Knowledge is power. Now you know and knowing is half the battle. Cliche after cliche, I know. Ha! See what I did there?
This is a city named after the goddess of Wisdom. It is only fitting that her image and her animal (the owl) be found everywhere!
Ancient, marble buildings (or what's left of a building) seem so mysterious and majestic. These artifacts have lasted so long, withstanding the test of time. Enough is left to rebuild. The foundations of the ancient world linger and slowly but surely the Greek people are rebuilding piece by piece, using the original marble from the ruins. And just so everything is kosher, no modern technology is used. I had no idea that this was a common occurrence here in Athens! What dedication these people have to their heritage, culture, and past!
Athena, the one for which this great city is named! She stands tall, spear in hand, ready to fight. It's almost as if she's watching over the city and their commitment to preserving their culture. I bet she's proud.
Apollo, the god of many things including music. He accompanied Athena on the other side of the building (a music and arts building if I'm not mistaken). He too looks proud of his people.
In a time of economic crisis, police lining the streets and tense citizens, the spirit of these people and the pride they have in their country and their heritage is inspiring. I had no idea that they have been trying to rebuild the Acropolis for many years now (again, using all original marble pieces). Even though it is broken and crumbling, the Acropolis never fails to look majestic. It doesn't have a bad side and every amount of light is flattering. It sits atop a hill with such a presence that I find myself running into things because I can't take my eyes off of it.
The Panathenaic Stadium was also quite the site to see! The first modern Olympics were held here, it is the only major stadium in the world made out of white marble (original!), and it is one of the oldest stadiums in the world. Lucky us, this ancient stadium is only 2 or 3 minutes away from our apartments. I've taken pictures of it at night, in the morning, and in the late afternoon. I can't help myself! It looks new to me every time I set my eyes on it.
As an outsider, you think that these people must be down trodden and discouraged. The first thing most of us noticed on our way into the city was all of the graffiti. On the outside, Athens looked defeated and worn but on the inside is a fighting spirit that Athena would be proud of. Get a closer look and you realize that even though the country is full of hardship, they are not going down without a fight. You see it in the people and you see it in their historical relics and remains and the revival and determination to keep these objects and buildings strong.
I am glad that I took a closer look at Athens. If I hadn't come here I would have never known the spirit of the Greek people. If you look but do not see then the truth will always remain hidden.
If nothing else, I hope that knowing this about Greece inspires people to be true to themselves and remember who you are and where you came from, even in times of hardship.
<3Christine
This is a city named after the goddess of Wisdom. It is only fitting that her image and her animal (the owl) be found everywhere!
In a time of economic crisis, police lining the streets and tense citizens, the spirit of these people and the pride they have in their country and their heritage is inspiring. I had no idea that they have been trying to rebuild the Acropolis for many years now (again, using all original marble pieces). Even though it is broken and crumbling, the Acropolis never fails to look majestic. It doesn't have a bad side and every amount of light is flattering. It sits atop a hill with such a presence that I find myself running into things because I can't take my eyes off of it.
Even I would run a lap around this stadium, given the chance. And I *hate* running!
As an outsider, you think that these people must be down trodden and discouraged. The first thing most of us noticed on our way into the city was all of the graffiti. On the outside, Athens looked defeated and worn but on the inside is a fighting spirit that Athena would be proud of. Get a closer look and you realize that even though the country is full of hardship, they are not going down without a fight. You see it in the people and you see it in their historical relics and remains and the revival and determination to keep these objects and buildings strong.
I am glad that I took a closer look at Athens. If I hadn't come here I would have never known the spirit of the Greek people. If you look but do not see then the truth will always remain hidden.
If nothing else, I hope that knowing this about Greece inspires people to be true to themselves and remember who you are and where you came from, even in times of hardship.
<3Christine
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