{"id":5079,"date":"2018-08-10T13:52:55","date_gmt":"2018-08-10T13:52:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.applelanguages.com\/blog\/?p=5079"},"modified":"2018-09-21T11:15:06","modified_gmt":"2018-09-21T11:15:06","slug":"shut-up-and-go-to-athens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.applelanguages.com\/blog\/locations\/greece\/athens\/shut-up-and-go-to-athens.php","title":{"rendered":"Shut Up and Go to Athens!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AthensThis August, travel-blogger Jo Franco<\/a>\u00a0from Shut Up and Go sets her sights on Athens, the cradle of western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy \u2013 and home to our Greek-language school<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Our partners over at the Greek school will be helping her to tell her epsilons from her omicrons and giving her a foundation in a language with a history spanning more than 34 centuries.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Having never studied Greek before, Jo\u2019s excited to have the opportunity to test herself \u2013 after all, there\u2019s nothing more thrilling than a rewarding challenge!<\/p>\n

\u1f18\u1f70\u03bd \u1f96\u03c2 \u03c6\u03b9\u03bb\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b8\u03ae\u03c2, \u1f14\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9 \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03c5\u03bc\u03b1\u03b8\u03ae\u03c2
\n<\/strong>\u201cIf you are fond of learning, you will soon be full of learning\u201d
\nIsocrates,\u00a0To Demonicus<\/em>\u00a018<\/h3>\n

\"\"Sprawling across the plain of Attica, the city welcomes almost 30 million tourists per year \u2013 and for good reason! Its hot summers and mild winters make it ideal for holidaymakers, while its architecture and mountainous environs appeal to urban explorers and nature-lovers alike. Synonymous the world over with history, art, and culture, Athens has grown from a bustling Mycenaean settlement to a dynamic, cosmopolitan metropolis that was voted one of the best European cities to visit<\/a> by over a quarter of a million people in 2015.<\/p>\n

Aside from Athens\u2019 Classical heritage \u2013 the countless monuments, landmarks, and artworks that adorn the city \u2013 the Greek capital also offers a great source of modern entertainment, boasting 148 theatrical stages (more than any other city in the world!), several multiplexes, various music venues, summer festivals, and bars, shops, and restaurants galore. Sports fans can visit the Karaiskakis Stadium<\/a>, home-ground of Olympiacos Football Club, or take a trip to the Panathenaic Stadium<\/a>, a full-size replica of ancient Olympic stadia made entirely of white marble. With coastal waters off the south-eastern suburbs accessible to swimmers, the city even has its own \u2018Riviera<\/a>\u2019, perfect for those who want to combine their urban adventure with some seaside relaxation.<\/p>\n

Things to see and do in Athens<\/h3>\n

The city is so multi-faceted that travellers are encouraged to visit its many neighbourhoods and suburbs for a more holistic perspective. For art and colour hit Metaxourgeio(1)<\/sup><\/span>, where graffiti borders on artistry and guerrilla gardening brightens an area once famed for its darkness. For an authentic feel, head to Monastiraki(2)<\/sup><\/span>, or nearby Kolonaki(3)<\/sup><\/span>, to stroll the flea markets and browse the area\u2019s myriad shops and boutiques. Watch the changing of the Evzones Presidential Guard outside the old King\u2019s Palace \u2013 now Greece\u2019s Parliament Building<\/a> \u2013 in Syntagma Square(4)<\/sup><\/span>, or use the Metro Station to access any one of 65 stations across Athens and the outer areas.<\/p>\n