The Acropolis

The Acropolis in Athens is one of the best recognized or best known monuments. I cannot begin to tell you what we had to go through to get to the top. Our journey started when we walked through town, up a couple of hidden passages, just to arrive at the base of this attraction. You know all of the TV specials that show some man standing with an empty Acropolis in the background? I have no idea how they get those shots, unless it is off hours or the crowds are edited out. Seriously, there is no physical privacy there.

Once we got to the base of the Acropolis, we saw a large crowd of people chaotically waiting near the entrance. It took a few minutes of observation to realize that tickets had to be purchased at a different area before getting in the massive crowds. So glad we figured that out first. Then, basically, there is pushing and shoving on slippery rocks until you finally make your way in. I am not exaggerating; people actually did stumble a bit around us and bodies were too close for comfort. I like queues and order, not chaos. Once you get in, there is another small area that you can wander around before you get in a line (somewhat more clear and organized than the previously mentioned clump of people). This line slowly winds its way around and up until you reach the actual sky-reaching columns that most people think of when they think "Acropolis". The top is fairly busy, but not so crowded that one can't stop and get photos. Just don't expect a photo that doesn't also have a few additional tourists in it that aren't part of your group.
Going down was almost as fun as climbing up. By this time, we were hot, sweaty and tired and our water was getting low. Unfortunately, the steps are just as slick and a lady fell...fortunately she was okay. They have guides along the way urging people to "move along". We moved out of there and went on to greener pastures.