Athens: 6.24.2007

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Start off at the Metro Station make for the center of the city for breakfast.

The slick, clean stations were constructed for the 2004 Summer Olympic games.

Glass cases display ancient artifacts found while digging the tunnels for the Metro.

A tasty fresh salad and espresso are a fine start to the already sweltering day.

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First sight stumbled upon is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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Arrival is perfectly timed to witness the changing of the guards.
The uniforms are uniquely adorned with various tassels and pleats.
The full effect of the uniform cannot be understood until viewing the giant enlisted men.
 The soldier in charge takes a minute to arrange and wipe sweat from the guards’ brows.

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We duck into the Athens National Gardens to stay out of the sun.
Water fixtures, sculptures, mosaics, and birds abound.

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A wet head in a fountain is always a great comfort to combat the superwarming.

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Royal relaxation in the garden ruins.

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Exiting the park, we e get first look at the Acropolis.

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An aimless walk brings us to yet another piece of history, Panathinaiko Stadium.

The original ancient construction was excavated and refurbished for the 1870 Olympic games

and was also featured as the archery venue for the 2004 Olympic games.

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Keeping cool is easiest with a wet head at Hadrian’s Arch.
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Opposite the gardens is the Temple of Zeus,
but at a cost of 8 Euros each, the view from the fence is suitable.

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To the Ancient Street of the Tripods,
once lined with monuments given as awards in dramatic contest
such as this Choragic Monument erected in 335 BC.

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The actual ancient Street of the Tripods seen below the modern street level.

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A nearby Greek Orthodox Christian Church.

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At the Church of the Rock, an interesting path winds upward
through traditional white plaster homes
to reveal view from below the Acropolis and the urban sprawl of Athens.

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Walking, we come along the Roman Agora
and a series of excellent street art in stencils, paintings, and collages.

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A rest at Hadrian’s Library to cool off with beers and a snack.

Glance in some clothing shops to meet more friendly Greeks.

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Back to the Metro and on to our cool dark room at Zorba’s Hotel for a moment of rest.

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Outside on our windowsill, a pigeon has built a nest!
After a rest, down to the hostel bar where Lomanis, an ex-patriot New Yorker
and bad-ass slap-bass musician, plays some familiar tunes,
and we are treated to the national drink, Ouzo!
A few hours later, we have become fast friends with the staff and guests:
Shade (from Jordan), Alejandra (from Mexico), George (from Brazil),
Adam (from Ohio), and Yuki (from Japan),
and a crowd of Australians and Canadians staying at the hotel.
We all take the Metro together to Monastiraki district to drink and dance!
After, a karaoke bar, the Ghost House,
a failed attempt at singing the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” as a duet,
and some new Athenian friends dedicate to us
a serenade of Pink Floyd‘s “Wish You Were Here”.
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Photos thanks to Adam and Yuki!
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The karaoke bar closes,
and we’re all dumped out into the street.
A quiet mob of us and a girl sings out, “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight,”
her voice echoing “The Lions Sleeps Tonight” in the alleyways as the words traveled upward
and bouncing along the height of the buildings
attempting to box in the rest of the human choir
from bursting into the chorus.
In unison, “O-wim-o-weh o-wim-o-weh o-wim-o-weh o-wim-o-weh”
follows as the mob makes way for the Metro.
A late night, or early morning return to the Zorba’s –
along with a request for an extension of our stay!

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Virtual Cocktail Bar

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