An “Author’s Journey” in Greece, including Turkish baths, mastika and good readings.

The Best Things to See and do in Patras, the birthplace of a famous Greek writer? The New Archaeological Museum of Patras, is home to several collections that display the history of Patras and the wider region. You don’t feel like playing the tourist, head to the Turkish Baths (an establishment that was first founded in the 15th century). Here, waiting for you a tranquil haven to relax, open to men and women. Maybe you wish to spend a night out? Head to pedestrian Riga Fereou street. It’s one of the top place to sample the local vibe. You can try the Bocas Bar, https://el-gr.facebook.com/Bocasbarbeerwine where beer and wine are the specialty.

ERSI SOTIROPOULOS, born in 1954 in Patras, is a Greek writer who has studied in Italy (in Florence and Rome since the 80s, has published successful novels (translated into English, German, Spanish, Italian and French), between which is a very engaging one: Zigzag through bitter orange trees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPWG7MBJR9I It’s a book was first published in Greece, where it was acclaimed as “the best novel of the decade”, becaming the first novel to win both the Greek State Prize for Literature and the Book Critics’ Award.

From Patras, the starting point of our “journey of the author” to Greece, you arrive by car in Athens (213 km and two and a half hours of travel). Welcome to Athens, the city where a special poet was born who loves to remember that no matter what you say, but how you say it. Its name meaning “virgin’s apartment”: the Parthenon epitomises the glory of Ancient Greece, and it’s dedicated to the goddess embodying the prestige of the city. The Acropolis? It stands sentinel over Athens, visible from almost everywhere within the city. Tired? Fresh food, an open kitchen and David Bowie on the soundtrack. This may be the your ideal restaurant. Dishes can look simple, but the flavour is incomparable. You need to go early (or book ahead), because Seychelles Restaurant http://www.seycheles.gr/en it’s deservedly popular.

He is a Greek poet, born Athens 1953. ANTONIS FOSTIERIS studied Law at the University of Athens and History of Law at Sorbonne, Paris. Reading his poetic words, you to can discover that his poetry is multilayered, always rich in intertextual references. He builds his vocal structures across the collection as a whole. His poetic quest is melted language clarity and intimacy. Through a dense poetic language, he seeks to outline a view of life. For him the problem of poetic expression it’s always simple: “it does not matter what you say, but how you say it”.

What to drink in Greece? After your dinner, have a little Mastika (a sweet, sticky liquor seasoned with a resin gathered from the mastic tree native to the island of Chios). A good way to save money and time on your visit to Athens is to buy the Athens? We recommend the Classic or Complete Athens City Pass. Don’t forget the National Archaeological Museum, it’s the largest museum in Greece (with more than 20.000 exhibits). Someting special? In front of the Parliament (at Syntagma square), waiting for you the Monument of the Unknown Soldier (guarded by two men wearing traditional uniform called Evzones). Precisely in this city that was born an important representative of the Surrealist movement in Greece.

During the summer of 1914 when his family went on a trip to Constantinople his family was obliged to settle there, due to the outbreak of World War I. He is one of the most important members of “Generation of the ’30s”, as well as a major representative of the surrealist movement in Greece. NIKOS ENGONOPOULOS born Athens in a October day, was a modern Greek painter and poet. His work as a writer also includes critique and essays. In 1923, he was enrolled in a lycée in Paris. After his return to Greece, he served in the 1st Infantry Regiment. In 1930 he was employed in the Urban Planning Department of the Greek Ministry of Public Works. You can admire his paintings at the National Art Gallery–Alexandros Soutzos Museum in Athens, devoted to Greek and European art from the 14th century to the 20th century.

Buy souvenirs? Head to Monastiraki district (just under the Acropolis, in Athens). You can wander around the flea market and buy original gifts for your friends. Visiting the Museum of the Yannis Tsarouchis Foundation, you can also buy a reproduction of some paintings by a Greek painter who was born in the port of this city. Something unforgettable? The group of Dora’s Stratou theatre. The dancers wear traditional Greek costumes of various regions of the country and perform songs and dances of the Greek history.

Together with other painters he led the movement for the introduction of Greek tradition in painting. He studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts, and was also a student of Photios Kontoglou (who introduced him to Byzantine iconography). YANNIS TSAROUCHIS, born in Athen’s Piraeus in a January day, had become a Greek painter. He met influential artists (such as Henri Matisse and Alberto Giacometti). From 1935 to 1936 he visited Istanbul, Paris and Italy, coming in contact with the Renaissance art and Impressionism. If you wish to admire his 1958 Maria Callas’ theatrical costume, need to go at the collection of Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation, in Nauplio.

The third and last section of our travel experience in Greece (from Athens to Volos), is a 320 km car route, in just over three hours. The area’s mythical background captivates the visitor’s imagination. The Argonaut expedition (one of the greatest epics in the Greek mythological cycle), set sail from its Pagasetic Gulf. Volos is one of the most attractive cities in Greece, and the Pagasetic Gulf is one of the most beautiful areas in Thessaly. Here, the sea creates a wonderful seafront with little restaurants. In the summer, you can expect to swim at some of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen, but for an authentic island experience, take a day trip to Skiathos, Skopelos, or Alonissos. Here the father of a very famous Greek singer was born.

ELENA PAPARIZOU https://it-it.facebook.com/helenapaparizouofficial/ is a Greek-Swedish songwriter, born in Sweden to Greek parents. She established herself, particularly among young girls. Her father is from Volos and mother is from Karditsa. Her artistic talents became apparent very early, and she was soon involved in singing. Her dream would be to make a song with lyrics comprised of words in every language in the world. For now, she speaks fluent Greek, Swedish and English (and has also studied French).

The intellectual property of the images that appear in this blog correspond to their authors. The sole purpose of this site, is to spread the knowledge of these artists and that other people enjoy their works. To pursue this issue, you can digit: http://meetingbenches.com/2018/07/through-images-athens-greek-memorabilia-thirteen-verses-and-a-small-clay-table/