Friday, April 1

Click on the link below for a Video Collage of Friday, April 1, Athens.

April 1, 2011 from Sarah Rossey on Vimeo.

We arrived in Athens safely and on time—thanks, Delta! The weather was overcast with occasional sprinkles … temperatures hovering around 60°. After passing through customs, we took the Metro into the center of Athens: Syntagma Square. Most of the gals were fighting headaches at this point. We needed showers and food in the worst way.

Checked into the Athens Cypria Hotel (www.athenscypria.com), unpacked, showered, and rested for a few moments, then met in the lobby. Tim went over some security issues and gave a brief introduction to the Athens Familiarization Walk that would be the focus of our afternoon.

But, first, food! We headed towards Monastiraki Square and had a great gyros pita (Greek fast food) at Sabbas. This famous grill is a favorite of gyros aficionados and made fans of our group.

After lunch, we returned to Syntagma Square, visited the museum that forms a part of the Syntagma Metro Station, looked at the Parliament building (and saw the changing of the guards), strolled the National Gardens, marveled over the sprawling Temple of Olympian Zeus, wandered the pedestrian walkway that encircles the Acropolis, stood on the Pnyx (home of ancient democracy), and walked past the Kerameikos, the Agora, the Library of Hadrian, and the Roman Forum.

Worn out, we returned to the hotel about 4:30 for a couple of hours of rest. After a brief nap, everyone mets downstairs at 6:30 (we moved up the time so we could get to bed earlier!) to eat. Dinner at Psara’s Taverna—the Fisherman’s Tavern. Family style: moussaka, calamari, vine leaves, village sausage, souvlaki, bread, olives … yum! It began to rain on us (we were seated outside) so called it an early evening. Rest tonight so we can be ready for tomorrow.