The Travelling Historian

Trip of a Lifetime: Russia & Czech Republic

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Marsha

Trip of a Lifetime

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I am heading to Russia on Friday for a trip that I have been planning for four years: a trip of a lifetime. Actually, it is much longer. I have wanted to visit Russia ever since I was a teenager. I was fascinated by Russia and her history; I even ended up studying Russian history in university. I have planned a trip to Russia three other times; it either fell through, plans changed or I did not want to go on a solo trip. It is finally happening!

I am visiting Moscow first for a few days then heading to Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics. I attended the last two Olympics in London and Vancouver; I’ve always been an Olympic junkie so I had to combine a trip to Russia with the Sochi Olympics. While I would prefer to visit Russia at a different time of the year, cold weather does not faze me. I am from Canada after all. 🙂

St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow via wikipedia

My hotel is a quick walk from Red Square; I splurged a bit to stay close to the Kremlin and Red Square. I have tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre and can’t wait to view Lenin’s body.

After five days in Moscow, I head to Sochi for the Olympics. I am staying on one of the cruise ships that will be moored in the Adler port near the Olympic park. I have tickets to 15 events at this point and am looking forward to each and every one of the events. This really is a trip of a lifetime! Below is a list of the events I am attending – I hope to see many Canadians win GOLD!!!

My Olympic schedule – Sochi 2014

This is an ambitious trip: I spent months and years planning this trip of a lifetime. From applying for a Russian visa to booking my hotel and finding a cheap flight, it has taken some time. After watching Canada win the hockey gold (hopefully), I will head to Prague, Czech Republic the next day for five more days. I have always wanted to visit Prague and decided to add-on another city to my already trip of a lifetime. I actually had it narrowed down to Istanbul and Prague. I want to visit both desperately but chose Prague; no idea why but it stood out to me.

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic via wikipedia

I hope to continue posting while I’m over in Russia and Czech Republic. I will at least be posting on social media: twitter, facebook and instagram. So follow me and my adventures of my trip of a lifetime on social media. I’ll be more active there than on my blog – of course this all depends on the wifi or when I pick up a new SIM card in Russia for my recently unlocked iphone!

I can’t talk about the Sochi Olympics without mentioning the security threat. I am a tad nervous about it and I know I am taking a risk visiting Russia at all, let alone during the Olympics when the threat alert is higher. I just have to believe and hope Russia knows what they are doing and every thing is locked down. Be harsh and kick some ass, Russia. I know their record on human rights and I do not care about anything else at this point other than safety. I can care about the other stuff when I’m home safe.

Russia roubles and Czech koruna

I have all my Canadian gear, picked up some Russian roubles and Czech korunas, and started packing last night. I am heading down to Calgary tomorrow (I live in Edmonton) and fly out on Friday. I booked a first class ticket to Russia using part visa points and part cash. I upgraded to first class two years ago when I went to the London Olympics; there really is no other way to fly overseas! 🙂

GO CANADA!!!

Vancouver 2010 Olympics – Men’s Hockey Gold

Visiting Ancient Greece – Delphi

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Marsha

View from Ancient Greece - Delphi on Mount Parnassus

View from Delphi, Greece on Mount Parnassus

Visiting Ancient Greece – Delphi

The last time I wrote about Greece (Greece travel tips), I mentioned you should not skip the ancient sites and only visit the islands. I now want to tell you more about Delphi, Greece which is situated on the side of Mount Parnassus. It was an ancient religious sanctuary which was home to the Oracle of Delphi, dedicated to Apollo, who gave guidance to the city-states and its citizens. People would come from all over the Greek world to ask the Oracle for guidance.

Delphi and Temple of Apollo

Originally, Delphi was a centre of female worship during the Mycenaean period. By the 8th century BC, the cult of Apollo was established and building of the sanctuary began. The Delphi site was at its height during the 6th to 4th centuries BC. Two sacred wars occurred during the 5th and 4th centuries BC with the site being conquered by the Aetolians in the 3rd century BC before being driven out by the Romans in 191 BC. The sanctuary was favoured and ultimately plundered by Roman Emperors. With the closure of all pagan sanctuaries by Emperor Theodosius in 393 AD, Delphi went into decline and abandoned several centuries later until rediscovered by French archaeologists in 1880. Some of the finds were moved to the Delphi Museum.

