Athens

It's nearly impossible to go through school without learning a little bit about Greek mythology. Getting a chance to see Greek mythology, history and archaeology up close and personal was a real thrill for me on my first Mediterranean cruise.

Athens is a sprawling, modern metropolis, jam-packed with people amidst some of the greatest archaeological, historical and mythological sites found anywhere in the world.

The first time I visited Athens, I hired a private tour guide in advance to meet us at Piraeus, the port city that is the gateway to Athens. We left early in the morning and meandered our way through the port, passing a few 2004 Olympic sites on our way to the most famous sight in Athens - the Acropolis.

The Acropolis is the most recognizable symbol of Athens, and perhaps all of Greece. It's easy to see why as this large rock juts up from the landscape and dominates all of the city. The Acropolis can be seen from all over the city, with its famous Parthenon looking down at the citizens below.

The Acropolis, through the centuries, has been used as a fortified protection area for residents and as a battle sight for would-be invaders. Today, the Acropolis continues to undergo numerous restoration projects to try and bring it back to its former glory and to excavate any and all possible artifacts remaining at the site.

Aside from the Parthenon, the other well-known symbol of the Acropolis is the famous caryatid statues. Originally, there stood 6 female caryatid statues that were carved out to double as support structures for one of the buildings that stood atop "the Rock." In the 1800s when Lord Elgin of England arrived, he took one of the caryatids back with him when he left. Those artifacts that he removed are known as the "Elgin marbles" and the original caryatid can now be seen at the British Museum in London. However, the 5 remaining original statues no longer reside at the Acropolis either. They have all been moved to the new Acropolis Museum. And where the originals once stood now stand 6 replica statues.

After having left the Acropolis, our tour guide took us to Syntagma Square. We were in for a treat, for we were in Athens on a Sunday, which means that at 11:00 am the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier would occur. Every hour, on the hour, there is a small changing of the guards ceremony, however, on Sunday's the ceremony is done it all of its pomp and circumstance. It was truly a sight to see.

Apart from the Acropolis, we also saw the old Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the ancient Agora and the Roman Agora. We also took a drive down the coastline to the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula to Cape Sounion. Atop the Cape stands the gorgeous Temple of Poseidon. This area is most famous for its amazing sunset views.

We ended our day back in Athens for lunch and a walk through the famous Plaka, outdoor shopping area. I had my first experience of an authentic Greek gyro - and it was yummy!

This time aorund when our cruise heads to Athens, we will be bypassing a guided tour. Instead, we will be taking the metro from Piraeus directly into Athens and exploring on our own. If all goes well, we are again intending to go to the Acropolis as well as strolling through the Plaka. Additionally, I'd like to get over to Mount Lycabettus to see some of the goregous views that it is known for.