Greece: Athens, Odd

Here are some odd shots from around Athens. Just 'cause.

Greece: Athens: Ancient Agora

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.

Greece: Acropolis: The Parthenon

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.

Greece: Athens, Acropolis: Along the Way

Getting to the Acropolis in the high heat was no easy task. Some olive trees and fancy water stations helped along the way.

Here, some of those moments.

Greece: Athens, The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes is a stadium theatre on the south slope of the Acropolis. It's still used for music festivals every year, having been restored in the 50s. How incredible would it be to be seated here during a concert? Epic.

Here's a panoramic view, which is not entirely accurate, but you get the gist, I hope.

Other panoramas: Boston from the Ebersol Suite at the Liberty Hotel + NYC's 30 Rockefeller

Greece: Athens, The Acropolis Museum

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.

Greece: Athens, Plaka at Night

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!

Throwback Monday: Greece!

It's time for us to leave winter behind and focus our sights on sunny horizons, mainly: GREECE!

Won't you join me?

Boston: Blogger Meetup at the ICA

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.

NYC: Pink + Yellow in Soho

Throwback Monday: Toronto Beaches

Summer '06, Toronto Beaches.

NYC: Empire State Building

NYC. Art Deco. Icon.

Two other architectural icons from around the word: the Taj Mahal and the Eiffel Tower 1, 2, 3

NYC: Grand Central Station

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.