Athens, Greece
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The entire day today was spent on a walking tour. We went to the Acropolis first - and this 2500 year old structure is unbelievable in person.
The huge columns of marble that have stood there for 25 centuries have defied all odds to remain standing. Greece is currently restoring the structures by reinforcing them with titanium bars and repair missing pieces of marble. It seemed kind of sad to me that they take them apart and number each piece and put them back together again - when maybe the most fair thing to do would be to just leave it all along and let it become part of the earth again - but as I was told today - this is the birthplace of democracy!
And, it should stand for all forever! (Okay - that was it for the drama)....
We walked through the "Plaka" surrounding all the monuments - took a ride on their version of the metro train (very nice and also full of archeological wonders) and ended the day with a trip up to 'Lychebettus Hill"
where there is a church dedicated to St. George and a fabulous restaurant. The food was good but what made it fabulous (beside the fact that we were there) was the amazing 360 degree view of the city. It is the highest point in
Athens - you have to go up by cable car. We watched the sunset and the lights come up everywhere - and could even see the cargo barges in the Agean Sea. I really wish I could send you the pictures of the Acropolis lit up at night from the roof of our hotel. Elayne and I worked on trying to get everything to upload from this computer and it just is not modern enough to do it. But, we will try again tomorrow when we go to
Arachova and Delphi. And, Beth's luggage got here the first thing this morning - so we were all VERY happy about that.
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Comments
WOW!!!
How amazing! So much History, so much culture. You will have so much to share with us that you'll be talking about it for months...lol. Take care & talk to you soon. Did you finally sleep? LOL...get some rest! Lourdes :-).
Walking in the footsteps of time
I am amazed with the story you are sharing with us. To actually be walking in Athens and seeing all of its magnificent history...did you purchase any or gold or silver trinkets for me? Dinner and breath taking views...I can hardly wait to see photos : )
Lu Lu
Let's Skype sometime....
it free PC to PC www.skype.com
L&K'ssssss XOXOXOXOXO
Inspiring!
Thinking that you are standing at the birthplace of democracy takes my breath away. Imagine the brilliant minds that developed that philosophy and the architects, engineers and construction people who built such a beautiful and lasting structure without modern equipment. Makes me love being a human person!! I am with you in heart. I am also glad you are having a great time and all belongings have caught up with their owners. Makes it easier to relax. Can't wait to hear your stories and see your pictures. Also Laura, your picture is beautiful. You look mahvelous dahling! Chris
We miss you granny!
Granny! we miss you sooo much. it sounds like you and grandma bootz are having a lot of fun. we miss both of u very much and cant wait to see you.
~Hayden~
KALHMERA
Sounds absolutely amazing thus far.
And to think, you still have 12 days to go. I'm so excited for all of you. Such an incredible adventure, and to be able to share it with each other is even more extraordinary. I'm thinking of you all and sending much love and prayers of happy traveling. Mom... so glad to hear you got your luggage ASAP. Whew! Grins and Hugs, Kelli & Mike too
Wish I was there!!!
It sounds like you guy's are having and amazing trip poor Beth it's hard with out having your bags in a foreign place glad she gottem. Bummed about not seeing the pics but I'm sure you took lots and we can see them when you get home if you can't load them any where.
How's the food? Do you like it?
Thought I'd let you know we are going to the CUBS game today and theres a really good chance they will clinch their division!!!!! HEY HEY!!!!!
Re: Walking in the footsteps of time
Hasbones Divas are FABULOUS!!! Drinking and and annoying everyone around us. And thinking about your friend in Santorini for next year. Are you up for us (LOL)!
The Goddesses....
Re: Inspiring!
Grammie wants to know what the hell you are doing up at midnite??
Gramma Bootz says GO TO BED and Grammie says ROCKON!
Be good girl!
Re: We miss you granny!
Mom says to call Mark and to get on the blog - first one on favorites - my emailgot lost in cyberspace and I will try again another day - Love Mom