Asian Dictator's Collection of the Day 01

 These pair of shoes are brilliant. The synthesis of high fashion and street fashion is what I am looking for. Pictured here are six pairs of the Vans Slip-On styled by Robert Verdi with designs from six different silk Hermès ties. The main question is, how much a pair costs?

Who is generous enough to give me pair? My birthday is approaching.

This is Breathtaking.

I personally like this one. It gives a definition of class and street at the same time. I'm going to spend the whole week finding this in Athens.  

The National Archeological Museum

Asian Dictator of Taste Visits the National Archaeological Museum

  
  
     The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is considered one of the best museums in the world. It is also the largest archaeological museum in Greece. According to the pamphlet of the museum, it was founded at the end of the 19^th century to house and protect antiquities from all over Greece. The Museum can be found at 44 Patission St. which is a bit far from Syntagma Square. The plot was first donated by Eleni Tositsa and its construction was based on the designs of the architects L. Lange and P. Kalkos. As the museum adopted changes until the 20^th century, its galleries houses and shows the evolution of ancient Greek culture. The Museum’s collections could be divided into the Prehistoric Sculpture, Vases and Minor Arts, Bronze and Egyptian Antiquities.
     The Prehistoric Collection includes objects from the Aegean during the Neolithic period and Bronze Age. It also includes objects and treasures from the royal tombs of the Mycenaean Civilization and Cycladic marble figurines. The Sculpture Collection contains some of the most exquisite Greek sculpture during the Archaic and Classical period. The most important are the series of Classical grave relief and Kouroi (male sculptures). In addition, it houses some of the largest groups of original sculptures in the world. The Collection of Vases and Minor Arts contains cases and sculpture that highlights the great quality of the Geometric Period. The Bronze collection on the other hand, is famous for its rich collection of Bronze statues of the two most important Greek Gods, Zeus and Poseidon, the jockey from Artemision and many others such as figurines and vases. Lastly, the Egyptian Collection which shows Egyptian civilization from the early Pre-dynastic period until the time of the Roman Empire is one of the most famous in the world. Among the objects that can be found in this particular gallery are pots, statues, jewelries, mummies, sarcophagi and many other fascinating Egyptian objects.

Visiting the museum thrilled me a lot. Since high school I always loved history and archaeology. It is really interesting to learn the people of the past and how they lived. Since I had high expectations from this museum I really raised the standards of what I think were the essential criteria for a museum to be successful. I believe that other than the artifacts, pots, jewelries, vases, sculpture etc. the organization and the way they explain each and every thing in a clear way are important. And to be honest at some point I got confused and disappointed. The museum was huge with really high ceilings, wide spaces and it gives you a feeling of emptiness. However, when I saw certain sculptures and objects which I longed and desired to see in person, my mind ignored every bit of details that bothered me. This was no other than the Mask of Agamemnon which can be found in the Mycenaean gallery and the huge bronze statue of Zeus and Poseidon.

The Acropolis Museum

Asian Dictator of Taste Visits the New Acropolis Museum

  
  
    Of all the museums in Athens, the Acropolis Museum is definitely one of the most important and breathtaking museums, due to its architectural location, organization, design and of course the magnificent collections that it houses.

    The Museum is located in the historic Makryianni district situated 300 meters south of the Acropolis. It is conveniently located next to the Acropolis Metro Station which makes it easily accessible by tourists. According to its pamphlet, the museum was founded to exhibit all the significant finds from the Sacred Rock and its foothills. It was designed by architect Bernard Tschumi with Michael Photiadis. One can say that the museum is still new and modern since it was inaugurated in the summer of 2009. It covers a total area of 25,000 square meters in which over 14,000 square meters is exhibition space. Through the transparent glass outer walls of the museum, one can have the visual link between the collections exhibited in the Museum and the monument from which they once originated. Located on the ground floor is the Gallery of the slopes of Acropolis. Moving to the first floor is the nine meter high “Archaic Gallery” which hosts magnificent sculptures such as the beautiful archaic korai (female sculptures). Another interesting architectural feature of the museum can be found at the third floor. This is also known as the Parthenon Gallery. It is a rectangular, solid concrete core that was built to the exact dimensions and orientation as the Parthenon. It was especially designed to receive and display the entire temple frieze. After the Parthenon Gallery, a visitor can return back to the first floor and continue the journey and see works from the Propylaia, the temple of Athena Niki and the Erechtheion. Finally, one can notice that the floors are mostly made of glass which matches the transparency of its walls. The very base of the museum also is transparent, making it appear as if the museum was floating. As the museum’s pamphlet notes, it is supported by more than 100 concrete pillars which provide an impressive shelter for the site’s archaeological excavation.

