Athens made me sad. It was once this most amazing city, the home of democracy, philosophy and the arts. The Athenians built the Acropolis and the Agora, images that loomed large in my imagination, after studying Ancient Greece in high school and university.
The Parthenon, Acropolis, Athens
Sadly, modern Athens is cramped, dirty and, sorry to say, ugly. It’s only saving grace is the ruins, and if it didn’t have those, I can’t imagine why anyone would visit.
Theatre of Dionysos, Acropolis grounds, Athens
Unfortunately as well, the scaffolding curse struck again – this time the Acropolis. And the trip up to the Acropolis is made more unpleasant by the hundreds of hawkers (mainly Indian) following you trying to sell you water, asian umbrellas and tomato toys that go splat. Just what we’ve always wanted.
I will say this in Athens’ favour. The Metro stations are clean and efficient, and they have cool exhibits on the walls, showing the levels of the ancient roads and the drains.
The well preserved Temple of Hephaestus, Ancient Agora, Athens
Hey kids, look out for the gypsy kids in Rome! Apart from pestering you for money, they’re adept at pick-pocketing on the Metro. Tony and I were giving them evil glares, that seemed to work.
I’ve never been to Athens but you just described the way I feel about Rome. I hope you enjoy that more!
Well we made it through Rome without being targeted by the gypsy kids, have to say I didn’t really see many though. And I was on high alert for pickpockets! I was very rude to some of the Indian people who get in your face trying to sell you rubbish. But only to the ones who were really aggressive, and frankly they deserve it! I don’t know why Roman authorities don’t do something about it!
It’s funny, but I actually really liked Rome. Maybe it was because I hated Athens so much that anything looked good in comparison! I think we were lucky as well, it wasn’t peak season yet, and I can see how crazy it would get when it is. We didn’t even have to queue at the Colosseum or Vatican!
I heart Rome!