The Daily Diary of a Wandering Restaurateur
May 20 - Everything Old is Becoming New Again
Hot and humid today with lots of people milling around -- not my idea of a good time. But when in Rome, do as the Romans do ... and when in Athens, sweat it out!
Anywhere in the world, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a ritualistic event. In Greece it is no different, except that the uniforms are not something you will see anywhere else in the world! Don't let the skirts and the pom poms on the shoes fool you. When you see these guys up close you can tell they are some tough dudes!
From the south side of the Acropolis, you get a sense that there is a serious climb in your future! The area around the base is littered with the ruins of dozens of buildings, all of which are in the process of restoration. The theater seating has obviously been rebuilt and they were setting up for some sort of musical performance. This could be a magical place to listen to music on a warm spring night.
Atop the rock are three principle buildings, the Parthenon being the most well-known. This famous structure is being disassembled and put back together as it was 300+ years ago. Much of the work will re-use original stones but a lot will be re-cast from modern materials. Quite a project and one that will be going on for decades.
Below the north side of the Acropolis are more buildings and temples to one god or another, part of what is known as the ancient agora or market area. The largest building here, and the first to be totally restored, now houses a small museum. Just outside the fence that protects this historic complex, thrives the modern day market area, narrow streets crammed with shops, tavernas and vendors of all sorts.
© 2007 Restaurant Doctor
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