And so we are in Athens, within easy viewing range of the magnificent Acropolis, a giant outcropping of rock in the city center, topped by the Parthenon.
A mere 3,300 years old, and looking good.
Looks pretty good in the day, too. Heading over in a bit for a closer look…
A quick word about getting around in Athens, there are Taxis everywhere.
Don’t even think about Uber or something like this; no need. Honestly if Taxis in LA or SF were like this Uber would never have gotten any traction. Not only are they everywhere, they are cheap and fast, and their drivers are friendly.
In addition to great views of the Acropolis, our hotel (Electra Metropole) has a beautiful little pool. Definitely will check it out later.
But first…
Ancient theater on the South slope, showing the Orchestra (round region for the performers)
The Odeon, amazingly well preserved, though sans the wooden roof it originally featured. These structures are much newer than the Parthenon, though ancient in their own right.
The venerable Parthenon… up close you can see some of it retains the original marble, but there are many overlapping repairs. Still, amazing.
Just across from the Parthenon sits the Erechtheion, an ancient Ionic temple. It’s better preserved but much younger – dating back only to 450BC. Imagine that when it was built, in the shadow of the Parthenon, the site was already 900 years old! Amazing.
Amazing panoramic views of Athens from the top of the Acropolis; it’s so … white! Lots of stone buildings I guess, and not too many trees.
And then on to the Acropolis museum, a most modern building contrasting beautifully with its ancient contents…
How did I get here 