Athens

There seems to be a problem adding pictures to the blog. The photos I added to yesterday's post aren't showing up. I'm assuming it has something to do with the internet here. I'll keep trying but know it may be a few days before pictures are up.

Today was an official tour of Athens. Our city guide, Gemma, is a resident of the city and passionate about sharing it with others. Not only did she give us dates and events but she tied them together to make them relevant. She was also not afraid to explain what is happening politically in Greece and make her views known.

We first stopped at Constitution Square just in time to see the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. We learned that in Greece every young man must join the military for two years but of all those soldiers there are only 60 honor guard that hold this special position. They 'change' every hour on the hour around the clock.







Then off to the old new Olympic stadium. It was built in 1886 in preparation for the first games of the modern olympics. It is made entirely of marble (except the track) and is a very long and narrow oval.

We made it to the Acropolis around 10 it was already getting pretty hot but there was a good breeze to fight the heat. First, at the base of the rock is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Then after a climb the monumental entrance - the Propylaia. Then at the top the Parthenon, Erechtheion with it's porch of maidens, and the Old Temple.

It was nice to get out of the heat and wind at the Acropolis museum. This is only about 6 years old and one of the nicest museums I've been to. In an effort to preserve the Parthenon the government is taking on a huge restoration project of the acropolis. Many of the original statues and carvings have been taken off the hill and placed in the museum. Then they are placing replicas as replacements. They are also adding missing and damages pieces of the Parthenon. I'm not sure how much is planned for the 'restoration.' It seems to me it would be odd to completely restore the Parthenon to it's original form but who knows? Gemma probably did but we didn't think to ask he until it was too late.




We then broke for lunch and a little shopping in the town center, everyone going their own way. Arnoud then showed us the way back to the hotel and then most of the kids headed back to the markets to spend some money. In an hour we leave for dinner and a Greek culture show. I'm taking my video camera, rumor is that some of the kids may be asked to dance!

OK, back from dinner & the rumors are true - there was singing, dancing, drinking, kissing. Almost all of it 'G' rated. The program ran long but the kids were great, as they have been every minute so far. I have blackmail film from tonight's program. If I ever get to a place with better internet connection I'll try to send some.

Tomorrow off for a tiny bit of relaxation on the island of Poros. Good night!