We got on the road at 5:30 am. It was still dark and the weather was rainy and chilly. We were flying out of Munich, so we had to leave early to make the 11:00 flight. But a two and a half hour car ride, a two hour wait at the airport and a two and a half hour flight is actually quite enjoyable when in the company of great friends. When we got to Athens we were all so happy to see the sun and feel the warmth. We met a nice man at the airport train station and talked to him the whole way into the city center. He warned us to be very wary of pickpockets in crowded areas and then ironically his wallet was stolen just as we were getting off at our stop! We felt so bad for him. He did recommend a great restaurant in the Plaka which turned out to be the most amazing meal of the entire trip. We checked into our hotel and set out to find the restaurant. The hotel was great (despite the horribly hard beds) because it was in such a great location. It was just a block from Syntagma Square (where Parliament is) on Ermou, a pedestrian street with great shopping right in the heart of the old city. There are tons of tourist shops throughout the city and we went in plenty of them on our search for the restaurant. After a three hour dinner at the Vizantino we walked back to the hotel so tired, but still with enough energy to get the consierge to take us up to the roof for some beautiful sights.
Right in the middle of the street on Ermou is one of the oldest Greek Orthodox churches in Athens, the Kapnikarea.
The Acropolis from the rooftop of our hotel.
The next day was beautiful and we decided to see all the outdoor sites. We walked around the old city, which actually isn't that big. All the good stuff is within walking distance. We saw modern buildings like the first Olympic Stadium and the Zappeion as well as the ancient ruins like Zeus' Temple, Hadrian's Arch, the Roman Forum (we had lunch at a cute sidewalk cafe overlooking the Forum) and of course, everything on and around the Acropolis. We meandered down streets and alleys lined with shops, street vendors and restaurants. After a quick rest at the hotel, we decided to try and see the sunset over the water, so we took the metro out to Piraeus where the port is. Then we returned back to Athens for dinner and some more walking around the Plaka.
Hadrian's Arch. I love how you can see the Acropolis through the archway. I don't think that was by accident :)
Sister missionaries we met outside the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. They were both from Germany!
The Parthenon on top of the Acropolis.
In front of the Parthenon.
View of the Temple of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium from atop the Acropolis.
Lycabettus Hill
Another temple on the Acropolis is the Erecthion and porch of the Caryatids (the lady pillars). These columns are just copies, 4 of the originals are in the New Acropolis Museum. A fifth one is in London at the British Museum, but they don't seem to want to give it back to Athens. The olive tree (also not the original) that Athena gave to the city to become the patron god is on the left.
Monastiraki Square with the Acropolis in the background
Coconut candy from a street vendor. They also sold fresh coconut.
Lookout point at Piraeus Port.
Having dinner at a sidewalk restaurant with the Ancient Agora (the building visible is the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos) and the Acropolis in background.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, the church of the archbishop of Athens and all Greece.
Statue of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI standing across the square from the Cathedral.
The next day we walked to Syntagma Square and saw the changing of guard. It was quite impressive. Then because the day was overcast and not as warm we took a taxi to the National Archaeological Museum. It's supposed to have the greatest collection of Greek antiquities in the world. It was pretty cool. After the museum and lunch we took another taxi to the top of Lycabettus Hill. It has a wonderful view of the city. Atop the hill there is an old chapel and a new swanky restaurant. We sat and enjoyed delicious hot cocoa and the amazing view from the picture windows in the restaurant. We got a lift down the hill and to the metro station from a very nice young couple. We took the train to the New Acropolis Museum. The informational movies were interesting as were the artifacts taken off the Parthenon and surrounding buildings. Honestly though, I think we all got our fill of crumbling white stone statues!
Changing of the guard and parade in Syntagma Square. They are guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of Parliament.
Statue of Zeus (or Poseidon) in the National Archaeological Museum.
The chapel on top of Lycabettus Hill.
View of Athens, the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea from the top of Lycabettus Hill.
The New Acropolis Museum.
Our final day in Athens we only had a few hours in the morning before we had to catch the train back to the airport. So of course we spent it shopping...and getting Maurita her first taste of roasted chestnuts. Thanks, Lyndsey and Maurita, for making my last big European adventure so much fun and something I'll always remember! Love you both!!!
