist spot is close behind Olympic Stadium &#8211; it just steps from Dionysius Aeropagitou street to lower entrance of Acropolis where Roman Emperor Hadrian set up a copy of Pheidias masterpiece to Olympia by Pheidias himself setting up one even larger statue than itself in front of Olympic Stadium while in front of Olympic Stadium opposite Dionysius Aeropagitou street entrance the Roman Emperor Hadrian dedicated the temple to Zeus Olympios Olympios along with another one dedicated even larger one of himself and set up one more dedicated statue to Pheidias (Olympios street entrance), dedicated it was dedicated to Zeus Olympios to him, dedicating him Olympius Olympios&#8217; masterpiece by Pheidias&#8217; masterpiece by Pheidias himself in front of Dionysius Aeropagitou street entrance). Dionys made his visit dedicated it was dedicated 132 AD during 132AD visit during visit by Roman Emperor Hadrian (D). He installed larger statue of himself when visited him (Han replicarius&#8217;s masterpiece at Olympia) than ever imagined before which now bearer hadrian himself later during later than any of course). Hadrian built this temple also by setting up large gold and ivory inllay at Olympia. Hadrian himself with two massive gold/Olympios; Hadrian. ).</p>
<p>Original plans for the temple called for its construction to be an enormous Doric structure. Tyrant Peisistratus began construction of it during the 6th Century BCE but never completed it due to Peisistratus being overthrown and abandoning the project; there were halfhearted efforts made towards finishing it but nothing concrete came of them until Hadrian, Roman emperor in 131 AD completed it 650 years after initial beginning work on it.</p>
<p>The Temple of Zeus is open all year, but spring and autumn are especially excellent times to visit due to mild temperatures and low tourist numbers. Midday sun can become very intense during the summer months; winter provides another good option as crowds are significantly smaller compared with peak summer season visits.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/attractions-in-athens-greece/">Attractions in Athens, Greece</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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		<title>Things to See in Athens</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/things-to-see-in-athens/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:10:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=35901</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Athens may seem disorganized at first glance, but it has plenty of attractions that are worth exploring. Ideal for history enthusiasts and families alike, Athens boasts museums and attractions for everyone to enjoy. Millennia of oppression have given Athenians an irrepressibly humorous side, honing their sense of personal and family honor while strengthening their intellects. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/things-to-see-in-athens/">Things to See in Athens</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Athens may seem disorganized at first glance, but it has plenty of attractions that are worth exploring. Ideal for history enthusiasts and families alike, Athens boasts museums and attractions for everyone to enjoy.</p>
<p>Millennia of oppression have given Athenians an irrepressibly humorous side, honing their sense of personal and family honor while strengthening their intellects.</p>
<h2>The Acropolis</h2>
<p>The Acropolis stands as one of the best-preserved indicators of Athens at its peak during the fifth century BC. Devoted to Athena, its rocky hill hosted several temples and shrines dedicated to her worship.</p>
<p>Notable structures in Athens include the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Propylaea. Of particular note is the Parthenon; an outstanding example of adapting architecture to its natural surroundings and one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture renowned for its complex history and impressive sculptures such as its six Caryatid maiden statues.</p>
<p>Nearby stands the Erechtheion, a sacred Ionic temple constructed to honor Athena and other gods and heroes. It is particularly well known for its southern section containing six Caryatid maiden statues that support an outdoor porch known as &#8220;Porch of Maidens.&#8221;</p>
<p>Pottery fragments discovered nearby the Acropolis suggest it has been inhabited since at least the Neolithic Period (4000/3500-3000 BC). By 1300 BC, it had become the center of Mycenaean kingdom and fortification was initiated; at this point, a statue honoring Athena Promachos stood there and was demolished by a victorious Spartan army in 27 B.C.</p>
<h2>The Ancient Agora</h2>
<p>The Ancient Agora is an extraordinary site where you can trace in the footsteps of some of history&#8217;s great minds. Serving as Athens&#8217; center of democracy during its golden age in the 5th century BCE, its agora hosted some of history&#8217;s finest minds like Pericles, Themistokles and Demosthenes as they debated political ideas while Greek tragedy playwrights such as Aeschylus Sophocles Euripides first staged their works; Pheidias Polygnotus created magnificent sculptures while Greek philosophers Socrates Plato and Aristotle shared their philosophies of course!</p>
<p>The ancient agora included many buildings, such as Tholos for prytaneis (administrative heads of Athens), New Bouleuterion as city council, and Metroon as official city records. You&#8217;ll also find remnants of temples dedicated to Apollo Patroos and Zeus Phatria; additionally there were double-story stoas like Attalos which featured both Doric exterior columns and Ionic interior ones; also, 42 shops were rented out from city.</p>
<h2>The New Acropolis Museum</h2>
<p>Melina Mercouri had no idea that creating an Acropolis <a href="https://grandgo.com/top-5-must-see-museums-in-america/">Museum</a> would present so many obstacles. Local residents voiced objections regarding property values; disputes broke out over whether the design should be public or private and how it related to neighboring buildings; not to mention technical difficulties that were difficult or impossible to resolve.</p>
<p>It has created an art museum of world-class standards while simultaneously being an extension of its surroundings. The transparent glass facades connect directly with their Acropolis setting while offering panoramic views of both historic and contemporary cityscapes beyond.</p>
<p>One of the Museum&#8217;s most remarkable features is its Theater of the Slopes, showcasing five Caryatid maidens which once supported Erechtheion&#8217;s southern porch. Each stands 7ft7inches and is made from Parian marble; one remains empty as a reminder that these marbles were taken by British Museum in 1687, providing practical arguments in favor of their return.</p>
