A leisurely start (8.30am) for a bus tour of old Athens... we drove by a few sights that we had walked the day before. BUT... the absolute standout was the visit to the Acropolis (and Parthenon)!! and its outstanding accompanying museum!!
Who would have thought some ancient stones could be so interesting... the Acropolis, in its history, has been a temple to Greek Gods, a church to a couple of Christian faiths, and even a mosque. It has been raided and vandalised (depending on your point of view) by many diverse nationalities. Witness the debate about the British Museums controversial possession of artefacts. The facts and details, I'll leave to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acropolis_of_Athens
Some photos...
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| The Parthenon atop the Acropolis |
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| Parthenon |
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| Karen and Peter atop the Acropolis |
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| The Theatre... looking down from Acropolis |
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| The Acropolis from below! |
After touring the Acropolis, we made our way down the street (about 200m) to the Museum. Wow!
The museum has a complex history... where to place it, tied in with the British 'issue', difficulties with building sites in Athens (pretty much... wherever you dig, you have an archeological site)... throw in some passionate Greek celebrities (Melina Mercouri, Vangelis)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acropolis_Museum
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| The 'Dig' below the Museum. |
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| The Acropolis Museum |
The museum is built on pillars in order to reduce the damage to the sub-surface. The sub-surface has been archeologically excavated, revealing layers of Athenian cities. The 'floor' to the museum is transparent glass so that you can view the scene below. Our guide took us through the museum and she was full of knowledge about the displays. We would thoroughly recommend having a guide there was just so much more to learn about the displays and Greek culture.
We were just captivated for hours!
Sorry!! no photos from inside... they are not permitted.
*** We currently have a Channel 10 film crew with us. They are capturing imagery for a George Negus segment on Anzac Day around the world! ***
Did I mention what we had for dinner... we had mousaka, tzadziki, baklava... and of course Greek salad!
The photos and narrative are outstanding, you have missed your calling. The weather looks ideal.... Nic and I will pick your brains when you return... for our trip away:-)
ReplyDeleteWe have finally found time to look at your site. Wow what a trip you are having. It looks like you guys are having terrific weather. Thanks for the history lesson. It is like walking through our war memorial in Canberra. We are really enjoying the tour and so jealous. We are going to the boring movies to see Paul. Now thats exciting. The weather here is very ordinary. Have fun love Anna and Baz
ReplyDeleteThanks guys! The weather in Greece has been fantastic... the days are warm without being hot and the nights have a very pleasant chill.
ReplyDeleteKaren and I are having a ball. We have just come back from a Dawn Service at the Phaeleron War Cemetery which is on the edge of the Aegean. An instalment to come!
Beau, happy to share notes/tips on the trip! You may have to watch the slide show though... do you know how many pictures you can take with a digital camera... soooo many!!