Stare-down in the sacred tree

Yia sas!  Mom and I spent our second day in Athens exploring The Acropolis, The Acropolis Museum, and walking through the National Gardens.

While it was fascinating to see the Parthenon up close and personal, Mom and I both really enjoyed  learning about The Erechtheion, a smaller temple located near the Parthenon.  Although both buildings were built to honor Athena (the Patron God of Athens) the Erechtheion was considered a particularly holy and significant site.

Greek legend claims that on the site where the Erechtheion was built, Poseidon plunged his trident into rock, producing a spring of water.  At the same site Athena planted a simple olive tree. The olive tree produced the fruit that became the staple of Greek agriculture, and judges declared Athena the winner.  To this day an olive tree is planted on the west wall of the building to honor the legendary competition and Athena's victory.

While we were drawn to the temple because of the unique architecture, Mom and I both walked away bemused by what we discovered when we passed by.  A cat was perched in Athena's sacred tree, and at the base a stray dog was vigilantly staring down the feline, taking in its every action.  I'm pretty sure the epic stare-down garnered as many pictures from tourists as the temple itself!

Mom and I wrapped up the day with a glass of wine on the rooftop of our hotel, taking in all of Athens.  What is most fascinating about the city is the blend of antiquity with modernity.  If you consider the recent turmoil and protests Greece has endured, it adds an even more interesting layer to the history of this ever-evolving city.

Mom and I spent the past four days in Santorini, but they have mostly consisted of beach-bumming, seafood consumption, and reveling in the beauty of the craggy island.  I'll write more on that tomorrow!
{Mom in the rooftop bar of our hotel}

*Note: picture of Erechtheion is via interwebs: https://www.google.com/search?q=erechtheion&client=safari&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=0_umUeD9EOHt0gWb14HoDA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAA&biw=768&bih=928&sei=2PumUfS1M5Go0wW2i4CQBw#biv=i%7C4%3Bd%7CuxnFB8SvbZ_WLM%3A