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Rising up out of the center of Athens, Greece is the Acropolis. It sits atop a rock formation that rises 490 ft above the sea with a semi-flat surface that covers an area of about 7.4 acres. Considering its size it’s a pretty small place to be recognized as the birthplace of Western democratic civilization.
This claim about the creation of Western democracy is not a hollow one. In all of history it was at this very place 2,600 years ago where people first assumed the responsibility for their own governance. This allowed those citizens that lived in and fought for the city to have a say in the decisions concerning Athens and set the spark that brought on a golden age for the Greeks. Admire what they built in stone at this place but more importantly celebrate what they created with their minds.
The word acropolis is from the Greek words meaning the highest point of a city. The term acropolis doesn’t refer to this single place in Athens as there are many other acropoleis in Greece, but the site in Athens is so significant that it is commonly known as just “The Acropolis”.
While the earliest artifacts relating to this site date to the Middle Neolithic era, there have been documented habitation as far back as the 6th millennium BC. It has been established that a Mycenaean megaron palace (the megaron was the great hall in ancient Greek palace complexes) stood upon this hill during the late Bronze Age. Nothing of this megaron survives except, probably, a single limestone column-base and pieces of several sandstone steps. The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel that contains several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic importance, the most significant being the Parthenon.
The Parthenon
It was Pericles (c. 495 – 429 BC) in the fifth century BC who managed the construction of most important structures including the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The Parthenon is a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron goddess. Construction began in 447 BC during the golden age of the Athenian Empire. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered the zenith of the Doric style. The Parthenon is the most enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, Athenian democracy and Western civilization and one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments. To the Athenians the temple was a symbol of victory over the Persian invaders and a tribute to the gods .
The Porch of the Maidens
The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the north side which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. One of its more noteworthy features is located on the south side, the famous “Porch of the Maidens”, with six draped female figures (caryatids) as supporting columns. The porch was built to conceal a giant beam needed to support the southwest corner of the building.
The Temple of Athena Nike
The Temple of Athena Nike is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike. Built around 420 BC, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. It has a prominent position on a steep bastion at the south west corner of the Acropolis to the right of the entrance (the Propylaea). In contrast to the Acropolis proper, a walled sanctuary entered through the Propylaea, the Victory Sanctuary was open, entered from the Propylaea’s southwest wing and from a narrow stair on the north. The sheer walls of its bastion were protected on the north, west, and south by the Nike Parapet, named for its frieze of Nikai celebrating victory were sacrifices to their patron goddess, Athena Nike were made.
Temple of Hephaestus
In addition to the Acropolis ancient Athens left behind a number of other significant archeological sites like the Temple of Zeus’ and the Temple of Hephaestus that deserve visiting.
The Acropolis Museum
View from 4th floor gallery Acropolis Museum
Sitting at the base of the Acropolis in Athens and just two blocks from the Acropolis Metro station is the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Museum, one of the ten most important museums in the world, was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes. Discoveries date from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It was also built over the ruins of Roman and early Byzantine Athens with its foundation carefully designed and built in a way that protects and provides access to the archaeological sight.
The museums main entrance over the archaeology site
This ultra modern museum is dedicated to restoring and protecting the amazing buildings associated with ancient Athen’s Acropolis. Seriously damaged over centuries by looters, war and vandalism the recovery, preservation and restoration of the sites major buildings is a massive undertaking. Working from drawings, historic photographs and actual artifacts from the British Museum, the restoration is intended to specifically restore the Parthenon to its original condition. That will include the statue of Athena, the East and West building pediments, the metopes of the peristyle, and the continuous frieze of the cella and the temples exterior with its abundance of sculptures.
The collections of the museum are exhibited on three levels with a fourth middle level that houses the museum shop, the café and offices. On the first level of the museum there are artifacts from the slopes of the Acropolis with its long and rectangular hall whose floor is sloping to resemble the ascension to the Acropolis. At the top the visitor finds a large hall which houses additional findings that include artifacts and sculptures from the other Acropolis buildings such as the Erechtheum, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea and artifacts from Roman and early Christian Athens. The top floor features a movie on the Parthenon along with exhibits on the statuary restorations and an amazing gallery with its glass wall looking directly at the Acropolis.
