Thursday, March 5, 2009

Athens

In honor of Bulgarian Liberation Day (March 3) the government decided that March 2 would be a holiday too so that we could all enjoy a 4 day weekend - woohoo!  Of course that meant I was off on a trip, even though we only had 2 weeks notice.  Fortunately, we were able to get flights and a hotel in Athens, and even a rental car to drive the 3 hours out to Delphi.  (No, the oracle did not give me any predictions...I'm hoping that no news is good news!)
In spite of what other people told me about Athens being polluted, dirty, chaotic, I loved the place.  Perhaps it's coming from Sofia...my perspective is a little different.  It is a HUGE city, sprawling and walkable at the same time, but no matter how urban it is, how can you argue with the awesomeness of the Acropolis at night?
I have stories to tell...sketchy parts of the neighborhood and men in dark corners, our friendly coffee dude, the crazy flight that took us via Bucharest to get to Athens (and you all know how I LOVE to go north to go south!) and the crazy spitting gypsy woman.  All of those should wait till I see you in person.  For now, enjoy the photos.  And here is a link to the rest, which are on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35621582@N05/sets/72157614767416187/

Doni the coffee guy we befriended from Coco Cafe.  If you're in Athens, do stop in!
I found gelato...
this was the second night...notice my scoops getting bigger!



From the small town next to Delphi...all the Greeks were flying kites for Ash Monday.



The Oracle...Delphi...Temple of Athena

Wilbur the pig we saw on the highway in Delphi
Me on stage at Delphi

Stadium at Delphi


Temple of Apollo at Delphi

Delphi


Olympic Stadium


Athenien Busquers

The famous caged elevator at our hotel...many French scenes are shot in this hotel.

Dionysus Theatre...the unrestored version...the background music in the video below was playing while we sat and enjoyed the view.

Lycabettus Hill...over 900 ft high...we hiked up it to see the city and the Acropolis from above at sunset





Acropolis...Parthenon

Renovated Theatre Dionysus








Sunset and views from Lycabettus Hill

The bridge and lake in the National Gardens

The carnival celebration in the National Gardens...see the video below...HILARIOUS!

Temple in the National Gardens





Views climbing up to the Acropolis


Imagine our surprise upon our arrival to learn EVERY archeological site in the city was closed due to a strike. Fortunately, they all reopened the second day we were there.

Monastiraki Square


Views of the Acropolis

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