Athens
Day 1 and Day 2
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Athens, has been the capital of Greece since 1834. I was in awe and wonder of this city. Parts of Athens have been inhabited for over 7,000 years. Wow! Had Native Americans even made it to North America yet? I doubt it. Athens derives its name from the Goddess Athena. She and the God, Poseidan fought for Athens. Athena blessed the citizens with the olive tree and won.
Athens is most famous for the building project that went on under Perikles in the mid-fifth century, otherwise known as the temples on the Acropolis. I consider Athens the beginning of western democracy and culture so, it was a goose bump moment for me to be here.
The day before our tour started I visited the Benaki Museum . I highly recommed a stop here if you have time. It had a diverse collection of arts, craft, jewlery and paintings that span over 5,000 years. It was easy to find and fairly close to the tranquil National Gardens. This 40 acre public park is a beautiful oasis in the big concrete city. It invites to you to slow down and sit and enjoy one of the many benchs beneath a shade tree. Winding paths lead you past small squares and ponds filled with gold fish and turtles. I could barely tell I was still in a big city. If you look, one can always find tranquility in an urban setting. Click here to see a you tube video of the lovely National Gardens. |
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Our tour group first met at the luxurious Hotel Hera . I stayed here for three nights. It was an upscale hotel with excellent amenities and service. Sweet view of the Acropolis at night from the hotel bar. I really liked the location and the breakfast.
Our guide David Willet is a wealth of greek knowledge and information. He is one of the authors of the Lonley Planet's guide to Greece. Pretty Impressive! I certainly felt lucky to have him with us on our tour. He spoke Greek and treated all the hotel owners, workers, restauranters, etc like they were old friends. He was always there with a smile or a joke. He is a fun guy to hang out with! |
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Athens is a city with an impressive history. I had high expectations and it fulfilled them all. The Acropolis was at the top of the list, but I quickly realized it was only a small part of what Athens has to offer.
The Church of the Holy Apostles pictured to the left is the first Christian church in Greece. St. Paul preached in the Agora near this little church. I found it sad that Christians destroyed many ancient sites in Greece, Italy and elsewhere because of the pagan religions . It reminds me of a saying "We fear what we do not understand."
The picture on the middle left is of my favorite Slovaki stand in the entire Plaka. It had the best gyro's I ate in all of Greece! The slovaki, tatskzki, and pita bread were tasty, generous portions and cheap. Only two euros! It was on a street in the Plaka I want to call Apiano. Yum Yum, my mouth is watering just thinking about how good that gyro was.
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We met our local guide, Fay at the Acropolis. She told us that Acro means high and Polis means city. All of the ancient Greek city states had an Acropolis, but Athens is the most famous. Cool, I learn something new everyday.
Fay was lovely Greek lady who is also a part time college professer in the United States. I thought she was a very informative guide. I liked her. One of the best things about Rick Steves tours is the quality of not only your lead guide, but of the local guides as well. Fay was a great example of this.
Fay told us the parthenon is a temple to the Goddess Athena . It is incredible to be right in front of it. |
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David is discussing geolgy with my tour buddy, Frank while Sam listens in. It was hot the afternoon we toured the Acropolis, so any chance at shade was welcomed!
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The Erechtheion at the Acropolis has the famous Porch of Carytids. Fay told us these were replicas, but they were still beautiful.
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On your upper left are two pictures of the Tower of the Winds located in the Roman Agora in the Plaka. It was built in the 1st century A.D.Somehow the Romans used this to tell time with water and bronze rods. I think I'll stick to the clock on my cell phone.
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Fay discussing the Mask of Agamemnon |
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Horse and Jockey of Artemision |
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These serious looking men are Evzones A special unit of the Greek Army.Their unique outfits are eye catching. The skirt is called a fustanella and the pom-pom shoes are called klephts.The parade was really cool.I was happy I made it to Syntagma Square in time to see it.It is only once a week, on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. |
Evzones in the parade at Syntagma Square |
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An interesting fact, you know how some foods like oysters and asparagus are called aphrodisiacs, well that comes from the Goddess Aphrodite .
She is my favorite Goddess. One year for Halloween I dressed up in a toga as Aphrodite, but guys called me Venus. Venus is the Roman name for Aphrodite. Hey, I was just happy to be dressed up like a Goddess. I'll take either name.
The exhibits at the National Archaeological Museum are quite extensive. This musuem ranks as one of the worlds finest with priceless collections of sculpure, pottery and jewelery. I think I could spend several days here and not asborb it all. This is a place well worth a second look on my next trip to Athens. |
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Anafiotika is in Athens. You follow Rick's self guided walk to get here. It is called Anafiotika because it was built by Greeks from the little Cycladic island of Anafi. These islanders came to Athens to help with building projects around 1850-1900. Not many Anafi's live here now. It is a place for rich Athenians to hang out. About half of the buildings I saw looked to be inhabited by cats and flowers. What a cute little place this was.
Can you see the walls of the Acropolis at the top of this picture? That is how close you are to it.
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