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Background: Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between royalist supporters of the king and communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece was able to join NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. Greece joined the European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992); it became the 12th member of the euro zone in 2001.

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By Father Neu
August 29th 2006

Santorini

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Santorini

Santorini 1
I snapped this one as I walked up the stairs to the restaurant where Mr. McMillan treated us.

Santorini is a postcard maker's wet dream. Everywhere you go you want to snap a new round of photos. The sunset itself attracts hundreds if not thousands of people to the town of Oia every night. Couples hold hands and sneak kisses. Families sit down to the dinner table overlooking the steep cliffs and the barnacle like houses that cling to it. I didn't know whether to watch the actual sun dropping into the ocean or to turn around and watch the canvas of white houses turn various shades of gorgeous as the light washed over them. So what does a [View Full Entry]

By Crazy Canucks
August 25th 2006

White Wash Buildings & gay pride

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Mykonos

Our Patio at Hotel Omiros

Took a 5 1/2 hr ferry from Pireaus (Athens) with stops in Pyros and Tinos. Wow, the ferry was complete choas, we've never seen anything like it before. Having spent 23 yrs on an island I have put my time in on ferries to feel confident that I can comment on when a ferry is busy, overcrowded and just chaotic. We had a reservation which guaranteed us seats and was worth every dime. People and luggage were displaced everywhere, so much so that all the hallways were unwalkable and the outer decks - don't even try going out there, not even [View Full Entry]

By Vacation at Last
August 24th 2006

Ahhh the beach.....

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Mykonos

I dont know what more to say than the title since thats pretty much all we have done since we got here in Mykonos. There really isnt that much to do anyway but I dont really mind cause I've needed some beach time. And I must admit the sight of topless women everywhere really isnt so bad of a thing. I think by the smile on Bree's face he quite agrees with me!!!! We did head into town last night which we are a little ways away from. But it was quite the town and yes Amanda it is impossible to [View Full Entry]

By Cubpants
August 18th 2006

Santorini, Greek Islands

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Santorini

Picture perfect Santorini

Santorini had been a destination I had always wanted to visit, the beautiful architecture of the cyclade islands and the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Unfortunately our flight out of Heathrow was cancelled. It being the last flight of the night, meant that Mum, myself and Liani were put up at the Radisson Heathrow for the night, rather than arriving in Santorini the next morning. It wasn’t until the next afternoon that we finally got a flight out of London and were on our way. Because we hadn’t shown up for our connecting flight out of Athens, Aegean Air had cancelled [View Full Entry]

By JSneeze
August 15th 2006

Greece!!!

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Kos

Greece 1
Sunset from the village of Zia

To paraphrase one of my favourite characters, “Allow myself to introduce… myself” You know how it is in the summer months when TV ratings are off, all the stars go on holiday, and the fill-in comes in to, err, fill in? Well, that’s what is happening here. Julie is on, umm, “holiday” (The cheek! Another holiday within a holiday!...), so younger-sister-and-occasional-travelling-partner Shani is here to fill in for this particular episode. Life last week took us both to Greece. And it was good. Ha ha. No, I’ll give a little more detail than tha [View Full Entry]

By DJA
August 14th 2006

Santorini Bliss

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Santorini

Contemplating Life
...well not really.

It was our war torn livers that were most thankful of our escape from Ios to the scenic Santorini - an island somehow shaped by the biggest recorded volcanic eruption of all time. Santorini is said to be the most beautiful of the islands, a getaway from fast paced living with postcard perfect views; a romantic retreat where honeymooners hold hands, and sunsets are simply to die for : I ventured to Santorini with, Azz, and Alex the Frenchman. For the first time in 28 illustrious years, my Birthday was not celebrated with my family in Melbourne - and despite not [View Full Entry]

By GKBare
August 13th 2006

How did I get here??

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Kos

To The Beach
I think I may stay a while...

A funny thing happened on the way home from Finland. I got on the ferry but then fell asleep and what do you know-we got lost. I knew we should have taken that left turn at Albequerque!! I seem to have landed on delightful little island with a beautiful beach and amazing food everywhere I turn. Maybe i'll stay a while.... [View Full Entry]

By DJA
August 8th 2006

Ground Hog Day on Planet Ios

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Ios

IOS
Isle Of Sun... and I couldn´t get enough (Feel free to print and frame this photo)

The three words that come to mind when you talk about Ios are Fun, Filth, and Flesh... all in abundance. It is one of the most acclaimed party islands of the world offering two things: hangovers and beaches to recover. On Planet Ios, Saturday night, is every night; and with14 days of straight partying it is hard not to expereince a sense of de ja vu. Everyday looked like this: 11am - Awake to the sound of rude, noisy Italian males, who are awake much earlier than everyone else because they are often refused entry into most late night clubs. 12pm [View Full Entry]

By Shieldsy
August 6th 2006

Mission Complete (the dare has been done)

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Mykonos

Hey All! It's 11am and i'm just waiting to check out of our Mykonos hotel and board a 7 hour ferry back to Athens. Not a whole lot has happened in the last couple days. We've been relaxing by the pool/beach for the most part. It's been a really nice break from the bus but i'm itching to do more sight seeing as well. My only exciting news is that I did complete my Corfu dare. Two days ago after a full day of drinking to work myself up to it I sat in the dining room ready to make a [View Full Entry]

By Fitch
August 6th 2006

Ahh ... Santorini

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Santorini

Sunset from Oia
The much sought after postcard shot of the fanous sunset.

Ahh ... San-to-rini. Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it Santorini, which in German means a whale's .... but no I was just trying to impress you. Scholars maintain the translation was lost hundreds of years ago" (Ron Burgundy - Anchorman). Ok so no more movie quotes and I can tell you that Santorini is in fact named after Saint Irini, although the Greeks call the island Thira. Whichever name you use it is a superb island and perhaps one of the most stunning places I have ever visited. The island used to be much larger but it had [View Full Entry]

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