 Athena, Goddess of Wisdom |
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Hello All,
We flew from Tel Aviv to Athens, and were enchanted by the beauty of Athens, a huuuuge city, stretching as far as the eye can see in all directions. It's relatively flat with a few large hills. Most impressive is the Acropolis (which means city on high land), topped by the Parthenon. Because of the recent Olympics, Athens has been modernized: new subway system, more organized, and higher prices. But one thing that never changes is the rock and ancient buildings, some 2500 year old, which often sit next door to a modern shop or restaurant.
The Greek people have great respect for thier history, culture and mythology, but are not so open to assimilation of other cultures or religions. 95% of the inhabitants of Greece belong to the Greek Orthodox church, and there are no mosques allowed in Athens, yet the people are political enough to demonstrate violently against US involvement in Iraq, at the arrival in Greece of American Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.
Athens is a most beautiful city and I want to visit again. These photos will show you why...
Typical Athens Street Scene
Narrow streets at odd angles, small cars parked in the middle of the road...
Elegant Parthenon
Built 2500 years ago with no straight lines, victim of wars and weather, still beautiful...
Original Front of Parthenon
I took this photo 2500 years ago when I was a little kid; this is what the Parthenon originally looked like...
Best Way to Get Around
Since the streets are so narrow and cars are so expensive, why not use a motorcycle?
Socrates' Prison
Legend has it that Socrates was imprisoned here, for the crime of denying the existing gods, and of currupting the youth. Maybe also for teaching the existence of Pi?
But Then Everything Changed
Due to the grave health of a close family member (Gilda, formerly married to my late father Norman), I quickly flew back to the states, to Philadelphia, to be with family... Evi returned to Basel awai... [more]
4 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
April 27th 2006 - Chods: Do Be Do Be Do
Most amazing blog ever, Pops, unfortunately cut short. You're doing a good thing, old man.
Cheers to your photo eye, and not cheers to Jennifer Blow-pez. (get it, she's no good)
Sonny Bono
April 27th 2006 - Edi:
Very good bloc as usual from Howie !
October 17th 2009 - Nancy: Great pictures
I was google-ing photos of socrates for my 6th grade class and I came up with your photo of his likely prison! The kids will love seeing it. Thanks!!
Glad this photo can be useful to your students.
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