I’m fairly certain nobody who enjoys traveling has to be convinced to go to Greece. I mean, it’s Greece!! No-brainer. What might take some explaining is how different it’s cities are. It seems like despite all it’s historic qualities, Athens isn’t what people expect when they hear Greece. It definitely wasn’t what I expected.

My Athens trip was actually in two parts; I arrived into Athens for a two night stay and returned from the Islands for another two nights. While it is an amazing city with an incredibly rich history it was a surreal experience. Monastiraki, Athens’ famous flea market shopping and dining district, practically backs into and is surrounded by ruins. You’ll be moseying around, shopping, being harassed by people trying to sell you bracelets and then walk right up to the Roman Agora (below), which has been there since approximately 15 BC.

It’s incredible how commonplace ruins are there. Walking around the city I saw random ruins in front of churches, gated off and even one large ruin underground where the city had at one point begun digging. It’s all preserved or guarded in some way, but the juxtaposition of the 21st century with the ruins of BC felt very strange.

Overall, I thought Athens was wonderful, rich in history and delicious foods with several newer areas and neighborhoods popping up. Take a look at some of the pictures from my trip!

*Note: The Acropolis was covered in students, tour groups and families despite my going early. While it was incredible to see, it was sort of a letdown that everything was so destroyed and trampled on.

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