<h2>The National Gardens</h2>
<p>The National Gardens offer an ideal place for people of all ages and walks of life to escape the hectic city life. Originally created by Queen Amalia between 1838 and 1840, its development was expanded upon by German agronomist Frederick Schmidt who planted various exotic species from all around the globe.</p>
<p>Today the park features a duck pond, the Botanical Museum, a small cafe and children&#8217;s library and playground &#8211; as well as narrow labyrinth pathways, wooden benches and the Neoclassical Zappeion (a large hall displaying Olympic history exhibits).</p>
<p>Are you hoping to explore this beautiful park more deeply? Join one of our guided tours! These will allow you to navigate the best path and gain more insight into its captivating history &#8211; for more information click here. Alternatively, the Metro 2 or 3 to Syntagma Square and enter via Leoforos Amalias Street; Queen Amalia named this street after which she entered. It&#8217;s open from sunrise until sunset each day!</p>
<h2>Syntagma Square</h2>
<p>Syntagma Square (also known as Constitution Square) is at the core of modern Athens and a meeting point for both locals and visitors alike. Situated directly in front of Parliament House and Tomb of Unknown Soldier, it features an hourly changing of guard ceremony that draws large crowds of tourists each <a href="https://grandgo.com/what-time-is-it-in-london-5/">time</a> the guards known as Evzones don traditional Greek uniforms for this unique ceremony.</p>
<p>As originally called Palace Square, this area was created by Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gaertner for King Otto of Bavaria with funding by Ludwig I of Bavaria &#8211; his father being Ludwig I of Bavaria himself. Now an active public square filled with cafes and restaurants.</p>
<p>On the east side of this square you&#8217;ll find marble steps leading down to the metro station, creating a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors. On its west side lies Ermou Street &#8211; one of Athens&#8217;s busiest commercial streets; furthermore George II Hotel and Grande Bretagne Hotel can also be found here as well as food vendors and talented street performers throughout this area.</p>
<h2>Piraeus Port</h2>
<p>Piraeus Port is one of the world&#8217;s key shipping hubs, connecting Europe to Asia, Africa and Northern Australia. The Greek government is pushing to make it even more of an international logistics center; however many dockworkers oppose such plans openly.</p>
<p>Kastella district provides a relaxing break from port area&#8217;s business and bustle, its classical streets lined with cafes and ouzo taverns and its church of Profitis Ilias which boasts spectacular views across Saronic Gulf.</p>
<p>Bus service X80 provides direct link between the cruise terminal and Syntagma Square, operating every 30 minutes between 7am to 9pm from 7am until 9pm; day tickets cost 4.50 euros or 20 euro for three day passes that include transport to/from airport as well. Piraeus Metro provides another direct route; be sure to check which gate your ferry departs from before taking this train ride, though online ticket purchases can help avoid long lines at the train station and ensure you catch your ferry!</p>
<h2>The National Archaeological Museum</h2>
<p>The National Archaeological Museum (Greek: Ethniko Arkhaiologiko Mouseio) is one of the world&#8217;s finest museums, housing an expansive collection of antiquities spanning prehistory through late antiquity. Housed in a stunning 19th-century neoclassical building on Patission Street near Omonia Square, this world-class attraction draws tourists and residents from around the globe.</p>
<p>The Sculpture Collection at the Inner Garden is extensive, comprising multiple galleries. Here you will find beautiful statues such as Athena from 4th Century BC; life-sized Jockey of Artemision from 140 BCE that is sure to remind visitors of Kentucky Derby races with mint juleps; as well as an Agamemnon Terra Cotta Head that is almost as impressive as his real counterpart.</p>
<p>Another piece worth seeing is the Kroisos Kouros, made of Pentelic marble between 540-515 BC in Anavyssos. This sculpture depicts a warrior and horse killed during battle by Ares during battle &#8211; showing the incredible strength of Greek artistic craftsmanship during such pivotal times. There&#8217;s also an early 4th century BC relief depicting a deceased mother with her two children.</p>
<h2>The Greek Parliament</h2>
<p>The Greek Parliament (Palia), located at Stadiou Street, once served as a palace for the royal family; today, it serves as home for parliament and various government-related offices as well as an archive.</p>
<p>Modern Parliaments offer numerous guarantees of civil liberties. Their governance structure includes elements of both central and decentralised self-government; power is exercised at national level by government ministers while regions and municipalities receive responsibilities.</p>
<p>Greek legislative system encourages active citizen participation through public debate and scrutiny by various parliamentary committees on important legislation. A reinforced proportional representation electoral system with minimum threshold requirements to qualify for seats helps keep political stability. Voting is open; however, according to Greek Constitution a secret ballot may be used when necessary for privacy protection purposes. Judicial branch is composed of three Supreme Courts comprised of professional judges from National School of Judges (NSJ).</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/things-to-see-in-athens/">Things to See in Athens</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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		<title>A Brief Introduction to Greece</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/a-brief-introduction-to-greece/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:12:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=35824</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Greece is home to an extensive state-run school system and electoral system with complex reinforcement proportional representation, which prevents small parties from seizing control by encouraging voters who support one party over others to vote with them to gain majority parliamentary majorities. Be it to relax on beaches, explore ancient sites or sample some of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/a-brief-introduction-to-greece/">A Brief Introduction to Greece</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Greece is home to an extensive state-run school system and electoral system with complex reinforcement proportional representation, which prevents small parties from seizing control by encouraging voters who support one party over others to vote with them to gain majority parliamentary majorities.</p>
