Wednesday, August 21, 2013

A Greek Odyssey, Part 1

I've just returned from a wonderful vacation with my husband in Greece, and there is so much to share. Many years ago, I studied Classics in college with lots of Latin and Ancient Greek, so I had a special sense of anticipation as we set off to visit Greek culture and ancient ruins!

We started our trip in Athens in a hotel with a fabulous view of the Acropolis and the remains of the Parthenon...


and the temple of the Greek god Zeus...


We went on a bus tour, which included a stop at the bottom of the Acropolis, from which point we climbed,  over irregular marble stairs, rough paths and lots of rocks...


until we reached the top, where we were able to take in a spectacular view of Athens.


Here I am, on top of the Acropolis...


and here is my husband Bill. A tough climb, but we made it!!


It's sad that the ruins of the Parthenon are in such a state of disrepair, after centuries of war and destruction...


but it was good to see this model of what it looked like when it was built, in the museum at the base of the hill.

Our tour guide also explained the different gods whose statues decorated the original Parthenon, shown here in meticulously carved miniatures.


Back on the bus, we passed this horse and carriage,


stopped at the Panathenaic Stadium,


and went by the library at the Athens Academy.


We shopped at the Plaka, a busy outdoor marketplace...


where Bill bought a dashing new hat...


and we tried taking a 'selfie'!


At lunch, musicians circulated through the streets, as we sat and ate Greek salad.


At the end of our stay in Athens, we met up with two other couples. The three men are business associates and we had arranged ahead of time to rent a large van.


Together we would embark on the second part of our adventure, as we traveled to a seaside village in southern Greece! I'll tell you about that in my next post.

Our internet connections were spotty in Greece, so I haven't been able to comment on my friends' blogs, but I'll be catching up in the next few days.

Hope you've been having an enjoyable August!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Judy,

It seems you have had marvellous vacation in Greece. You must have seen beautiful places. I guess the weather was hot. You and your husband look beautiful with your hats :o)
As you know, Greece is part of European Union and is facing a very serious economical crisis with a very high rate of unemployement and bankrupt. Tourists are certainly welcome in this country.
I never visited this area. I would like to visit the Greek isles in spring when the weather is not too warm. Maybe one day...
I am awaiting for the following of your trip.

Anonymous said...

Wow! It looks like an unforgettable vacation, filled with inspiration I'm sure. I can't wait to see more.

Welcome Home :).

Stay inspired!

sharon said...

So happy to have you back on US soil safe and happy. Love the photos and look forward to hearing more about your trip. And seeing what comes of your Muse whispering in your ear while soaking up all that history, culture, and beauty.

annmarie gallivan said...

Gorgeous! Looks like you had a wonderful time!

Gwen said...

What a glorious trip. So filled with culture, it is bound to give you some inspiration for your art when you return. I enjoyed your photos very much. I'd love to visit that market and buy a hat!
It suits him:)
xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Judy!!
What a beautiful holiday!! I really enjoyed watching your pictures! I could feel the heat of the sun!!
...I really like the selfie-picture of you and your husband!!
Look forward to see more!!

...happy 36 anniversary (sorry, I'm late!).

Vicki W said...

What a fun trip. It's too bad that most of the Parthenon is in the British Museum!

Shell said...

Wow..what a trip. I'm looking forward to seeing more pictures.

Simone said...

This is a wonderful post Judy! You both look so happy! Fantastic photos of what must have been a truly memorable holiday. I am just about to eat a Greek salad for my lunch today. I will imagine I am in Greece whilst doing so! x

Lorinda.C.F said...

It looks like you had a fabulous time Judy!! I haven't made it to Greece...yet. You and Bill are adorable! Can't wait to see and read more! xx

Jennifer Richardson said...

How fantastic!
What a gorgeous place,
with that golden light.
Beautiful....just beautiful.
So glad for you both
to get to enjoy it together.
big love and happy squeeze,
Jennifer

Anne Butera said...

Looks like you've been having a wonderful summer! Thanks for sharing your vacation shots... just beautiful!