Athens!

Visiting Athens is a dream come true.  It's been called the birthplace of Western Civilization. I’m not going to go into the history because there are much better sources and I'd never finish. 

What's great:

1. Incredible I-can't-believe-I'm-really-here sights! I mean, the Acropolis, Pantheon, Agora, churches, and world class museums! I’m geeking out here!
2. The prices are lower than the rest of Europe - even when restaurants, entrance fees, etc. could be higher, they aren’t. We’re eating out here more because it’s so reasonable.
3. The food is healthy and delicious. Yum!! 
4. People are friendly, they’ll try to help you even if they don’t speak much English - and even before you ask for help. We can’t read greek letters but there are enough signs in English so that we don’t get into trouble. 
5. Public transportation is a good, reliable way to get around. Not too over-crowded either. 
6. Happening on archeological dig sites they're still working on as you're walking down the street. It's so cool!

What’s not so great:

1. We're camped outside the tourist area so it takes us awhile to get in to the tourist sights and there is a considerable lack of urban planning. The surrounding area is just sprawl and graffiti - lots of graffiti. It's not a pretty city on the whole.
2. Smog. Blech!

Photos here.


All that being said, the good outweighs the bad by alot. If you think you'd like it, you have to go!! I'm so glad we were able to make it here!