Today I woke up around 7:00am.  For breakfast, I had a slice of toast with butter and orange marmalade, cornflakes, and grapefruit juice.  After breakfast, we were scheduled to have a business visit with Panos Benetos, a prominent Greek politician, but due to some scheduling conflicts, he was unable to make it.  However, while we were waiting I was able to get some great pictures of the city from the roof of the hotel. 

Today while sightseeing, we visited some very famous landmarks at the Acropolis, which is the highest point in a city.  I saw the Erechtheion, the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Temple of Zeus.  I also visited the Ancient Agora which is the ancient marketplace.  It was so amazing to view history first hand.  Just seeing all of those sights made me wonder what it would have been like during the time periods when all those temples and monuments were built.  After leaving the Acropolis we were on our own.  To get back to the hotel, we walked down a very busy street (like most I've seen in Athens) with lots of vendors and shops.  The traffic laws must be very lenient because most people drive like they are the only ones on the road.  For lunch I had a pork gyro with potatoes and baklava for dessert.  Both were delicious. 

After lunch we did a bit of shopping.  We went down a street called Ermou.  It reminded me of New York or Chicago because the streets were filled with people and vendors.  (I found out the streets were so crowded because in Europe, the Christmas celebration lasts 12 days.) We went to a department store called the Hondos Center.  It was similar to Dillards and Famous.  They had many of the same American brands that are sold in our department stores. 

For dinner, we ate at the Hermion restaurant.  I loved the atmosphere.  It was very classy and elegant.  I had spaghetti with beef, a glass of wine, and apple pie for dessert.  Again, everything was delicious.  After dinner we did a little more shopping so I decided to practice my bartering skills.  I bought an umbrella for 5 euro when it originally cost 10.  I was very proud of myself. 

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