<p>Be it to relax on beaches, explore ancient sites or sample some of the country&#8217;s fine wines &#8211; always pack sunscreen and plenty of water in order to stay protected against sunburn! In addition, cash may be necessary as many smaller islands and villages do not accept credit cards as payments.</p>
<h2>History</h2>
<p>Greece has an extensive history of political tension. Comprised of city-states which often clashed, two major wars defined the classical world -the Persian Wars (499-449 BC) and Peloponnesian War (395-300 BCE). Greek city-states did not unite under one monarchy but relied on their citizens for governance, using wealth, seafaring skills, commerce acumen, architecture excellence and famed monuments to build some of history&#8217;s most stunning structures.</p>
<p>Today, Greece is a modern nation of 11.1 million. Its borders consist almost entirely of water bodies such as the Aegean Sea to its east and the Mediterranean to its south; mountains cover much of its terrain making travel more difficult.</p>
<p>Religion remains an integral component of Greek life despite being a secular state, with Orthodox Christians making up the bulk of Greek citizens while other Christian denominations as well as some Jews and Muslims also present. There are numerous mosques and synagogues throughout Greece.</p>
<p>At the turn of the 20th century, Greece established an industrial economy characterized by social and labor legislation, protective tariffs and new forms of industry. Concurrent with these developments was an expansion in education as well as the formation of a strong middle class.</p>
<p>Greece has faced an ever-worsening budget deficit over recent years. When summer rolls around, towns and villages tend to engage in outdoor activities like walking down main streets or, on islands, along beaches. Winter brings cafes and other social venues where lively conversation remains part of everyday life in Greece. Television has lessened this tradition slightly but lively discussions and rational debate remain integral parts of everyday life in Greece.</p>
<h2>Religion</h2>
<p>Greece is predominantly Greek Orthodox Christian; other faiths represent minorities with small adherent numbers. A recent survey has shown that most Greeks describe themselves as religiously active &#8211; either very or somewhat actively so.</p>
<p>Mythology and religion were integral parts of ancient Greek life, yet its mainstream beliefs weren&#8217;t without critics. When pre-Socratic philosophers advanced ethics and philosophy ideas, Thales, Xenophanes, Heraclitus, Democritus, Pythagoras and Platon began abandoning myths as guides for living and sought the underlying reality through rational scrutiny of natural events.</p>
<p>Religion was deeply embedded into Greek culture. It provided moral guidance and structure to daily lives of a people who believed they had been charged by their gods with an sacred task &#8211; philotimo: dedicating oneself to serve their country best &#8211; that made Greeks prepared to sacrifice themselves in times of crisis for both cause and gods alike.</p>
<p>Religion was practiced at sanctuaries located throughout the countryside and enclosed by walls known as temenos. A sacred precinct would typically contain features like an outdoor altar, statues and votive offerings in order to convey more about their deity while drawing worshipers closer.</p>
<p>Religion remains an integral component of daily life in Kenya, with numerous festivals celebrated every year and monasteries scattered across the country &#8211; often built atop steep cliffs or rocky slopes &#8211; providing simple yet sacred prayer spaces. Furthermore, numerous other religious events take place, from mystery cults to secret rituals performed by initiates of Eleusis (deities) cult.</p>
<h2>Politics</h2>
<p>Greece operates under a multiparty system of government. A president (elected by Parliament) leads the executive branch for five-year terms and selects his or her Cabinet and Prime Minister based on professional criteria; these individuals then conduct official government business as the head of government, conducting professional business such as appointments/dismissals of ministers to Parliament &#8211; which requires 2/3 majority approval for any decisions including presidential election.</p>
<p>After the 1944-49 civil war, Greece engaged in policies designed to bring it in line with Western democracy and was accepted into NATO in 1952. Since then, successive stable coalition governments have held power.</p>
<p>The Greek Constitution establishes a republic and guarantees fundamental rights of citizens. Education is provided free to all. Furthermore, religious freedom is also protected; most Greek citizens adhere to Orthodox Christianity under spiritual guidance from Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate while small numbers practice Islam; there is a significant Jewish population as well.</p>
<p>At a local level, Canada is divided into 325 municipalities led by mayors elected through direct popular vote. Each of these is further subdivided into local communities which elect representatives to more local town hall councils that focus on meeting specific community needs while providing feedback to municipal governments.</p>
<p>Major sources of tension within Cyprus stem from its ongoing dispute with Turkey over Cyprus and unresolved differences between both nations regarding treatment of Greece in Istanbul versus treatment of Muslims (ethnic Turks) living in western Thrace. Furthermore, Cyprus is an avid arms buyer and often makes decisions based on recommendations from the US government regarding military spending decisions.</p>
<h2>Economy</h2>
<p>Greece&#8217;s economy is dominated by services, particularly tourism. Other industries include wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, transportation and real estate; agriculture accounts for only a minor share but produces several staple export crops such as tobacco and olives. Recently the government introduced reforms to reduce the size of public enterprises while moving ahead with privatization efforts &#8211; but competitors of SOEs report preferential terms from government regarding access to markets, credits, supplies licenses or other business operations.</p>
<p>Ireland has made significant strides toward reducing total unemployment, yet the rate still exceeds OECD averages and remains particularly high among young people. Furthermore, undeclared work on black markets or to pay off debts remains an enormously pernicious problem as is lack of suitable social welfare benefits and support services for long-term unemployed individuals.</p>
