Athens.featured
We spent a busy two and a half days in Athens! Our Airbnb was in the Acropolis neighborhood with a huge, private rooftop and spectacular views. We were on the opposite side of the Acropolis from the old city, Plaka, which is the heart of the tourist district. It was quiet and a quick, beautiful walk to the major sites.
Our priority was time at the Acropolis and luckily a good friend had recommended a visit to the Acropolis Museum before we made the climb. The museum is beautiful and extremely well-done. It hosts many of the original sculptures from the temples of the Acropolis and gave us a better understanding of what we were seeing as well as what is no longer there. Molly was particularly fascinated with a lion water spout and asked to go back to see it three times.
After a quick stop to play with the “bubble guy in Athens” we made the climb to the Acropolis.
We have seen Egyptian obelisks throughout Europe and the US (Central Park) that pre-date the temples, but they are by far the oldest structures we’ve seen in their original location. I was disappointed not to be able to get close and touch the buildings, but they are stunning nonetheless, and the views of the Athens from the hilltop are incredible.
Molly’s favorite was the Temple of Athena Nike with the women’s heads holding it up. I’m surprised to say I agree with her!
My wonderful mom and Aunt Veneise joined us for the entire trip. I was a bit nervous adding other people to the mix since we have a good rhythm with the four of us, but they were flexible, accommodating, a huge help with the girls, and so much fun to have along! I loved re-introducing my mom to Europe and showing her a glimpse of why travel is so important to us.
Our second day, we spent a lot of time walking through Athens. We saw parts of the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Zeus with a fantastic fallen column.
And the highlight of the day: the 1896 Olympic Stadium. We climbed the entire stadium and spent a lot of time playing on the track. There were groups of school kids playing games, which is wonderful and probably makes it the most-used former Olympic stadium in the world.
Jeff was a hurdler in high school and at Notre Dame and coached for several years after he graduated. He loved being in the stadium and sharing his passion for running with the girls.
We missed the exhibit with all the Olympic torches from the modern games because it was closed for a private event. That may put a return trip to Athens on the list!
