Athens

Athens is neat in a couple of ways. First, it's got that southern European vibe that I like so much... crazy traffic, little bars and restaurants, people out walking, twisty streets among old buildings and hot sun, etc. But of course, it's also got some very interesting history stretching waaaaay back. We visited the Parthenon, which is set on a big rock (the Acropolis) in the middle of Athens surrounded by and covered in ruins. On one side, small restaurants, apartment buildings, bars, etc., come right up to the edge of the hill, and on the other, there is a huge field of ruins dating back to 800 (?) BC, though there have been human settlements, graves, etc. on the rock since 5000 BC. The field is called the Agora, and this is where the ancient Athenians practiced democracy and ran their little city-state. The place was used for various housing, administrative, and religious purposes up to the middle ages, when it was apparently abandoned. I have to say, I got a little bit tingly walking around and thinking that this is the place that gave birth to the concepts that the founders of my country later resurrected and applied.

view across the Agora up to the Parthenon

The Parthenon itself is quite breathtaking. Perched up above the city, surrounded by smaller temples, amphitheaters, etc., it really stands out. It's also nice to see the Athenians taking the task of maintenance and conservation so seriously, work was going on all over the site.

Reba and the Parthenon under conservation

There were a few other temples, triumphal arches, etc. that we poked around in this city, but we only had one day so the tour was abbreviated. One last time: Greek food is AWESOME. My ass could grow to unprecedented size here. Best to move on quickly!

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