We took the panoramic tour of Athens. That was not the best
choice for this city. Considering our limitations, it was the best we could do.
I didn’t foresee some of the problems with Athens. Of course, we know the
economic problems have hit Greece especially hard. We didn’t realize that would
mean endless graffiti. All available spaces are covered with protest messages.
Unemployment is over 50% for younger people.
The first place we stopped to take pictures wasn’t a good
choice. We stopped at the Olympic Stadium from 1896 but we passed by some antiquities
at a good clip and really didn’t get a chance to see them, let alone take
pictures.
Most of the pictures I took in the city are obstructed by
the overhead wires used for the street cars. There are also trees, buses,
stanchions, flags, etc. We were on the wrong side of the bus for most of the
best views, also. The right side of the bus had a better view. Some tour busses
turn around so that both sides get to see the important sites but not this one.
We spent the last ninety minutes of the tour at the
Acropolis. It was great. It’s a little bit of a hike to get up to it. Bill went
part way with me. I discovered that there is an elevator for the infirm but you
have to get almost to the top to use it. There is an entry fee and our tour
didn’t buy us tickets so I didn’t go all the way up.
This is after we climbed up the hill to the Acropolis. It was hot.
There is a big rock right on the edge of the hill that gives
a good view of the city and the Acropolis. I climbed up there and took some
pictures. There is a metal staircase on the left side so it isn’t difficult.
