199. Time is a traveler ...

"Time is a traveler ... " and this traveler has unfortunately run out of time in Athens. After wandering around this interesting town for four weeks, the gods are telling me that it is time to pack my kit and move on - so move on I must ...

But before we start off on a new adventure, here are a few highlights of my most enjoyable time here in Athens, Greece.

Under the watchful gaze of the Acropolis is the Ancient Agora of Classical Athens - this area was once a vibrant meeting place and market area - now after centuries of time and neglect and pillage we can only imagine the day-to-day activities of the people ...

Gate of Athena Archegetis

Tower of Winds

Hadrian's Library - white marble is newly restored work

So much more treasures to be discovered and bought back to life ...

Another ancient site is the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Arch of Hadrian

And more recent sites worshiping a newer god ...

Metochi Panagiou Tafou

Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea

Ieros Naos Metamorfoseos Sotiros

Detail of the wonderful brickwork ...

Agios Eleftherios Church

Holy Trinity Cathedral - Pireas

Monumental building filled inside with 

the most glorious Orthodox "bling" ...

Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens 
Construction began in 1842 and lasted 20 years
Workers used marble from 72 demolished churches 
to build the massive walls ...

Academy of Athens - dated 1926

 ... under the watchful eyes of Athena and Apollo
and other notaries ...

Athena

University of Athens 

National Library of Greece

now being relocated to a modern building ...

The Parliament Building and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Under the protection of the elite and impressive Presidential Guard

... don't feed the pidgeons - 

'cause they'll poop all over you ...

... very well fed stray dogs ...

this one sun-baking at one of the busiest spots in the city ...

... another demonstration 
- this one thankfully peaceful ...

A whole district filled with secondhand bookshops

and printeries ...

I could have spent my whole four weeks just browsing here 

Picturesque district under the Acropolis - the oldest residential area in Athens

  more urban art ...

  I lost count of the number if steps I climbed in 4 weeks ...

Markets everywhere ...

Tourist central ...

A very tempting Mr Bean idea ...

 

Love this butchery with a live herb wall ...

Cafe Society - a great Greek tradition ...

 Orange trees lining the streets - fruit not edible though - but very colourful ...

Brand new National Gallery of Contemporary Art
 wonderful space but disappointing exhibition ...

Ferry terminals at Pireas -

the closest I got to island hopping ...

... But I did make a note to myself to make sure

I chose well when and if I do want to visit one of the island ...

The white urban vistas stretching for miles ...

I have so enjoyed my time living the life of a local
 in leafy Fedriadon street ...

... and catching the "very quiet" trolley buses - every fifteen minutes past my door 

and into the city centre in 20 minutes ...

So with a final wave good-bye from the archbishop ..

It's a 5am start out to the airport where my chariot is refueled 

and revving up to whisk me off on another adventure ...

stay tuned ...