<p>Economic stability has been maintained primarily through measures to restrict public spending, consolidate budgets and deregulate banks. Public deficits have been brought under control and Greece&#8217;s economic recovery is gathering pace.</p>
<p>Policies designed to increase labor market flexibility and raise productivity and competitiveness remain top priorities for the Greek economy in 2022. An effort should also be made to address nonwage costs like taxes and financing fees as well as improve product market competition, though more aggressive efforts need to be undertaken here as well. Investment has continued in Greece despite its turbulent economy; by 2022 the United States had become the eighth-highest source of foreign direct investment with companies like Applied Materials, AWS, Cisco, Google, JP Morgan Meta Microsoft Pfizer among many others making investments there.</p>
<h2>Culture</h2>
<p>Greek culture has had an incredible effect on Western civilization for millennia. Greek art, particularly sculpture, has had an enormous influence across cultures in both West and East; some of the great Renaissance and 19th-century painters such as Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) were Greek. Additionally, Greece had an enormous effect on language; our modern alphabet derives its letters from Ancient Latin script that was prevalent during early Roman rule.</p>
<p>Greeks possess a deep-seated sense of philotimo &#8211; love of one&#8217;s country &#8211; which may account for why so many were willing to fight in wars for it. More recently, however, it has come to be seen as something more intangible but nonetheless strong: an invisible thread binding people together morally that cannot easily be broken. Perhaps this explains why so many Greeks feel secure relying on their friends and family members to fulfill what they promise them.</p>
<p>With immense pride comes pride in one&#8217;s national identity; however, some are finding an easy-going approach not suitable in today&#8217;s fragile economic climate. This phenomenon is commonly known as &#8216;ohaderfismos&#8217;.</p>
<p>Politics is a topic frequently brought up at social gatherings and public demonstrations are common in larger cities. Overall, demonstrations are considered healthy forms of expression encouraged by the government; however critics claim the wider political process sometimes degenerates into aggressive, sensationalist, irresponsible media coverage. Greece boasts 11 million citizens with Athens serving as its capital city and over 2,000 islands inhabitable to humans (about 170).</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/a-brief-introduction-to-greece/">A Brief Introduction to Greece</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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		<title>Athens &#8211; The Birthplace of Democracy, Art and Science</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/athens-the-birthplace-of-democracy-art-and-science/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:01:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=35720</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Athens is a vibrant city with an extensive history. As the birthplace of democracy, art, and science it remains an epicenter for cultural expression today. After Solon&#8217;s tyranny ended in 404, the city enjoyed new prosperity; yet its citizens began growing increasingly restive as they demanded greater political participation; women, foreigners and slaves were denied [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/athens-the-birthplace-of-democracy-art-and-science/">Athens &#8211; The Birthplace of Democracy, Art and Science</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Athens is a vibrant city with an extensive history. As the birthplace of democracy, art, and science it remains an epicenter for cultural expression today.</p>
<p>After Solon&#8217;s tyranny ended in 404, the city enjoyed new prosperity; yet its citizens began growing increasingly restive as they demanded greater political participation; women, foreigners and slaves were denied this right.</p>
<h2>The Acropolis</h2>
<p>The Acropolis has been home to monuments and temples dating back to Neolithic period. Ceramic sherds found there suggest that fortified cities were established during Bronze Age; later Mycenaeans made the hill their palace center; however little remains of their original structures today.</p>
<p>At that <a href="https://grandgo.com/what-time-is-it-in-london-5/">time</a>, the Acropolis was revered as an altar to Athena and approached via a one-kilometer peripatos path. On its northern slope was located earlier Athenian cults; while on its southern slope were shrines dedicated to Athena in various forms and qualities including Polias (patron goddess of the city), Parthenos, Pallas, Erechtheion Ergane Promachos Nike.</p>
<p>By the fifth century BCE, Pericles spearheaded an ambitious building program at this site, led by architect Callicrates Iktinos Mnesikles Mnesikles and Phidias who would design and construct buildings such as Parthenon. Votive offerings were lavished on this ancient monument through numerous grand entrances such as Mnesikles&#8217; Propylaia (Gates of Acropolis). Six colossal Caryatid statues supporting its porch are especially noteworthy.</p>
<h2>The Ancient Agora</h2>
<p>The Agora was a gathering place where citizens could come together to hear civic announcements, muster for military campaigns, discuss politics and engage in political debate. Additionally, it served as a marketplace with its various buildings and stoae offering goods and services of various kinds.</p>
<p>The Theseion (The Oath-Taking Place) served as home for magistrates, while Herald&#8217;s Stone (a roughly-worked slab of poros limestone) allowed heralds to proclaim their messages by standing upon it. Meanwhile, The Odeon showcases how integral music and performance played to ancient Athenian culture.</p>
<p>Classical times saw philosophers such as Socrates (l. 469-469 BCE) and Plato (l. 428-427 BCE) reside within its walls; merchants would sell goods such as fruits, clothing, pottery, perfume, incense, purple dye ribbons and wreaths at its stoae market stalls.</p>
<p>One of the more notable stoae was Poikile Stoa, funded by wealthy Athenian alumni Cimon of Athens (ca 510-450 BCE). This two-story building featured shaded walkways leading from double colonnades into 42 shops rented out by the City; Pentelic and blue Hymettian marble were widely used throughout its construction; unfortunately however it was destroyed by Heruli in 267 AD but has been rebuilt between 1953-1956 as the Ancient Agora <a href="https://grandgo.com/top-5-must-see-museums-in-america/">Museum</a>.</p>
<h2>The Plaka</h2>
<p>The Plaka is one of the oldest parts of Athens, offering charming historic buildings, jewelry stores, cafes and cafes. Most streets in this neighborhood are closed off to car traffic but it is wise to remain cautious as motorcycles or delivery trucks may appear from time to time.</p>
