First up, have to say I’m not loving Athens as a city.  At least not our particular neighbourhood. There’s no indication that its unsafe – it’s just dirty, loud, crowded and smelly. The footpaths are very narrow and rough, making it hard for me to walk; it takes a lot of concentration, and my head is struggling here, more so than in Barcelona.

We lazed about this morning; as a result we were rather late to get going.  As it turned out, our timing worked out well on two counts.  First stop was Syntagma metro station, which has an archaeological display. In fact you can see a lot of archaeology in Athens just by walking around.

The things one sees in metro stations

The things one sees walking along the street

Next, we arrived at the Parliament building just before noon. There was a crowd gathered, and we assumed everyone was there to see the Changing of the Guard. These are the ones that wear pom poms on their shoes, and do a very Silly Walk. We stopped to check it out.  Instead, we witnessed some sort of commemoration.  There were military bands, dignitaries, and a group of people in folk costume carrying religious banners.  Wreaths were laid, and speeches made.  We had no idea what it was all about (and haven’t been able to find out via Google). But it was colourful.

An Evzone guard at Parliament

Ceremony of some kind

We walked through the National Garden, which was unremarkable as far as gardens go; the shade was welcome though. We found ourselves at a book fair outside the Zappeion Palace.  We continued across a busy road where once more we took our lives into our own hands – pedestrian lights are often ignored here, and they don’t bother to repaint the white lines on the crossings.

Zappeion Palace

Awesome gryphon

We entered the Panathenian Stadium, home of the first modern Olympic Games. For the first time in Athens, I got goose bumps, imagining the vast marble stands full of cheering crowds, urging on competitors from three Olympic Games; 1896, 1906, and 2004 (the Archery and the Marathon finish were both held here in the most recent Athens Games).  We’ve been to a number of Olympic venues, but this was the original of the modern era, and by far the most spectacular.  We climbed the steep steps (twice) for amazing views.

We climbed up 107 steps. Twice.

Can you spot Melbourne?

Best of all, we caught a rehearsal for a forthcoming flame lighting ceremony; in two days’ time, the torch for the Winter Youth Olympics will be lit, and sent on its way. We watched a group of graceful girls perform a traditional dance, then practice setting the torch alight.

Dress rehearsal

They light the flame from the sunlight reflected in this

The Stadium also features a small but interesting display of Olympic posters and torches. And of course you can pretend you won the 100 metres and stand on the dais.  Ian claimed a pretend victory over rivals Tim and Ted. I managed to clamber up onto the top of the podium with my usual elegance and dignity. Luckily I don’t get called on to stand on podiums very often.

Goose bumps as you walk out into the stadium

Winner!

Victory!

By now it was mid afternoon, and we were hot and dusty. There was one more stop to make; the Temple of Olympian Zeus.  Of the original 104 columns, only a handful remain. They are massive, as you can see from one that toppled about 150 years ago.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

You may be wondering why we haven’t yet been to the Acropolis; simply because we are avoiding the weekend and hoping that a weekday will be less crowded.  We did get our first proper sightings today and couldn’t resist a few snaps.

No need for a caption

Later this evening we ventured up the five flights of stairs at our building, onto our rooftop terrace.  The sun was starting to set, and as we waited, the lights gradually illuminated the Parthenon and the Acropolis. It was gorgeous. We could also see all sorts of things on other people’s rooftops. Our neighbours send out a drone, and took selfies with it. I’ll leave you with some shots. Good night!