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Parthenon in Athens Introduction Many Greeks love to hate Athens. They complain that it is too crowded, too polluted, and too expensive. Now, you're probably wondering if all the great glories and all good things you've heard about Athens are really true. Most of them are. Although Athens is home to four million people, which is 40% of Greece's population, many people try to get through Athens as quickly as possible when they are traveling to and from the islands. But that is a big mistake many people make. You must take the time to fully experience and enjoy Athens. 
View of Athens Transportation You can easily walk from place to place, relaxing in cafes and looking in shops. Many sights you'll want to visit are not extremely big and you can explore them by foot. But, there are plenty of buses and trolleys, and of course the subway. However, it is not recommended to ride the subway during rush hour. Here are three of some of the top things to see and do. If you do nothing else, you just have to visit the Acropolis, or as some say "High City." The monuments that are visible today date back from 450-330 BC, such as the Erechtheion temple and the Parthenon, the most architecturally sophisticated temple of its time. It might be a good idea to wear a hat for protection from the hot sun and low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes, since the marble on the Acropolis steps is very slippery. Another place you would want to visit is Syntagma Square, or the traditional heart of the city. This square is bordered with absolutely wonderful hotels and cafes. The former Greek royal palace, the Parliament, is located at the top of the square. A place in Athens fun for everyone, if you think the other doesn't sound as fun, are the beaches. But, there is one problem. The beaches have signs that warn you of the high levels of pollution. You better believe them. Other than that, the beaches are great. 
Athens Sunset Dining Dining in Greece is great, also. Most of the restaurants and cafes have menus in Greek and English. If you by chance go to a restaurant where there is only a Greek menu, there is most always someone there to help give you suggestions on their food or translate the menu to English. Some of the Greek dishes are moussaka (baked eggplant casserole), souvlaki (chunks of beefs, chicken, pork, or lamb grilled on a skewer), pastitsio (baked pasta, usually with rice and ground meat). Although they serve these dishes in Greece, you may have had them somewhere else since they are so popular world wide. The Greeks enjoy many sports, but they truly like soccer and basketball. Many Greeks also bet (legal and nationwide) on many sports. All of the sports events and results are found in a famous Greek press the Athens News. 
Changing of the Guards Exchange Rate If you think that one American dollar is a lot, one American dollar equals 361.42 Greek Drachmas. Now that's a lot! That rate was one American dollar equals 361.42 Greek Drachma on January 1st, 2001, at 11:09 A.M. and could change anytime. One thing to remember when you plan your trip to Athens is the Olympics will be held there in year 2004. This will be a very special time since the Olympics first originated in Athens. 
Olympic Rings
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