The desire to stay in bed all day was overpowering, for both of us. We were exhausted form the long transit time.
Pam finally went downstairs for coffee, then came back up to force me downstairs for breakfast. It was so very fine. A lovely dining room with cloth covered tables, real silverware and dishes. Strong fresh coffee, and a continental breakfast unlike any other. Warm boiled eggs, cheese and meat trays, olives, orange juice, fresh local goat yogurt, local honey, sweets, raisins, jams, fresh sweet breakfast breads, fresh fruit. The kitchen staff person kept the tables cleared, coffee made and the buffet well stocked; and did dishes. Quite different from the Cheerios and white bagels of home.
Having eaten, and slept in a real bed, we decided that sleeping all day wasn’t really what we came here for. So we filled a day pack and ventured out without a plan or a care in the world. Into the very heart of Athens. The decision to skip the tour bus was an easy one.
Day pack contents; bottled water, maps, guide book (I strongly suggest Lonely Planet), Greek dictionary, passports, etc., camera, prepaid tickets we have, toilet paper, sunglasses, alcohol gel.
Half way down the block toward the end of Voulgari Street there was a flower stand and we had to buy daisies for the bathroom, which we took straight back and put in a vase the lobby clerk gave us.
The flower Vendor on Voulgari Street
Back on Voulgari and then SW toward the Omonia Station. Passing very small storefronts hawking all sorts of wares, usually non related items, it made one wonder how you decided which shop to shop in! The sidewalks were cracked, rutted, and slick as glass being completely made of marble! Almost all young women making neck breaking time in spiky high heels on greased marble! I was amazed.
Have I mentioned we were very tentative and a bit scared? But enjoying the heck out of it. We passed all sorts of street vendors and bakeries everywhere. We purchased a sesame covered bread ring even though we were quite full (buy these early in the day as they are often sold out by noon). It was delicious.
We found our way to the Omonia Metro station thanks to the help of the very good city map every hotel has to offer. After examining the maps and dictionary we were able to purchase 2 – 24 hour tickets (valid for 24 hours after it is validated in a turnstile) for 3 Euros and 40 cents. This ticket would give us unlimited access to the underground metro, buses, trolly bus, train and suburban rail all day and save us from incorrect purchases and time wasted in line. Having no plan this turned out to be a good buy for the day. If you have a more definitive plan it would be less expensive to buy only what you need. We were able to backtrack and not worry about making a mistake. There are random checks at turnstiles by men in very official black suits and I am to understand the fine is quite heavy!
Inside the metro. During rush hours it is packed with wall to wallpeople. It moves quickly though and I never felt hemmed in.
We made the first of many successful navigation’s on the Metro from Omonia Station to the Acropolis Station. We climbed the steep long flights of stairs to the sidewalk above and stood there wondering which way to head. We walked to the end of the block to look for street signs, turned a few degrees and caught our breath with wonder at the view of the Acropolis! Right there, right here, before our eyes! Totally unexpected and unplanned.
One of our first views, unexpected and stunning.
Lots of construction.
Pam and I spent the majority of the day at the Acropolis and surrounding sights, taking well over 200 pictures that day alone. Words cannot begin to describe the breathtaking magnitude of these ancient wonders. Pictures do them little favor. Only the eye can truly behold the indescribable vastness and grandeur of these ancient Temples and the architecture. Even then it may leave one with tear filled eyes at what once was the heartbeat of civilization and the origins of modern society as we know it.
A marble theatre seat.
One of the amphitheaters.
That evening we wandered through back streets all the way to Monastriki Station and rode the Metro home to the Omonia district, and dinner at Spicy Fast Food, followed by more Retsina coolers.
A higher view of the amphitheater.
It's a long way to the top. Resting on the cool marble was a pleasure. Sturdy shoes with good grip is a mus!
As I write these words now I am already wishing for more pictures!It was my first time to use a digital camera and I just didn’t understand the differing mindset. I do now. I’m also now a much better photographer having taken the almost 1000 (one thousand!) photos during the three weeks and having instant results!
The long climb continues.
