I'm thinking of visiting Greece
March of '04.
Jill

It's warm.
It's unpretentious
It has great birds in springtime
The people are lovely and welcoming.
It has a great history
It has great archaeology
It's cheap.


Must I go on?

I love traveling through Europe, but find many of the cities to be cosmopolitan and becoming more and more westernized. When in Greece, I feel as if I'm really in a different culture. The music, the food, the wonderful, hospitable people, and the architecture. So much white with bright splashes of color -- from paint, flowers, and bright blue skies.

In 1989 I had enough frequent flyer points to travel somewhere in first class. Had to use them as the airline was merging into another and the value would be cut drastically. I wanted to go somewhere inexpensive, safe for a woman traveling alone, and with a warm climate. Greece seemed to fit the bill, and it far exceeded my expectations. I went back the following year, and then again, and then again, although the dollar is not as strong as it used to be.

I'm not sure what it's like in Greece in March. Many hotels on the islands close for the winter, and there is so much more to Greece than Athens. I usually go in May/June while the weather is beautiful and before the crowds.

Just about everything Sheila said (although I'm not so sure about the "cheap" now, it depends where you go), plus:-

Emerald green islands in a sea of sparkling saphires that perfectly match the colour of the sky
Being welcomed back with hugs and kisses and news of the latest births
Being able to walk for miles without seeing anyone else and not having to climb a mountain to do it
Sitting in a waterfront bar in the evening, watching the sun set over the sea and then the sky light up with a million stars
Wonderful food and wine (honestly!)
Sitting in a garden restaurant and having to watch out for falling lemons
Not having to worry about what clothes to pack, because I won't be wearing much to speak of during the day anyway
Waking up in the morning and KNOWING that this is going to be another perfect day

and a thousand and one other reasons......

There is a golden light I have never seen anywhere else. It may be my favorite place in the world.

And the beautiful ruins. Besides the Parthenon, try to go see the Temple of Aphia (?) on the island of Aegina and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Those three are supposed to form a perfect triangle. And be sure to go to Delphi; it's wonderful. Imagine living in a society that created those beautiful temples.

Then there is the fact that gold jewelry is a bargain.

Like I said, Carolyn, a "golden" light!

The people...the food...the joie de vivre...the islands--white against a deep blue backdrop. Athens too noisy and polluted, but loved the Plaka and Parthenon. Didn't even mind the little old ladies dressed in black pushing their way in line...do not believe in queing. It's a paradise. Enjoy!

Even though Greece was my 1st experience with international travel, I feel that I will NEVER love another destination as much. The beaches, the relaxing vibe, the archaeological sites... I feel so much more at peace there than anywhere else.