The museum is normally open from 8 to 4 on weekdays and 8 to 8 Saturday and Sunday. General admission varies by season: 10€ from April through October and 5€ from November to April.
It is highly recommended that during peak season you arrive early to the Acropolis to avoid the ticket lines and crowds. If you are visiting be sure to wear good walking shoes as there is a nice up-hill walk and uneven ground at the top. Disabled access at the Acropolis is provided by a wheelchair stair climber lift and an elevator. In Summer it’s a good idea to put off a visit to the Acropolis Museum latter in the heat of the day.
The ritual of kissing the Blarney Stone has been performed by “millions of people”, including “famous statesmen, literary giants and legends of the silver screen” according to the castle keepers. The kiss actually is not an easy task. Kissing the stone, requires you to climb to the castle’s peak, get on your back only after leaning over backwards at the edge with four stories of air beneath while being supported by a couple of assistants. Although the parapet is now fitted with wrought-iron guide rails and protective crossbars, the ritual has been known to still trigger panic attacks.
According to legend, the Blarney Stone itself had previously been in Ireland, but was taken to Scotland and later presented to Cormac MacCarthy, the King of Desmond, by none other than King Robert the Bruce of Scotland. This enchanted stone was presented to McCarthy as a token for his assistance in the battle of Bannockburn in 1314 where in June Robert the Bruce won a victory over the army of King Edward II of England in the First War of Scottish Independence.
Kissing The Stone
Blarney castle originally dates from before 1200, when a timber house was built on the site. Around 1210 it was replaced by the first stone fortification. That castle was destroyed in 1446 but subsequently rebuilt by Dermot MacCarthy incorporating the “stone” in the castle’s parapet. The legend of the stone probably began with Dermot who was noted in Ireland for his eloquence and this is where the Blarney Stone seems to get its reputation for bestowing the gift of gab upon those who kiss it.
Blarney Castle was purchased by Sir James St John Jefferyes, Governor of Cork City, in the early 18th century. In the mid 19th century, the Jefferys and Colthrust families were joined by a marital alliance, and the Colthurst family still holds title and operates the castle today.
Getting To Blarney
Visiting Blarney on a trip to Ireland is almost like a pilgrimage and there are a number of good travel options. From Dublin driving it’s about a three hour trip taking the M7 and M8. While train service is available the trip will take at least four hours each way.
If you’re on a cruise that docks in Cobh the train station is right next to the pier. To get from Cobh to Blarney Castle take the train from Cobh to Cork and switch to the 215 bus at Saint Patrick’s Quay. Service runs often and the trip takes less than an hour and a half with a cost of €20 – €30 each way.
Visiting Blarney Castle
Normal admission is €18 and allows visiting the castle, the surrounding buildings, the entire gardens, mystical rock close gardens, dungeons, caves and the lake walk.
Climbing the castle to the top and the “Stone” uses a narrow, one-way, one person steep staircase with another staircase used for decent. If you are not in good shape do not attempt the climb as there is virtually no way to remove you without emptying the four story staircase.
More To See In Blarney Village
Blarney Woollen Mills – Once a small souvenir shop in a thatched cottage on wheels it is now the largest Irish store in the World. Located in the small village of Blarney next to the castle parking lot the Blarney Woollen Mill now occupies a space of 60,000 square
Muskerry Arms is a charming Irish Pub and restaurant located just across the square from the Blarney Woollen Mill. Take a moment and down a pint or enjoy an Irish Coffee.
The TSA is the United States Transportation Safety Administration and it is currently responsible for inspecting all passengers and items they intend to carry onto all commercial airliners taking off from U.S. Airports.
The official TSA guidelines state, You cannot takeany objects in your hand baggage or on your person that could cause injury to yourself and other passengers.
