So today was my first full day in Athens. Little did i know that May 1st was a day when almost everything in Athens was closed due to strikes/labor day/may day/Easter. Everyone I ran into gave me a different excuse for why things were closed.
I made it to the top of the acropolis before realizing I couldn't get in to see it up close. However, I did find the acropolis rock next to it which had an incredible view of the city and the acropolis. Despite the heat, there was a cool breeze up there that made the temperature more tolerable. After the acropolis I meandered around the streets of plaka and by several other closed historic sites- plan on going back tomorrow- until I ended up at a cute outdoor cafe. I rehydrated and had a delicious eggplant dish with mushrooms, meat and cheese. The servers were very friendly almost too friendly.
After my snack break I explored the streets a little more walking by tons of stores and then ended up at the temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's arch - both ruins of sorts. While checking out these sites I made friends with a cab driver who offered to drive me to multiple sites for a cheap price - thank you Greek unemployment! We first drove to the Panathinaikon Stadium where Olympics were hosted in 1896. Pretty impressive. Next up was the presidential palace where I saw the changing of the guard - very close up I could touch them. Crazy what kind of outfits they wear.
Next we went to the top of lycabettus hill which is the tallest point in Athens. It had incredible views of the city which to my surprise is home to 5 million people. The country, according to my driver, only has 9 million people. I could also see the ocean from the top of the hill which was remarkably close.
Those are the highlights from today!
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