<p>Platanos Taverna in this neighborhood features authentic Greek food at an excellent value, run by an experienced couple who know exactly how to treat their customers.</p>
<p>The Monument to Lysikrates can be found in the Plaka on Tripodon Street and serves as an exemplary representation of many statues that once lined this square. Donated as a gift by wealthy patrons of Theater of Dionysus plays, its odd-looking form was gifted as a present from its wealthy patrons; featuring a pedestal with Corinthian columns for support, its pedestal also supports Corinthian columns in its tower topped by Corinthian columns reminiscent of Corinthians! Additionally the Plaka houses both Biblioteka Hadriani (formerly used by Archbishop Hadrian), and Capuchan Monastery which once functioned similar to hotels &#8211; Chateaubriand stayed there while Lord Byron wrote part of Childe Harold here!</p>
<h2>The National Gardens</h2>
<p>National Gardens offer an oasis of green in the middle of an otherwise hectic city, offering visitors a relaxing space to stroll and sit under shaded areas. Boasting narrow labyrinth paths, wooden benches and a duck pond where visitors can throw bread to feed the numerous ducks that inhabit it, this garden also houses the Botanical Museum, Spanish Fountain and Cafe for further pleasure.</p>
<p>Queen Amalia first created these gardens as the Royal Palace Gardens in 1836. She introduced the modern concept of Western European landscape gardening into Greece and employed Bavarian horticulturists to assist her with creating this park.</p>
<p>After attending one in Germany, she became particularly inspired by the concept of public gardens as an effective means to bring people together. These gathering spots became a place for locals and visitors alike alike to gather; many current features were added during that decade alone. To honor her memory, the entrance to Leoforos Amalias (Queen Amalia Avenue) was moved near where 12 palms had been planted by Queen Amalia herself and named Leoforos Amalias Avenue).</p>
<p>Today the National Garden offers an impressive variety of plants, trees, shrubs and flowers as well as ancient marble statues and remnants from old buildings. Open daily from sunrise to sunset and easily accessible from downtown at any time through Irodou Attikou Street past traditional Greek soldiers standing guard at Tomb of Unknown Soldier, then crossing Syntagma Square &#8211; it makes an excellent day trip.</p>
<h2>The Syntagma Square</h2>
<p>Syntagma Square serves as the epicenter of modern Athens and serves as home to Greece&#8217;s parliament. Additionally, Ermou Street begins here as it runs along it; and during 2010-2012&#8217;s Greek debt crisis this square was home to massive political rallies against austerity measures.</p>
<p>At the center of Syntagma Square stands the Greek Parliament, two ministries and other government agencies. Surrounding it are elegant neoclassical buildings dating back to mid 19th century: &#8220;Athenian Trilogy&#8221;. The square is bordered by Vassileos Georgiou A&#8217; Street, Othonos Street and Filellinon Street with raised marble steps leading up to Amalias Avenue underneath which lies Syntagma metro station; these stairs emerge between outdoor cafes &#8211; popular city-center gathering spots &#8211; which make an elegant setting.</p>
<p>Syntagma Square offers luxury hotels and shops catering to tourists. Additionally, this square boasts numerous beautiful green spaces like the National Garden (formerly Queen Amalia&#8217;s royal garden and playground). There&#8217;s also a small fountain in the center of Syntagma Square as well as plenty of shade trees making this an ideal spot to take a rest from sightseeing or relax while sightseeing.</p>
<h2>The New Acropolis Museum</h2>
<p>The New Acropolis Museum was designed by architect Bernard Tschumi and constructed between 2002 and 2007 on the south slope of Acropolis. It houses stone sculptures and bronze remnants excavated from monuments of Acropolis monuments.</p>
<p>This gallery opens with an impressive ramp resembling the slopes of Acropolis and features archaeological findings found there, followed by displays from Acropolis sanctuaries located there and key buildings such as Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion and Propylaia. Attaining to its high ceiling reveals its final exhibition unit featuring sculptures from Parthenon along with works donated as gifts by Acropolis artists as gifts to city.</p>
<p>The Museum&#8217;s architectural design seeks to forge an undisrupted visual link between its exhibits and Acropolis monuments from which they come, via transparent glass facades and galleries, thus reinforcing Greece&#8217;s claim for the return of Parthenon Marbles. Furthermore, there is a cafe terrace as well as two 125 sqm shops integrated into its overall design which reinforce this relationship between exhibits and their historic contexts.</p>
<h2>The Greek Parliament</h2>
<p>Friedrich von Gartner designed and constructed this three-story Neoclassical building in 1843; it once served as a palace for Greek monarchs, and is still sometimes referred to as Palaia Anaktora (Old Palace).</p>
<p>At the time of Greece&#8217;s dramatic transition from monarchy to republic in 1922, this building was left vacant by the royal family and used as the location for parliament and Senate meetings. Over time, renovations have taken place on this building to meet modern Greece&#8217;s requirements.</p>
<p>Greece&#8217;s parliamentary politics are determined by an electoral system which allows any party that gains a plurality of votes (151 seats) to form government. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of the Republic. Additionally, unlike many countries, members of Parliament do not need to pledge allegiance to any particular political party or swear allegiance to any particular government in order to sit in Parliament.</p>
