ATHENS

Today we explored Athens. An early start was necessary so we could climb the hill up to the Acropolis before the day became too hot. Even so, it was very hot, with little shade, but well worth the effort to see the Parthenon and views across the city.
From there we visited the Acropolis Museum, built above more ancient ruins. The museum houses collections of ceramic items, marble statues and other treasures from two thousand years ago, over three floors, all of which are air conditioned.
Next we boarded the red double decker hop-on hop-off bus to see more of the city. We walked through the National Gardens and ended up at the Presidential Residence which had a host of television crews and reporters out the front. The residence has two of the National Guards stationed at the front and we spent some time chatting with the soldier on duty with them, learning more about their role. He was really lovely!
We walked on to the Olympic Stadium where the original marathon race ended and then caught the bus to Monastiraki Square. Here we ate lunch at a department store cafeteria on the tenth floor, with views to the Acropolis.
From there we walked on to Central Market and further, into streets of regular shops rather than tourist shops. Walking further and further, we ended up a long way from the hotel, but after asking directions a few times found our way to a red bus stop and got back to familiar territory.
The hotel is adjacent to Plaka, an area of many restaurants and shops. We had dinner in this area before returning to the hotel after a wonderful day in Athens.
It was an extremely hot day, with a temperature of 39 degrees.
It seemed wherever we walked there was an ancient ruin towering above, surrounded by people going about their business!