But I never dreamed of seeing the Acropolis or the Parthenon. Every bit of me--except the dripping sweat of me--loved it.
High on a hill surrounded by a massive, massive sprawling modern, graffiti covered, dirty, Athens.
Side note...we were there on Sunday, and was probably good because many shops were closed and I can't imagine the traffic snarls if everything was open. Our open topped double decked bus had a hard time as it was.
The Acropolis is the whole hilltop. The Parthenon is just one massive temple.
They've done something both smart and somehow disappointing. They're rebuilding parts of it, putting in new whiter marble so you can recognize the new parts. And some of the statues have been removed and put into the Acropolis museum where they can be protected and replacements stand on the hill.
The ground is unbroken and the rock, the marble, is very slick. The sun reflects off the marble and sunglasses are a must.
For someone who loves to travel and as a history teacher, it was magnificent!
Best moment.
As we were leaving a little girl walked by talking to her dad and said...."it's like the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Monument."
I couldn't resist. I stepped forward, explain that I teach history so I wouldn't be too scary, and commended the girl for making that connection, because that's exactly what our Founding Fathers had in mind in using that architecture. Buildings reflecting greatness and the Greek message of democracy.
And..way to apply prior knowledge. Her little brother nudged her and said..."way to go!"
Hey...congrats to her teachers". What more could a teacher ask for??
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