Athens, a Shopper's Mecca

Athens is one of those cities that has everything. A crossroads between Europe and the Middle East. Athens has long been a centre for craftsmanship; craftsmen jewellers, furriers, leatherworkers and ceramicists. Modern boutiques sit side by side with huge department stores and some of Europe's top establishments now have at least one store in the capital. Most visitors buy honey, olive oil, sponges, ceramics, gold and silver jewellery, shoes (a lesser-known craft, some of the best shoemakers and designers work in Greece), pottery, embroidery and even worry beads. The choice is there, it's up to you to discover the variety on offer. For leather items such as bags, jackets and sandals, you will find good value for money and good quality anywhere in the centre of Athens. Kilims and hand woven fabrics in traditional patterns are also a very authentic choice. However, a classic buy would be miniature copies of statues in plaster or marble that are available in many museums in Greece and you must not leave Greece without taking some great Greek music with you. Downtown Athens is a shoppers paradise. Besides the areas of the Plaka and Monastiraki which are well known to travellers for their large variety of tourist shops, all of central Athens is a shopper's Mecca.

Food in Athens

Greek cuisine is a typical Mediterranean Cuisine. In Athens, as well as throughout Greece, eating out is a way of life. Restaurants are more than places to have a bite before the evening entertainment, very often they are the entertainment. Whether in a local tavern or one of the most elegant restaurants, Greeks take their time over food. Breakfast is light, lunch is eaten in the mid afternoon, and dinner usually doesn't start until 10 p.m. Greek cuisine has developed along with the customs and traditions of the Greek people. It is characteristic of the Greeks to celebrate their joys, to sweeten their sorrows, and to assuage their struggles by eating and drinking in the company of family and friends. Customs also are tied closely to the distribution of special edibles, such as Koufeta (Candy Coated Almonds) at baptisms and weddings, or Koliva (Boiled Wheat) at funerals. Each important feast during the year, such as Christmas, the Annunciation, Easter, and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, has its own specialty. Orthodox Greeks, as devout people, eat specific foods on fasting days.

Art in Athens

Athens perhaps has the most long-standing and impressive cultural heritage of any town in Europe. However, Athens is not only recognized through the world for its ancient culture but definitely also for its present day culture. Greek life was dominated by religion and so it is not surprising that the temples of ancient Greece were the biggest and most beautiful. They also had a political purpose as they were often built to celebrate civic power and pride, or offer thanksgiving to the patron deity of a city for success in war. Athens has given the world some of the most popular play writers, poets, philosophers and orators and its long standing cultural tradition is continuing to the present day. Museums keep the old history alive while a vast number of theatres, concert halls, big and small exhibition galleries etc. make new cultural history. In Athens these two often go hand in hand. Greek art is mainly five forms: architecture, sculpture, painting, pottery and jewellery making.

Greece - Culture and Society

The culture of Greece is characterized by great diversity and richness. There are a number of factors that influenced the culture and society of Greece. One of them is that Greece is located at a meeting point of the eastern countries of the world and the western countries, thus the lifestyle of the people is influenced by diverse traditions and practices, which further affects the culture of the land. Greece is known to have a great history. The country had been under the occupation of a number of countries and has also passed through several historical phases. All these have had an impact upon the Culture and Society of Greece. Greek is the native language of the land. Greeks are religious people and there are a number of important traditions that forms an important part of the culture and lifestyle of the Greeks. Greeks are proud of their cultural heritage and their contribution to world civilization. A study found that Greeks' pride in being Greek surpassed the ethnic satisfaction of every other European nation. Plays continue to be staged in the theatres where they were originally performed. Greek literature includes poetry, drama, philosophy, history, as well as travelogues.

Surviving Thailand

One of the reasons people travel is to explore other cultures and establish how other countries and cultures do things. It is then quite remarkable then to see people wandering around the country they visit imposing their cultural approach on the situations and events they encounter. Often these leads to confusion, worse, it sometimes leads to ugly scenes that are entirely avoidable.The Thai are an easy-going lot on the whole, usually minding their own business and going about their daily chores without fuss or complaint. They are warm and friendly. But at the same time no one would like to be offended, especially where revered customs and habits are concerned. Most importantly of all, be particularly careful about respecting Buddhism and the Thai Royal Family. This is important to bear in mind from the very beginning. Anyone can be offended if their customs and beliefs are looked down upon, made fun of or disobeyed.

