Athens

27-28 Dec 2000

According to mythology, Cecrops, a Phoenician, came to Attica, where he founded a city on a huge rock near the sea. The gods of olympus proclaimed that the city should be named after the diety who could produce the most valuable legacy for mortals. Athena (goddess of wisdom) and Poseidon (god of the sea) contended. Athena produced an olive tree, symbol of peace and prosperity. Poseidons struck a rock with his trident and a horse sprang forth, which symbolised all the qualities of strength and fortitude for which he was renowned. Athena was the victor, for the gods proclaimed that her gift would better serve the citizens of Athens than the arts of war personified by Poseidon's gift.

We took a tour of Athens with our Turkish friends in December and have returned to the city on occasion.

Athens is a big city much like any other big city with its noise, polution and overcrowded streets. However, the archeological sites in Athens alone are worth the trip. We only spent a few days seeing the major sites, but need to go back again and visit it more in depth.

Theater of Herodes Atticus

Temple of Hephaestus

Temple of Zeus