And take a few pictures with the very serious guards...
From there we took the metro to the Acropolis. Athens is really a city steeped in history, so much so that even the metro is partially a museum. As they were digging to create the metro lines old sewage pipes, homes, graves, and other elements of Athens' 3000 year history. Instead of simply disgarding these elements of the past, though, the Atheneans glassed in large walls as you go down into the extremely clean and efficient metro system.We got off at the next stop for the Acropolis, and were able to visit the oldest known theatre in history, the Theatre of Dionysus...
We then climbed the steep, slippery, rocky hill of the acropolis in 95 degree heat that felt like about 110. The prize at the end, however, was a great look at the many temples atop the acropolis, including the famous 2500 year old Parthenon...
On the way down the hill we stopped at a large rock mound called "Mars Rock" that was used primarily for trials during ancient Grecian times. Today it is often visited by Christians because in 51 AD Saint Paul addressed the people of Athens from this rock. Many of the people of Athens were not convinced by Paul, but one man named Dionysus was converted and became the first Bishop of Athens. Today he is known in western culture as "Saint Dennis." The plaque behind me in this picture is the Greek text of Paul's visit to Athens from the Acts of the Apostles.
Back at the bottom of the acropolis we enjoyed a nice lunch, and had some time to wander around the busy yet pedestrianized Plaka...
Next we were off to a Greek school for some traditional Greek dancing lessons...
After dinner we were treated to a Greek dancing show by our dance teachers in an Athens park...
And of course were invited to join in ourselves much to the entertainment of the local children and elderly...
In the end, everyone was given a "diploma" for our success...
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