Day One

Yesterday, one of our hosts with College Year Athens, Vosso, took us on a tour of neighborhood so we could get orientated and know where to find things whenever the need should arise. A few of the interesting things in our neighborhood . . .
(Featured above--left and center--are views from the college of Kalimarmaro--the Marble Stadium. For a small fee, you are permitted access to the stadium and are actually allowed to exercise inside. On the right is a distant view of the Parthenon)

No pizza delivery cars here.  In Athens, Dominos is delivered by bicycle.

All pharmacies in Athens are indicated by green crosses on their exteriors.

After our tour of the neighborhood in which supermarkets, tavernas, and other useful services were pointed out we walked back to the to college for a filling lunch. When lunch concluded, we had a brief class followed by a hike up the steep Mount Lycabettus for some breathtaking eagle-eyed views of Athens. At the very top, there is a restaurant for patrons who wish for a beautiful view to accompany their delectable dinners. Also, many of us made friends with a brave cat who lives at the top of the mount. (Stray dogs and cats are very, very, very numerous here.)

Yesterday's lunch!

All along the trail, people had carved names and dates into the cacti and the Century Plants.

The Restaurant on the top of the Mount.

These four are some of the gorgeous views of the Athens Sprawl.

                               The little "Mini Parthenon" in the middle of the green is a Temple to the Greek God Hephaestus.


Finally, last but not least is the site of an archeological dig. Those excavating think it is the possible site of Aristotle's school, though this is up for debate. (see below)