The Ancient Agora was our next stop and a natural progression from exiting the Acropolis (that is, after resting atop a giant rock with magnificent views - first image. It still boggles my mind that one can walk amongst ancient ruins with such liberty, not to say it was taken for granted.
I direct you to this page for the history, but look below for the photographs.
We made it! I apologize, the next set of shots are going to be only of the Parthenon and it's surroundings. My super comfortable Pumas were put to the test (on the sometimes slippery rocky surface). Which is likely why the original steps leading up to the top has been covered with wooden planks, like at the Taj Mahal.
It was hotter than hot and part of the Parthenon was being restored, but words cannot describe how mind-blowing it was to see in person and photographs don't do any justice.
P.S. The sleeping dogs were a surprise.
And so it begins. At the Acropolis Museum.
Sitting atop an archaeological site, which can be seen through glass floors, the museum opened in 2009. Designed by a NY City based architect, the museum houses 5 floors worth of ancient artifacts and excavated historic treasures. One of the highlights is its direct view of the Parthenon. Photography was not allowed inside the museum. Nor were chocolate bars. Museum entrance fee, 5 euros. Snickers bar, likely 5 euros. Eating a Snickers bar whilst looking up at the Parthenon? Priceless.
We arrived in Athens just as the sun was setting (note, NYC isn't the only city with yellow cabs, and Mercedes Benzes, no less), checked in and went out for dinner (getting our recommendation from a group of cops at a corner!). They were spot on; it was absolutely delicious! Walking around the beautiful shopping district of Plaka was surreal to me, as Greece has been at the top of my travel list, forever. Plaka is a lovely, albeit touristy area, with cobblestone pathways, darling open air restaurants and charming residences and shops. Athens reminded us a lot of Bombay, a bit busy, a tad grimy, but we loved it. It has the tastiest olives and the friendliest locals. Couldn't ask for much more, and I didn't even mention it's incredible history (yes, that's one of the corners of the Acropolis, that's nestled within Plaka that we spotted on our walk around Plaka). Could not even contain my excitement. More to come!
Last night I met up with some Boston Bloggers at the ICA in Boston, in the seaport district. The ICA is a beautiful structure completed in 2006, airy and minimalist in its style much like the art it houses. Some of the works were particularly interesting such as the paintings by Sue Williams, which I think we may have enjoyed a little too much!
Then we were off to Anthony's Pier 4, a charmingly old and nautically inspired resturant on the water. Reminded me very much of Toronto's similarly named and decorated, Pier 4 Storehouse. Can't speak for the food but I liked that they had Earl Grey and that too, loose leaved! Also the service was friendly at the bar!
Here are a few captures from the evening, with Emily, Sarah, Anna, Aubrie, Danielle, Clair and Melanie.
Some via Instagram.
The rainy weather in NYC one morning called for a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where I spent a good 8 hours. I didn't know where to start it's so enourmous. At the end of the day after N met me there, we were also able to view the Stein Collection prior to it's opening on February 29.
At times I was more fascinated by the people at the museum than some of the works themselves, seen via Instagram 1 2 3.
Today's Throwback is to Toronto's gorgeous Distillery District, which, when these were taken, was still an up-n-coming neighbourhood. With it's beautiful cobblestone walkways, old brick buildings with delightful cafes and chocolate shops, this area is popular for brunching and birthday brunching (yours truly). These were taken with the Nikon Coolpix 5200 in 2006.
Happens every time. Even just now. Can't get this out of my head when I say Grand Central Station.
Anyway, I'm happy to say I found the secret CORNERS at GCS; and it's amazing how the whispers really do travel! It's so interesting to think, too, that the APPLE store and logo would never have been as prominent at GCS as it is, now.
One of the greatest cities on Earth.
Today's Throwback Monday is from N'awlins in '08!
Beignets, architecture, catfish and a whole lotta Bourbon.
For more N'awlins check out:
N'awlins \\ Cafe Du Monde \\ Mr. B's Bistro
Couldn't help but hum the 30 Rock theme song when we got there. Also, I imagined the skating rink to be much bigger than it was. One day, would love to go back during the Christmas season.
If you were a fine art student like I was, you would have dreamt of the day you got to visit Rembrandt's house. Now, years later, even with much of my Rembrandt knowledge residing only in the far recesses of my memory, I was still pumped to check out his digs.
I'll spare you all of the history, which you can read here, but will tell you that Rembrandt bought this house in 1639 and lived there until he went bankrupt. All of his belongings were auctioned off - of course they were - but since then, it's been turned into a museum. The new wing was created for exhibition purposes and the old house restored and set up as it would have appeared in the 17th century.
Come see!
Today's Throwback Monday post takes us back to Zaanse Schans for Part II.
Cute little shops with clogs galore! Remember the clog trend?
