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When I told my mother I was going to Athens, she asked me why! If there was one capital in Europe she absolutely didn't like it was that one. Maybe, she told me, it has the Acropolis, but the rest... I thought that was kind of a pesimistic idea of the European democracy's birthplace. I mean a city with such a history must have more than some ancient ruins on a hill-top. But I must admit that my mother was right. Athens is definetly not my favourite place for a vacation. The city seems almost sad. The houses build in a period not known for the greatest architecture and it is impossible to breath in just something with the slightest feeling of fresh air. <br />

Finally climbing the Acropolis

Anna Sofie Andersen
2006-03-16 19:46:16

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When I told my mother I was going to Athens, she asked me why! If there was one capital in Europe she absolutely didn't like it was that one. Maybe, she told me, it has the Acropolis, but the rest... I thought that was kind of a pesimistic idea of the European democracy's birthplace. I mean a city with such a history must have more than some ancient ruins on a hill-top. But I must admit that my mother was right. Athens is definetly not my favourite place for a vacation. The city seems almost sad. The houses build in a period not known for the greatest architecture and it is impossible to breath in just something with the slightest feeling of fresh air.

But there were other things in Athens. I finally got company again and the possibility of talking to fellow travellers, which I enjoyed tremendously. I also did get to climb the Acropolis, which I chose to do as early in the morning as possible, making me feel quit alone and free. I left when the first bus of japanese tourists arrived, thinking how lucky I was. I still congratulate myself with the idea of getting up a little earlier than every other tourist walking around the Parthenon.

I also had some walks in the touristic hell of Plaka, where every nice little house has a souvenir shop with prices that reaches Mount Olympus. Only the Gods can aford that. And a great time doing the evenings meeting new people around a beer before reaching the bed. I met a really great English guy working in the reception, who was travelling while working. He was one of these people that really digs into the culture to where he has come and meets the locals and tries to make a living there and some extra money to travel on. Not like the rest of us bagpackers who just wonders from place to place over night. So respect to him.
I think this will be my thoughts about Athens and my visit to the grand Acropolis!
Anna