Athens

We had a lot of preconceived notions about Athens and Greece.  For one, we had heard that Athens was extremely dirty.  In our own minds, we could picture the famous ruins and grandeur of the Olympic games, but we came in guarded prepared for graffiti, smoke, violence and litter.  We definitely found some of those things, but loved the history, great museums, delicious food, and in the end wished we had had another day to explore.  We came away completely impressed and moved by this ancient civilization that has formed the foundation for so much of modern-day, western thought/architecture/design/politics/philosophy, etc... 

It definitely had tons of graffiti and a lot that wasn't very charming, but we were also standing in places where the concept of democracy was founded, Socrates and the ancient philosophers stood and taught, Paul preached to the people, and the idea of the golden mean originated.   Without going into too much detail we came away grateful for the many advances the Greeks have given modern day civilization.  

there were piles of ruins and architectural pieces

lego like pieces of new marble are part of the restoration

Standing on the hill where the concept of democracy was founded 

waiting for a tasty dish of gyros with extra tziki sauce and some baklava

our favorite pose 

sweet friezes (if you look closely) of the centaurs fighting the greek warriors because they tried to steal their women 

modern concerts are held here

on off bus tour