Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece. This was probably the most fun we had, enough fun to make the whole trip worth it. And we were on our own for the most part. (This is a lot of posts for one day. Bear with me.)
Those of us too cheap to buy a planned Excursion instead followed Luiz, the "Port and Shopping" guy to the Metro in Piraeus, Greece, which would lead us to the Plaka shopping district that was within walking distance from the Acropolis. Turns out over 300 people on the boat showed up to follow Luiz to the Metro. There was a line of people 4 deep over a mile long leading from the boat to the Metro.
The Metro. We were warned to watch our pockets and purses, since pick-pocketing was a big thing here. While we were okay, another lady on the boat almost got robbed! Crazy! It was a Euro to the Plaka and a Euro back. The cheapest Royal Carribean Excursion was $40.00
Just off the train. This is the entrance to the Plaka. You can see some of the Acropolis in the background.
These ruins were undergoing some restoration, so they were mostly blocked off. Oh wait! What ruins? You can't see them properly because Barbie isn't pointing at them. I knew it!
A shop in the Plaka. I think the graffiti is amusing.
"The Loom" in Athens, Greece. Grecians make excellent handwoven rugs.
Someone explained to us the significance of this landmark. I can't remember what they said, though.
After walking about a half-mile past this place deeper into The Plaka, the Polish Bob Dagget informed us that we needed to return to The Loom, meet back up with Luiz, and then proceed. Turns out he was wrong. Luiz said that we were free to go. Still, The Loom's owner managed to convince Eva to buy one of his bedspreads, which was more like a tapestry. He was so happy when she agreed. If I had had enough room in my luggage and enough money, I would've bought half of the stuff in the store.
All the signs were in Greek.
The Acropolis from a distance.
On our way in. Barbie continues her theme of pointing at the wrong things.
You can see the whole blasted city of Athens from the Acropolis!
On the way up. This is called the Propyla, I believe.
In front of the Parthenon, which is just ridiculously big. This wasn't posed, but it's hilarious the way Bar and I are standing. It reminds me of the cover of Cartman's Faith +1 album.
No comment.
!!!!!!!!!
Temple of Athena
Statue of Athena Promachos (?)
Here's me standing at the Propyla with Athens in the background.
Odeum of Herodes Atticus.
Leaving the port of Pireaus, Greece. Up until the mid-1900's, the Acropolis was visible from the port. There were rules that no one was allowed to build anything that would block the view. But the rule was put aside, and now too many buildings are in the way to see it.