A Greek Odyssey

Oia: stunning views on Santorini

The Parthenon: Temple of Athena, Athens

       
The ancient city of Athens is famed for being the seat western philosophy and contains the ruins of many historic buildings. The two thousand five hundred year old Parthenon which sits majestically on top of the Acropolis is presently being restored.

A short distance from Athens lies the port of Piraeus. The ferries to numerous islands leave from here. The 8 hour ferry to Santorini leaves port around 8am, After several stops we arrive at the magnificent volcanic island.

Arriving by ferry at Santorini

The home of the famed Oracle of Delphi lies 120 kilometres from Athens. Pythia - the Priestess or Oracle was traditionally seated in the Temple of Apollo. Her prophecies were the result of a trance like state and the tradition continued for more than 1000 years until the city was abandoned. Delphi lies at the foot of Mount Parnassus. The mountain has several popular ski resorts.  

                                                         

                                                                                                 

The Bronze charioteer dating  from 475 BC can be seen in the Delphi Museum. The statue is the only surviviving bronze from the period. Most other bronze were melted down but the charioteer most likely survived as it was buried in a rock fall. The statue has glass eyes, copper lips and silver eyelashes and headband. 

The magnificent 10th century Hosios Loukas Monastery near Delphi.
The Unesco World Heritage site is famed for its Byzantine art work
and architecture.  

    

The Buddha Museum Traben Trarbach Germany

Mandalay Buddhas from Burma

Yet another highlight of my stay in this amazing country happened yesterday. I bought a full day train ticket which entitled me to travel anywhere in the entire Rheinland - Palatinate region for a very reasonable price. My car was getting some work done so it was a perfect way to spend the day. I travelled firstly to Bullay a pretty town on the banks of the Mosel. Then a short journey in a special one carriage train along the banks of the river to Traben Trarbach. The train weaves alongside the endless steep vineyards which give this area its famous wines.

Miles of neat vineyards on the banks of the Mosel

This beautiful town on both sides of the river is picture postcard and would have been a thoroughly enjoyable experience on its own. But I had come to visit the famed Buddha Museum and I was not disappointed!

The collection of Buddhas come from China, Tibet, Japan, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka to name but a few and  the oldest dating back to 7th century. The collection of over 2000 exhibits is tastefully spread out over several areas and gardens with lots of space for meditation and contemplation.

Guanyin Buddha of a thousand arms

 

It is difficult not to be deeply moved by the calm air of serenity and
peace of this beautiful place.

The array of magnificent statues and figures come in every conceivable size, shape and texture. The styles differ from differ from region to region and historical periods, but all have in common the respect, love and veneration for the Buddha.


Take plenty of time to relax and take in the immense beauty of the surroundings. This is an experience not to be rushed but truly relished.  

Trier's Glorious Roman Past

The city of Trier is feast for anyone interested in ancient Roman history. Once encircled by a 4 mile long wall, the city's 687 acre inner city still proudly boasts a magnificent and enviably well preserved collection of Roman sites. The  Porta Negra or Black gate is the only surviving of five gates and is the landmark icon of the city of Trier. 

The Porta Negra 

Clip: The Roman Archaeological Museum

The Market Cross symbol of Trier' city status

Remains of the Kaiserthermen Imperial Baths 

Still used to this day is the Roman Bridge which spans the Mosel River.  The Amphitheatre which once seated 20,000 spectators gathered to watch executions is also still used today for concerts and cultural events.

Koblenz to Trier - Germanys hidden treasures

Eltz Castle

At the northern end of the World Heritage Site of Rhein Gorge lies Koblenz. The city lies at the meeting point of the great Rhein and Mosel Rivers known as 'Germany's most beautiful Corner'.

Sunset on the Rhein at Koblenz

The meeting of the Rhein and Mosel Rivers at Koblenz

Less than an hour's drive away is the incredible Eltz Castle. Built in the 12th century, the same family have lived here for 33 generations.

Onwards to Burncastel Kues the picture postcard town with many buildings dating from 15th century and birthplace of Philosopher Nicholaus Cusanus (von Kues) in 1401 and the house can still be visited.  

           

After sampling some lovely local food and wine, it was back to Trier by evening. The beautiful city holds the title of Germany's oldest and most famous of Roman cities. Full of history, beautiful buildings and culture galore - it is a must see destination.

The Ponta Negra Trier

The Baroque Palastgarten

Mosel River Valley Germany

The stunning Berncastel town with homes dating as far back as 1410.  

Bernkastel-Kues

I always knew Germany had spectacular scenery but having the opportunity to visit lots of beautiful towns and villages has been much better than I could have imagined. I expected castles and quaint old villages but to stand in front of a house that has been lived in for over 600 years and still habitable is quite something else. The German people take great pride in this beautiful region and deservedly so. The miles and miles of spectacular forests which a few weeks ago glistened snow white are now warm rustic colours. The sun is getting warm and in a short time the forests will be changing colour yet again as the new growth bursts through.

Saarburg Castle

The vines have not starting this years growth yet so all along the Mosel are the perfectly trimmed stalks of neat rows on impossibly steep hillsides facing the river. Everywhere there is evidence of the regions best know produce - wine. And signs advertising tastings are everywhere. 

Part of the well preserved remains of Saarburg Castle 

View of the Mosel River from Saarburg Castle which dates from 964 AD