Athens - Greece

Few cities in the world can compare to the historical significance of Athens. This city is not only the site of the first democracy in history; it has also been populated for over seven thousand years! When Ancient Greece started to rise in the fifth century B.C., it was Athens that sprang up as its capital and epicenter for the government. Athens is still the capital of Greece to this day but much has changed in the many thousands of years since it became the precursor to all of western civilization.

Despite its age, Athens still manages to be a very important and culturally relevant city in the 21st Century. It ranks among the top forty richest cities in the world and is also in the top thirty most expensive cities to live in. This owes much to the fact that Athens is and always has had a central role not only in the economic and political sphere of Greece but of the whole of Europe. Back when it was called "Classical Athens" and was considered one of many "city-states", it was the educational capital of the world. The fathers of philosophy and modern thinking called Athens their home and the city fostered the growth of the mind, a concept relatively untouched by other countries at the time. Athens was the site of Socrates' famous dialogues while Plato and Aristotle both used Athens as their headquarters for furthering the Socratic Method with the former's Academy and the latter's Lyceum still standing to this day within the city limits.

These days, Athens still boasts a remarkable beauty thanks to the combination of the ancient Greco-Roman architecture mixed with the Neo-Classical and Modern styles that stand side by side and, in some cases like Omonoia Square, are mixed together to create strikingly beautiful buildings. Though the city has withstood attacks from Persians, Romans, Germans, and many more in its thousands of years of existence, the beautiful art and architecture of Athens was nearly decimated by a very unlikely foe in the 1970s: Pollution. The vast amount of air pollution around Greece was taking its toll on the statues and sculptures until the Minister of Culture stepped in and completely revamped Athens' energy policy. Thanks to his efforts visitors today can stroll around the Acropolis and the Parthenon without breathing in smog and the gorgeous caryatids and sculptures now seem poised to withstand yet another millennium.

Tourists still flock to Athens on a large scale each year and it isn't hard to see why. Whether it is the history buff reveling in the leftovers of the first democracy or the partygoers who worship Athens' beautiful beaches and nightlife, there is truly something for everybody in this remarkable city. Few ancient towns possess the immediacy of modern day Athens and it is a testament to the city's unerring dedication to furthering the mind with intellectual pursuits rather than warmongering that this gorgeous area still stands proudly as a shining beacon to the brilliance of Ancient Greece.

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How to Travel by Cargo Ship and Boat

Exploring the Pacific Islands leisurely, romantically, and cheaply, via ship has always been a dream of mine. Hoping to make the dream a reality, I looked into various shipping companies before I started traveling in South East Asia and discovered that passage on cargo ships is quite expensive. Many ships carry about a dozen passengers and have comfortable cabins complete with air-conditioning for their customers. Prices range from $80-$150 per day and include three meals. You provide your own entertainment and socialize with the crew and your fellow passengers. You can book passage on a ship via a travel company, or you can contact the shipping companies themselves. I loved the idea, just not the price.

Still hoping to sail cheaply, I decided to try working in exchange for passage. I found the idea of a position on a small boat infinitely appealing as there would be more freedom than on a large one. In Hong Kong I hung around the yacht club hoping to befriend appropriate people, but the only sailors I met were yachters exercising their boats for the day. I scoured the notice boards hoping to find a 'help-wanted' ad, but found only objects for sale. Finally, I asked the lady at reception if there were any positions available on a ship; she handed me a job application and told me to return in a few days and talk to a manager, saying I might be able to find something on a cruise ship. I decided to focus on my land explorations and try my luck later on in Singapore.

At my hostel in Singapore I met a ship engineer, an Englishman. When I asked him about working or hitching a ride on a cargo ship, he laughed. He said he had hitched rides on ships all around the Pacific and that the best place to hunt for passage was on the west coast of the US because of the traffic. Then he said that no captain in his right mind would allow a female on board and that he as captain would definitely never take one on as the crew is usually all male and they don't see others, women, for weeks. He went on to say that I could probably try working as a cook on a ship but that the conditions were arduous. The kitchen can get very hot and the sea very rough. He'd seen cooks throw up into the evening's stew and had sometimes even found alien chunks in his food. After that I decided that I if I ever did sail, it would be with people I knew well or on a cargo ship when I was in the mood to splurge.

Since then I've met men who had worked as deckhands and sailed around the world, and one woman, a chef by profession, who cooked on tourist boats that plied the water between Ushuaia, Argentina, and Antarctica. The men found their positions by hanging around marinas and the woman via the Internet. Although I have never met a female deckhand, I've certainly heard of women who have worked on boats as such. If you have cooking skills or don't mind taking orders, this might be a way for you. Before committing yourself though, get to know your fellow sailors, employers, and make sure they're trustworthy. If you have any doubts, don't sail. It's better to be free on land than stuck with sharks on a boat in the middle of an ocean.

Umber Qureshi has traveled to 30 countries in 5 continents and Oceania so far. She is a traveler and writer; visit her at http://www.umbertravels.com/.

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Wales - Places to Visit

Wales is home to more than 400 castles. If legend, history and myth are interesting to you, this is where you will want to visit. The countryside is lush and green and many people enjoy it by biking through. Just as many spend time walking and enjoying the peace and tranquility found here.

If the past is a journey you would like to take, the history the Roman Forts can provide this. King Arthur and his magician are some of the legendary presence in the many galleries and museums you will find to explore. If you would like to see a medieval fortress in person, the Edward fortress is located in Caernarfon. This fortress has connections to the Celtics. The Chieftains, to be exact are connected to this part of history as is the Royal family.

Purported burial spot of the Holy Grail is in Llangollen. The ruins of the Castle Dinas sit on the mountain where this part of history is said to lie. Maybe some of the locals can tell you more about this part of history that may have been handed down to them by their ancestors.

Visit Snowdonia where the outdoors can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your stay. The coast is close by and there are many activities that can be enjoyed. From sailing, mountain climbing, horse back riding, hiking and canoeing, you will find there is not a lack of things to keep you entertained while you are visiting the beautiful country of Wales.

Do you want to know about more cool places to visit and some cool ways to get discounts on travel?

David Dutton helps people find the coolest places to visit in the world at http://www.CoolestPlacesToVisit.com. You can see some of his cool places to visit such as Jerusalem Israel places to stay.