5/19 Athens
Today was our last full day in Greece, but it was a free day, so we didn't get on the go until
about 9:30 a.m. Most of us joined DAnderson in a hike up a very high hill here in Athens. It
was about a 2 mile walk just to the base of the hill and then another long walk up a steep,
though paved, trail up to the top. At the top was a little church and a nice area for resting
from the strenuous walk and taking photos. There was a spectacular view from the top--you could
see the Olympic Stadium and the Acropolis, as well as much of the Athens metropolis. After we
walked back down the hill, we proceeded to the Museum of Cycladic Art. The Cycladic civilization
was around from 3000 BC. to 400 A.D. On display were many figurines, sculptures, jewelry, and
dishes. We then went to the Benaki Museum, a place with a very extensive collection of
artifacts. We saw Greek costumes from a few hundred years ago, jewelry, dishes, tapestries,
furniture, artifacts from ancient Greece, paintings, and sculptures. It was a pretty classy
place. It was about noon then, so after watching the changing of the guard at Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament Building, we split up to accomplish our various goals
for the afternoon. Tasks included shopping in the Plaka, doing laundry at a laundromat, visiting
the 1896 Olympic Stadium (though it was under construction), and seeing other things in Athens.
We again dined at our hotel for our last evening meal in Greece.
On behalf of the "Greece Group," those of us responsible for updating this site while traveling
in Greece, we thank you for checking this site. It has been a pleasure being your "tour guides"
through Greece. Kristen, Erinn, Jenn, Amie, and Bethany (that's the order we're in in our photo).
A view of the 1896 Olympic stadium in Athens from Lykavittos Hill.
The Acropolis as seen from atop Lykavittos.
Group shot at the top of the hill.
On the way back to the city, we stop at the Cycladic Museum to learn a little more about the ancient art from the Cyclades, which includes our earlier islands of Mykonos, Delos, and Thira (Santorini).
One of the guards outside the Greek Parliament.
Wiping of the guard in front of Parliament.
Owen is befriended by pigeons.
Your photo guides through Greece: Kristen, Erinn, Jenn, Amie, and Bethany.