Traveling Part 3: Greece

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"A great city, whose image dwells in the memory of man, is the type of some great idea. Rome represents conquest; Faith hovers over the towers of Jerusalem; and Athens embodies the pre-eminent quality of the antique world, Art."




Athens was a breath of fresh air compared to the suffocating streets of Rome. Picture rolling hills, ancient ruins restored, vibrant flowers and saporous foods and you will have a clear image of Athens in your mind.


Hephaestus' Temple, God of Technology and metallurgy  
View from the top of the Acropolis 

View of Mars Hill from the Acropolis, where Paul preached, in the New Testament.

Ancient in-door theater, still used today for modern concerts.
Changing of the guard at Parliament 


In front of the Olympic arena
Jason posing
Feeding the birds, just like in Mary Poppins
Delicious food from the local restaurants

One of the nights, we hiked up this HUGE hill to a church on top, Lycabettus Hill. It is, I think, the highest point in Athens. Once we hit the top we were rewarded with these spectacular views. Some claim that it is one of the most beautiful views in all of Europe, and I have to agree. With all of the lights of the city, and a view of the Parthenon lit up, it is breath-taking.






On one particular day, we took the train to Corinth and from there rode a bus out to Ancient Corinth. It was definitely worth it. We saw spectacular views, hiked around, ate lunch on the Mediterranean Sea and then leisurely skipped rocks as we marveled at the sights.


Field of wild flowers in Corinth




Ancient ruins in Corinth












What surprised me most about Greece?


The stray dogs.....everywhere. Even, in the middle of ancient ruins. One day we witnessed a pack of dogs chasing a guy on his bike. One of them succeeding in bitting his foot.
Greece was a dream, but it wouldn't have been possible with out our guide, translator and Phil's best bud, Jason Gibson. He studied the past four months there and learned an impressive amount of Greek.  Together we spent his last week and our first, there in Greece. He showed us the best spots and made sure we didn't get too lost. Thanks Jason!

Comments

  1. MeghanJune 8, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    so beautiful, keola!
    you, the pictures, the buildings, the flowers, Greece, did I mention YOU?

    ReplyDelete
  2. KeolaJune 13, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Thanks Meghan :) Love ya

    ReplyDelete

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