Athens

We all meet on the 5^th deck – The Mall – at our favorite coffee café. It is 7:30am but from experience we know that we should get to the Acropolis early before the tours arrive from the cruise ships. To speed the process we jump into two taxi’s that take us to the base on the Western side next to the New Acropolis Museum – 20 Euros per cab (reasonable for sure). Nevertheless, we faced a tough climb (much more difficult than from the Eastern side that rises up from the Thesseo Metro stop – the route we had always taken previously). Seriously, it was steeper than climbing to Loch Vale Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. I had to stop several times and rest. With each 100 or so feet the view was, however, spectacular. Moreover, we saw ruins that Debbie and I had never seen before – in fact, my guess is that few people ever see them because of the steep climb and the isolated entrance that we used.

            Greek culture flourished in 400 BC and the civilization here, the cradle of democracy, lacked only the technology that modern people now experience. Otherwise, they were artists, architects (never to be matched), masons, government leaders, soldiers, merchants, and men and women skilled in the crafts. The Parthenon on top of the Acropolis, once a monument and place of worship for Athena, is so fortified on the top of the mountain, it is clear why it has survived to this day. Although burned in 267 AD, and sacked by the Christians in the 1400;s, and then by the Muslims in 1400’s, and then the Turks, and then raided for its antiquities by Lord Elgin of England, each of these invaders occupied it for a while erecting their own religious and other symbols on its edifice. It is so impressive and clearly the icon of this historic city.

Easy does it on the slick steps!

            Justin asks me how many people live in Athens, and while I tell him to check Wikipedia, my guess is somewhere between 20 and 30 million. It is so densely populated, the homes and businesses so close together, from the Acropolis you can see the population spread across and between the hills and mountains of the city; stretching in one place all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.

            We find the Greeks to be friendly and kind people who seem to love Americans; I can assure you that in our case it is reciprocal. This is the fifth time Debbie and I have been here in the last seven years; unbelievable. Some on business, other times with family and friends. It is obvious that we love it here. George Demeris, Debbie’s colleague and close friend was born and raised in Athens and has given us personal tours on two of our visits. I’m sure that his love for it has rubbed off on us. This time we become the guides.

            Leaving the New Acropolis Museum we walk through the Plaka area, old Athens and below the Parthenon, to enjoy the many shops and restaurants. Seeing the restaurant that we recently enjoyed on our trip here with my oldest son, Michael, and family, we sat for a thoroughly Greek meal. It was delicious and the rest even more noteworthy. From there we continued through the Plaka to the main downtown square, the center of Athens. Here the famous pink Parliament Building looms over the square. I was hoping that a demonstration of some sort would be going on – it usually is, but always orderly.

Justin and David at Parliament

            The Greeks have a lot to demonstrate about these days. Their economy continues to be in dire straights. Our cab driver, by his demeanor and expressions, told us stories of depression and despair about the lousy Greek government, which, in spite of help from Germany and other European countries, continues to suffer. Wages are low, pensions have been cut, and in spite of working 12-14 hours a day, a person can’t house and feed his family adequately. Although we could not see outward signs of a poor economy, the people here are not better off than they were prior to 2008 when the world economy went South. It may be getting better in the USA, but not here.

Ladies look at Athens 

            Exhausted, we boarded two taxis for the return to the cruise ship. Brian, Angela, Debbie, and I were in the first cab, thus we were sure that we would be the first to arrive. Thus being the good citizens that we are, we waited for the others for nearly 30 minutes until I offered that they may have possibly returned earlier and, not being good citizens, may have already boarded the ship. Giving up we entered the vessel to be greeted by the rest of our gang who wondered why it took us so long. Geez Louise!

            Following a dip in the spa (Debbie and Becky) and me in our luxury cabin bathtub, we join together on our balconies that are only one cabin removed. It is delightfully in the shade (did I tell you it was a beautiful day with temperatures in the mid-70’s), and from it Debbie is able to take a zoom picture of the Acropolis (the Parthenon) nearly 20 miles distant. This should provide some idea of its central high point in the city; it is both a commanding and unforgettable sight.

            After a bit of a rest, six of us (everyone but Ray and Monica) gather for a round of Hand & Boot in our large cabin. It is a hoot, and best of all, Debbie and I win! During the game the sun was setting outside our balcony window so I rush to the camera and begin snapping pictures. Sure Debbie has posted one of them.

            Our 18^th Wedding Anniversary Dinner is held in the Chops Grill, a fancy specialty restaurant on the ship. It costs a bit extra but we want to treat everyone who has been so supportive of us during my cancer journey. And how marvelous an evening it is. We laugh and cry, share stories; tell jokes, and more! The service was outstanding (at times 6-7 waiters serving us) and the food out of this world. We each had steaks of different sizes and kinds, and all were cooked to perfection. Sides and dessert were excellent as well. It was a three-hour dinner and every minute special. No one could have asked for or had a finer anniversary; Debbie and I simply loved the fellowship, food, hilarity, and fun.

            Tomorrow we arrive in Kusadasi, the port city for those who wish to visit Ephesus, the famous biblical and Roman town. I have a feeling our group will split up and do different things. I know Debbie and I have a favorite place in Kusadasi near the port and on one end of a Bay that is the starting point to visit a peninsula with ancient fortifications. It provides a majestic view of the Mediterranean and the coastline with an excellent restaurant within a step of the water.

            When we returned to our cabin we got out our map of Europe and were simply astonished when circling all the cities we have visited over the years. It numbered 44 and some of these more than once. Wow! How lucky! How blessed!