Thousands of years ago, great minds strolled the agora under the shade of olive trees, and conversated into existence democracy, philosophy, theater, and the academy. Under Apollo’s merciless sun, we hiked up the Acropolis of Athens like honored disciples, kicking up the same earth that once stuck to Plato’s sandals. Athens is a mythical and historic place, brimming with a stoic and knowing energy that only comes with thousands of years of experience, and many gods on your side. The Pantheon temple itself has been copied around the world, from French Parliament to the U.S. Supreme Court, and yet still remains a true and constant symbol of the incredible glories of the Greek legacy and all of its marvelous contributions to modern society. The country that created democracy, drama, and tzatziki? Let Hades have me before I leave Greece!

It was July Athens was warm and perfect, and we were thrilled to finally end our journey from America. We arrived just before sunset to the lovely Homer & Poetry, in the historic Plaka district of the city. Homer and Poetry is a beautiful boutique hotel, with wood floors, a rooftop with a view, and darling rooms named after famous Greek poets, swoon. We made off for dinner streetside, flirted with our handsome waiters, and wandered to the Al Hammam Traditional Baths, and sipped turkish tea on the roof through sunset and then descended for some much needed post flight bliss. We returned from Hammam heaven to the Monastiraki center and strolled with gelatos, catching a glimpse of the Parthenon at night, beautifully light, and ethereally floating above.

We woke the next morning bright and early, in efforts to dodge even just a bit of the merciless sun. After coffee and croissants on the rooftop, we headed straight for our pilgrimage to the Acropolis. There are several lines to enter the Acropolis, but we chose the line all the way up top, just before the entrance, as it seemed there was less of line for those who hiked. The lines are unavoidable, but it flew by with our buddy Rick Steves playing in our earbuds. (I am a huge fan of him!) We wandered the Acropolis, taking photos, and absorbing the historic energy of this place. I have never felt the weight of history so tangibly. This temple was constructed so long ago, it was a different world then! It is a magical reminder of all that humans are capable of, and all that can last long after we are gone.

It was too hot to keep exploring the ruins, and we were on the hunt for gladiator sandals. We descended the Acropolis and found the Plaka steps, an idyllic, shady staircase dotted with restaurants and chairs spilling out to the steps. We chose a table up top and center, and people watched over sangria and grilled octopus. I didn’t love our restaurant, but the Plaka steps is an Athens can’t miss from me.

We shopped for souvys, and I came home with a beautiful “mati” gold bracelet. “Mati” is the Greek “evil eye”, and a charm meant to ward away curses received from looks with ill intentions. We peeled ourselves away from the truly darling shops of the Plaka and shot over to the airport, for we had island on our itinerary. We flew over the Aegean Sea admiring the islands of the Cyclades group. There’s something about seeings islands at sea, that lets an airy and easy mood take over. Here at sea, it became recess in the land of knowledge, and the goddesses of the playground were calling to us.