Athens, Greece was our first stop after disembarking from Venice and our first day at sea. I think it was my favorite stop and tour of them all. We were fortunate because I have an Athenian friend, Theodore, who said he’d be happy to show us around his home city. So we packed into his car and he took us all around the city.
First Theodore took us past the Olympic complex from the 2004 Summer Olympics. But once we got to the old Olympic Stadium, we got out and walked around a bit. This of course was the stadium for the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Then we drove up to the top of Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in Athens. It was simply incredible. The views from there were amazing! It’s like it’s an island mountain in the sea of a major, international city. From there we could see for miles!
Once we came down off our mountain-top experience, we headed over towards the area of the Acropolis. What we didn’t know before then was that all the tour groups from about 9 cruise ships were heading up there at the same time! It was so, SO crowded up there! But to be honest, I didn’t mind that much. I really enjoyed being up there seeing these remnants.
We spent a couple hours walking up, looking around, and walking back down. Near there is Mars Hill. The story that goes with it is interesting and I put it on it’s photo page (hint: it includes an unknown Greek god and the Apostle Paul).
Time for lunch so we found a nice place outside and below the Acropolis. I had my first Greek coffee (meh) and the very best Baklava I’ve ever had in my life!
After a few hours eating and hanging out, we walked around the shops and then headed on back to the ship. I really enjoyed Athens a lot.
Oh yeah, Athens was the first place we started noticing these tiny city cars called Smart. They were so cool. If I were to get one, I’d go for one like this two-toned orange and black Smart car! That reminds me, we do need a new car…
I have a sampling of our photos from tour of Athens. You can view the set or slideshow.
