Athens is unlike any other city in the world. My initial impressions were that of marvel, the city I was standing in was where a majority of the modern western world began. Looking upon a city which contains the remnants of structures symbolizing the highest forms of power, philosophy, government, economics, and art, the magnitude of our world was put in full perspective. But Athens doesn’t make you feel small, with all of its history, glory, and teachings the city is welcoming. The people and the environment are kind and warm, and after visiting many of these historic sites and speaking with the people of Greece my perspective on many things has been expanded. The Acropolis was my first eye opening experience, hearing the guide speak about every single intricate detail the ancient Athenians paid attention to was fascinating. Whether it was the angle of the sunlight coming through the columns, its strategic use as a temple and tactical position, or the manipulation of our eyes to make its structure perfectly straight, everything was accounted for. The power of ancient Athens and Greece as a whole cannot be comprehended, but the Acropolis and all of its structures are the best way for me to wrap my mind around it. By far the most introspective experience I had was on the Hill of the Muses. Just a short walk from the acropolis and up some stairs there’s a viewpoint in the city that is unmatched. The feeling of awe that washed over me was immense and after beginning to speak about its use it made complete sense. Knowing that the exact place and view I was taking in is where the greatest philosophers of the world came to sit and think was profound. I found it to be the most impactful experience by far. I gained a much deeper appreciation for my research into Aristotle and his work, and while overlooking the city I understood why ancient Athenians pondered so deeply. From the sights to the tours to the people themselves I’ve never experienced anything similar before. I went into this trip expecting Greece to be hustling and full of people bothered by our presence. The discovery of the complete opposite was incredibly eye opening. The people want you to see their city, speak to them, and learn about them. The capital city of Greece is full of five million people, but it’s quiet, the city is calm, and the people are kind. It’s in every sense of the word, peaceful. My first impression of Greece and especially Athens was a mix of awe and inadequacy, but after a day or two I felt right at home.
