1. There is incredible history in and around Athens. While it was surreal to be in places where one of the greatest civilizations once thrived, it was also sad to see the neglect of many of these priceless monuments. It was not uncommon to see jaded guards sitting on stones in blazing sun trying to do their best to safeguard the ancient ruins from carefree visitors. Of course, the ground realities are always complex especially with an ailing economy.

2. An acropolis is designed to be the citadel of a settlement. It is typically built at an elevated location with precipitous sides. It is derived from the Greek words – akros(highest) and polis(city). Parthenon is the most important structure in the Acropolis of Athens. It was commissioned by Pericles of Athens in 447 BC to honor goddess Athena as well as to commemorate the Greek victory against the Persians. The Parthenon was converted to a Christian church under Constantine the Great  and to a mosque under the Ottomans. It was heavily damaged in the Venetian siege of the city aimed at unseating the Ottomans. The Greeks finally reclaimed it during the war of independence and have been restoring it ever since. Located at the base of the Acropolis is the ancient amphitheatre called Odeon of Herodus Atticus. This theater was built in the Roman times by the Roman philosopher, Herodes Atticus.

3. Adjacent to the Acropolis is the bohemian neighborhood of Plaka. It is closest to the Greek island vibe without getting on a boat. Next to Plaka is the neighborhood of Monstriaki which is home to several ancient ruins. Notable ones include the Roman Agora which was designed as an open air mall. During the reign of Hadrian, a library was added to the complex referred as Hadrian’s library. Today, the Monstriaki Square is buzzing with tourist and locals alike relaxing and enjoying a meal with a view of the Acropolis. 

4. The site of ancient Agora is one of the largest excavation sites in Athens.The Stoa of Attalus was built as a trade market by the king of Pergamus, Attalus, between 159-138 B.C. It was extensively restored and serves a museum hosting the artifacts found in the ancient Agora complex. The long floors and marble columns are magnificent and makes it easy to imagine the commerce that happened eons ago. Located directly above on a hill is the temple of Hephaestus. It is one of the best preserved ancient temples in Greece.The design aesthetic is similar to that of the Parthenon as it was designed by the same architect, Iktinus. Lycabettus hill is the highest point in Athens and offers panoramic views of the entire city including the every single ruin mentioned above. 

5. There was crisis in the Greek economy starting 2009 spawning a decade long recession. The repercussions of which hit the people hard including record levels of youth unemployment. During my visit daily protests about the economy at Syntagma Square (opposite to Greek Parliament) were not uncommon. Barring minor conveniences, it did not impact me but it was eye opening to see the economic impact as well as democracy at work. 

6. My first meal in Athens started with the Greek salad known to Greeks as just salad. It consisted of a giant slab of feta , cooked chickpeas, onions, tomatoes finished with a generous drizzle of olive oil. It was simple but very refreshing. The freshness of the ingredients made all the difference. I went back for my salad fix everyday. 

7. Gyros, hookahs and frappes are ubiquitous. Frappe (iced coffee) is strong and sweet. It was an accidental innovation that was born at the Thessaloniki International Fair in 1957 when an caffeine starved Nestle sales executive used cold water and ice to make his coffee. Greeks didn’t see like dessert people but there is lot of baking heritage shared with Turks and Arabs thanks to the Ottoman rule. Galaktompoureko is a Taverna stand by. It is a sweet pie with sweet custard encased in layers of flaky phyllo and soaked in sugar syrup. Loukamades are equally popular – they are airy donuts topped with honey and cinnamon