Inside the Delphi Archaeological Museum, there are many items from the sanctuary and it is worth a visit if you are stopping by Ancient Greece – Delphi.

Delphi museum Kouroi (580 BC) – statues of Kleobis and Biton by Polymides of Argos

The Sphinx of Naxos (570 BC) stood atop a column below the Apollo Temple terrace at Delphi. It was found in 1861 in three large pieces. The original would had been painted as most ancient sculptures were in colour. This is one of my favourite pieces in the museum.

Sphinx of Naxos 570 BC

Another favourite of mine at the ancient site is the Treasury of Athens, built to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC when the Athenians took on and destroyed the Persian army, a turning point in the Greek-Persian Wars driving the Persians away for ten years.

Treasury of Athens to celebrate Battle of Marathon

The Athena Pronaia Sanctuary in Delphi is down from the main archaeological site in Ancient Greece – Delphi. This is a large area that had many temples and altars during the ancient time. The structure in the middle is what remains; the Tholos. Built by Theodoros of Phokis in the 4th century BC, the structure had twenty doric columns which supported a roof.

Athena Pronaia Sanctuary in Delphi

The stadium is near the top of the Delphi site, originally built in the 5th century BC. It could seat around 6500 people and used for the Pythian and Panhellenic games.

Delphi stadium – site of Pythian Games

Finally, the archaeological site had a theatre built into the hill in the 4th century BC. It could hold 5000 spectators. You get quite a view from the theatre of Delphi.

Delphi theatre

While this does not top the Acropolis in Athens, it sure comes close. This is probably my second favourite stop in all of Greece. I really recommend that you visit the Ancient Greece – Delphi site. I booked a five day tour of the mainland that included Delphi through Viator. It was an easy way to get around (some of the roads are quite insane) and I loved getting the extra info from our very knowledgeable tour guide.

Have you gone? What is your favourite spot in Delphi or Greece?

Categories: Greece Travel | Tags: Ancient Greece, Delphi, Delphi Oracle, Mount Pernassus | 1 Comment

5 Fascinating Historical Sites in Cyprus

Posted on December 31, 2013 by Marsha

Guest Post: 5 Fascinating Historical Sites in Cyprus

Throughout our first year of marriage, my husband and I have spent time travelling and experiencing the world together. We have been all over the world and each trip has sort have taken on its own theme, whether it was romance, adventure, or simple relaxation. Our latest excursion together seemed to possess a historical theme. This most recent trip was to Cyprus and along the way we discovered some absolutely amazing historical sites. Here is a list of five of the most fascinating historical sites in Cyprus.

Kolossi Castle

The first of the historical sites in Cyprus on this list is Kolossi Castle. Located near the large resort of Limassol, there is easy access to this landmark. Built in the 13^th century and re-built in the 15^th century, the castle remains in good condition. The castle stands an impressive 69 feet high and its history is linked to the famous Knights Templar. With so much history, be sure to bring a guide-book with you as explanations are not clearly displayed.

Kolossi Castle per wikipedia

Tombs of the Kings

Another fascinating historical site worth visiting is the Tombs of the Kings. While the name can be misleading (the name comes from the grand architecture and scale of the buildings rather than kings being buried there), it does not take away from the experience of visiting the site. The tombs are mostly subterranean and range from simple tombs dug into the solid rock to elaborate tombs with corridors and multiple chambers. Be sure to bring water with you while visiting the tombs as they can get very hot during the summer.

Kourion (Curium)

Kourion, or Curium, is another spectacular destination steeped in history. Kourion is an amazing archaeological site that is also located near Limassol. Believed to have been first inhabited during Neolithic times (as early as 3900 BC), the site consists of mostly Byzantine and Ancient Roman ruins. The most impressive portion of these ruins is undoubtedly the ancient amphitheater. Believed to be mostly used for gladiator tournaments, the large theatre can seat around 3,000 people. Aside from simply visiting this breathtaking theatre, it is actually possible to attend live musical and theatrical performances there during the summer.

Kourion Theatre via Wikipedia

Kykkos Monastery

The Kykkos Monastery is another fantastic historical site worth visiting while in Cyprus. The monastery lies in the western part of the Troodos Mountains and is located only 18 kilometers away from the highest point in Cyprus. The monastery is considered to be the most important site of the Cypriot Orthodox Christian religion as it houses the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary. Painted by St. Luke, the icon itself is considered to be too sacred to look at and as such is covered by a silver plate which has a representation of the icon embossed on it.

