#AtoZChallenge: “G” is for GREEK GOLD

34 Comments#AtoZChallenge 2014, History, Life, Travel, Writing/Blogging

Greek gold at Delphi

Welcome everyone, to the #AtoZChallenge Blogging Extravaganza, where hundreds of bloggers publish 26 posts in 30 days – one for each letter of the alphabet – covering a myriad of topics!  
“Travel & Culture” is my theme.  Click HERE to see all posts.  Please support our efforts by visiting, sharing and commenting. We have all worked long and hard on this project.  Have fun and thanks for reading!

 

#AtoZChallenge follow me on Twitter @DebbieDoglady
Day 7: April 8

One of the first things I noticed about Greece was the plethora of jewellery stores, everywhere we went, (91 on the island of Mykonos, alone). Beautifully crafted workmanship, much of it in gold, ranging from 14 to 24 karats.  Personally, I love the look of gold!

Ancient Greece had a rich history with gold, using it both as money and architectural decoration. The Parthenon in Athens also employed gold. Standing inside its sanctuary was a statue of the goddess Athena, almost 12 metres (40 feet) high, covered in gold and ivory – gold for her clothing, ivory for her flesh. It was removed by the Romans in the 5th century BC.

These gold artifacts were discovered in the ruins at Delphi:

ancient gold at delphi
Ancient Gold at Delphi Museum ©DDB 2013

When we visited the Island of Hydra, a beautiful gold ring caught my eye, but the price was prohibitive. The shopkeepers expect you to haggle with them and hubby, an Italian of Greek ancestry, is pretty good at that.  The result?  I now have a golden souvenir of Greece to call my own for half the listed price!   It’s a replica of the legendary Phaistos Disc.

 Whenever I wear this,  the memories of our spectacular journey come flooding back.
It’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Do you have any treasured mementos?

Looking forward to your comments!

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34 thoughts on “#AtoZChallenge: “G” is for GREEK GOLD

  1. That is a beautiful momento! Some of their gold is so soft looking, it’s almost more like fabric – just beautiful. I try to bring home a piece of art when I travel. And rocks (my R post!)

    1. Hi Sammy; Yes, I’m thrilled with the ring and thankful for hubby’s bargaining skills! 😀 We also brought home some art and rocks. My favourite is a hand painted “Good Luck” stone from Santorini. 🙂

    1. I’m happy that hubby insisted on getting it. I balked because of the price and was so impressed by his bargaining skills! Must be in the genes. 😀 Thanks for visiting.

  2. Absolutely beautiful, and fascinating at the same time! Great pics. 🙂 I knew that “G” would be your dynasty in the A to Z! Thanks for sharing, Debbie 🙂

  3. Ah yes! Haggling, a way of life in the Mediterranean. It makes shopping so much more exciting, and everyone finishes happy–the shopkeeper just because of the haggling and the customer, because they are sure they got an excellent bargain. That ring is absolutely beautiful!

    1. I’ve never been much good at haggling, but hubby sure is! Must be in the genes. 😀 The ring was a great bargain and a lifetime souvenir of a wonderful trip. Thanks for visiting.

  4. I have never been to Greece, neither has Mom. Mom loved to go to the real Greek restaurants when we lived in Germany, great food.

  5. Another golden post in every way, Debbie. You are a wonderful travel writer. I feel like I’m right there with you.

  6. I love your ring and all the jewellery in your pics, but I m not too fond of wearing gold. Hell i m not too fond of jewellery, I just love to see it on other people 🙂

    1. Not everyone likes to wear jewellery, it’s true. My husband doesn’t either, but he does give me some, on occasion. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.

  7. How wonderful to have such a helpful husband by your side when you spot those golden things! 🙂 Enjoyed reading about this Gold fascination of Ancient and Modern Greeks. Another similarity between Indians and Greeks 🙂

    1. I didn’t realize that about India. Interesting! 🙂 Yes, hubby knows well how to bargain with people. Must be in the genes. 😉 Thanks for visiting.

    1. Glad you like it Shilpa. 🙂 That ring is a constant reminder of our wonderful trip and I will always treasure it. There’s something special and unique about Greek gold. Thanks for visiting.

    1. Greek gold has a special something, doesn’t it, Carol? 🙂 I was amazed at how many stores sell jewellery there. Obviously, deeply ingrained in their culture. Thanks for visiting.

  8. Debbie tks for the Greece-gold journey via your post and that ring is really something, very eye catching and a treasure 🙂