Athens we had mixed feelings about, first of all it was really hard to go from laid-back, relaxing in the sun on Santorini island to the hustle and bustle of Athens. But Athens also had an almost Vegas feel to it as well. There are a lot of pictures, sculptures, and erotic shops that made me wish my kids were just a bit less perceptive.
But on the other hand it was so fun to see all of the amazing ruins and places of Greek and Roman mythology. Jonathan especially has been obsessed with the myths and Percy Jackson, so it was fun to see where those beliefs all came from. Jonathan's favorite souvenirs were his drachma (the old Greek currency)
In Athens we enjoyed watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They do a strange march around the tomb and then resume their silent and stone still stance.
The National Gardens was a fun break from ruins to nature. It even had a little zoo area with a couple kinds of animals.
Picture of us making our way to the Acropolis.
A picture of the Odeum of Herodes Atticus, a large stone theater.
Acropolis
Parthenon/ Temple to the goddess Athena
Ancient Agora/ Temple of Hephaestus
On our walk down from the Temple of Hephaestus we saw 2 turtles just walking around the grounds. Unfortunately they were on an area roped off that people weren't suppose to walk on.
That didn't stop Chris he hustled over and picked one up and brought it over for the kids to play with. We had a blast passing it around and playing with it.
I never realized that the Olympic games were athletic competitions to honor Zeus, originating in Greece. I guess it makes sense if you think of the origination of the word.
It was neat to see the stadium of the first recorded Olympic games held in the summer of 1896.
Panathenaic Stadium
Temple of Zeus
Silly pictures in front of the Temple of Zeus
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