We had been faced with a dilemma about where to stay in Athens. We did not want to drive into the centre as we had heard and read horror stories about the traffic chaos. But, we still wanted to be close to the action to get a feel for the place. After a chat with the owner of the hotel we were at in Meteora he came back and suggested we park at the airport, catch the metro in and stay in the Plaka – Ancient part of Athens. Near everything. Checked it out and for a mere $75.00 we could leave the car in long term parking for 7 days (cheaper than parking in Athens – if we could find a park). Arrived then at our hotel which was 70metres from the Monstariki metro station (direct from airport), right in the noisy, chaotic and fantastic heart of the area. The Acropolis looks down on the area and from our balcony and the roof top bar of our hotel we had a fantastic view of the Acropolis and Parthenon (and it looked great lit up at night). As we arrived as around 4pm we decided to go for a walk and get our bearings . It was hot and humid and heading into peak hour. Right near Monstraki station were the famous flea markets. Narrow, cobbled streets with stalls very similar to Bali (maybe a step up). Lots of souvenirs , clothes, shoes and...army gear. Commando clothes, gas masks, guns. Nearly every second shop sold soldier stuff???? Not sure what that was about. On our wanderings we found a little restaurant off the main drag. Went back later as we thought it would be less touristy...and we were right. Full of locals...always a good sign. Managed to get a table and ordered grilled “octopus leg” amongst other things. OMG...Big Rick and I in heaven. It was one of the most delicious things ever (though looking at a tentacle sitting there on a plate was a little weird). We went back the next night and got another “leg”. Our first full day in Athens we will call RUINS day. You buy a $18.00 ticket and it gets you in to all sites over 4 days...absolute bargain. After dropping our washing off with the lady in the Laundromat, we walked through little streets and ruin sites with the Acropolis our main goal. It had been a lovely warm morning, but as late morning approached the rain clouds rolled in, and rolled they did. It rained for the rest of the day...at times quite heavy. But never cold or really windy so it did not slow us down or dampen (ha...what a pun...) our spirits. Reached the entrance to the Acropolis. Before I entered I remembered the photos viewed, articles read, classes taught etc on this stuff. Now being here, actually looking at it...couldn’t wait to tell the kids at school. The entrance to the Acropolis was a monumental gateway called the Propylaea. To the south of the entrance is the Temple of Athena Nike. At the centre of the Acropolis is the Parthenon or Temple of Athena Parthenos . And, this is what we could see from our room. It ios huge. Unfortunately there were 3 big cranes inside it and some scaffolding (a feature of a lot of the sights we have seen in Europe) but it was still quite awesome. Just a little further on from the Parthenon was the temple known as the Erechtheum. On the way up to the entrance we looked down on an amazing area. This was known as Odeion of Herrodes Atticus and Poritco of Eumenes. It was unbelievable...and in really good nick. It stopped raining for about ½ hour. Nice to get some photos without umbrellas. At the lookout there we were able to find our hotel...took a photo.
After we left this amazing place...which began to get busy as the tourist buses came in when the rain stopped... we walked through a park to the Hill of Pynx. Absolutely amazing views of the Acropolis and Parthenon. We had the hill all to ourselves...then we realised why...the skies opened up and it poured, and poured. Water proofs and an umbrella saved us...just. By the time we walked down the rain had stopped...water proofs off (cos it gets to hot and steamy). A cappuccino and souvalaki later we were ready to go again. It amazes me that as you walk around these tiny streets of yellow and white rendered buildings, you turn a corner and there is an important historical artefact there...almost in someone’s backyard.
Day 2 and we had other sights to see as well as some antiquities. Began at the Ancient Roman Agora and visited the museum. (Took lots of photos to create a power-point for the kids at school). Meandered over to the Temple of Hephaestos...which you would recognise. Looks a little bit like the Parthenon. Last of the old stuff was Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This temple would have been HUGE... and was still, in ruins, pretty impressive. Continued our walk. Passed the Olympic site...where the first modern Olympics held, walked past the Palace and where lucky enough to see the Changing of the Guard and lunched in Syntagma Square (main square in central Athens) . After this we walked to Likavitos to go to the lookout. Climbed about 1000 steps straight up as we decided to cheat and go via the funicular. We continued to walk up stone steps looking for it, and up stone steps...and up stone steps. It was now about 26 degrees, sun boring down on us, jeans clinging to us and yes we were CLIMBING (as I called it) to the top. Don’t know how we could have missed the cheats option...but we did. Finally we got there...I was glowing red...could have acted as a warning beacon to aircraft in the area. But it was worth the potential coronary...views great, church up there gorgeous (blue and white against a clear, blue, sunny day). And guess what? Found that funicular. Our map not quite the same as reality. Big Rick estimated we walked about 9 kms today. Quite like it when it is a bit cooler when we walk so much.
Final day in Athens. On the agenda was the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and walking around shops in central Athens (Syntagma Square). Changing of the Guard was a very colourful ceremony with military band and national ceremonial costume. Very impressive. A browse of the shops, lunch and time to head to airport for 3 night stopover on Santorini.
The Greek adventure so far has been fantastic.
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