The city of Athens was a lot different than what I had pictured in my head. I envisioned it to be exactly like Santorini... everywhere. But I quickly snapped out of those images as soon as we were dropped off at Omonoia Square, which we later found out was an area known for drug dealers and prostitutes during the evening hours. Downtown Athens had the same feel as any major urban city I've been to. But the difference was that I was in Greece!
Dena and I arrived a day earlier than my family so we decided to lie low and save our energy for the next few days of sightseeing. So for now, here are some photos from our first day.
Downtown Athens was littered with graffiti but below are some of the more artistic ones we came across.
We were able to catch the ceremonial changing of the guards in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Parliament building. I find it so interesting how these tall, massive men (in tights, nonetheless) march in impeccably coordinated movements and in such a stylized manner. From the way they lifted their legs (and it seemed like they wiggled their foot whenever it was raised) to the swoosh of their clogs and their forceful strike on the ground with each foot. At the end of the ceremony, the new guards then stood in place underneath their post, which looked entirely to small for them. Catch the rest of the photo sequence in the album...
... and more over here.
