Things to avoid doing when navibrating at the Acropolis
This morning was a very exciting one for us. We got to navibrate on the Rock of the Acropolis with the goddess and patroness of Athens, Athena, guiding our footsteps.
We were there at 8 a.m. just as this amazing monument opened and the only word we can use to describe it is MAGICAL. Walking the path leading up to the Acropolis from the ticket desk while listening to Athena’s introduction was one of the most unforgettable parts of our trip to Athens. Once inside, we were equally as impressed… but there were some things that we need to share with you.
Things you should avoid doing when navibrating at the Acropolis.
Touching the marble
This is a big no-no and there are signs all over the Acropolis warning visitors not to touch the marble. As tempting as it may be to touch a piece of marble that might have been carved by the sculptor Phidias himself, please restrain yourself. For the good of international relations. If not, you will hear whistles. Lots of them. Very shrill whistles, getting closer and closer to you.
Taking rocks or pieces of the monuments as souvenirs
Under no circumstances let it cross your mind to bag a piece of the Acropolis as a souvenir. And if you can’t help it, do not, and we stress, NOT put the plan into action. We have seen visitors breaking pieces of ancient columns in Greece and hexagonal stones off the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. Navibration is all about conscientious travelling and sharing about the world around us. One important way to do this is by leaving everything exactly as we find it, so the next travellers who visit can enjoy it as much as we did.
Ignoring the whistles
When you hear whistles in the distance and you think, “they aren’t blowing those whistles at me”, it is very likely that they are. It has happened to us. If you step into a cordoned off area or lean against an ancient wall (even by accident), security will somehow see what you are doing. And they will blow the whistle. And will keep blowing it until you realise they are blowing it at you. It is a shrill, very annoying sound. For you. And everybody else. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Pushing
Surprisingly, the Rock of the Acropolis is quite open plan with lots of room for everybody. There is no need to push or even to rush. There are several sets of tall steps at different points and these are potential danger areas. Don’t cause an accident.
Being an over-zealous photographer
Everybody wants a photo of the Parthenon or of the Porch of the Caryatids. They are iconic structures that are known all over the world. Some travellers take a lot of time composing their picture and framing it to make it just perfect. In an ideal world, this would be okay, but when you have ten other visitors behind you, it leads to frayed tempers and frazzled nerves. Try to be quick. Think of others. Your photo will still be amazing. Trust us!
Wearing the incorrect footwear
You can wear whatever kind of shoes you like. There, we said it!
But, there are some things you might need to know before you go. The terrain around the Acropolis is rocky. Or stony at the very best. This kind of environment is not very kind on high heels or flimsy footwear. In addition to the rockiness of the Acropolis, is the slippiness of these rocks. We slipped twice this morning because we were wearing light tennis shoes with no grips. If you have no choice of footwear, just be very careful as you make your way around the site.
We are sure that you would never do ANY of these things. Navibrators are conscientious and open-minded travellers who want to learn as much as possible from every trip. You may come across others who are not. Be patient and lead by example! And who knows, maybe the goddess Athena will intervene. The Goddess of Justice always prevails. Join her and Navibration on its new Athens Acropolis experience. Experience the Greek capital and the Ancient World like never before.
https://www.navibration.com/guides/199/Atenas:%20Acr%C3%B3polis