Attractions in Athens

Life in Athens takes place on the street. The best way to experience the city is to join in this intoxicating mix that’s somewhere between bedlam and joie de vivre. Get yourself in the mood with an afternoon volta (stroll) along the Ancient Promenade. Circling the heart of the ancient city, the pedestrianized route takes in The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the mighty Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. You’ll also find plenty of modernity here, with open-air art exhibitions, book fairs, buskers and street traders, lending the promenade a festival air. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It’s one of Europe’s safest and liveliest cities – a heady mix of grunge and grace with an undeniable urban soul. Most visitors will leave impressed with its vibrant street life and relaxed lifestyle, where people take time out for endless coffees and evening strolls, dine out until late and enjoy the city’s nightlife, long after the rest of Europe has gone to bed. Athens has improved in its social amenities and infrastructure so much, that it has become one of the most popular tourist spots. Omonoia, Psirri and Gazi, Syntagma are few remarkable Sightseeing in Athens. Still there are many hills, old museums and universities to be visited. After Marathon and Olympics fame, Athens has become the most wanted place to visit.

Surviving South Korea

Observance of social convention is important if you wish to show respect or make an impression. Despite their ultra-modern city, the people of Seoul remain part of a strongly neo-Confucian social tradition where the concept of ‘face’ is important. Always act respectfully and avoid any words or actions that could make any party appear in a negative light. Koreans have intensely sensitive antennae. This also applies to the country as a whole. Despite their youth, they are a conservative bunch. Odd or unusual dress will probably be frowned upon, as are open signs of affection in public. Despite on going improvements, Korea remains very much a male-dominated society. One of the most important things to remember is : Don’t compare Korea with Japan. 

Surviving Singapore

Singapore is a huge tourist and business destination. As both play two of the largest roles in the Singaporean economy, every effort has been made to make every guest to this country comfortable and safe. Some of the rules and regulations implemented in Singapore are found nowhere else in the world so it's a good idea to become acquainted with them before you step off the plane. Singapore is a very clean, safe and efficient city due to the strictly enforced laws. There are several things a visitor must not do, to ensure a pleasant and memorable stay. Just a few pointers to keep you ahead.

Delights of Portuguese Cuisine

One of the ideal places on earth to enjoy food and drink is Portugal. Portuguese cuisine is hugely underrepresented outside Portugal. Often confused with Spanish cooking, it is, in fact, quite distinct. At its best, Portuguese food is simple ingredients impeccably prepared. Based on regional produce, emphasising fish, meat, olive oil, tomato, and spices, it features hearty soups, homemade bread and cheeses, as well as unexpected combinations of meat and shellfish. Most regions have their own special dishes but some dishes are common to the country. Their dishes are characterised by rich flavours and are closely related to Mediterranean cuisine. Stopping at one of the legendary cafés in Lisbon is mandatory. In addition to the best coffee in Europe, Lisbon's coffee bars inexpensively & efficiently serve-up sopas (soups), tostas (grilled sandwiches), maças (baked apples) and melons all through the daylight hours. The Portuguese don’t have an elaborate breakfast, just coffee, fresh fruits and some fresh pastries from one of the many pastelerias or confeitarias.

Shopping in Lisbon

Although Lisbon is a small city, it offers variety of shopping. You will be both surprised and delighted by the number and the variety of shops and shopping malls to suit all tastes from the cheaper brands to top international fashion brands in this city. In fact, even if you don’t like shopping, it is very likely to find yourself buying a couple of items after seeing the cheap prices. Lisbon remains Western Europe's least expensive capital, and wandering around the traditional and specialist shops. Downtown is a refreshing experience. Many shops are even worth going into for their distinctive decoration alone such as Luvaria Ulises, Ourivesaria Aliança, and Casa das Velas do Loreto. There are some areas in Lisbon specially devoted to shopping. Some of the best bargains are handmade goods which also make excellent souvenirs. Look for antique and contemporary hand-painted tiles, distinctive regional ceramics and textiles such as tablecloths and embroidery, and don't forget that all gold sold in Portugal is at least 19.2 karats and is one of the best buys in the country.