Athens

Ancient ruins, windy cobble stone streets, the Mediterranean, olives with feta cheese and ouzo, we have arrived in Athens. This town truly is unique with its white stucco apartments, heavy traffic, smells of lamb with exhaust and of course the Acropolis. And we have been able to completely avoid the public demonstrations, but not the plant salesman. But the change in food from Italian has been great but we now truly do not understand a thing these people are saying.

Parthenon on top of Acropolis

Here in Athens we have met up with Etienne (our good friend from Australia), as she has planned her vacation to coordinate with ours at this point. She has arrived with her mother who is staying with family here in Athens. And as a nice surprise Stephanie, Et’s niece, is here to accompany her grandmother. So we have been able to connect with family and friends and be around some familiar faces for a few days. And Et’s mom has been able to show us some of her favourite Greek dishes and explain some foreign traditions to us.

Parthenon being repaired

Stephanie and Henry surveying the site

Maphew checks out the site as well

The acropolis is an amazing sight to see, perched high on the top of mountain that overlooks the entire city. The acropolis contains the famous Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. The towering pillars that are still standing are a testament to the builders who constructed it in 450 BC. The entire complex is full of ancient ruins dedicated to the gods of Greek Mythology, and is an amazing site to explore and to compliment the ruins there is the new Acropolis Museum. But the acropolis really does look the best in the evening when the entire mountain is lit up and you are sitting back with a drink in hand staring at this wonder.

Changing of the National Guard

We also took in a changing of the National Guard in front of the Parliament Buildings. This in nothing like the British version, they wear white skirts and pompom shoes. And march to a very different beat resembling cancan girls with a bad knee. It was one of those sights you will never forget.

Guards in front of Parliament Buildings

We are rediscovering our joy for all food Greek. And I am learning that there is no bad Greek dish as we are trying everything placed in front of us. We have also discovered a new dinner aperitif that is a must called Tentura, a spicy port like drink that goes down like candy. And a rolled coconut candy stick is a must when touring the streets of the Plaka area avoiding the “bad eye” hawkers.

Stiniasas

To your health