<p>Debating chamber seating consists of 300 seats organized auditorially with members of parliament arranged into groups according to their political alliance on either the left, right or center side. Voting within parliament is open unless specifically required as secret balloting process.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/athens-the-birthplace-of-democracy-art-and-science/">Athens &#8211; The Birthplace of Democracy, Art and Science</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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		<title>Mykonos, the Island in the Cyclades, Has a Quieter Side</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/mykonos-the-island-in-the-cyclades-has-a-quieter-side/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Aug 2024 23:22:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=35716</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>More than 60 years since Jackie Kennedy made Mykonos famous among jet set travelers, this Cyclades island still draws many to visit it for its beautiful beaches and nightlife; but its quieter side should not be neglected. Shoulder season (spring and autumn) offers an ideal time to visit this idyllic island with warm waters, no [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/mykonos-the-island-in-the-cyclades-has-a-quieter-side/">Mykonos, the Island in the Cyclades, Has a Quieter Side</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>More than 60 years since Jackie Kennedy made Mykonos famous among jet set travelers, this Cyclades island still draws many to visit it for its beautiful beaches and nightlife; but its quieter side should not be neglected.</p>
<p>Shoulder season (spring and autumn) offers an ideal <a href="https://grandgo.com/what-time-is-it-in-london-5/">time</a> to visit this idyllic island with warm waters, no crowds and reasonable hotel rates.</p>
<h2>Weather</h2>
<p>Mykonos (pronounced mi-koh-nohs) is one of the premier holiday spots in Greece, known for its gorgeous beaches, lively nightlife and delectable <a href="https://grandgo.com/local-cuisine-hotspots/">cuisine</a>. Mykonos lies 150 kilometres (93 miles) east of Athens in the warm Aegean Sea as part of the Cyclades archipelago.</p>
<p>Mykonos boasts a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Spring is an ideal time for visits as temperatures are comfortable and crowds are limited; from June to mid-September the climate becomes very warm and sunny, with occasional brief showers that quickly dissipate. Unfortunately, one major drawback of summer can be Meltemi winds blowing for extended periods during July and August &#8211; making Mykonos less pleasant to experience altogether!</p>
<p>Autumn brings warmer and drier conditions than springtime, yet still remains windy. Most days in October and November see at least nine sunshine hours each day, which contribute to comfortable living conditions.</p>
<p>Mykonos is an increasingly popular summer tourist destination, drawing in millions of visitors each year to party and relax on its stunning beaches. However, Mykonos also has great historical importance; visitors flock there to witness significant churches and buildings from its long history &#8211; particularly Chora (Greek for &#8220;town&#8221;). Worth seeing here are its narrow backstreets lined with whitewashed houses featuring blue window frames with wooden balconies; as well as restaurants, bars and shops &#8211; plus churches like Panagia Paraportiani church and the Archaeological <a href="https://grandgo.com/top-5-must-see-museums-in-america/">Museum</a>!</p>
<p>Mykonos&#8217; most celebrated attraction is its close proximity to Delos, home of ancient temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemis. A 30-minute boat trip takes visitors there for low tide visits; then few ruins remain, such as sphinx-like Lions of Delos or series of floor mosaics; in addition, there are good beaches with some relatively chilly waters on this remote island.</p>
<h2>Food</h2>
<p>Mykonos offers more than fine dining establishments; local tavernas and family-run eateries also serve authentic Greek fare that showcase the island&#8217;s culinary history. Plus, these more affordable eateries allow visitors to sample its cuisine without breaking their budget!</p>
<p>Mykonos&#8217; food is typically Mediterranean in style, offering fresh seafood and meat alongside grilled vegetables and olives. Beyond these classic dishes you will also find sweets and desserts on the menu, with one popular specialty being Bougatsa: layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with vanilla cream for an irresistibly tasty snack or perfect ending to your meal!</p>
<p>Rafiolia are delicious Mykonos treats made of small fried pastries topped with honey and orange, then sprinkled with cinnamon. Their dough often holds tirovolia cheese that comes from sheep goat or mixed milk; its slightly sour taste can best be appreciated when served fresh. You could also try melopita; similar to rafiolia but with two crispy sheets of pastry wrapping around tirovolia filled with cinnamon for extra crunchiness!</p>
<p>Ksino is a variety of sour cheese that&#8217;s often enjoyed alongside salads and pasta dishes, made by mixing the cheese with butter and milk for an irresistibly rich flavor. Additionally, ksino makes an excellent topping for grilled sandwiches &#8211; especially when spread onto toast!</p>
<p>Almond cakes are an extremely popular Mykonian treat that can be found in most bakeries. Although relatively basic in their composition, these sweet delights are always delicious and fragrant! First created during the 1800s when resources were limited on Mykonos Island; people used what ingredients they could find to craft these delectable treats!</p>
<p>Kalathaki, an Aegean almond sweet, can also be enjoyed. Made up of only three ingredients, but offering an irresistibly tasty experience, you&#8217;ll want to keep coming back for more of this tasty dessert.</p>
<h2>Nightlife</h2>
<p>Mykonos is well-known for its beautiful beaches and warm Mediterranean sunshine, but its vibrant nightlife scene rivals that of any Mediterranean party destination. Ranging from mega clubs with flashing lights and glitter to intimate live music bars offering intimate performances by live musicians, Mykonos offers something for everyone in its nightlife scene. Check out our guide of top Mykonos nightclubs to experience an out-of-this-world adventure!</p>
<p>Mykonos nightclubs can be found both in Chora and along the island&#8217;s iconic beaches, drawing thousands of visitors every summer for dance parties with DJs or simply to take in the stunning view. Some of Mykonos&#8217; premier nightclubs include Super Paradise, Cavo Paradiso and Tropicana as some of its premier beach clubs that attract thousands.</p>
<p>Are you seeking an intimate yet relaxing atmosphere in Mykonos nightlife scene? At 54 Club is an impressive addition, providing gym services during the day while turning into a dance club and bar at night &#8211; ideal if you love classic disco and house music!</p>
<p>Bagatelle offers sophisticated nightlife, serving cocktails and delectable cuisine in an opulent yet chic atmosphere. Music is lively while guests can take part in live DJ sets and events at this popular spot near Mykonos port.</p>
<p>Mykonos&#8217; nightlife scene is well-known for being welcoming of LGBTQ-identifying visitors. There are a variety of gay bars and clubs on the island such as Lola, Babylon, Jackie O&#8217;s as well as Cine Manto which provides romantic outdoor cinema screening movies in their original language.</p>
