We arrived in Oslo, Norway four days before our Baltic Cruise so we flew to Athens and stayed at the InterContinental Athenaeum. The hotel was just a few kilometers from Acropolis and the Parthenon was actually visible from our room.
I have always been fascinated with Greek mythology as a child that I was full of excitement in anticipation to seeing Acropolis. I knew from early readings that Athens was named after the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron.
Acropolis is one of the most famous archeological site in the world. It sits on a limestone hill high above Athens and it has been the mythical home of the gods and much more. I expected a grueling walk to the top but I endured it as I was more excited than tired. And behold, I was staring at the Parthenon with all its glory. It is an awesome Doric style temple with sculptures everywhere and the spectacular statue of the goddess Athena.
The brochure indicated that it was built in 5th century BC and it was a symbol of power, wealth and culture of Athens. Over the centuries, it was burned and looted by the Persians, Venetians, Romans, Turkish and many more invaders but its magnificence remains as it stands in front of me in all its splendor.
Despite my complete exhaustion, I was smiling through all those photo opportunities. My ever obliging “number 1 fan, personal photographer”, Butch kept on egging me to pose for pictures. The gods of Olympus must have been on my side as I survived the walking tour and back to the hotel still fascinated although completely drained.
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