Our first full day in Greece began with a tour of its most famous sight, the Acropolis above the center of Athens.

As we gathered beneath a grove of olive trees, Nike, our local guide told us about prehistorical life here.

On the top floor of the Acropolis Museum, our guide Nike explained to us the sculptures on the east pediment of the Parthenon, which depicts the birth of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, war, and the city of Athens. Athena emerged from the head of her father, Zeus, fully grown and armored. The rest of the Olympian gods reacted to this event. This reconstruction was based on a 1674 drawing by Jacques Carrey. By that time, the center group of statues had been destroyed a long time ago.

Within walking distance from our hotel is the Vizantino Taverna. We had a choice of chicken kebab, stewed beef or grilled fish.

After dinner we walked around to see the nightlife in this district below the Acropolis known as Plaka.

After taking a free shuttle bus from the main port of Mykonos to its largest town Chora, we walked on a narrow path along the waterfront to see the famous giant windmills.

Surrounded by ruins of Ephesus, photo opportunities are everywhere. We just passed the Fountain of Trajan. The Temple of Hadrian is next.

At the Knossos ruin site of the Bronze Age Minoan civilization, we were amazed by their ability to construct and organize the water, sewer, food storage and administrative systems without a written language.