A Day In Athens

A day in Athens is not much time. But I feel like I saw the things that I've always wanted to see. I know this country has treasure galore more to see but for now I've crossed Athens' highlights off my must see list.

I won't retell the history of this amazing site but it felt very surreal to be standing where democracy was born. Fortunately for us 90% of the scaffolding that has encased the Parthenon for the last 25 years had just been removed. The restoration work is nearing its end that corrected mistakes made during the two previous restorations. Previously metal rods were put into the pillars to stabilize them but have since caused more damage than helped. Now titanium rods have replaced them for hopefully the last time.

Of course when Graham and Ethan weren't throwing rocks.....

they were desperate to "cross the line" into the no tourist zone.

I know Zach and Ethan and especially Graham won't remember all the details of this day,

or understand the significance of where they stood for many years to come but someday they will think it's funny to hear that....

they played Indiana Jones among the rocks and pillars of the Acropolis in the shadow of the Parthenon.

Ethan made some fellow teenage tourists laugh when he announced, "This is the Temple of Doom!" after one of them had just finished a thorough explanation of the real name and purpose of these pillars.

As we stood on the steps of the Temple of Athena Nike we were told that the rock below was where Paul preached his sermon to the people about the Unknown God. So I guess that's Mars hill.

We did a quick drive by of the Panathenaic stadium where the Olypics were held.

Then the Presidential Palace where apparently only the most handsome of military young men are chosen to stand guard.


We also stopped at Hadrian's Arch and

and quick view of Zeus' Temple.

Then finally it was lunch time. We sat outside in a perfect sunshiny day and enjoyed a scrumptious Greek Salad and

some Moussaka which is a Greek version of lasagna with meat potatoes and a white sauce. Of course we ended it all with healthy portion of Baklava.

Our remaining four hours were spent roaming the Plaka or shopping district. I avoided most of the tourist traps but couldn't pass up some Christmas ornaments made from olive wood.

We didn't have time for any of the museums including the newer and bigger Acropolis Museum but we were told they were excellent. Now Greece is in the process of reclaiming many of their treasures from other museums around the city and world to bring them home.