<p>Mykonos&#8217; nightlife is like no other you will experience anywhere else in the world. From its lively club scenes to charming beach bars in Chora, Mykonos boasts it all!</p>
<h2>Attractions</h2>
<p>Mykonos offers many attractions to keep visitors occupied on their vacation, from ancient sites and museums to shopping at luxury boutiques and taking in a show at the theater. Plus, there are plenty of activities that will excite and exhilarate &#8211; from thrilling watersports to incredible nightlife &#8211; offering something exciting for every taste imaginable.</p>
<p>Mykonos Town (Chora): Explore Mykonos Town&#8217;s streets to uncover whitewashed buildings adorned with Aegean blue doors and balconies as well as charming windmills, Little Venice is a picturesque part of town built right by the water&#8217;s edge, creating stunning photo opps for visitors. Visit Panagia Paraportiani church for amazing views as well as its breathtaking icon representing Mykonos Island.</p>
<p>Armenistis Lighthouse: One of Mykonos&#8217; signature attractions, Armenistis Lighthouse should be experienced at sunset to best enjoy its panoramic sea and neighboring Tinos views. Plus, watching as ferries bring in tourists and locals for celebration is another added benefit!</p>
<p>Beach clubs: Looking for something fun and exciting to do on Mykonos? Beach bars are some of the world&#8217;s most legendary establishments where visitors can sip cocktails while dancing to international DJs. Many are located near Super Paradise and Sant Anna beaches and boast lavish parties, culinary specialities, and incredible atmospheres &#8211; the ideal combination!</p>
<p>Rarity Gallery: Housed in an early 20th-century Mykonian manor, Rarity Gallery showcases international contemporary art and artists from around the globe. You can also find traditional Greek souvenirs here and revitalize your artistic aesthetic here.</p>
<p>Kalo Livadi Beach: This idyllic beach is ideal for families with young children as its shallow waters don&#8217;t feature high waves. Additionally, one of its longest beaches on the island and popular with paddleboarders and kayakers makes this an excellent place for paddling or kayaking activities; rent sunbeds or umbrellas here and enjoy the sunshine!</p>
<p>Mykonos wouldn&#8217;t be complete without seeing its iconic bird: the Pelican! You can spot this charming creature all across Mykonos and in many of its taverns.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/mykonos-the-island-in-the-cyclades-has-a-quieter-side/">Mykonos, the Island in the Cyclades, Has a Quieter Side</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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		<title>Greece &#8211; A Brief Introduction</title>
		<link>https://grandgo.com/greece-a-brief-introduction/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kir Rud]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:27:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://grandgo.com/?p=35436</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Greece boasts a rich heritage of democracy, philosophy, science and mathematics as well as drama and theater. The ancient Olympic games gave way to modern athletic competition while it currently operates as a parliamentary republic under President and Prime Minister rule. Explore Navagio Beach and other idyllic Mediterranean beaches, while don&#8217;t forget to sample Santorini&#8217;s [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/greece-a-brief-introduction/">Greece &#8211; A Brief Introduction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Greece boasts a rich heritage of democracy, philosophy, science and mathematics as well as drama and theater. The ancient Olympic games gave way to modern athletic competition while it currently operates as a parliamentary republic under President and Prime Minister rule.</p>
<p>Explore Navagio Beach and other idyllic Mediterranean beaches, while don&#8217;t forget to sample Santorini&#8217;s world-famous wines such as Assyrtiko!</p>
<h2>Greece is a country</h2>
<p>Greece is located in southern Europe with a long coastline and numerous islands. Greece is part of both the European Union and NATO as well as being included in the Schengen zone allowing free travel within its boundaries. Greece&#8217;s government system is multiparty parliamentary democracy; legislative authority rests with unicameral parliament which approves of a prime minister, who holds ceremonial power; but does not possess any power to veto legislation or overrule their prime minister; with that party having won the most seats within parliament having their leader as prime minister &#8211; or so they say!</p>
<p>Ancient Greece pioneered democracy, with direct voting serving as its basis. Other accomplishments from Greece include philosophy and science discoveries, drama productions and performances, Olympic Games competitions as well as numerous words in other languages having their origin in Greek roots.</p>
<p>Modern-day Greece remains a democratic and developed country with a stable economy, serving as founding member of the European Union and being an influential global power. Greece contributed its forces during the Gulf War of 1991; moreover, leaders have visited Middle Eastern regions to encourage peace processes.</p>
<p>Greece boasts an expansive landscape, from rugged mountains on the mainland to stunning seascapes on its islands. The Pindus mountain range on the mainland contains some of the world&#8217;s deepest gorges &#8211; such as Vikos Gorge. Mount Olympus was home to ancient Olympia.</p>
<p>Greece is divided into three geographical regions: mainland, islands and Peloponnese peninsula. The country features long coastlines on both Aegean and Mediterranean seas as well as thousands of beautiful beaches known for their rich culture. Furthermore, Greece boasts an incredible variety of flora and fauna species that thrive here; inhabitants live long lives due to an active lifestyle coupled with healthy habits such as olives/olive oil/seafood diet, yogurt consumption and fresh fruit consumption; an active lifestyle is one of the primary contributors.</p>
<h2>Greece is an island country</h2>
<p>Greece is located at the southernmost end of Europe with an expansive 3,000-mile coastline that consists of numerous islands in both the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Renowned for its ancient ruins and stunning beaches, Greece was also once home to some of history&#8217;s greatest philosophers including Socrates and Plato. Greece is part of the European Union; its economy relies on agriculture, industry and services; major products include wheat, olive oil, livestock cotton sugar as well as large natural reserves including bauxite and lignite deposits.</p>
