Breakfast across from the hotel at EVEREST, a take-out place with tables along the sidewalk. The breakfast sandwich of sausage inside a flaky crust was fresh made and very good. A quick bite before going to watch "bougatsa" being made.

HOP ON-HOP OFF BUS, which we call the HO-HO bus; ticket for two days. Good way to see the city sights, and a bus stop is right across from the hotel. Enjoyed the sightseeing from the upper deck as we traveled toward the restaurant that makes "bougatsa." The 30-ft tall glass sculpture of Dromeas (the Runner) was as spectacular as the beautiful buildings. No matter where you are in Athens, there are views of the ruins on top of the Acropolis--quite the sight!

MYUYRATEAOIKO (aka Bougatso restaurant)  -- Got here in time to watch the fascinating display of tossing phyllo dough into the air (like they do pizza dough).  The dough is folded around a mound of custard cream, baked in the oven, and served hot--mouth-watering delicious! Impossible to resist the fresh-cooked loukoumades (thinking of our Greek cousin, Chris). This is the place to go for "sweets" overload!

Short walk to MONASTIRAKI SQUARE, where there is a HoHo Bus Stop. The square is so pretty with mosaic blocks of marble as the pavement and very diverse buildings; such as, Mosque of Tzistarakis (1759) and the Church of the Pantanassa (10th century now-vanished monastery). 

Topped off with a view of the Acropolis. However, the beauty sort of gets lost among the tons of people milling about. Waited about half an hour before the Ho-Ho Bus arrived. Back to the hotel for an afternoon nap since afternoons are very hot.

 Ho-Ho bus to Acropolis Museum enjoying more city sights.

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM -- Great view walking to the building with the Acropolis looming above. Outside is amazing excavation work showing Acropolis in 480 BC, on the eve of the Persian invasion.

Spent several hours at the various galleries; great video of history over the ages of Acropolis and Partheon. The history comes to life here. So glad we were here before climbing the Acropolis since all the artifacts are housed here.

As we were leaving, could see the long, long line of people for tickets to Acropolis. Tickets are also sold at Temple of Zeus, which is across from the Museum. Walked across street past Hadrian's Arch to Temple of Zeus. Strange having these ancient ruins right next to this very busy highway.

HADRIAN'S ARCH--(2nd century AD) in honor of Roman emperor Hadrian. On top of arch opening are pilasters of Corinthian rhythm. Interesting statue across the street next to the National Gardens (found out later it's the Crowning Lord Byron).

TEMPLE OF ZEUS (began 515BC, took over 700 years to complete in 2nd century)  15 of the original 104 columns remain standing. Yea, no line at all here to buy tickets. Since there are numerous places to visit, purchased a multi-pass ticket.

PLAKA, the oldest Athen's neighborhool, is below the Acropolis. A charming area to wander the meandering lanes with lots of restaurants and shops with traditional crafts. Up the "Plaka Steps" to Geros Toy Moria for dinner--Greek salad, chicken souvlaki, moussaka (just finished making it); fabulous food! A lady staff person talked with us quite a bit; said to taste wine in Santorini (trees are very small; wine there is like nowhere else). Thoroughly enjoyed waiter Stephens who was quite a character. After dinner, he brought tiny glasses of ouzo--wow was it strong!  Nice walk down the hills back to hotel.