On our return trip...Sofia to Abu Dhabi, we had to stay one nite in Athens. Initially we were excited about this because we would have one day to see the city. Our excitement, however, waned a bit as the rioting in Athens kicked up just before our flight. Ugh. At one point we wondered if we would be stranded in Sofia...not that that would have been a bad thing at all..except that the Fords have life to do and with 5 extra people invading their home...well, you get the picture. But our flight left on time and we arrived in Athens that evening. The airline provided a hotel for us as they had cancelled our original flight and that is why we had that nite in Athens.
The next morning we decided to brave the city tram and rode it all the way into the town center. Well, actually, we got off one stop before the final turnaround. We were told to get off there as at the last stop it was all burnt out from the rioting. Despite some misgivings about going into the city...we did not feel unsafe at all. Life pretty much seemed normal. We did see banks with shattered windows..but on the whole, it was just a beautiful day in Greece.
As the tram approached the last stop...the Acropolis loomed into view...It absolutely took my breath away. The sky was a bright blue(it had stormed the nite before, so everything was washed clean) and there it was..perched high on a hilltop cliff. It really was a case of taking my breath away. We disembarked at wandered around the area. We did not have enough time to actually go to the Acropolis..but we did wander thru the Temple of Zeus...
Yes, our time was way too short..but we decided we'll try and return ...There is just so much to see. The tram ride just tickled our appetite...on one side the beautiful waves crashing on the beaches and on the other the mountains rising the the distance...
One scary thing happened during our quick visit. The McDonalds we passed on the way into the city..well, on the way back to our hotel we saw policemen, firetrucks, and people hovering around it. Black, soot covered, and a big hole in the front wall. Just two hours earlier Robert said he wanted to go there for lunch...hmmm. Thank You, Lord.
Our flight home that afternoon was uneventful. We are now gearing up for Russell's visit and the upcoming holiday events. Tomorrow nite we are going to the desert with a group of friends to sing Christmas carols. Sunday, Sallie and Robert and I are hosting a Children's Christmas party for the kids in our building. Then, next week we have parties and a trip to the Labor camp to deliver care packages.
Merry Christmas everyone...
We miss you.
Mattie and The Gang