Transportation Safety Officers (TSO’s) are trained, certified and authorized, in accordance with applicable TSA standards and directives, to inspect individuals, accessible property and/or checked baggage for the presence of explosives, incendiaries, weapons or other prohibited items. At a checkpoint they are the authority as to “what cannot be taken past the inspection area”
TSA Website Offers the Following Travel Checklist information:
Before Packing
Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:
The rule of thumbfor liquids, gels and aerosols: You’re allowed to take as many 3.4 ounce or smaller sized containers that will fit in one sealed, clear, quart-sized zip-top bag – and one bag per person. Make life simple by packing liquids in your checked baggage. That way, you don’t have to worry about the liquids rule.
3.4 ounces or less per container
1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)
1 bag per passenger
Deodorant: Flying with deodorant isn’t a sticky situation. Stick deodorant is not limited to 3.4 oz or less, but gel or spray deodorant is.
Makeup: Any liquid makeup cosmetics such as eyeliner, nail polish, liquid foundation, etc., should be placed in the baggie. That goes for perfume as well. Powder makeup is fine.
Review the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage.
If purchasing a baggage lock, be sure to look for those that are TSA recognized.
Tape a card with your name and contact information on your electronics.
When Packing
Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)
Not Allowed Items
Shaving Razors: In brief, all razors are allowed in checked bags. Disposable razors are allowed in carry-on bags, and safety razors with removable blades are not. Check out the blog post for pictures of razor examples and more information.
Major Rules And Policies
Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage and must be unloaded, placed in a locked, hard-sided container and declared to your airline.
All fireworks contain explosive materials and are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage
Cigarette lighters. you can take a lighter on the plane. But no more than one. Confusingly, “you must keep the lighter on your person throughout the flight”.
Pack large electronics on top layer of carry-on for screening accessibility.
Place your 3-1-1 bag with liquids, gels and aerosols in the front pocket of your carry-on for accessibility.
If traveling with a pet, be sure to bring a leash so carriers can be properly screened.
Advice Before Leaving For The Airport
Before Leaving for the Airport. Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport early (one hour minimum before flight).
Wear easily removable shoes.
Passengers with a disability or medical condition may call ahead to the TSA Cares toll free helpline at (855) 787-2227.
Before Entering the TSA Checkpoint
Eligible passengers look for the TSA Pre✓® lane for expedited screening at participating airports.
Have your ID and boarding pass out for inspection.
In Standard Screening Lane
Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.)
Remember to check the bins and collect all belongings after going through screening.
Screening Equipment
Metal Detectors – Before going thru remove all metal objects from your person. That should include car keys, cell phones, belt buckles and coins.
Scanners – Unlike the metal detectors you must remove everything from your pockets before going thru even non-metallic objects. They can detected small plastic pill cases and glass eye dropper bottles. They have even found a two pack of breath mints and when that happens you are going to get delayed.
TSA Pre✓® – TSA Pre✓® allows eligible travelers to receive expedited screening. In layman’s terms, it means you get through security quickly. The average wait time in TSA Pre✓® lanes is under 5 minutes! Even if a TSA Pre✓® line looks longer, they move much faster than a standard lane with more convenience. For TSA Pre✓® travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.
TSA Pre✓® travelers (including those enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI), have access to faster TSA Pre✓® lanes at more than 200 airports when flying with participating airlines. To find the program that best suits your travel needs,
What if TSA Pre✓®Not Reflected on Boarding Pass: If you’re looking at your boarding pass and you don’t see the TSA Pre✓® indicator even though you’re an approved trusted traveler, we’re here to help! Get live assistance by tweeting @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger. Our AskTSA team can help resolve any issues.
TSA Pre✓® and Traveling companions:
On times while traveling either my wife or I don’t get a TSA Pre✓® on our boarding pass. We have asked agents and they have, on more than one occasion, told us that if one of us is pre-cleared the other can go with them thru TSA Pre✓®. As close as we have come to confirmation on this is the following notice on the Ask TSA web site:
Traveling with children: Screening is simpler for children 12 and under, so they can keep their shoes on. Read about how to best pack for your child and read how “Kids rule the airport”. Children 12 and under may also travel through the TSA Pre✓® lane if one or both of their parents have it!
