Chapter 4 - DAY 15 - Athens

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ACROPOLIS

Today we left our Hotel early and headed for the Acropolis. We need to be there as early as possible because they attract massive crowds every day. Also Greece appears to be heading for a meltdown – today all taxis and public transport were on strike which would mean more cars on the road.

Our local guide explained a bit about Greece’s economic woes on the way to the Acropolis –they are pretty much a basket case!

The entry to the Acropolis is by way of the Propylaea a building that was erected in the years 437-432 BC –it set the scene perfectly. As usual our local guide was a fountain of knowledge and explained in great detail about all the buildings. Walking around the site is awe inspiring. The small iconic temple of Athena Nike was erected in about 420 BC. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, was the earliest of the Classical monuments on the Acropolis, which were built in the second half of 5th century BC. The construction techniques and architecture are incredible, even more so when you consider the lack of ‘technology’ available to them at the time.

It was fantastic to be walking around such an historic sight. As a bonus we also got sweeping views across Athens.

ATHENS CBD
We then did a bus tour around the historic centre of Athens, or the best we could considering the traffic! From about 1pm we had a couple of hour’s free time to wander around Athens. We watched the changing of the guards, had a look around the flea market and had a light lunch. Service is something different in Greece, is pretty slow anyway and the more concerned/agitated people get the slower the service becomes. So it’s just a case of relax and let things happen at their own pace.

We also saw a protest setting organised at parliament buildings before marching off into the city. There was a very strong police presence, including the riot squad. It was all a bit exciting but there was no action (where we were anyway).

We had a nice break at the Hotel before heading off to a traditional Greek Dinner; the setting was on the top of a Hotel with the Acropolis as a backdrop – not bad. A great time was had by all.

Tomorrow we start our Greek Island Cruise so not sure how accessible internet will be, we will check in as soon as practical.

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Photos

Acropolis
Just amazing! In the background is the Parthenon

Welcome to Greece-we're having a few issues!
Riot police waiting for a demonstration march to pass

Weirdest March Ever
Evzoni - the elite force that gouard Parliament and the Predidential Mansion. The changing of the Guards ceremony was well worth a look.

Comments

[vijay shukla]

Green Evolutions
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. ------------------------ Delhi Water Fountain

[Lissa]

Mum, Dad & the Acropolis
Such a wonderful photo :)

[GrantD]

Hi
thanks for yor feedback, will be posting greek islands soon.

[Deb Scott]

Awesome!!!
Hi guys, You are awesome for following through and posting photos and stories of the trip. I feel like it was just a dream now being back at work, but having your blog to read through brings it all back- thank you! Hope everything is going well for you, Take care, Xx Deb.

[GrantD]

Hi Deb
Thanks for your note. Things going great here - enjoying a quiet Christmas break. We really enjoy re-living our trip through the Blog -pleased you enjoyed it to :)