US President Barack Obama on Wednesday toured and was photographed atop the Acropolis in the heart of Athens and with the Parthenon in the background, the quintessence of Classical Antiquity and a symbol of both democracy – on a global scale -- and the continuing presence of Hellenism for the past 3,500 years.
Ηis visit to the site was reportedly a personal choice, and harks back to his Harvard-educated background, which included classical studies.
Obama was given a personal guided tour by a high-ranking culture ministry archaeologist, as he appeared in more comfortable attire atop the hill that dominates central Athens.
The entire archaeological site was closed off to the public on Wednesday, and will only reopen at 2 p.m. (local time) after the popular and outgoing US president and his 30-vehicle entourage depart for a scheduled address by the latter.
After his tour of the outdoor and hilltop archaeological site, which includes the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and remnants of other ancient Athenian temples atop the Acropolis, Obama was then given a tour at the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum, which stands across from the Acropolis’ south end.
Meanwhile, one of the more interesting tidbits from Obama’s contacts with the Greek side on the sidelines of Tuesday’s official dinner was a Tweet by Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura, who related how the soon-to-be ex-president accepted an invitation to again visit Greece – but this time along with his famous family and for a vacation.
According to Kountoura, Obama asked for recommendations on the best Greek holiday destinations.
