Athens, Greece 26-3-10

Since Karly asked:

Second day in Athens. We got in yesterday and figured out the bus and metro systems to get ourselves to the hostel - a fact I am exceedingly proud of, actually. Of course, I then got my wallet stolen with a buttload of money in it. I am a genius. But that's being figured out and Mom isn't mad so it's okay. After that debacle, we checked in and settled in, then went for a walk in Monastiraki, a nice fashionable area of Athens. We had a nice dinner and pretty much went back to the hostel (Zorbas, definitely recommended if you're ever in Athens) to crash.

Besides the wallet thing, I'm pretty happy to be here. Greece is so full of history - every time you turn a corner, you find some beautiful church or ancient ruin. At night the Acropolis and Agora are lit up in gold and it's so beautiful; you catch a glimpse of the ruins between the buildings, towering up on the hill.

Today we got up early, got ready, and headed out. We tried to figure out my money situation but I think it might have to wait until tomorrow. Then we ate and headed toward the Acropolis. On the way we passed through some major parts of town, including Omonia Square and Syntagma Square with the House of Parliament. (Incidentally, syntagma is the word for constitution on Greek, which I think is really cool) It was a gorgeous day, warm and sunny (I of course got sunburned) and it was nice to walk. I don't think we realized how huge Athens was until we crossed it! It took a while and man are our feet sore. But it was good to walk it rather than taking the metro. We got a better feel of the city. We passed the National Gardens too, and I can't wait to go in! They looked beautiful, all green and carefully cared for.

Eventually, of course, we reached the Acropolis. The walk up isn't too bad - it seems daunting at first but it's very gradual and actually pretty short. The Acropolis is nothing less than absolutely breathtaking. Within the huge walls are the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. The Parthenon is unbelievable, huge columns and massive. The sculptures and art, which are actually all housed in the Acropolis Museum, are incredible. Everything is unimaginably huge and detailed. The building was the major temple to the gods, so there's plenty of sculptures and scenes all featuring them.

The Erechtheion is less awe-inspiring but still beautiful. There are these amazing statues of maidens called the Caryatides who act as the supporting pillars on one side of the building. I saw a picture of their backs in the museum and every single one has a different hairstyle, how cool is that? I love the level of detail in every piece. It's stunning.

After seeing those two, we headed out and down. I climbed up onto Areopagus Hill on the way and snapped a few shots with Leena's awesome camera. That was actually one of my favorite parts because, as I read about it, I remembered all the stuff I'd learned about it in Classics - and I was there! It was an amazing feeling.

Then we went to the museum and even though we were exhausted (like, could hardly walk), it was gorgeous! So many things, from little tiny pots and wedding vases to full statues to huge slabs of stone from the walls of the Parthenon! It must have been truly incredible in like 400 BC. I wish I'd been there.

We rested, ate, and wandered some more. Now we're sitting in a little cafe writing and drinking tea. I think we're going for a drink soon and then to bed! Tomorrow we're going to try to sail to Aegina, one of the closer islands for some beach time. Maybe we'll make it back to see another site.