Carnival Parades in Greece have Begun

What happens in Greece in February, you may be asking yourself? Certainly, it's not a month for sunbathing, not that we don't have plenty of sun, even in February, but the sea does get a bit nippy for most tourists! For all you tourists who don't think that going on a holiday is only 'sitting on the beach,' you are going to love Greece in February, especially if you love to PARTY! That's right! February is full of fancy dress parties, parades, masks, noise, eating and drinking with friends and, CARNIVAL!

I bet you thought that Carnival time was only a Brazilian invention! Or that Venice was the place to be! Not true! Greece has one of the most colourful and exciting Carnivals in Europe! Actually, there are many places in Greece that have carnival parades, but the biggest Carnival takes place in Patra every year. This year the Carnival Period begins on the 17th February, 2008. This day is called "Triodiou" and it is the day that the Party Begins! From the 17th February, people begin to make their costumes, or buy them from the many shops that have costumes or if you don’t want to buy a costume, you can even rent one. It's really a fun and happy time in Greece!


This year’s big Carnival parade will be held on the 9th of March in 2008. If you haven't booked a yet, it's a good time now to start thinking about doing that! Some of the better in Patra for example, get booked a year in advance. Patra, however, is only a 2 hour drive from Athens, so even staying in Athens for the Carnival time, and driving or going by train or bus to Patra for one day, is an easy option to consider. If you don’t like the big crowds and just want to stay in Athens and visit the many sites and museums, not to worry because there is also a carnival Parade in an Athens’ suburb called Moscato and there are plenty of hotels available in Athens.

I will be telling you where to stay and what to see during the Carnival in Greece everyday here on my Bog, so check back everyday to be sure to get all the inside information about what to do in Greece in February, and especially about Greece's great Carnival.

In the mean time, drive safely, enjoy your life, and don't wait to travel; tomorrow could be too late!

SANTORINI Euromeet2007

'These are the Days to Remember' Vouliagmeni Winter Veil

UntypicalTropical Snow

Morning Snow Covered Fronds! No Coconut Milk Today! Vanilla Ice Cream Maybe!

Palm Tree Freeze

No Sunny Sandy Beach Breeze

Global Colding in Vouliagmeni, Greece

February 18, 2008

If you think Greece is only sunny skies and lying in the beaches, think again! If you come to Greece in the winter, be prepared for sudden and unexpected snow storms! Even here, next to the sea, in Vouliagmeni where the temperatures are most always 2 degrees warmer than anywhere else in Athens, it has snowed at least once every year for the past 4 years. What's happening to our climate? Global warming??? It's more like 'Global Colding!'

The is the very first video I have ever made! Not bad coming from my simple little Canon Sureshot 7.1 megapixel digital camera! As I was slowly driving down the road in Vouliameni, I rolled my car window down and held the camera through the window to capture this 'Day to Remember.'

The music in the background, an appropriate accompaniment for this cold winter's day, by Billy Joel, just happened by chance to be playing on my car CD player. Not until I returned home and downloaded the video to my computer, did I realize just how 'cool,' the music made the entire video! Not bad for a beginner!

JUST ASK JANET!

Remembering How to Be a Touist

Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Janet and I am an English Teacher, Artist and Avid traveler, living in Athens, Greece. I am originally from the Great Lake State of Michigan in the U.S.A. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education, Art History and Studio Art from Michigan State University. I have a Master's Degree in Curriculum Development and Teacher's Education.

I've had various, diverse and interesting jobs in my life, but my true love is combining my knowledge of the Arts with travel and with helping other travelers find there way around Greece.

If you are planning on coming to Greece, and you would like your questions answered, here is the place to start.

If you would like a personal guide while you stay in Athens or would like someone to take you on short day trips from Athens, I am the person to ask.

Welcome to my blog, and I hope I will be able to provide travelers to Greece with lots on 'inside' information on what to expect from your trip to Greece and how to make your travel plans in the best way that most suit your travel needs.