Kykkos Monastery via Wikipedia

Choirokoitia

Last, but certainly not least on this list is the historical site of Choirokoitia. This historical site was a prehistoric agricultural settlement and is believed to be the location of the first human habitation on the island of Cyprus. The site has been fully excavated and many of the original huts have been reconstructed to give visitors a better idea of what life was like there.

Choirokoitia via Wikipedia

While there are many amazing historical locations and landmarks throughout the island of Cyprus, these are the five that my husband and I found most fascinating. Each of these sites offers something different and they are unique in their own ways. While these historical sites may be more interesting to some than others, no matter what type of vacation you are looking for, a trip to Cyprus likely won’t disappoint.

Gaby Lucius likes to spend her time traveling the world with her long-suffering husband, Mike. Thankfully, their mutual love for food and history has kept their marriage alive over the years. When she’s not trotting around the globe, she does freelance writing for Holiday Place, sharing her adventures with the world.

Categories: Cyprus Travel, Travel Tips | Tags: Choirokoitia, Cyprus, Kolossi Castle, Kourion, Kykkos Monastery | Leave a comment

Things to Do in Paris

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Marsha

I always resisted visiting Paris. Why? I thought it was probably overrated and would be a waste of my time and money. I was wrong; the most wrong I’ve ever been. Paris is simply a delightful and beautiful city. It lives up to any and all expectations in its timeless beauty, spectacular landmarks, glamorous streets, iconic cuisine, and exquisite museums. There are many things to do in Paris; hard to pick just a few. I stopped by Paris after a visit to Normandy!

Things to Do in Paris

First place to visit is the most obvious: EIFFEL TOWER! Do not forget to visit during the evening as it is lit up and on the hour, it sparkles for a few minutes. If you wish to enter the Tower, yes you can and yes you should, but I would recommend booking a skip the line tour if you are travelling during peak season as the lines can be long (two hours-long). I booked through Viator and have always had a great experience with them.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

One of my favourite things to do in Paris is a visit to the Louvre. Originally constructed as a fortress in the 12th century then rebuilt as a 16th century royal residence, it was turned into a museum in 1793 following the French Revolution. The most famous piece of work at the Louvre is the lovely Ms Mona Lisa by one of the greatest painters in history, Leonardo da Vinci. However, there are many great pieces of art ranging from Assyrians, Etruscans, Greeks, and from antiquity. There are more than 35,000 pieces on display. It is an overwhelming museum to visit but absolutely breathtaking. 🙂

Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, Sleeping Hermaphroditus by Bernini (front and back), Empress Eugénie’s Crown, and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave

Other things to do in Paris includes a stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées to make your way to the Arc de Triomphe which started construction in 1806 by Napoleon to honour his French army that had triumphed over a large portion of Europe by that time. It was completed many years later in 1836, long after Napoleon’s death in 1821.

Speaking of Napoleon, I suggest a visit to Les Invalides is in order to visit the tomb of Napoleon, members of his family and other notables.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Tomb of Napoleon in Les Invalides, Arc de Triomphe, Rodin and a view of Paris from Notre Dame

Once you’ve enjoyed the cafes on Avenue des Champs-Élysées, hop the metro to visit Notre Dame Cathedral and its flying buttresses and lovely gargoyles. 🙂 The Cathedral took almost two hundred years to complete (12th-14th centuries) and has gone through several restorations over the centuries. The interior is a delight but do not neglect to visit the exterior to view the flying buttresses and for the entrance to visit the South Tower. Be prepared for a long trek up the steps (387 steps) to the top of the South Tower to view the gargoyles up close and a panoramic view of Paris. You can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

One of my little off the path spots is the Rodin Museum. It is located near Les Invalides and filled with sculptures by Rodin. It was heaven! I wish more people would visit this museum! It was created when Rodin himself donated his works and collections to the French State in 1916. Auguste Rodin created some of the most wonderful modern sculptures.

