Sunday, May 5, 2013

Day 3 - Athens (Greece), Milan (Italy)


"The National Archaeological Museum (GreekΕθνικό Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο) in Athens houses some of the most important artifacts from a variety of archaeological locations around Greece from prehistory to late antiquity. It is considered one of the great museums in the world and contains the richest collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity worldwide"

Artifacts dated from 3200-2800BC. 

Necklaces - made of bones.

Gold accessories.

The ancient Greek civilization was really affluent and advanced. What a contrast to the current economic crisis that Greece is facing.


Amazing craftsmanship on the sword.



Wiki: "Grave Circle A in Mycenae is a 16th-century BC royal cemetery situated to the south of the Lion Gate, the main entrance of the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, southern Greece.[1] This burial complex was initially constructed outside the fortification walls of Mycenae, but was ultimately enclosed in the acropolis when the fortifications were extended during the 13th century BC.[1] Grave Circle A and Grave Circle B, the latter found outside the walls of Mycenae, represent one of the major characteristics of the early phase of the Mycenaean civilization."

Gold Cups.

Marble/Jade container.

Gold Rings.

Gold Ear Pick!!!
Ancient Greek really knows how to pamper themselves.



Wiki: "The Neolithic Era, or Period, from νέος (néos, "new") and λίθος (líthos, "stone"), or New Stone age, was a period in the development of human technology, beginning about 10,200 BC, according to the ASPRO chronology in some parts of the Middle East, and later in other parts of the world[1] and ending between 4,500 and 2,000 BC." 

This is in conflict with Genesis about the creation of the world by Abrahamic God 6000 years ago. I chosse to believe scientific evidence rather than the Genesis in the Bible (which is believed to be written in 500BC) .

Tools.


Amazing Stuffs. 
That's more than 6000 years ago.


After a short 3 days in Athens, I packed my bag and flew to Milan (Italy). 

In the Athens airport, an African man was being brought away and was treated in a demeaning manner when a few airport security guards hold him down as he was screaming at them to stop it. I felt that if this passenger is a white man, he would be treated differently. Somehow, the racial discrimination in Greece (may be Europe) is still quite strong.


Bye Athens.



"Milan  is the second-largest city in Italyand the capital of Lombardy. The city proper has a population of about 1.35 million, while its urban area is the 5th largestin the EU and the largest in Italy with an estimated population of about 5.2 million."

My first few observations in Milan: More people were using smart phone in Milan airport. Getting into Italy without any immigration custom, means that Italy would face a lot of immigration issues. There were a lot more Asians in Milan than Athens. 


Subway Station in Milan.
Very impressive.
My first impression of Italy.
What a contrast between Athens and Milan!


Piazza del Duomo, Milan
Simply beautiful.


Beer (1.50 Euro) and Wine (4-5 Euro) in the supermarket are so cheap.
It is less than half the price of Singapore's beer/wine.

While I was taking the train in Milan, I saw a beggar begging for money, but he was highly intoxicated by alcohol. There is a price for cheap beer/wine, and less tax revenue.

Surprisingly, I found the prices in the supermarket is only slightly more expensive Singapore. Certain items are cheap: Wine, Beer, and Salmon is really cheap like 2.6 Euro/piece. When I was younger, I could never imagine things to be affordable in Europe. At the same time, it is a worrying sign for Singapore, which means that the cost of living has increased significantly over the years.


Nice Graffiti found in the toilet.

So far, I like Milan. The locals are creative and fashionable, with a tinge of attitude. I guess artistic people tends to have a bit bad attitude. Italian has a good life style, rooted in rich culture and heritage.

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