Soggy Athens

Sometime during the night, we docked in Athens. It was nice to wake up and the ship not to be rocking around. Because our tour left a bit later than others, we got up, ate a leisurely breakfast before we disembarked. Then, it was off to Corinth.

We drove a little over an hour toward the ancient city where Paul preached and taught and lived. The city, while not nearly as well preserved as Ephesus, is still large and an ongoing archaeological work. We explored many parts of the city, including the “bema” or “judgment seat” where Paul would have appeared before the local authorities. Though it was sprinkling, it was still enjoyable to walk and see the layers of the city from Greek and Roman times.

We then stopped near the Corinth canal for lunch. Rachel ordered baked spaghetti (with ham on top) and I had chicken souvlaki…basically, chicken shish-ke-bob. It was very good, grilled just right. Then we headed toward Athens…and through a huge thunderstorm.

We first had a bit of a city tour, highlighting some of the historical and modern buildings. Then it was off to the reason I came to Athens: the Acropolis, the huge temple of Athena that is such a landmark in this city. We first went to Mars Hill, where Paul preached the Gospel to the Athenians while waiting for his friends to catch up. Surprisingly, it’s just a big rock overlooking the agora or marketplace. There are no ruins to indicate if there ever was a building there or not. Because the rain was pouring, I did not go up to the top of Mars Hill, though some in our group did.

I was, however, determined to make it up to the top to see the Parthenon. Through lots of wind and rain, a few of us walked up slick marble steps, through huge columns to view this ancient temple that is still in the process of being restored. It not only is a beautiful building, the view of Athens from the top is well worth the hike. I’m sure it’s even better when there aren’t clouds hanging over the city.

Drenched, we headed toward our hotel, and our path took us past the “old” Olympic stadium where, in the late 1800s, the first modern Olympic games were held. When the games returned to Athens just a few years ago, only two events were held there, and a new stadium was built north of the city. But this 65,000-seat arena still stands.

Our hotel tonight is very nice…and dry, which is the most important thing for today! After dinner, we shall sleep and prepare to board a plane to go home tomorrow. I am tired and joyful, glad I came and ready to return to family and friends. The only question I have now is…where to next?