I was not impressed with Athens when we were here in 1996 for four days. Athens is supposed to have improved, especially from hosting the 2004 Olympics, but so have I - I have been a lot more places since then. Therefore, our only agenda items were to check off the very top attractions that we missed the last time: the National Archaeological Museum, the Sunday Changing of the Guard, and the Acropolis Museum (which everyone raves about). A busy day! We also managed to squeeze in the Rick Steves' Athens City Walk audio tour - quintessential Rick. I have not changed my mind about Athens either. We are moving on tomorrow.
The only thing that surprised me was how friendly people are - not what we remembered: tired-of-tourists-Greeks. Did they have a change of heart? Or is it the result of their bad economy? I know I am a hard customer to please. From walking around today, many cafes/restaurants were bustling, but some were not. I reserve my assessment on the state of economy for now.
The Parthenon Gallery at the Acropolis Museum is full scale.
View of the Acropolis from the Acropolis Museum.
Changing of the Guard.
Ancient bronze horse with jockey at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Poseidon!
A great view of the Roman Agora thanks to Rick Steves.
And we ended the day with a tasty veggie burger and salad at Avocado Vegetarian Restaurant.
Not to mention the afternoon snack: our first vegetarian souvlaki of this trip.
All of the photos are here.
The only thing that surprised me was how friendly people are - not what we remembered: tired-of-tourists-Greeks. Did they have a change of heart? Or is it the result of their bad economy? I know I am a hard customer to please. From walking around today, many cafes/restaurants were bustling, but some were not. I reserve my assessment on the state of economy for now.
The Parthenon Gallery at the Acropolis Museum is full scale.
View of the Acropolis from the Acropolis Museum.
Changing of the Guard.
Ancient bronze horse with jockey at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Poseidon!
A great view of the Roman Agora thanks to Rick Steves.
And we ended the day with a tasty veggie burger and salad at Avocado Vegetarian Restaurant.
Not to mention the afternoon snack: our first vegetarian souvlaki of this trip.
All of the photos are here.
6 comments:
Sorry Athens isn't wowing you. Still think you should check out some of the other museums. cape Sounion at sunset is pretty cool, too.
Glad you made it to the new museum. I was so disappointed to miss it in May. Pics looked cool.
John, the heading statement on the blog needs updating as you are no longer in the pre-planning stage, you are on the road, so to speak.
Liz, Thanks for the kind words about the photos! And of course you made the right choice to prioritize the real Acropolis above the museum.
Thanks Ed! Updated!
Kathy, we have to save something to do the next time, may it be another 18 years :D. We were at Sounion in 1996. Though not at sunset, we had the place all to ourselves.
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