GREECE - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 287

ite hillside, and it can cool down considerably. You may want to take a light sweater
or pullover.
The Romans made their presence known in Athens, too. A group of ruins dating
from the days of Julius Caesar clusters about the Roman Forum at the beginning
of Aeolou Street. There are so many other sights to be seen that we recommend a
guided tour as the only means of possibly scratching the surface of this wonderful
city where Western civilization began.
With Athens's extensive history, expect to find a full retinue of museums. You
won't be disappointed. Be aware that you may be required to check any bags, in-
cluding purses, and that most museums charge a fee for videotaping within the
museum. If your stay in the city is limited, visit the Benaki Museum, 1 Koum-
bari Street and Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, 10674 Athens. Tel: [phone]; Fax:
0210 367 1063; Hours: Monday-Saturday, 0900-1700, Sunday 0900-1500, and
until 0000 Thursday. Admission: €7; www.benaki.gr . In its 28 chambers, you will
see exhibits ranging from the Bronze Age to the beginning of the 20th century. As
you pass through the centuries of statuary development, note the style by which
the sculptors slowly developed the technique of depicting fingers and toes.
The modern city of Athens also holds much interest for visitors. You must visit
the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, with its colorful guards. Go to a cafe on Syn-
tagmaSquare for coffee and pastry. Climb the timeworn steps leading through the
Plaka Quarter, which hugs the base of the Acropolis. Take the Metro to Faliro Sta-
tion, and sample the fruits of the sea at one of Mikrolimano's charming seafood
restaurants.
Despite being one of the easternmost cities in Europe, Athens has a distinct
Western appearance. Modern Athens surrounds the splendor of its ancient Acro-
polis, which has a nobility that survives time and change. That first glimpse of the
Parthenon from the window of the plane or train that brought you to Athens re-
mains a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Addendum to Athens
Select one of Athens's “tavernas” and enjoy its food, music, and dancing. To exper-
ience a popular form of Greek entertainment, visit a bouzouki nightclub. Bouzouki
music is similar to American blues in that the music reflects the pain and pathos
often present in love and friendships. Before you participate in the traditional plate
breaking, check with the management as to the cost per dozen. You could end up
spending a lot of euros.