An Ancient Wonder of the World

This morning we would have our first, of many, tours. Legit with a guide, headsets and all that jazz. We were touring the city of Athens via bus (how else) and then the Acropolis. This is what I came to see. History! call me a nerd but I had long been awaiting the days to see where Democracy was formed. We were no longer in the slum part of Athens but the city as it is portrayed.
Our first stop was Panathinaiko, or Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first modern day Olympics in 1896. Greek and Olympic flags of fly in front of the stadium. It's not much to look at, but if your imagination is up to par, it can do the looking for you.
Our stop at Parliament was lucky. we stopped in time to watch the changing of guards. This is a very ceremonial, routine event. More complicated and rehearsed than simply trading posts. We also drove past the College of Athens and what's left of the Temple of Zeus, but finally, we reached the Acropolis.

Impossible to capture full stadium. 

Before visiting Europe I thought The Acropolis of Athens was the only acropolis. That is false. There are several. However, Athens' is typically known as "The Acropolis," so I'm convinced this is a common misconception. "The word acropolis comes from the Greek words ἄκρον (akron, "edge, extremity") and πόλις (polis, "city")."
Moving on...
Again, we are hiking up rock and dirt to reach our destination. You don't see much from below and as you're walking up, suddenly you turn a corner and BAM!---Acropolis! Initially all I see are some old sanctuaries I believe but the further up we go the more my jaw drops. When we reach the very top, there she is, in all her beauty--- The Parthenon. In my 23 years of living I have only ever seen pictures of this structure, and even those pictures look photo shopped. Never in my life did I imagine I'd be standing, feet covered in dust, staring at history. 
I know I elaborated on all this looking and standing with history nonsense when I described Delos, but the Acropolis is different for me because I actually knew what it was before this trip.
Athens created democracy as we know it, Athena came to Athens when it was no more than the highest point of the city, and it was all just a domino effect from there. 
Here's the story in a nutshell...
Originally Poseidon, brother of Zeus, and Athena, daughter of Zeus settled in Athens and soon a battle for whom the city would be named after ensued. Poseidon struck a rock and created a water spring. Athena dropped a seed that instantly turned to an olive tree. The Athenians, obviously by it's name, chose Athena's gift because it was wise and served multiple purposes. And to this day olive oil can be found on the table of every restaurant in Greece. So, thank you, Athena, for such a delicacy!

The Old Temple of Athena

Of course, the Parthenon is under construction but it's breathtaking nonetheless. The whole Acropolis is under a major construction. Pieces deteriorate and architects and specialists have to keep it in tact piece by piece. It's all too much to explain, especially since I'm not 100% on what I'm saying. All I know is Greeks must pay some serious taxes to keep all there wonders intact. 
The Parthenon is dedicated to non other than Athena herself. It symbolizes Ancient Greece as we know it and was built at the height of the Athenian era. 

Yeah, I took that :)

This is why 'selfies' are OK in Europe :)

For marble, granite, dust and gravel, the Acropolis of Athens sure is a sight for sore eyes. I can't attempt to describe the way this place made me feel without doing damage so I will leave it be. It's just absolutely an unlisted wonder of the world. I don't know who creates the lists of "The Seven Wonders of the World, Ancient World, Modern World," but they do not make the list long enough.