August 2, 2004


Acropolis at Sunset

I took some time last Saturday to explore some of Athens - familiarity with the city and its sites is an important part of my job, so I wanted to take a look around.  I arrived at the Acropolis at around 8AM, hoping to beat the tourist rush.  I had the place pretty much to myself for the first hour or so, wandering through the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the theatres, and the Erechtheion (420 B.C.), which I think was my favorite because of the beautiful Caryatids that support its south side.  While most of the buildings are undergoing a massive reconstruction/conservation effort, including the Temple of Nike Athens, which really isn't visible at the current moment, it is still an amazing experience.  I finished my explorations by visiting the Temple Olympieion Zeus - which has 15 of its original 144 columns still standing - and wandering around the Plaka, looking at various stores' wares and enjoying a Frappe (Nescafe, milk, ice, and sugar), the drink of choice of Athenians.

Changing of the Guard		Dog and Ruin

This week looks to be busy as the various athletes from around the world begin to check into the Olympic Village and the global media continues to trickle in.  On the EuroSport channel from my hotel room, I watched the London Grand Prix track meet, the last stop for most track athletes before arriving in Athens.  Jamaican Asafa Powell, who has been undefeated this season, beat American Maurice Greene, who looks to defend his 100-meter Olympic title in Athens.  Before coming to Athens, both Powell and Greene will likely race in Zurich.  Another exciting athlete to watch in LondonAthens, he will stand alone.  In Sydney, I saw him beat Kenya's Paul Tergat, one of his great rivals, in one of the most dramatic finishes ever.  His race in Athens might be what I look forward to most; it takes place on Friday, August 20th.  Don't miss it.

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Be sure to check back often for Dr. Amy Bass's updates
to her Online CNR Olympic Diary.