Athens...Last Day in Greece! (Friday)

Well, this was it...our last day on the most spectacular trip our chorale has taken yet. Today, we went to the world-famous acropolis of Athens (acropolis simply means the "highest point" of a city), where we visited the Parthenon. But first, we visited the brand new Acropolis Museum (it's only been open a year), and this is where the most precious archeological relics from the buildings on the acropolis (and other ruins from ancient Athens) are now housed, preserving and protecting them in their natural states. It was fascinating...the guide we had gave us a full hour-long tour of the acropolis, and described all the major details of the Parthenon itself, and the history behind it.
Afterward, we walked up to the acropolis, and posed for pictures in front of the parthenon, as well as the temple dedicated to Athena and Poseidon nearby. But, the most meaningful part to me was getting to visit the very rock where St. Paul stood to address the people of Athens...Kris and I climed the rock and stood where he stood...again, we were covered in goosebumps from head to toe...this was the opportunity of a lifetime!
After the Parthenon and Acropolis, we head down and back into the famous Plaka district for lunch...Kris and I had what was, by far, the best meal of the trip...clay oven-baked pita bread with fresh hummus, dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with lamb and rice), mousaka, and souvlaki (lamb kabobs)...VERY good! After lunch, we headed back to the same hotel we had last weekend, and had a good five hours to prepare our luggage for the trip home tomorrow, and Mary Elizabeth, Kris, and I took care of last minute housekeeping details with paperwork details and other business (Kris and I also got to organize our pictures....see the newest ones we just added on facebook!).
We had our farewell dinner at a taverna in the Plaka district, complete with authentic Greek music and dancers...and they pulled ME onstage during part of the show...our group thought I was quite a hit...Betty and Kenny got it on video and are threatening to send it to my parents (Ann and Al)....yikes!! Anyway, it was a rip-roaring good time, and now we're back in the hotel...it is after midnight now, and we have to be up at 6:30 to be ready to be at the airport by 9:00 to fly home. This has been the trip of trips...thank you, Lord Jesus, for your gifts and blessings, and allowing us to walk in your apostles' footsteps!
We love you all and look forward to seeing you soon...we promise...NO "forced picture sessions", so all you Destin folks RELAX...the good pics are on facebook, and we'll have our laptop available for "voluntary" picture viewing. See you back in Mississippi/Florida on Sunday!