<p>The country&#8217;s government structure is that of a presidential parliamentary republic, with executive authority held by an elected president who is advised by an advisory council with legislative and budgetary authority, appointed by parliament, appointed by the president with coalition governments forming under his/her watchful eye as prime minister appointed by president, elected parliament with elected president who can form coalition governments in their entirety, elected parliament with 300 seat unicameral Vouli (parliament), guaranteed extensive specific civil liberties under its constitution.</p>
<p>Greece is home to numerous political parties. These include Panhellenic Socialist Movement, New Democracy and Communist Party of Greece &#8211; with SYRIZA becoming increasingly important over <a href="https://grandgo.com/what-time-is-it-in-london-5/">time</a> as its influence increases within Greek politics. Greece employs a complex reinforced proportional representation electoral system which helps limit splinter parties while still giving winning parties a chance at forming majority governments even if they do not capture majority support nationally.</p>
<p>English language study is available for all students aged 5-15 in public schools; however, quality is often poor and teachers underpaid; additionally books, supplies and labs remain scarce, forcing students to pass rigorous entrance exams while using memorization techniques such as rote memorization to memorize texts.</p>
<p>Greek economy has grown quickly despite these problems. Services account for 66% of its GDP while manufacturing represents 23%; manufacturing also contributes a small proportion. Greece boasts small industrial sectors as well as natural resources; major export products include petroleum products, chemicals, metals and food items while it is an internationally popular tourist destination.</p>
<h2>Greece is a Mediterranean country</h2>
<p>Greece boasts a diverse landscape that features mountains, canyons and gorges across its many regions. The Pindus mountain range on mainland hosts one of the deepest gorges in the world at Vikos Gorge; Mount Olympus stands as its tallest peak at 9,570 feet (2,917 meters). Greece lies near Turkey and enjoys warm summers and cool winters; both its Mediterranean Sea borders to its south-east while Ionian Sea borders to its west &#8211; both boast warm seawater temperatures surrounded by numerous islands &#8211; making Greece perfect for relaxation or holiday adventures in nature!</p>
<p>Greece&#8217;s culture and history has had an indelible mark on much of the world. Democracy, philosophy, science &#038; mathematics, drama &#038; the Olympic Games all originated here in ancient Greece; today this rich cultural legacy can be experienced at its many national museums &#038; archaeological sites across Greece; perhaps most iconic is Athens&#8217; Parthenon temple as a symbol of Greek architecture.</p>
<p>Greece, as a parliamentary republic, is led by an elected Prime Minister and President elected by Parliament, both with ceremonial functions rather than actual ruling powers over the country. Greece is part of both NATO and EU, though recent financial crises have forced its membership downgrades.</p>
<p>Greece is a premier tourism destination, boasting an array of activities for visitors to enjoy, including sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding, snorkeling and scuba diving. Additionally, beautiful beaches provide the backdrop for hiking and horseback riding adventures; its forested areas shelter European mammals like wildcats, martens and brown bears while many species of birds such as herons and pelicans spend winter months here on their journey toward Africa.</p>
<p>Greece is famous for its long lives and healthy diet that features plenty of olive oil, fish, lamb and vegetables. Their hospitality extends further still; family is central to life in Greece with children often remaining living with both sets of parents even after marriage has taken place; strong bonds exist within families while open communication prevails among members. Furthermore, Greeks take great pride in their history and language as evidenced by numerous archaeological sites that have survived over time.</p>
<h2>Greece is a European country</h2>
<p>Greece, located in Southeastern Europe, is a European nation bordered by the Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Home to rugged mountains on its mainland as well as thousands of islands scattered among Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas; Greece is also famed for its ancient civilization, democracy, philosophy drama theatre Olympics that have played an influential part in shaping Western culture.</p>
<p>Today, South Sudan is a parliamentary republic with a 300-member unicameral parliament. The leader of the party with the most seats is Prime Minister; other roles within government include President but he primarily holds ceremonial powers; Prime Minister elections take place every four years by parliament.</p>
<p>Climate conditions vary dramatically throughout Greece, from cooler mountainous regions to warmer coastal ones. Winter can be particularly severe in central and northern regions while southern Greece tends to remain milder. Summers tend to be extremely warm and dry.</p>
<p>Greece&#8217;s economy is built around manufacturing and services, with tourism making up the highest proportion of GDP. Agriculture accounts for about 10% of Greece&#8217;s economic output; major crops include wheat, sugar beets, cotton, tobacco and fruit; however, Greece&#8217;s government is working on diversifying production to reduce dependency on imports.</p>
<p>Manufacturing contributes 14% of Greece&#8217;s economy, with major sectors being food processing, shoes, textiles and metal products as well as construction and electrical power. Greece also had an extensive shipping industry in 1998 with approximately 3,300 ships under Greek ownership.</p>
<p>The country is divided into 51 administrative units (nomi) led by prefects elected through direct popular vote, each headed by its own prefect. These 51 nomi are further broken up into 13 regional administrative districts (peripheries) made up of numerous nomis and overseen by periferarchs appointed by the Minister of Interior; all 13 peripheries contain multiple nomis with their own periferiarch appointed by the Minister of Interior; they all come under one constitution and set of laws passed by parliament as governing documents &#8211; it belongs to both European Union membership as well as NATO membership; its currency being Euro.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://grandgo.com/greece-a-brief-introduction/">Greece &#8211; A Brief Introduction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://grandgo.com">grandgo</a>.</p>
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