Athens - A piece of history !!

What comes to your mind when you think of Greece, Athens? 

A country about which we read in our history books to have one of the oldest civilization in the world.A country where the great Alexander was born, considered great conqueror of classical times.A country where the first modern Olympics were held and a country which is famous for its beautiful, majestic islands, villages and world class beaches. I have been waiting eagerly to visit this country since i was in Europe.So finally, here i was in Athens. 

Landing in Athens itself was so much of relief because of the warmth of the sun.The hotel we booked was around 30mins from airport and we had a tough time to figure out the directions because no signs were in English but with the help of friendly locals and people around we could easily reach. First impression of the city was mix of old and modern with narrow lanes, open wide squares, with lots of cafes, eateries around.En route, I saw a lot of motorcycles, motorcycling culture seemed quite popular there.It was surprising to see, inspite of commuting through so narrow lanes,vehicle movement was so peaceful without creating any chaos. I wish, we Indians could learn something from them.

Iskon followers

Bustling streets

As we walked though the various streets to reach to Acropolis. I realized,how lively,colorful,vibrant city is.People were busy on munching food, drinking, gossiping and admiring the place. 

Acropolis,one of the main historical site in Athens.Acropolis,means highest point in Greek. it's one of the example that how long civilization has been into existence and how intelligent human beings have been from those days. They were never dependent on modern technology to build any kind of architecture that we see at many places today.Yet, some of them are so extraordinary that no machine made by human can match up to them and still it's a mystery to us that how could they achieve it in those times.

Acropolis at night

It was treat to eyes to look at acropolis as it stand tall with 156meteres height, mostly comprising of pillar like structure. It was evening 6 o'çlock when we reached, it was even more beautiful because sun was about to set and it's rays were falling onto beautiful creamish structure. We clicked a lot of pictures and sat there as we admired the beauty of the place thinking about that whose kingdom it was and why the pillar like structure is so common in this architecture. Once upon a time, it would have been a place where people have been living and doing their day to day chores.

View of the city from Mars hill

We could not enter the acropolis because may be because of the independence day it was not open for public however getting a glimpse from outside in itself was a big treat to my eyes.

Chestnuts..must try

Streets with graffiti

We spent sometime in the evening at Monastiraki. That's a bustling square with lots of things happening around. It took me back to India.This is one of the most popular meeting places where locals and visitors mingle and enjoy the vitality, charm and free spirit of Athens.Fast food establishments, fruit and vegetable vendors lively hawk their ware which are the freshest and possible the cheapest in the whole Athens.You will also see break dancers,street side music at the square.I remember,african drums playing in the back ground and i could listen them for hours.

All in all a must visit place. If you are a history buff then you can spend as many days as you want otherwise 2 days are more than enough to get the vibe of the city and cover all historic places.

Places to visit in Athens 

1) Plaka neighbourhood  and streets

2) Acropolis

3) Monastiraki Sqaure

4) Mars hill

5) Parthenon

6) Acropolis museum

7) Mount Lycabettus

Tips 

Book a hotel near to centre. 

Don't miss a visit to mars hill and get a glimpse of the city and acropolis(In day and night both)  

Try chestnuts and fruits.

Food is very cheap and with lots of variety, so don't hesitate to try the greek cuisine.