Last stop....Athens

Greetings to all of you from the birthplace of democracy, drama, geometry, and western thought, Athens.

I have arrived at the final destination on my journey, before I return home. In my travels, I have now visited all three of the places from which Western Europe and America derive all of their/our beliefs and principles, Rome, Constantinople/Istanbul, and Athens.

After checking into my hotel, which is plush by the way, I headed out to see the Acropolis. The day has been cloudy in Athens, which coupled with the constant breeze has made a most pleasant day. The exit from the Acropolis Metro Station puts you right at the base of the hill. I could not help but stand and be amazed my first sight of the temple complex. You start at the base, and then wind your way up through the theatre complexes, which are still in use to this day! As I wandered up the pathway, all I could think of is the countless people who have tread in these footsteps. People like Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Constantine, and the list goes on. But more than the famous people, it is the ordinary people that walked these paths on the way to worship. People who came to pray for healthy children, the safe return of loved ones, and for happiness in their lives. That is what makes this site so hallowed in my mind.

The buildings are astonishing in the construction, beauty, and cleanness of their lines. These buildings are over 2,500 years old! That is over 10 times the age of the Untied States. The Greek Government is in the process of doing some work to enhance the site to its previous splendor. I am torn about this. Part of me would love to see the site in its former glory. Part of me likes the fact that the site is old. Time has enhanced its beauty and its significance. That is a discussion that would not have a clear black and white answer.

Tomorrow is the end of my journey. This will be my last entry into the Travel Blog. The trip has been special, so very special. It has been all that I could have imagined, and then so much more. It is ironic that I am visiting Greece, because the Fates, those most Greek of goddesses, have sewn me a glorious thread on this trip. There have been so many things and instances. Some of which I have written in the blog, and some of which I have written in my personal journal. I typically do not share those thoughts, but a few of the things I will always remember. The awe of the Suleymanye Mosque in Istanbul. The beauty of the sunset in Santorini. Laying on the black beach at Parissa, listening to random shuffle on my iPod, thinking how vibrant the blue of the sea was, and then Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue comes on. The peacefulness of Paros. The parting of the clouds as I crested the Arcopolis to view the Parthenon. I have placed a picture of the Greek Flag on this post. I am in love with Greece and the Greek People! I am an American though and through. France will always hold a special place in my heart. However, this country is a very close second. When I leave here on Sunday, I will leave a small piece of my being here, but I take a greater piece of Greece with me.

Thank you again to everyone that has read the Blog, and has commented on it. It has helped me not be so alone on this journey.

I miss all of you, and I am ready to return to my little piece of East Nashville. I will see you when I return Stateside.

Scot, the world traveler.