Tuesday 23rd April – Athens, Greece!
Temple of Zeus was the first stop. Built in the 6th century BC. It originally had 104 columns and must have been amazing with its giant golden statue of Zeus. 15 columns are still standing. Most of it came down in an earthquake in the Middle Ages and the material was carted away to be used as building rubble and in new builds. How sad.
Next to it is the Arch of Hadrian. Built in 132AD to act as a gate way between the ancient city and the Roman city of Athens. Sounds funny that in 132AD they were speaking of the ancient city and the modern city.
It was then up to the Acropolis – a mound of rock. The Athenian Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena. This one being a lump of marble. Temple dogs and cats were all around. The walk up wasn’t too bad – but not too good either. Lots and lots of marble steps. Slippery.
But so worth the climb – as on top is the Parthenon. THE Parthenon. Started in 447 BC. It is now considered to be the most important remaining building of classical Greek design. It was built on the site of an even older temple. As well as a temple it was the treasury for many hundreds of years. In the late 6th century it became a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Ottoman’s turned it into a Mosque in the 1460’s.
In 1687 the Ottoman’s used it as an ammunition dump. A Venetian bombardment blew it up doing lots of damage.
In 1800 the 7th Earl of Elgin removed many sculptures and much of the marble work. That is now all in the British Museum – known as the Elgin Marbles. Greece would love to have them back. Fat chance.
What’s left is amazing. So big and strong. There are also many other small temples up there. Amazing.
Then up the other great hill of Athens – Aaooc for wonderful views. The city is beautiful with its white and subdued colours.
The ancient plaka, now the food district and lunch was had. Amazing Greek lamb chops and a selection of other delicacies.
Then back to the ship. I can now add another day to my Greece tally. Every single day has been amazing. The place is wonderful…but the people are even better. Everyone is so friendly and lovely. LOVE GREECE!
Wednesday 24th April – At Sea – Ionian Sea
Yay. A much needed sea day. Sleep in, trivia, chatting, lunch at Jamies’ with great food. Bumper cars, C&A. C&A has a pair of dancers/acrobats. Very skilled.
Thursday 25th April
ANZAC Day. An early start for a lovely dawn service on the pool deck. Lovely.
I did a galley tour, trivia, and all the usual. Went to breakfast at the Silver Lounge. Very nice. And dinner in the Golden Lounge. Fantastic.
We arrived at our waiting point mid-afternoon and waited at anchor for the Suez Canal convoy.