Monday Oct 11, 2010

I am writing this on our suite veranda, overlooking the beautiful harbor of Mykonos. The island is quite beautiful, with its white stucco houses trimmed in blue. The whitewashed houses, maze of shops and typical windmills stand out against the brown earth and blue skies, forming a perfect postcard setting. The most outstanding feature of the town is its’ dazzling brightness. The blazing sunlight reflects off the freshly whitewashed churches and houses. We ambled through the town, and enjoyed the peacefulness of the place, noticing that there was no “hawking” of wares. We were greeted at the pier by “Pete” the town mascot/pelican. Quite a huge thing!

We hiked around the point til we got to the “windmills”. They brought back such a feeling of nostalgia for me…I remember my first Hayley Mills film – I was all of 8 – it took place somewhere on a Greek Isle, with these windmills ever in the foreground!! Ahh –youth…I digress…

Came back to the ship, lunched, and sat poolside. The perfect day!
Before arriving to the ship yesterday, Spiros met us at 8AM with a plan to fill us with ALL of Athens before leaving for the pier. Our first stop was the Acropolis. Absolutely no words are enough to describe the beauty and splendor of these remaining antiquities. It is said that the gods Athena and Poseidon disputed the patronage of the newly founded city. The god of the sea struck the rock of the Acropolis with his trident, and water as well as a fiery steed sprang forth. Yet the Olympian gods sitting in judgment awarded the coveted prize to the Goddess of Wisdom for her olive tree, symbol of peace and prosperity. It is certain that it was settled as early as 3000 BC. I can’t even imagine. Anyhow, the Acropolis has stood the test of time, with invasions of Cretins, Byzantines emperors, barbarian invaders and various others.
Probably the most familiar of the remains is the Parthenon. It may be considered the most perfect and the most magnificent ruin in the world, although a whole museum was carried away to England by Lord Elgin from the spoils of this one temple.

Also magnificent to behold, was the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The southern slope of the Acropolis is mainly dedicated to the dramatic arts. This was the amphitheatre where Yanni gave a concert a few years back (I have to find that CD now!). One could only imagine what it must have been like thousands of years ago to sit beneath the stars, watching a “Greek tragedy”!
We spent time in the acropolis museum – this is a new edifice recently opened. When construction began a complete section of the old city was found, ergo – a new excavation. The museum is built right on top of it, with thick Plexiglas flooring so you can see the “dig” below where you’re walking. Pretty fascinating stuff.
We drove through the city, seeing the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Zeus. If I wrote anymore about these ruins, I’d have to publish!
We then went to the National Archaeological Museum where we saw artifacts from Mycenae, the site we visited the day before. So much to see, so little time!
Then a quick stop to see the changing of the guard, at the presidential palace, and then good-bye to Athens. Quite a whirlwind!!