Wednesday, September 7 – Warning, long post, too many photos. Got up early to hit the day running. No literal running as the sun didn’t rise until after 7AM and even I am not crazy enough to jog in the dark in a foreign city. Vowed I would log at least 20,000 steps today. Got breakfast at the hotel and then headed for the big sights.

We were among the first to climb up the Acropolis this morning and it is impressive to think this was all constructed 2,500 years ago. In addition, we were blessed with almost perfect weather–note those beautiful blue skies. Then we were on to the Ancient Agora which was fascinating.

After a nice lunch at a Taverna, we checked out the Central Market, then wound our way back via a couple of churches, the Plaka and Anafiotika.

In our coup for the day, we found the university that was holding an academic conference Erin had been accepted at. Coincidentally, it is being held this week in Athens. Her lab couldn’t fund her to travel, so she is attending remotely. We popped in and there was her conference pass right on the top of the pile on the registration table. When we explained who we were, they gave us a swag bag for her and some travel tips–well worth the 10 minutes walk from our hotel!

We rewarded ourselves with mid afternoon beverages at the rooftop bar. Then Dan wimped out, but I soldiered on, taking one more walk to see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Syntagma Square and the Roman Agora. Got back in time to shower and head for dinner.

After a nice dinner we took a stroll around the neighborhood, had some gelato for dessert and then a nightcap on the rooftop, where we had a nice chat with a couple who had just arrived from Michigan this morning.

No rants today, it was the kind of day that reminds you why you travel! PS, final step count? 30,167!