One last thought on my favourite things to do in Paris – WALKING! You can walk everywhere. I only took the metro once or twice when I was there; I simply walked everywhere. I stayed at a hotel near the Eiffel Tower. I walked to the Tower, Les Invalides, the Louvre, Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe. I took the metro to Notre Dame since it was further away but I loved walking around Paris especially at night. It was during the busy season of travel but it was relaxing and soothing. I have never been so relaxed. 🙂

So these are just a few of my favourite things to do in Paris. What are your favourites?

Categories: France Travel, Travel Tips | Tags: arc de triomphe, Eiffel Tower, louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, paris, travel | 6 Comments

Safety Tips for Women Travelling Alone

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Marsha

Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus 4th c BC, Greece while following my safety tips for women travelling alone!

Safety Tips for Women Travelling Alone

Pack light – A very good tip for women travelling alone: leave your heaviest suitcase at home. Either take a backpack or one of your smaller rolling suitcases. I’m a fan of a rolling suitcase. Don’t take the biggest suitcase and try to pack light. You don’t need four pairs of shoes and three outfits you won’t wear.
Paranoia – It’s okay to be paranoid. If fact, I HIGHLY encourage it. Keep your head on a swivel. Keep your hand on your bag, wear a money belt and be cautious of strangers.
Don’t Panic – If you get lost, do not panic. Simply find a spot to open your map (maybe in a store or around the corner) and figure things out or ask someone for directions. I usually try to find couples or ask a local shopkeeper for help if I can’t figure it out for myself. But if you keep your wits, you can probably figure things out yourself. But don’t show your panic.
Clothing – Don’t bring your formal clothing. Maybe one or two outfits if you plan on going out but otherwise, bring comfortable clothing. You may be walking a lot so be prepared with good walking shoes. I want to tell you to blend in with the locals but sometimes you cannot and you will stand out like a tourist. Blend in if you can but don’t worry about wearing those comfy walking shoes and sticking out.
Jewels – leave them at home. Simple advice but important and maybe one of the better tips for women travelling alone. This will help with your safety!
Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, Louvre, Paris
Loose Lips – Be careful when talking to strangers. You don’t need to tell them you’re all alone or where you hotel is located. I have met some wonderful people during my travels and this is where having some street smarts or even common sense comes in: assess whether you need to tell this person all your travel details such as your room number. You can be a bit vague; nothing wrong with that.
Glug Glug – This is another important tip to help keep women travelling alone safe! Take it easy on alcohol. Yes you can still go have a rockin’ good time at Oktoberfest but don’t drink too much that you can’t find your way back to your hotel.
Hotel/Hostel – I would choose a hotel/hostel that is centrally located AND near a metro stop. You will probably spend most of your time in the city centre and if not, the metro is nearby so you can have a quick walk back to your hotel after a long busy day of sightseeing.
Nighttime – Be careful taking the metro late at night. You can still do this BUT just be careful. I travel alone around Europe all the time and while I do take the metro late at night and walk to my hotel in the dark, I am VERY careful about my surroundings. Cross the street if you’re uncomfortable about someone walking behind you; stick around a store for a few moments until you are more sure; walk confidently; take the bus instead; know your route before leaving the metro/bus stop. Otherwise, you can always take a taxi.
Athena Pronaia Sanctuary in Delphi, Greece
Avoiding scams – if someone approaches you on the street, be aware they may be trying to scam you. Google travel scams and you will see a long list – maybe they want you to sign a petition (I was warned about that one 5 mins before it happened – I never would have signed it anyway but always good to know what the local scams may be), try giving you a rose, tying a friendship bracelet on your wrist or “finding” a ring on the ground and offering to sell it to you. These are all scams to make you pay up or designed to distract you and pickpocket you. If you take the rose and they demand money, give back the rose and strongly tell them to leave. Usually when you raise your voice, they leave you alone. Also check out your restaurant bills for extra items or incorrect prices.
Keep a copy of your passport and any important documents (such as credit cards) and also email a copy to yourself. You may even want to give a copy to a family member. This will be helpful in case your passport is stolen or you are pickpocketed. Also keep important contact information for your banking information in case you need to cancel them AND contact info for your local embassy, police station and hotel/hostel..

Heidelberg Castle, Germany

These are just a few of my tips. Government of Canada’s travel page has some good female-specific tips and a general travel tips website. Use them – I have in the past! So what tips would you recommend?

Categories: Travel Tips | Tags: safety tips, solo women travellers, travel tips, women travelling alone | 4 Comments