TEST

My time in Athens this year was unfortunately short - I was only able to spend one afternoon and evening there before flying home to Cincinnati the next day.  Although I would have loved to stay longer, I did have enough time to wander around the city with my camera, trying to capture its unique spirit.


The acropolis (in the background), was the defensive center of the earliest settlement in this area.  Later, in the 5th c. BC, it became the symbolic center of the Athenian empire.  Today, the ancient monuments there can be seen from all over the city, keeping modern Athens' past alive. 



I LOVE souvenir shops, so a walk through the super touristy Plaka district is always a must for me. 



There's just something about cheesy souvenirs that makes my heart race.  I can rarely come home from a trip without a refrigerator magnet or a stack of postcards. 

 






The apartment where I stayed this year could not have been in a better location.  This is the view from one side of the balcony...

...and this is the view from the other!  It's tough to beat that. 



Watching the sunset over the Parthenon with a good bottle of wine and some good friends was the perfect way to end the summer abroad.   


Γειά σου, Ελλάς.  




I'm an archaeologist who lives in America during the year, but travels to Italy and Greece to conduct research every summer.