Summer in Greece I – Athens

Our first stop was Athens for a few days. It was hot, and quite a shock after the past few months in Berlin. But much needed. To me, traffic seemed chaotic. To everyone else, it was just the summer lull. We ate nice, home-cooked meals and went out for Greek coffees. We also visited some of the sites, although I’m saving a visit up to the acropolis for another time. All in all, I was quite impressed with Athens and I’d like to get to know it better.

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  On our way in (a view to the "legs", the 3 peninsulas in the North)

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  Home sweet home!

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  Typical deliciousness.

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  Yummy, a lamb's head. Apparently delicious (though you'll notice I didn't take any pics of the subsequent meal, I didn't stick around!)

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  Visiting a neighboring island to Athens

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  Some fresh figs from grandparent's garden... sooo tasty!

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  Getting a train downtown in Athens

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  A downtown bazaar.

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  Pointing out the obvious (the Acropolis).

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  View to the Acropolis

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  Enjoying the view to the Acropolis

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  Athens (around the Acropolis is mostly land of protected ancient ruins, the city surrounds it)

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  The ancient Roman market

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  Some nice columns... what style are they?

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  I finally found Nikis Street. I'd been looking everywhere!!! (At least, it seemed so as I repeated the phrase from my Pimsleur Language learning guide "Where is Nikis Street?", "Nikis Street is here." Yes, it is.

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  A homeless Irish guy's philosophy...

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  Homeless guy's headquarters. Satire much?

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  Enjoying some cafe 'Fredo', cold coffee with cream, mmmm.

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  Around Athens

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  Standard tourist shot

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  An ancient sewer uncovered during construction of the metro - now on display as you transfer trains.

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  The changing of the guards at the capitol.

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  Then no movement for an hour. What a job!

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  Visiting Foteini in the artsy, hip part of Athens (supposedly the "Prenzlauer Berg" of Athens).

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  A shopping street downtown

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  Getting the gyros ready for the day.

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  Painting identical to one in the halls of a building at the TU Berlin. I wonder which is the original? Note: we visited the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

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  A really cool sword hilt.

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  Checking out ancient Greece.

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  Zeus, minus thunderbolt and eyes...

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Tags: Greece, travel, vacation