Vacation in Greece

As we got off the subway in Athens, we glimpsed the Parthenon sitting atop the Acropolis. We had a great view of it glowing in the distance from our hotel’s pool deck, too.

View of the Parthenon from our hotel

When we climbed to the top of the Acropolis two days later, though, it was a little shocking at first. From below, it looked like it does in all the postcards, but up close scaffolding and a gigantic crane covered much of it, with pieces of it scattered over the ground. Much of it has been dismantled in a renovation project that is correcting some errors from previous renovations. Still, I walked around it and saw all the details while imagining Plato standing there, 2,500 years ago.

The Parthenon: Plato never had this view

Detail from the Parthenon

The Parthenon

During our vacation in Greece, we spent a few days in Athens on our own before sailing  through the islands for a week on a yacht as part of a small group tour with G Adventures, and we finished up on our own for a few days in Santorini.

Sailing in Greece

Sailing

It was a wonderful trip. Greece is a beautiful country with an inspiring history, a relaxed pace, and great food. Some of my favorite moments were walking through the steep, winding streets of small villages and glimpsing the little moments of village life — people hanging out their laundry, chatting on their steps, laughing in tavernas, gathering up their kids, herding their goats.

Man on donkey

On Kythnos

Woman on Syros

Steps to Ano Syros, a medieval settlement

Greek men outside a pool hall, Santorini

Some more photos: Scavenger Hunt Sunday (Greece edition) | Volcano caldera (travel bucket list)

I completed a few items on my list of 101 things in 1001 days:

• #28. Visit a new UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• #39. Go to Greece.
• #60. Get a pedicure.
• #93. Go to the beach again.

I have always dreamed of going to Greece one day. Where do you dream of visiting?