Greek Economy could affect travel plans

[TLCOhio]

Appreciate the added insights, comments, etc., from Nick and others. The twists and turns continue in Greece and Europe. From the New York Times in the past few minutes, they have this headline: "Rivals Balk as Greek Leader Tries to Form Unity Coalition" with these highlights: "Hours after winning a crucial confidence vote that makes it more likely Greece will receive the foreign aid it needs to prevent default on its debts, the country’s leaders appeared to be enmeshed once again in the type of domestic political wrangling that threw Europe and its markets into turmoil last week. The two sides seemed stuck in position, with the prime minister making no promises to leave power — a key demand of the opposition — and the top opposition leader reiterating his call for early elections. The European Union wants the Greek Parliament to approve a new debt deal as quickly as possible to put off the risk of default and prevent the crisis from spreading to Italy."

 

The Wall Street Journal had this morning analysis that matches some of the comments, frustrations and comments made earlier on this posting. Its headline is: "Anger and Humiliation on Streets of Athens" with these highlights: "Greeks are fuming at the antics of their political leaders, and few hold much hope that the promised national-unity government will haul the country out of its economic misery anytime soon. After an abortive proposal by Prime Minister George Papandreou to hold a referendum on Greece's bailout program irked European leaders and shook international capital markets, many Greeks feel they have been humiliated on an international stage."

 

This WSJ story written from Athens interviews by their reporter on-site reflects the views of many there in Greece about their feelings. A couple of key summary points are: "Most Greeks say any changes to the political landscape are welcome, but many doubt that lawmakers will operate for the good of the country rather than seeking their own personal gain. With the Greek economy in its fourth year of recession and liquidity in the economy drying up, many business owners have been forced to look abroad in order to survive."

 

One person commenting on this article raised the point about this "Cradle of Civilization" and how "The Greeks created mathematics and our entire system of categorization and logic. So what's happened?"

 

Full stories at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/world/europe/political-uncertainty-lingers-in-greece.html?hp

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204621904577018100910828344.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLETopStories

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Recently back from a June 7-19 Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 47,559 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[Host Kewlguy]

Political discussion is against the Community Guidelines of this web site. Let's please keep the discussion civil. Thanks.

[TLCOhio]

On the subject of Modern Greece's connection with Ancient Greece, I would opine that Modern Greeks have inherited some of the Ancient Culture. Further, despite invasions from others, modern Greeks are likely to be connected by heredity to the Ancients. As a student of Ancient History, I would first say that not all the Ancient Greeks were democrats. In fact, Greece was divided into many city-states that includes some democratic governments. In fact, aside from Athens and a few others, most, especially Sparta were far from democratic. After the Pelopeniasion war ending in 404 BC, which Athens lost, even Athens was run by tyrants. Once the Macedonian Empire conquered Greece in the next century, and semblance of democracy was consumed by the Phillip. However, Greek culture had spread over the Mediterranean, Middle East and farther East. Further, Greek culture heavily influenced the culture of the Roman Empire. After the Western Roman Empire fell, the Eastern (Byzantine) Empire endured until 1453. Greek culture became embedded in Western Civilization to some degree. Even after the Ottoman conquest, Greek culture endured until independence about 200 years ago. Unfortunately, the Turkish occupation did much to harm civil society in Greece. That is another subject that I don't have time to explain, except to say that Turkish occupation still leaves its scars on Greek Society today. There are differences, just as the English are not the same as the Anglo-Saxons. However, it was not follow that Anglo-Saxon culture has no connection to Modern England.

 

Appreciate your outline on more of the long and twisted Greece history since those distant and ancient times. The Romans did borrow (or steal) much in culture, art and architecture from the Greeks. You can see that very clear when visiting their National Archaeological Museum. In addition to the very serious "trauma" from being under rule by the Turks for long periods of time, they had long period of control by Venice and its powerful empire, etc. When we visited the Acropolis in 2006, we had a great discussion/learning experience with a young MD from Louisville, Ky., who gave us an interesting perspective that no other country has survived hundreds and hundreds of years of foreign control and/or domination. Despite those centuries of outside influence, they have kept their language, religion, culture, etc. Knowing more about that nearly 3000 years of dramatic and changing history is fascinating.

 

When you visit Greece during your cruise, it is important to have read up and studied, in advance, these subjects to better appreciate what you are seeing . . . AND WHY . . . it is so important.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Recently back from a June 7-19 Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 47,840 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[nick_arch]

. . . and, in the new Acropolis Museum, they present a short video which at the end explains how the Parthenon on the Acropolis is in such a condition.

 

Persians, Greeks, Romans, Greeks again, Goths, Romans again, Franks, Ottomans, Venetians, British, all had a nice chit chat with the building. . . :(

 

Acropolis monuments are restorated nowadays, the best possible way, still, it is a wonder we have most of the building intact, if you consider its history.