Woke at 7am to a very hot day already!! A quick breakfast, & it was off to the Acropolis on top of Athens highest, rocky hill. People think the Acropolis is the one building, but it's an ancient citadel containing many buildings, the most famous being the Parthenon. It was built over 2,500 years ago - can you imagine? Myth has it that King Cecrops (part human, part snake) set out to find a patron deity (Saint) for his city. He called on Athena (god of wisdom) & Poseidon (god of the sea) to decide. They almost went to war but Athena suggested they hold a contest for the city with King Cecrops as the judge. Whoever presented the city with the best gift would win.
Poseidon could summon the sea wherever the people wanted it, but it was too salty to be of any use. Athena planted the first olive seed so that the tree could give the city olive oil for their lamps & olives to eat. This was considered the better gift & Athena became the patron protector, & so the Acropolis (& new city) is named after her. The Greeks don't say Athens, they still call the city Athena. She is also the same Athena who fought in the Trojan wars.
Wandered down to the ancient theatre of Dionysus - another of my Uni studies, & then to the museum. This was fabulous, as they are excavating the ruins beneath & have installed glass panels to walk over them (a bit freaky). Really beautifully done inside.
Had lunch at the Plaka (Greek salad & different BBQ meats), then across to Hadrian's Arch & the Temple of Zeus. Like Rome, it's amazing to be in a city full of ancient ruins. We also saw a 4th Century stadium built (again) entirely of stone.
Arrived at the airport to discover our flight was just leaving! (Not our mistake). They tried to get us on, but it was too late. Agean Airlines could not have been more helpful & put us on the next flight, which again was so smooth. I met the pilot to thank him & he simply asked 'why?' when I told him of my fear. The Greeks are so loving & down to earth.
Caught a cab to our hotel - wow! Beautiful foyer, welcome champagne, lovely room with a view right next to ancient ruins! I had asked for this, rather than a sea view. When can I overlook ruins!!
Went to the rooftop bar, which had a gorgeous view of the old walled city, the sea & down to the pool. Planes were going overhead every 5 minutes, we could not believe how busy the airport was. Had a toast to my Dad who loved Rhodes the best of all. (The Greeks call it Rodos). They are all very impressed that we are coming here - the most historic of all the islands. They told us it has only been this year that more Australians have been coming. They call the more touristy islands like Santorini, 'Hollywood.' The Greeks want people to love their rich history instead. I cannot wait to go exploring tomorrow!