We figured an early breakfast and early start would help us beat the heat. Wrong, it was there waiting for us anyway. We revisited Syntamga Square to say hello to the guardsmen again and arrived in time to see the changing of the guard. Their ceremonial drill is high stepping and ornately formal in its slow execution. The symbology of it all eluded me completely but there was no doubting their precision and attention to correct detail. I can only wonder how they can stand at rigid attention for the period of time they spend on duty in that heat. Periodically, their Sergeant will come by and mop their faces and straighten their uniforms if necessary for they seem forbidden to budge a muscle while standing guard.
Just next to Syntagma is the National Gardens and a stroll through the shady lanes seemed a really good idea. The gardens are quite popular as a place for Athenians to seek a bit of respite from the heat. The fountains are all dry unfortunately, probably part of the harsh austerity measures imposed. There is an artificial lake, more like a pond really, and another pond full of darling little turtles all swimming around or sunning themselves on the rocks. There is also a zoo in there but we could really only find an aviary and what resembled a poultry farm of ducks and chickens.
Further south is the Zappion, a large and formal exhibition hall for arts and such. Nothing on show there at the time but the building is created in the classical Greek style and the large fountain (working) in the forecourt were well worth a visit. Also visiting the Zappion was a small runaway turtle who we found at the foot of the steps. To leave him there in that heat was out of the question as it would no doubt have killed him. A quick mercy dash with turtle in hand back to the turtle pond we found earlier and he swam off without so much as a backward glance, bless his little heart. What were the odds we would already know of a handy turtle pond nearby when we found the little guy? Clearly a case of divine intervention.
Our ultimate goal was naturally to reach the Akropolis. On the way is remains of the Temple of Olympian Zeuss with its towering columns. One of them has fallen like a deck of cards and it is clearly visible how they were originally built in sections.
The climb up the Akropolis is quite long but not particularly steep. Take water though. We bought 1.5 litres at the bottom and it was gone by the top. There were numerous water and granita venders just outside the entrance so we survived quite OK.
There is plenty to see at the top. The Odeum of Herodes Atticus is a large ampitheatre and it is still in use today. The backdrop to the stage is the ancient walls and arches, while the seating has been reconstructed in the characteristic curves of the period. Cushions are provided for the audience for performances as the seats are concrete. It has a capacity of around 5000. There is also a second ampitheatre called the Theatre of Dionysos but this has not been reconstructed and exists as it was discovered.
Crowning the plateau is of course the Parthenon. Even today it dominates the skyline of Athens impressively. Back in its hay day it must really have been a sight to behold. There was a great deal of restoration work in progress when we were there, but I suppose there always will be at a place like that. Please excuse the modern day cranes and machinery mixed in with the ancient columns and porticoes in the photos. Just beside the Parthenon is a smaller but no less impressive temple to Dianna with its supporting columns shaped in the likeness of the goddesses.
Coming home by a different route we went through the Plaka, the oldest and still used living suburb in Athens. The streets are the original layout, so it's a maze of tiny narrow lanes. Car are not permitted in there, they wouldn't fit anyway but listen for approaching scooters. We found this amazing little restaurant cascading down the steps of a steep lane. The food as per everywhere we ate was sensational in this case all home cooked and traditional and the waiter could not have been more helpful. He even spent quite a deal of his time taking photos on behalf of the customers, knew the best angles and poses so they left with the best shots. We tried our first frappes there and will definitely be writing them a glowing review on Tripadvisor.
Lunch took longer than we planned (hey, we were having fun with the staff) and set off to see the Ancient Roman Agorra with its Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos. Unbelievably it had closed at 3:00 pm so we needn't have bothered. We photographed what we could from the outside.
Our last night in Athens was finished off with a lovely meal at the rooftop restaurant of our hotel. The lights of Athens were laid out all around with the floodlit Akropolis dominating at its centre.
Click here for pictures of Athens and the Akropolis
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