It was far past due that our family made an odyssey to Greece. Lisa and I were so pleased to have our boys with us. This is a view from Lykavittos Hill with the Acropolis in the background.

We stayed in a suburb of Athens – Varkiza – while in the City.

This strip of beach is known as the Athenian Riviera.

We all enjoyed the sand and the sea.

A highlight of our trip was our pilgrimage to the Acropolis. An interesting point from our family’s history is that my Papou and Yiayia immigrated to Canada from northern Greece in the early 1900’s and they never were on the Acropolis.

These majestic ruins leave you in awe. It is amazing to think these stones and Doric columns were placed some 2500 years ago.

The maidens on the Porch of the Caryatids of the Erechtheion temple next to the Parthenon.

The Odeon Theater of Herodes Atticus.

The Acropolis Museum with its sculptures is a must see…

… as is the National Archaeological Museum. You could easily spend days here taking in the treasures of ancient times. This sculpture is Aphrodite, Pan, and Eros flirting.

In the core of Athens, there are so many wonders, like the Panathenaic Stadium where in ancient times the Olympic Games marathon race ends – and today, every four years, the Olympic flame is lit.

From almost every vantage point in the City you see the Acropolis.

The Arch of Hadrian was built in the second century AD when Athens fell to the Roman Empire.

A statue of Alexander the Great in the middle of a busy intersection.

Roman ruins on the edge of the Plaka.

Changing of the Evzone Guards.

We had a number of meals in the Plaka.

The Greek salads were divine (as one would expect).

We loved the souvlaki and gyros many nights.

The city was vibrant, picturesque and enchanting (this view of Monastiraki Square). Four days were certainly not enough to see and enjoy its many wonders.

While on the mainland, we also took a trip to the southern tip of Attica to Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon.

One of most memorable nights – and another highlight – was our dinner in the Plaka with the Zygoumis and Rallis families. We owe a debt of gratitude to these wonderful people who showed us such an unforgettable time in Greece.

This view from our table that night is seared in my mind. Wholly enchanting. Mesmerizing.

Back to the menu: Our Family Odyssey to Greece

Chris George provides reliable PR & GR counsel and effective advocacy. Contact: ChrisG.George@gmail.com.