My wife has a sequined top that she has worn while traveling a few times. There isn’t anything really metallic in the sequins and it has made its way through a number of airport metal detectors. But on a recent trip all hell seemed to break out over this top.
While we have never paid for pre-clearance we usually get pre-cleared on our boarding passes (not really sure why). Last year while passing thru the TSA Pre Check line my wife was directed to go thru the scanner. Feet on the marks, hands above her head and wait – and wait and something’s gone wrong. It seemed the agent scanned her several times and now she is pulled aside for a thorough search. What happened?
She was wearing that sequined top!
After that day and with a little research we discovered that TSA screening devices have a lot of issues with some types of women’s clothes. That splash of gold print on a T-Shirt can contain enough metal to set off the metal detector. The same with some attached beads. It seems that sequins can literally blind a scanner. Since often these things are part of the fabric, passing a wand over you cannot determine if it is the top you’re wearing or something concealed under it. Time for the big search.
A comment Submitted by Cindy M was found on the TSA website from Jan 2018 – “When the scanners were introduced I believed they were an improvement. Now however, I see that the machines don’t spot real problems. Instead they seem to be confused by a variety of normal things such as sequins, metal inks, and more embellishments on clothing.”
Why is it we have to dress for the TSA?! Actually you don’t, but you can expect to be delayed and/or inconvenienced. Especially if you ignore some simple tips that help TSA do their job efficiently. They do post a lot of information online that can help avoid these sort of issues. Unfortunately right now sequins aren’t one of those TSA online tips.
The Worlds Best And Worst Airports For Making Connecting Flights
Calculating airport time is always a major part of travel planning. Arriving an hour before your flight can often not be nearly enough time. When booking flights that include connections what’s the minimum time you need to make it to the next departure gate? Trying to avoid a tight connection could leave you with extra hours in the airport but missing the connection can cost a whole day. When booking a cruise or package tour often you are dependent on their booking office unless you’re willing to pay an up-charge.
After you’ve missed enough connections you start paying attention to which airports are the worst and which are the best for making those connections. In looking at reviews of airports there are some common threads that help define the best and worst. The better airports for connections have a high rate of on-time departures and arrivals, good layouts and internal transportation, well staffed security and passport checkpoints and a reputation for assisting people with tight connections. Following are the results of a 2019 study of airports and their connecting times.
Worst Airports For Making a Connecting Flight
Madrid Adolfo Suarez – Barajas Airport (MAD) +1.75 Hours
Frankfurt International (FRA): +1.5 Hours
London Heathrow (LHR): +1.5 Hours
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): +1.25 Hours
Shanghai Pudong International (PVG): +1.2 Hours
Los Angeles International (LAX): +1 Hour
Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD): +1 Hour
Tokyo Narita International (NRT): +1 Hour
Boston Logan International (BOS): +1 Hou
Best Airports for Making a Connecting Flight
Zurich Airport (ZRH): <10 minutes
Salt Lake City International (SLC): <15 minutes
Tampa International (TPA): <15 minutes
Orlando International (MCO): <15 minutes
Charlotte Douglas International (CLT): <20 minutes
Denver International (DEN): <20 minutes
London Stansted (STN): <20 minutes
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL): <25 minutes
Dubai International (DXB): <25 minutes
Hong Kong International (HKG): <25 minutes
This won’t guarantee you can avoid missing connections but it can go a long way when planning that trip.
Of course there had to be an App to help. If you fly a lot FlightConnections can be a real asset. So don’t waste hours searching airports, airlines, flights and connections. Download FlightConnections! On The App Store or Google Play.
FLIGHTCONNECTIONS FEATURES
Interactive Flight Route Map.
Plan a trip based on your preferred departure airport.
Find new, nearby airports on the map.
Filter by airline or travel alliance.
Discover airline routes and flight schedules / timetables.
Compare direct flights or connecting flights.
Show connecting flights with one or two stops.
Show connecting flights with different airlines, or the same airline only.
Find cheap flights and book flight tickets for the best price available.
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