4 days in Athens + 1 Greek Island – Hydra (1)

October 6-9, 2008 (Monday – Thursday)

I guess this is the last long trip in Europe before official classes start next week. We head to Athens (Αθήνα, Athína), and visit one of the Greek Island – Hydra in a 4-day trip!

The famous Parthenon

First Impression of Athens – Nice Airport & transportation infrastructure

As our flight takes off in the early morning, we spent a night at the Malpensa airport. Surprisingly, there are lots of people doing the same thing at the Terminal! We arrive at Athens airport at around 10:40a.m. I guess partly because Athens hosted the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, the entire urban area of Athens underwent major lasting changes that have improved the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. I am impressed with its excellent transportation infrastructure, which is quite rare in Europe. We take the train to the city centre, where we see another tourists again fall into the trap of not getting the ticket valid. They have to pay the 300 euros fine as a result! We have similar experience in Italy, only that we are luckily to pay 5 euros fine only. I still cannot understand why such a rule is enforced in Europe in general.

The city’s historic center also underwent serious renovation for the Olympics. You will find that Athens city centre is more clean and free of graphities (which I really don’t appreciate about in Europe).

Tour in Athens – Day 1

Our hotel located in the central tourists area – Omonia Square. We first walk towards the Plaka area  — Charming historic districts at the foot of the Acropolis, with restored 19th century neoclassical homes, pedestrianized streets, shops and restaurants, and picturesque ruins from the city’s Roman era. The street we walked up was really lovely, with charming tavernas and surprising twists and turns. At the end of the street, we turned a corner and were met with this breathtaking view of the back of the Acropolis. We try to catch a glimpse of the Acropolis while we have a nice lunch at one of the local restaurant – fantastic lamb chops with lemon sauce!  

After lunch and a rest at the hotel, we originally try to walk up to Acropolis. However it closed around 5p.m.! As a result, we walk up to the Parliament at Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos) instead. We also walk abit at the National Garden, which provide a welcome respite from the heat and noise of the city center!

At dinner time, we walk back to Plaka to have seafood – squid and the free dessert – Yogurt with honey. I like my first day in Athens !

View of part of the city center from Acropolis

Tour in Athens – Day 2

In the early morning, we head to the Acropolis — The ancient “high city” of Athens, crowned by marble temples sacred to the city’s goddess Athena. The Acropolis is a prominent plateaued rock perched high above the modern city with commanding views and an amazing array of ancient architecture, mostly from the Classical period of Ancient Greece, the most famous of which is the Parthenon! There are mainly 4 ancient buildings:

• The Parthenon— The largest temple on the Acropolis, originally dedicated to the goddess of the city, Athena, later converted to a church and then a mosque. Built between 447 and 438 BCE. Original home to what some refer to as the “Elgin Marbles”, now in London’s British Museum.
• The Temple of Athena Nike— First temple on the Acropolis to be built in the Ionic style
• The Erectheion— Dedicated to the worship of the two principal gods of Attica
• The Propylea— The ancient monumental gateway to the Acropolis.

After spending 2 hours in Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, we head to Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of the Olympian Zeus and Athens Stadium, and having a tea time at Makrigiani (with Freddo Cappuccino). At night, I have a wonderful Kebab I ever had and try my first glass of Greek liquor ouzo!

More Photos @ Photo Gallery  http://community.webshots.com/album/567868178hjzEoo

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Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts / and eloquence – by John Milton (1608-1674)