Return to Europe’s historical center of Athens

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In the end following the tracks of ancient Greece – Travel log no. 97

Early in the morning I arrived in Greece and took the tram to Athens. I met up with my host Vaios who had prepared some traditional BBQ.

Souvlaki, Athens
Vaios and I are enjoying the selfmade souvlaki with meat from his home village.
BBQ, Athens
Another picture of Peter and I.

We had some really good conversation about the ancient history of Greece. Like where the big battles took place against the Persians. We also talked about the recent past and history though. Vaios and Petr were directly affected by the financial crisis being police men. It was interesting to hear their point of the story. The conclusion was great: Even though our political leaders affect the standards of living of some of us, all Europeans should stand together no matter what.

At night fall we drove up to the Isidore Chapel to watch the sun set over the city.

Lycabettus, Greece
This is the view from atop the Lycabettus mountain. You can see the acropolis to the center right. On the horizons you can see the islands in the Aegean sea where the Athenians destroyed the Persian fleets back in the day.
St. Isidore, Greece
Furthermore the view of the whole Mountain Lycabettus with St. Isidore church on the peak.

The acropolis was even more impressive the next day though. Together with my friend Marcelo from Brazil I explored the ancient sites.

Acropolis, Greece
Firstly the view of the mount acropolis from a 7th floor rooftop bar.
Propylaea, Greece
In addition to that the Propylaea the leftovers of the gateway to the acropolis.
Erechtheion, Athens
Here you can see the Erechtheion a temple raised for Athena and Poseidon.
Parthenon, Greece
Lastly the Parthenon a temple build to worship the goddess Athena patron of Athens.
Pantheon, Athens
A picture of my buddy Marcelo with Athens most famous building in the back.
Αυλή, Athens
Later we went to Αυλή a Greek restaurant known for it’s authentic food. A selfie of Marcelo and I.
Food, Greece
If you are expecting Souvlaki and Gyros you are mistaken. What we eat as Greek food is really just their “Fast-food”.
Ancient Angora, Athens
In the morning the next day I met up with my friend Sarah from France to explore the Ancient Angora. On the mountain you can see the Temple of Hephaestus.
Temple of Hephaestus, Greece
Furthermore the view from the Temple of Hephaestus on the Acropolis again.
Street, Greece
Later we met up with Vaios in the Exarcheia neighborhood. This is still a street downtown though.
Exarcheia, Greece
Exarcheia is the alternative neighborhood which features a lot of street art and abandoned buildings or both like on this picture.
Street Art, Greece
Another good example.

In the end the day of my departure, but also the end of my trip, had come. I am excited to fly back home to Hamburg to see friends and family again and even more to get started on different challenges and the adventures of adulthood. Thanks a lot for Vaios and his friends to show me Athens with the local eyes. Moreover thanks for all the great people who made this trip a real adventure. In the end it is not the sites but the people on the way who make things special and remarkable! Hope to see everybody again!

Every End is just another Beginning.