Some randoms from the outskirts of the Acropolis.
(Can you see the black cat hidden in the shadows?)
Greece: Athens: Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora was our next stop and a natural progression from exiting the Acropolis (that is, after resting atop a giant rock with magnificent views - first image. It still boggles my mind that one can walk amongst ancient ruins with such liberty, not to say it was taken for granted.
I direct you to this page for the history, but look below for the photographs.
Greece: Acropolis: The Parthenon
We made it! I apologize, the next set of shots are going to be only of the Parthenon and it's surroundings. My super comfortable Pumas were put to the test (on the sometimes slippery rocky surface). Which is likely why the original steps leading up to the top has been covered with wooden planks, like at the Taj Mahal.
It was hotter than hot and part of the Parthenon was being restored, but words cannot describe how mind-blowing it was to see in person and photographs don't do any justice.
P.S. The sleeping dogs were a surprise.
Greece: Athens, Acropolis: Along the Way
Getting to the Acropolis in the high heat was no easy task. Some olive trees and fancy water stations helped along the way.
Here, some of those moments.
Greece: Athens, The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes is a stadium theatre on the south slope of the Acropolis. It's still used for music festivals every year, having been restored in the 50s. How incredible would it be to be seated here during a concert? Epic.
Here's a panoramic view, which is not entirely accurate, but you get the gist, I hope.
Other panoramas: Boston from the Ebersol Suite at the Liberty Hotel + NYC's 30 Rockefeller
Greece: Athens, The Acropolis Museum
And so it begins. At the Acropolis Museum.
Sitting atop an archaeological site, which can be seen through glass floors, the museum opened in 2009. Designed by a NY City based architect, the museum houses 5 floors worth of ancient artifacts and excavated historic treasures. One of the highlights is its direct view of the Parthenon. Photography was not allowed inside the museum. Nor were chocolate bars. Museum entrance fee, 5 euros. Snickers bar, likely 5 euros. Eating a Snickers bar whilst looking up at the Parthenon? Priceless.
