Speeding cars, ancient ruins & saganaki

June 21^st

LA to Heathrow. Heathrow to Athens. Wonderfully uneventful. Love British Air and the personalized screens. Movies and conversation with a wonderful couple from New Zealand.

To hotel—ride through the Athens. Should have been my first clue as to the craziness of the city—speeding cars, zig-zagging motorcycles, lack of street signs (all which will almost make me insane later when I myself first drive through Athens!) But I don’t pay attention to the chaos—I’m mesmerized by the ancient ruins that shoot out of the city buildings. Hadrian’s Arch. Zeus Temple. The Parthenon and Acropolis. It's unreal. The ancient and modern coexisting. The stories I've heard for so long. All alive right in front of me.

We're here! A family adventure. My amazing husband and kids. My father, brother and extended family (Linda, Sherri, Jeremy, Jacob & Josh!) And I am so grateful.

Finding our way in the dark. Up and down cobblestone streets. Dinner at a beautiful, yet hidden, restaurant measures up to all I imagine. Saganaki (fried cheese,) eggplant, spinach zucchini balls, Greek salad. The Ouzo I can do without! But the view of the Acropolis at night is breathtaking. Mix that with the amazing flavors and a family’s laughter. A perfect first night in Athens. Perfect.