New computer! This means lots and lots of new posts because I’m so much more motivated now! Or it at least means that I can’t use the excuse that my computer is too slow or has no room for new pictures.

This summer was a whirlwind of activity for me. My family came to Europe to see me, we went to a ball in Vienna, and I went to the US for a month and traveled to several states. I’m now back in Vienna for a few months before I return to the US to prepare for my next adventure. I’m hoping to do a bit more traveling while I’m still in Europe so keep you’re fingers crossed for me! Spain has been on my list for years now and I still haven’t done it. Seems like now might be the time!

First stop on my family’s Europe vacation was Athens!

The Parthenon…with a lot of construction. Nothing like seeing over a thousand years of history covered in scaffolding. 

Still impressive though. 

View of the Temple of Zeus from the Acropolis. 

The next day we drove to Attica to see Poseidon’s Temple at Cape Sounion. The current temple was built sometime around 440 BC, but archeologists have found artifacts dating back to 700 BC. It overlooks the beautiful Aegean Sea.

The legend says that the king of Athens, Aegeus, jumped to his death after fearing that his son, Theseus had died trying to defeat the vicious Minotaur (half-man, half-beast). In fact, Theseus had not been defeated. He had agreed with his father that if won, he would change the sail of his ship to a white one. He forgot though and Aegeus assumed the worst when he saw his son’s ship sailing home with a black sail. 

I think my favorite part of the trip was the site original Olympic stadium, the Panathenaic Stadium. The original stadium was built around 556 BC. Unfortunately it fell into ruin, but was restored in order to hold the first Olympic game of the modern era in 1896.  It’s so cool to think about the ancient (and modern) Olympic games taking place at this spot!

The stairs were INSANE. There’s another level behind the one’s that you can see here. I do not recommend trying to walk up them if the wind is blowing. (Already tried it.)

Olympic torches throughout the years.

This is the tunnel that athletes would walk down before entering the stadium.

A nice cheesy tourist picture for your enjoyment. 

Probably also touristy, but this Greek yogurt was SO GOOD. Yummm.