June 23, 2002 - Athens
We woke up a little late and headed out to the flea market. It was blistering hot and we had lots of souvenirs to buy. I tricked Nina into going back to the hotel for a nap while I suffered for another hour or so finding all of the perfect gifts. After a nice afternoon siesta, we hiked up to the top of Likavitos Hill to watch the sunset.
A view of the daunting Likavitos Hill in the distance, which rises to 910 feet from the center of Athens. According to legend, the hill was created when the Goddess Athena, from which the city takes its name, dropped a large rock that she had intended to use for the Acropolis.
The street leading up to the base of Likavitos Hill. Notice the very steep steps!
Orange trees shade the sidewalk in this Kolonaki neighborhood on our way to Likavitos Hill.
Beautiful pink flowers seemed to be everywhere in Greece.
Finally at the top, Chris takes a much deserved rest. Likavitos Hill is also called Lycabettus, Lycabettos, Lykavittos and Lykabettos). The widely popular belief behind the hill’s name stems from the Greek word of “Lykos”, meaning wolf. It is thought that wolves once inhabited Lykavittos Hill.
The Chapel of St. George was built in the 1800s.
There were a few neighborhoods like this where a mound of rock was just left in place and buildings were simply developed around it.
Another hill not too far off from Likavitos... maybe more rocks dropped by the Goddess Athena?
There's a very picturesque cafe with a huge terrace at the top of Likavitos Hill.
Nina enjoying a gorgeous view and a much needed rest on the terrace.
Both of us having house wine and water (at the rather over priced terrace bar on top of Likavitos Hill).
The best view of the sunset in Athens!
The rocky face of Likavitos Hill.
The countryside off in the distance.
The church bell at the top of the hill.
The church bell sits precariously on top of a cliff.
The street we took to get to Likavitos Hill with the Acropolis in the distance and bizarre "pom pom" trees in the foreground.