Thursday, April 12, 2018

The Archaeological Riches of Pella, Greece


After providing accounting and analysis support to companies such as Bechtel and Fritz, Glenaldo (Glenn) Gregorio Pena started a family and cosmetic dentistry practice with his wife known as AllSmile Dental. He has since worked in K-12 school finance and has served as district advisor in Contra Costa County Office of Education. Glenaldo G. Pena enjoys traveling to places such as Pella, Greece, in his leisure time.

Pella became the capital of the kingdom of Macedonia in the fifth century B.C. Today, the city retains a spectacular array of ruins which indicate that the Macedonians lived richly. For example, extensive mosaic floors can be found in the ruins of many their houses. These mosaics, and other archaeological findings such as jewelry and pottery, can be seen at the Archaeological Museum of Pella.

Finished in 2009, the Archaeological Museum of Pella offers a diverse range of exhibits covering everything from excavations to the history and daily life of residents of the ancient capital of Macedonia. Admission to the museum includes access to the nearby archaeological site.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Top Three Places to Visit in Athens


An accountant by profession, Glenaldo (Glenn) Gregorio Pena has served as a district advisor for the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Glenaldo Gregorio Pena has traveled to many places around the world, including Athens, Greece. 

Here are the top three places to visit in Athens: 

i) The Acropolis 
This hill is the most popular tourist site in Athens, perhaps because it houses numerous Greek ruins. Perched atop the 511-foot-high hill are the Parthenon temple, one of the largest temples in history, and the Acropolis citadel, an administrative center in ancient Greece. The hill offers truly unique views of Greek monuments below juxtaposed against the more modern city. 

ii) Plaka
Almost like an island in the mainland, Plaka is the place to experience genuine Greek culture at its finest. The district is very private, featuring stone walkways, green leaf canopies, boutique shops, ancient trees, and cafes serving authentic Greek food. 

iii) Agora 
Agora was a popular marketplace in ancient Greece where people gathered to trade, engage in civic debates, and share insights about the universe. The name Agora actually means, “gather and orate.” Theater performances and athletic events also took place there.