It was another spectacular day in Athens!

We set out early to beat the crowds (and the heat) and made the climb to the top of the Acropolis. Once we passed through the monumental entrance (called the Propylaia), we were standing in awe of the Parthenon. (First picture below) Good luck was on our side, when an archaeology student from Columbia University in New York overheard us discussing a sculpture. He quickly jumped into our conversation and provided us with an extraordinary explanation. He seemed a little taken aback when Karen asked him if he would be willing to walk around the ruins with us, but he agreed! Zack was our own personal tour guide and it couldn't have been any better! (photo of Karen and Kelley with Zack, below).The temple of Zeus, as captured from the top of the Acropolis, is picture number 3.

Photo #4 is the theater known as the "Odeon of Herodes Atticus", which was set up for a performance of "Madam Butterfly".

Following our time spent with Zack, we had a little more than an hour before our next walking tour departed from the base of the Acropolis. While it seemed like a tourist trap, our lunch at the Dionysus Restaurant was delicious. (photos below of our lunchtime view and Jim and Kelley's Greek Platter!)

Next we joined a walking tour with our guide Semele. We spent a couple of hours exploring the area around the base of the Acropolis, including Plaka, Agora, and the famous Athens flea market. (picture of Jim, Kelley and Pete in the flea market below)

We're back at our condo for the night, exhausted, but pleased with another day of taking in the amazing sites of Athens!

About our day...
Pete says, "I've enjoyed meeting some very interesting people!"
Jim says, "I am amazed at how easy it is to explore Athens!"
Kelley says, "Walking to the top of the Acropolis was easier than I imagined!"
Karen says, "I ate 4 olives today and took a swig of Retsina...I'm still alive! I still don't like Ouzo."