28 December '04, Tuesday. Off to the bus, the tram, and a full day in Athens. We were ready to soak this historical city in. Unfortunately, about 2 it started to rain. I apparently had more clothes on than Louise, as she really felt the wet and cold. Before departing, we did have a chance to visit a few of the “Antiquities”. Hadrian's Arch which was built by the “Athenianbs” in 131AD in honor of Hadrian. A close walkd away was the Temple of jupiter Olympus Zeus. At one eime it had 104 columns rising 17 meters or 57 feet. Today there are sstill 16 standing. This temple was started in 515 BC but was suspended until Roman Emperor Hadrian completee it in 131 AD. We also visited 3 Bysantine Churches. The structures are wonderful in architectual design and the icons and frescos are really beautiful. Those that we saw todat were built between the 11th and 13th century. We also visited the 12th centuryt “Old Metropolis” (the Old Cathedral). One thing about Athens, once you've arrived in the center, you are just where you want to be. We also toured Plaka...”the Neighborhood of the Gods”. We walked the very narrow streets enjoying all the color of the neo classical homes, and the well kipt little gardens. Next a walk through the famous Monastiraki Flea Market.
