Athens

When I returned to Patra from Athens I realized that I was too quick in separating Greece from other European countries. I saw that the lack of attractions in Patra is not due to any lacking in the Greek culture but more in the fact that it is a relatively small city. In Athens I felt all of the awe and wonder I had experienced in Prague. Athens is a bustling metropolis filled with amazing historic monuments and a vibrant colorful culture.

I could tell I was going to like Athens the moment I stepped into the metro station. The whole system is squeaky clean and brand new. The stations are beautiful with a mix of modern design and exposed ruins that line the walls which were unearthed during construction. Our hostel was right in the center of town and only one block from the Acropolis metro station. That night Enrique and I walked all around downtown. Amid the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping Athenians in crowded streets there are countless tiny old churches. These churches are tucked away in little squares throughout the city, and offer great contrast to the blinking lights and commercialism surrounding them. We headed back to the room fairly early so that we could get a good night's sleep for the day ahead. We stayed in a room on the very top floor and I could actually see the acropolis while lying in my bed. The Parthenon's golden glow is an incredible sight just before you close your eyes and fall asleep.





We woke up early and caught the train to the airport to pick up my good friend Mr. David Boaz, who will be spending the next couple of weeks with me. At first glance I could tell David had done his homework on Greek fashion as he was already sporting RayBans and a scruffy beard. With the entire trio assembled it was off to Athens to begin our sightseeing adventures. The weather was not really cooperating as it was drizzling and cloudy all day but we made the most of it. We started in the Plaka, one of the downtown neighborhoods, with a walk through the many shops and cafes. We stopped at one little restaurant for lunch where David ordered rabbit for his first Greek meal. The food was delicious and all oil with no veggies just like we Greeks like it! The rain subsided just enough for us to see the changing of the guard in Syntagma square outside of the tomb of the unknown soldier in front of the parliament building. The guards were clothed in traditional Greek dress with stern unshakable expressions.







Next we walked to the national gardens which were like many things in Greece beautiful in their own special way. The gardens were filled with mist from the earlier rain and many orange trees and tropical plants. The most unique feature of the garden was the animal pens that had quite the variety of donkeys, chickens, rabbits, and goats. I just don't understand how the same people who won't lift their eyes to the Parthenon can be so impressed by chickens that they would put them on display in the national garden.



After that it was back home for a quick nap then dinner and then a trip out on the town. For a glimpse into the nightlife we went to the Gazi district of Athens which used to be an industrial center but is now filled with bars and clubs. The city converted one of the large warehouses into a concert venue where there was live music playing that night. The streets and bars were packed giving Gazi the perfect Saturday night atmosphere.

We woke up Sunday to bright sunshine, a perfectly blue sky, and one goal, to go to the Arcropolis. The awful weather on Saturday was a blessing in disguise because on Sundays it is free to tour the Acropolis. The path to the Acropolis winds up its southern slopes passing a large theater still in use today and offering great views of the Parthenon perched high above. To enter the Parthenon you walk up marble steps and through the main gate built some 2500 years ago. Emerging from the gates you are struck with the shear size and magnificence of the Parthenon. It is absolutely huge and definitely something that must be experienced up close in order to fully appreciate it. The whole site is perched on a mesa of solid stone. It is completely flat and by far the tallest area around. In addition to the wonder of the ancient temples the views of the city are incredible.












The walk down from the acropolis is filled with other ruins and really shows how vibrant this ancient city must have been. There is a reconstruction of the Roman library and also the best preserved temple in Greece. The temple of Phaestus (I think) is still fully intact including the roof despite thousands of years and many earthquakes, amazing!





I ended the Athenian tour buying some trinkets from the little shops in the Plaka and taking my last few looks at the Parthenon. Athens truly is a remarkable city with so much history and character to offer. Sorry for any typos or runon sentences, I finished this entry in the airport in Athens and didn't get a chance to proof read. Isn't technology amazing?!