Athens, Greece
The Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens
Our high speed ferry from Mykonos was much smoother than a few days ago, and we arrived in Athens mid-afternoon, figured out the Athens train system (the
airport and all the transportation here is much nicer since the Olympics) and checked in to our hotel. In fact, Athens put in some new
underground rail lines for the Olympics and had to dig them more than 50 feet deep to avoid destroying too many unknown potential ancient
sites. Nevertheless, they discovered many new excavation sites, and the homes, pottery, even ancient kids´ toys are now in displays all along
the rail stations where they were found. We then headed for one of the several long, wide pedestrian streets which spread out from downtown
and all meet at the base of the Acropolis, high on its hill. You can even see the Parthenon and some of the other temples on the Acropolis
from the streets below. Even the first view from far away explains why these were temples of gods.
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We walked around the streets, which are full of modern clothing stores and cafes, and then you suddenly turn a corner and there is a park full of
ancient columns and ruins- fascinating! We ate dinner at a street cafe, and then had a bottle of wine waiting for the sunset. After dark, we
walked to the base of the Acropolis and took in one of the coolest views. There are floodlights at the base of the hill which illuminate the
sides, shining up to the white marble monuments on top which are also light up. Everything looks like it is floating in the sky with the dark
backdrop of night.
We got up early the next morning, put on our walking shoes, and headed out to see the actual
monuments in the sky. Even walking around the base, you come across incredible ruins, including two old theatres, one of which has been restored
and is still used by the Athens orchestra (which we imagine would be an incredible setting). Even the theatre which hasn´t been restored still
has amazing marble chairs set in a giant half circle around the stage, and the columns at the top are still there. Marble, marble, everywhere!
Buildings, sidewalks, steps, the airport, entire bathrooms, benches, etc. Walking up the steps on one side of the hill you see the first of
several temples immediately, it forms the entrance to the top of the Acropolis. There is a lot of restoration work going on everywhere, but it
doesn´t detract from the awe the temples inspire upon seeing them. The Parthenon itself is incredible, and the view shows all of Athens at your
feet and the sea out in the distance.
After another gyro, we headed for the new Athens airport on the rail we had used a lot already. However, on the way there, we happened to get a
ticket and fined by some very friendly Greek cops on the rail. Unfortunately, we accidentally bought a rail ticket which wouldn´t take us as far
as the airport. Oops! At least we didn´t need to get a lawyer! At the airport, we saw someone wearing a Steamboat Springs, CO t-shirt, and by
coincidence, Stacy was wearing her Steamboat t-shirt too.
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