Today we took a walking tour around Athens and learned more about the history of the buildings. Our tour guide was very friendly and taught us about how the graffiti is a way for teenagers to express themselves toward the decisions adults have made regarding their country that are currently affecting them. Another interesting fact is how the ancient and architecturally beautiful buildings are being either replaced by modern style buildings that can accommodate more people or are becoming abandoned. Some historic buildings are being left behind because families decide not to write them into the will and multiple people claim them and cannot come to consensus on what to do with them.
The Independence Day parade that we saw during the walking tour was a massive event. Many people gathered in the streets to see the many vehicles that would pass. In the street were Army trucks from both World Wars followed by artillery, tanks, and other war vehicles. While we were with our tour guide, police cars and firetrucks came down the street, with all of their sirens on. This was so loud we couldn’t hear our tour guide. Afterwards, we noticed jets and helicopters flying low over the street.
After our tour around the city, the students were allowed to explore the area of Athens for lunch and some shopping. We split into different groups and started our own exploration. A couple of groups went to a restaurant called Delophine, where they ordered many Greek appetizers such as the fried zucchini balls with tzatziki. Then groups went around the shops and some bought gifts for home, while others decided to get some dessert. After an hour and a half, we met back at the metro area and went to the Acropolis Museum.
At the Acropolis Museum, we were able to look at different marble figures as well as marble slabs that depicted different stories. The most interesting part of the museum was its clear floor. The floor allowed us to see some of the ancient ruins that were located in the area. We learned about the process behind replicating ruins that were destroyed. At the top floor, we saw a perfect view of the Acropolis.
To end the day, we embarked on a scavenger hunt in the city. This math-themed hunt took us all over the city from the Acropolis museum, where we solved word problems, to the Tower of The Winds to find circumferences. The scavenger hunt also included some Greek translations of street names that had mathematical word roots. We ended our excursion at the Metropolis Cathedral where we shared our answers and took a group photo. Congratulations to the winner of our scavenger hunt, team Pythagoryassss.
Now on to Florence, Italy!