     Compared to the other museums I visited here in Athens, I found this particular museum the most organized. Every corner of the museum is filled with workers who are really strict on regulating the museum’s rules and regulation. Although the museum is large, a lot of useful maps and signs guide every visitor to follow the right track until the very exit. This helps every visitor to understand and appreciate the collections better in an organized way. Lastly, I think the Greek government or the official in charge of this museum did a remarkable job since they were able to portray the grandeur of the Acropolis to the whole world. Who knows? The museum might earn back the other pieces from other museums world wide, such as the very well known Elgin Marbles.

Photo of the Week

Two things asian dictator of taste likes.

Easter in GREECE

     It is no exaggeration to say that Easter in Greece is more celebrated than Christmas. It is the biggest religious holiday in Greece. If you are fortunate enough to be traveling in Greece during Easter, you'll have the opportunity to experience the traditions of  the Greeks during Easter time.

     There are many traditions that the Greeks practice during Easter, such as the preparation of the Greek Easter Lamb (arni) and the dying of eggs. Bright Easter eggs are an important symbol of Greek orthodox practice. Easter is also considered to be a time to reflect and time for family bonding, so don't waste your time doing nothing during this religious holiday.

As the Greeks say, Καλό Πάσχα!

Quotes Series 101

"He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever". (Chinese Proverb)

Starting today, I will be posting and discussing quotes, proverbs etc. that relates to my life and my inner world. By this way, I will be able to understand myself better and to express my thoughts and emotions in a free way without any limitations.

       Asking questions in class is one of the most intimidating thing to do especially when you're 16 and at the same time studying at a University. Dealing with adults and experts as well, is really awkward. Whenever I'm in class and i really want to ask a particular question, my lack of confidence and timidness  quickly conquer me. My blood boils, my heartbeat quickens, suddenly I feel warm and my throat becomes dry. However, by the time I found this Chinese proverb, it started to motivate and help me build my confidence. It is one of the short but wise sentences that gives me power and courage to ask what I think are important questions to my professors. This I believe will benefit my intellectual excellence and performance inside the class. A good student is one that asks and is willing to learn. Hence, asking is learning, so why don't give it a shot? It is never bad to ask questions that interest you. You never know these questions will make professors think deeper and build a reputation inside the class. It might also be a million euro question. You will never know:P

Strikes!

Do you know how angry and annoyed I am right now? Very much. This whole drama about Greece and the economic crisis make me want to leave Greece immediately. Being a college student studying at the center of Athens (close to the parliament) I have always been affected whenever barbaric citizens of Greece demonstrate in front of the Parliament. I do not blame them, since the Greek government also has it faults. Who is to blame? If they don't fix this immediately, this country will have a really bad reputation and will surely self- destruct. 

Being Independent

Once again, its Friday. This week has been really tiring even though we just started the semester. To be honest, I'm really nervous of what will be the outcome of this new semester of learning. Maybe I'm just over thinking or maybe I'm just not mature enough to accept any negative event that may come.

Today, I decided to roam around and take some pictures downtown Athens. I needed to escape from any thoughts, fear and worries about myself. I also visited the Benaki Museum. (My journey at the Benaki Museum will be posted in another post, maybe next week.) Surprisingly,  the weather today in Athens is perfect. It's really warm and you could feel the beginning of a new season.

As I walked, I saw a really cool watch. I couldn't resist to capture it, because during that time I felt serene and peaceful. I was away from my busy college life, not to mention the pressure and demands it requires. I really hope I could stop the time and enjoy the day eternally.  But one of the limitations of humans is the inability to control time.
Maybe, someday I could re-live this peaceful time and I really hope it will be longer. Semester II begins, so I should study harder and do my best. Also, I would like to wish everyone especially students like me, SUCCESS in everything they do. Good Luck ^_^

Valentines Day 2011

Valentines Day is approaching. The day when couples celebrate their love for each other. For singles like me, (still searching for the right girl) it may be nothing but just an ordinary day.

So, I've picked two accessories which will be used during Vday. A bow tie and a leather folder. The bow tie represents being single and the folder being busy with school.

2011 Year To Start a BLOG!

To begin this blog, I decided to introduce the three basic tools (picture above) I will be using. Well, there's nothing much to type right now, but I want to try to start this blog looking for inspiration and something really interesting to share to the outer world especially to those in the East. I don't want to start with introductions but I'm a Filipino living in Athens, Greece the cradle of the western civilization. Basically, this blog will be composed of pictures and my insights about Athens, my dreams and opinions on various things and lastly my passion for the Arts and Sciences. Thank you very much for reading this. Till then, Fighting!