I got a late start on Tuesday, arriving in Athens just before noon. I figured I would head for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the changing of the guard, since it was so close to the top of the hour. It was fascinating to watch - I'm going to have to read up on the origin and meaning of the unusual footwork during the ceremony.
One of the Frommer's walking tours started from Syntagma, so I decided to go with that. One of the first places of interest was a pie shop - and since it was recommended, what could I do but get something to eat?! I got an eggplant/zuchinni/feta pie. It was yummy!
The walk continued down Ermou Street, and since I was there, what could I do but shop??? I actually managed to resist buying any shoes, a mazingly enough, and followed the walk along into Monastiriki Square and the surrounding area, where I picked up a couple of little souvenirs and postcards.
I veered off of the walk route at this point and walked around the bottom of the Acropolis, by which point I was hot, sweaty, and slightly sunburned. This seemed like a good time for a break - so I found a cafe and after a loooong wait, got a frappe. Yum. I sat and enjoyed the cool drink, the shade, and the view for quite a while!
Despite it being very sunny and very hot, I decided I may as well go to the Acropolis since I was there and had my walking sandals on. And it was wow: incredibly hot, seriously windy, stunningly beautiful, and almost mind-blowingly historic. The Parthenon was gorgeous, as was the view of Athens. The Ancient Agora was serene and a welcome break. Part of me had - and still has - some difficulty abosrbing just how old the structures, sculptures and items are; it's amazing to think how long they've been around. The art in the Ancient Agora Museum - painted housewares, jewelry, sculptures - was impressive.
Charlotte and I arranged to meet for dinner in Athens, and after I had wandered the Ancient Agora for some time I headed out to the surrounding neighborhoods. I poked around in a few shops
, including a leather goods store I need to go back to. I realized I was starving so had an appetizer - lamb pita - delicious!!!! Then I strolled around Psyrri for a bit, running in to some beautiful old signs.
After Charlotte arrived, we went to Platanos Taverna for dinner: Greek salad, saganaki, and lamb with eggplant... I am completely loving the food here! The Taverna was on a quiet little side street, so we enjoyed the food, the cool night, and the company for quite some time before calling it a night... and were actually back in Piraeus by midnight. An early evening!
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