Athens

Travis really debated whether he could get off the boat in Athens but we didn't have a private tour guide this time and would be on a bus with a group. Not knowing whether he'd be able to lay down and feeling constrained to keep up with the group, he decided to stay on the boat. I was so disappointed. And sad that he was missing out on Athens. Ugh. 

It turned out to be a fairly small group (maybe 15 of us) and we were on a nice, smaller sized charter bus. It was even sadder to realize there was plenty of room and Travis totally could have laid down. 

We started with the Acropolis of Athens which is one of the greatest surviving symbols of ancient Greek civilization. This is where ancient Athenians worshipped their gods more than 2,400 years ago. The word Acropolis means "high city" in Greek. It's a large, rocky hill rising about 500 feet above sea level, overlooking Athens. It wasn't a residential city, it was a sacred, religious complex dedicated to Athena.

Chat gave some reasons the Acropolis is significant.

1. Its connection to democracy

Athens developed one of the earliest known democratic systems in the world during the fifth century BC. Although the Acropolis itself was primarily a religious site, its magnificent buildings represented the prosperity and power of democratic Athens.

Interestingly, Athenian democracy was very different from modern democracy. Women, enslaved people, and foreigners were excluded from political participation.

2. Its influence on architecture

Have you ever noticed that the United States Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial, and many government buildings have tall marble columns resembling Greek temples?

That architectural tradition was heavily influenced by buildings like the Parthenon. Greek architects established principles of proportion, symmetry, and design that continue to influence buildings today.

3. Its incredible survival

In 480 BC, Persian forces invaded Athens and destroyed the earlier temples on the Acropolis.

The Athenians rebuilt their sacred complex, creating the monuments we recognize today. Over subsequent centuries, the Parthenon was transformed into a Christian church and later a mosque. In 1687, an explosion during a Venetian attack severely damaged the building.

The fact that so much of it survives after almost 2,500 years is remarkable

The Theatre of Dionysus

Located on the southern slope, this is one of the most important sites in the history of theater. Plays by Sophocles, Euripides, and other great Greek playwrights were performed here. Modern theatrical traditions have deep roots in performances at this very place.

The Temple of Athena Nike

A smaller but elegant temple built to honor Athena in her association with victory. It overlooks the approach to the Acropolis and symbolizes Athens' military successes.

The Erechtheion

Famous for six beautiful female statues called Caryatids, which serve as architectural columns. According to Greek mythology, Athena and Poseidon competed for the honor of becoming Athens' patron deity at this sacred location. The statues you see outside today are replicas; five originals are in the Acropolis Museum.

The Propylaea

The monumental entrance to the Acropolis. Imagine approaching these massive marble columns 2,400 years ago, knowing you were entering the most sacred area of Athens.

The Parthenon

The most famous building on the Acropolis, completed in 432 BC. It was dedicated to Athena and originally housed an enormous gold-and-ivory statue of the goddess. Its architecture was so precisely designed that its columns and platform incorporate subtle curves to create visual harmony.

This view is of Ancient Agora. It was basically downtown Athens where ordinary Athenians went about their daily lives. Now there are just left over stone foundations, except for that one building with pillars. That is the Temple of Hephaestus. It was built around the same time as the Parthenon and was dedicated to the Greek god of metalworking, fire and craftsmanship.

Then we went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which is guarded 24/7 by soldiers called Evzones, members of Greece's elite Presidential Guard. This is all in front of the Greek Parliament building. They change guards every hour, on the hour, 24 hours a day. While standing guard they can't move at all. When the guards were changed out, they walked like wooden soldiers with incredibly slow, stiff steps. It was a very long process. 

Then we walked over to the Panathenaic Stadium that was built around 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games, a religious and athletic festival honoring Athena. It's famous for being the only major stadium in the world built entirely of white marble. It's also the birthplace of the modern Olympics. In 1896, it hosted the first modern Olympic Games, holding 50,000 spectators. In 2004 during the Athens Olympics, the stadium was used again for archery competitions and as the finish line for the marathon. 

We got lunch in Plaka, Athens oldest neighborhood, and it was good! While we were waiting for food, Doug saw a drugstore and ran over to get Travis some good meds. He seemed to know what he was looking for and was successful! Gosh I hope it helps.

I finally tried moussaka! A popular Greek dish made with a minced beef and tomato sauce layered with eggplant, potatoes, and creamy béchamel sauce.

We finished the day at the Acropolis Museum. It was built directly above an ancient Athenian neighborhood. 

My brain does not understand how these pots could be older than Jesus. Howwww?

These are the Caryatids. 6 women sculpted as architectural supports for the Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis around 420–415 BC. These are the original statues used as columns.

These are actual sections of the Parthenon Frieze. They originally decorated the upper portion of the Parthenon on the Acropolis and are 2,450 years old. It depicts the Panathenaic procession, an important religious celebration honoring Athena. It includes horsemen, chariots, musicians, people carrying offerings, animals being led for sacrifice, and seated gods and goddesses. It was all vaguely interesting, but writing about it now has me wondering why we care so much about a civilization of idol worshipers. 

We were late back to the buses, but I had to get in one more scoop of gelato before saying goodbye to Greece! It was worth it! 

Hallelujah, these meds worked for Travis! He had also seen an acupuncturist on the boat and got an adjustment/massage every day over the past 3 days, so maybe that helped too. I was just over the moon that he seemed more like himself at dinner that night. We also went to see a singer who sounds like Celine Dion and do some laser tag! While walking around the ship we found a Twister mat and well, that seemed like a challenge. Travis just spun the wheel. No sense in gambling with his back. Doug and I might be the most competitive ones. We laughed a lot!

The days we spent on the ship were so relaxing. It was glorious to wake up, go exercise in the gym, lay out at the pool, chat, read and eat whatever we wanted. It was such a bummer that the last day was crazy windy and cold!! Boo! We were so determined, we bundled up and still tried to lay out, but the wind was blow-you-over strong.