Alan Cordova

Get there early before the regulars arrive!

Unbelievably beautiful place – so many miles from civilization!

A pretty village that is the jumping-off point for Mount Athos (and boat tours thereof).

Excellent ten-minute stop on the road – an homage to Stagira’s most famous resident, there’s a giant statue that many groups (mine included) take pictures with, as well as some examples of the power of science.

Observed the Transit of Venus in 2004 with an expedition from Williams College.

A pilgrimage destination for Williams College students. Usually packed, so anticipate ~15 minutes of watching people eat wings before getting your own.

If you can get there when the sun crosses the zenith (May 14th & 15th and July 28th & 29th), you can get the full effect of the observatory). You can get a partial view between these dates.

To avoid paying for a taxi, you can take the intrastate buses heading to Chilpancingo (sit near the front and ask to be let off at the Spratling Factory), then hitch a ride back for a few pesos.

Want to escape that oh-so-depressing poverty that seems to be all around? Head on over to Mexico City’s answer to New York’s Madison Avenue! Shop BWM, Gucci, Tiffany and more before, ironically, ending up at the Cuban Embassy at the northern end of the street.

The place where the rich mix with the ultra-rich (the ultra-ultra-rich, on the other hand, never leave Lomas de Chapultepec).