Monday 11 February 2013

Mediterranean Cruise- Athens

Athens was a bit of a whirlwind, to say the least.  We got off of the ship early in the morning and walked quite a ways to the train station, where we took the metro into Athens proper and got off on the back side of the Acropolis. 
We walked up a million steps, with Drew carrying the stroller (with Eli in it), and found an entrance to the Acropolis.  At this point it was time for Elijah's lunch so we fed him and let him have a little nap in the stroller before we had to check it to enter.  While we were waiting for him to wake, Drew climbed a hill that St. Paul used to preach on and got an amazing view of the Acropolis.



Inside the Acropolis was amazing.  It was a little disappointing that many of the structures, including the Parthenon, were under construction so our view was obstructed by scaffolding and cranes, but it was spectacular, none the less.  Elijah didn't like being in the sling and the sun was very strong on the hill so we didn't spend too much time inside after checking out all of the important highlights and taking a good look around.  It was particularly amazing to me how the structures themselves, and even some of the writing in the stone has survived from the fourth or fifth century until now.

















When we were through with the traditional sights, we went to a little flea market on the back side of the Acropolis.  It was so interesting to see all the icons, lamps, ouzo, spices, and other Greek specialties sold in the market.  We also enjoyed cold drinks and gyros from a street vendor in the market.  We met a young man who had studied at Michigan State and was very interested in where we were from and our story.  He gave Elijah an icon magnet of the Saint Elijah for him to remember his time in Greece.

 
Overall, we felt like our time in Athens was a litte rushed, but really enjoyed the people and culture there.  Here's to a return trip to Greece!

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