Athens to Izmir

Tuesday 17th June

Up bright and early to explore the Acropolis . It's already 30 degrees at 9 o'clock.

Hoping to skip some crowds.

This is the fruit market right outside our hotel . So cheap . Cherries 1euro 49 a kilo!

The Acropolis is a totally amazing site, sitting on the hilltop overlooking Athens and would have been incredible if it had have survived. The Parthenon was obliterated when it was hit by cannon fire when used as a munitions battery.  The poms have a lot to answer for as they have taken lots of the columns and statues from there which are now in the British Museum.

The Theatre of Dionysus

The seating in here has been renewed and it is used for concerts.

The Propylaea and Temple of Athena Nike

The Erechthelon - built about 420BC 

The Parthenon - huge restoration work being done - the back

There are lots of ruins in the distance too.

The ruins of the Temple of Zeus.

Hadrian's Arch

I guess it is only now that people are realising how important it is to preserve all this history.  When Sam visited in 1979 he was able walk in the Parthenon and sit on the edge. Lots of areas are protected which is great. Huge restoration work is in action, some good, some not so good.

Despite trying to protect it, we saw one guy picking up pieces to take home with him!

Head back to hotel to taxi to airport to Izmir, Turkey. It's a 1 hour flight. Just like flying Napier to Auckland, even same kind of plane.We had read an article a few months ago about doing a walking eating tour of a Izmir, so we set off to do that and sample the local food. Izmir is the 3rd biggest city in Turkey has 4 million people!

Kemeralti Bazaar is the first stop. They say you can buy absolutely anything you want there.

There are thousands of stalls and people everywhere! People wanting you to buy. Some bargains. None for us though!

Lamb steaks, heads, offal and below a huge selection of nuts.

These are the most delicious find on our eating tour . Called Midye Dolma - mussels stuffed with a rice mixture which has currants, cinnamon, pine nuts . It varies. A squeeze of lemon. Delicious. Very cheap - 5 Turkish Lira for 2 dozen - about $2.20.

Konak Square

There's not a lot else to see here. It's quite dirty. We have a kebab and drink and head for an early night. Ephesus tomorrow .