Athens - Syntagma Square

I love the colors and costume of the changing of the guard in any country.  The uniforms, the distinction, the status, the ceremony - all of it.  Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece is the site of the tomb of the unknown soldier.

The tomb of the unknown soldier is guarded by Evzones, the elite soldiers who also guard the palace and are chosen for their height and strength.  The pleated skirt, the foustanela, was worn by the Greek fighters of the 1821 revolution and today it serves as the official uniform.

Athens - by day, by night

Well, since I was thinking about Ephesus by day and by night, I had to think of Athens too.

I ended my trip with an overnight in Athens.  I spent the day walking around the grounds at the Parthenon.  It was so hot, I had trouble keeping hydrated and cool, and was near passing out.  But I was determined to see the Parthenon on my one day in Athens! 

I remember being scared because I was by myself and would get dizzy, and I thought "if I pass out no one in the world will know what happened to me".  That thought drove me to find shade and try my best to remain conscious.  But it was all worth it.



I met up with a friend that evening, we were both staying at the Athens InterContinental Hotel.  The special highlight - a restaurant on the rooftop of the hotel with a spectacular view of the Parthenon, lit up at night.  We had a glass of wine, talked about our day, and enjoyed the amazing view.  Truly a special evening.