Athens

Athens was such a surprise and not what we expected. We expected a big busy dirty city, however commented the opposite throughout the day. The taxi we prearranged for the day was the best decision of the entire trip. Dimitri met us as soon as we got off the ship and took us right to the Acropolis pointing out sights with lots of history the entire way. In fact, I think he was pleasantly surprised to drive someone so interested in history and up on his greek mythology. We arrived before the tour groups and able to get great pictures of the place we would see throughout the day as the Acropolis can be seen from every location in the  city.

Before leaving the Acropolis, we climbed Mars Hill, also known as Aeropagus, where the apostle Paul spoke. Looking around me, I had some of the same thoughts he had in Acts Chapter 17 which reminded that some things never change. 

We saw the Olympic stadium used often for concerts followed by the Roman Agora.

Hadrian's arch and Temple of Zeus were quite impressive. I'd probably name an arch after the person who finished such an impressive sight after 700 years too.The temple  was the largest built towering 56 feet. Although only 16 of the 106 columns still remain and only 15 standing, they give a good perspecitve of the huge scale. 

In the Roman Agora or Forum, the octagonal-shaped Tower of Winds served as a combination of a clock, weathervane, and guide to the planets...now that's multitasking! The pedestrian  street leading to the Ancient Agora was lined with local vendors and led us to the shopping area of long ago. We walked in the shadows of the Acropolis above to see the Odeon of Agrippa easily earning the name palace of the giants, Temple of Hephaistos which is the best preserved, and the rebuilt stoa. If seeing only one place in Athens, this was definitely our pick. The magnitude of artifacts on display was amazing. Many of these things were probably discovered by the several architectural schools. We saw the American school which is designed and colored the same red color the acropolis once was. 

 Lunch was amazing. He took us to a wonderful taverna. The waiter Dimitrius showed and explained each dish, had us choose three for a good sample of Greek food and showed us to our seat. It was exactly the local experience you hope to have especially when followed with baklava. 

We then spent an hour just walking through the Plaka, the shopping area in old Athens. These narrow winding pedestrian streets were full of little shops and tavernas which are according to our driver touristy and not necessarily as great of quality and authentic as where we were able to eat.  Walking around in this area makes you forget that you are in a city of 5 million people. I found a bracelet of the traditional pattern square Greek pattern signifying long life and prosperity. 

Our driver had a collection of postcards of the places we had visited and a box of Baklava in departing. The glances and comments of those in security as we were boarding the ship assured me we were in for a treat to share with our friends at dinner. Talking to others about their day in Athens made us truly appreciate our private driver as we were able to really experience the city, saw far more sites and had the most positive perspective of it.