Athens: Beach. Acropolis. Theater.

By ginapacelli on May 19, 2019 in Greece Travel with 4 Comments

“It takes a lifetime for someone to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” – Henry Miller

Before I visited Greece, my sister, Dina and her daughter, Joanna asked me what I wanted to do during my visit. I told them my main focus was to spend time with family. I had been to Greece before, and I have already seen all of the sites. If we had time, I would love to go to the beaches, the Acropolis, and an island, before heading to Trikala, where most of my biological family resides. When I was two, I was adopted.

On my second day in Greece, Joanna had stuff to do, so Dina and I planned on spending the day together. She asked if I had anything in mind, and we decided a day at the beach followed by exploring the Acropolis would be pure perfection. We headed to the Beach of Lemos Vouliagmenis.

Dina and I headed to another beautiful beach on the outskirts of Athens. This time, we took turns going in the water so someone could watch our stuff. Once again, the ocean was crystal clear, allowing me to see my feet, even as I walked deeper into the warm, cooling water. The scenery was beautiful, and I spied the mountains in the distance. There were no sharks, no seaweed, and no other scary creatures ready to brush against my legs. This allowed me to relax and enjoy the waves crashing against the shore, the salty water, and the sun shining bright, bronzing my skin.

When we had our fill, Dina drove me along the ocean, so I could stop and snap a few pictures. Then, she surprised me with a quick stop at a really pretty spot where water met rocks, Vouliagmenis Lake.

After our day in the sun, we headed back to her place for a quick bite and shower before heading to the Acropolis.

Gina Pacelli and Dina, Acropolis, Athens

I had not been to the Acropolis for years, and I had forgotten how magnificent the ancient structure is. I felt small as I wandered around, snapping pictures, gazing at the city, the amphitheater, and columns. I looked up to the white and blue flag swaying majestically over the city, realizing how proud I was to be Greek. This ancient civilization had made such an impact on our world.

Travel tip: If you visit the Acropolis in the summer, go in the early evening. The days are hot, and the crowds are large. The weather is better and the venue is less crowded closer to closing time.

We took our time exploring, as the crowds dwindled and the sky turned pink. I was reluctant to leave, but we were being shuffled out, and we still had my niece’s play to see. I wished I had a few more hours to watch the sun fully descend. I wanted to see the Acropolis glow at night, and I vowed to do so when I returned.

Gina Pacelli and Dina, Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Before leaving, Dina steered me to Ares Rock to catch panoramic views of the city, sunset, and Acropolis. I made a mental note of coming back in the future and hanging out on top of the rock.

Travel tip: After you explore the Acropolis, turn right and head to the Ares Rock. Climb the stairs, and admire breathtaking views from the top of the rock. Be sure to wear the right shoes, as the rock is uneven and there are broken beer bottles on the ground.

Sunset, Ares Rock, Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Next up was my niece’s play, Don Gil De La Calzas Verdes, written by Tirso De Molina. Although I can understand Greek, as well as speak it, I was thankful Joanna had given me a synopsis of the play beforehand.

Don Gil De La Calzas Verdes, Athens, Greece

When we arrived, I was excited to watch the play just as the Greeks would have in ancient times… in an amphitheater! The night was warm and the stage against the mountains was beautiful.

I was also excited to see my niece, the girl in blue, perform. Oceans apart, I am out of touch with my family’s day-to-day life. This gave me an opportunity to experience Joanna acting out her passion.

As I was adopted, I am fortunate to have a relationship with my biological family, despite the distance. I know many adopted children have never met their birth families. They may have spent years wondering about or searching for their roots. My experience has been very different from norm. For that, I am grateful.

When the play started, I had to pay attention, as the actors spoke rapidly in Greek. I had to stop translating the words in my head and just absorb the scenes in Greek. I have learned that when I start thinking in English too much, I get confused. I have to immerse myself in Greek to understand. At times, this can be challenging.

The play was about a man who left his lover to marry a wealthy woman, the girl in red. His ex, the girl in green, learned of his plan and dressed as a man to woo the wealthy woman. The wealthy woman fell in love with the woman, disguised as a man, as did her best friend, my niece. An interesting love triangle unfolded right before my eyes, under Athens’ starry skies.

My niece did a wonderful job, and I was happy I observed her in her element as she floated across the stage. After the show, we headed back to Dina’s, as we had to be up bright and early the next day for our island adventure. What a wonderful day and evening we had!