Happy New Year! I flew from Cairo to Athens and not only received a complete meal (2 hour flight, why can’t the US do this) but they have away these 2020 wishes as I left the gate in Athens.
I arrived mid afternoon, checked into my hotel, and bought a couple of tours online. I had done some research but did not actually book tours before arriving. Since I have only two whole days here in Athens I chose to use the hop on hop off tour with entrance to attractions for one day. It is cheaper this time of year. I’ll have to start early.
I also bought a one day multi island boat tour. Usually they include a stop for swimming but it is winter now. There is a luncheon and dance show. You can also learn traditional Greek dance. Looking forward to this tour.
As a vegetarian usually there is a choice on airplane food or at least most of which I can eat. Not this flight. There was cheese but also a large amount of meat. One flight attendant found an extra vegetarian sandwich. Since I hate throwing away food, I first offered the meat to those around me, but then decided to wrap it up and bring it to the hotel when no one accepted.
My goal was to find a deserving kitty or dog to give the meat to. There are not as many cats visible here as there were in Egypt.
I started touring places that would not be included in the hop on hop off tour. I found a small church where buildings have been built around it.
Next is Syntagma Square which is on front of the old palace (where parliament currently is). It is the central square in Athens.
From here I noticed the national garden. I love to walk in nature. I also noticed the first cemetery of Athens on the other side.
I do like looking at old cemeteries and I’m sure I’ll find some cats there. I followed paths out one of the sides of the park to get to the cemetery. The word “oikos” means house which is used to announce the family name on the crypts.
And yes I found some deserving cats for the meat from lunch.
I love the narrow streets that I walked through.
Statues…
The stadium of the first modern Olympic games: Panathenaic stadium. This is a reconstruction from the 1800’s that recreates the ancient stadium that originated from AD 117.
Metropolitan church of Athens. This is an 1800’s cathedral church with Greco-roman styling and phenomenal architecture.
More exploring tomorrow!