We’ve saved the biggest and best for last, but I’m totally in ruins by now. Trying really hard to keep all this ancient history straight but it’s starting to all run together.

What everyone comes to see in Athens is of course the Acropolis, which is the sanctuary of the goddess of Athena, protector of the city below. The view itself from the hilltop is spectacular, overlooking Athens with the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

There were many examples of ancient Greek art and architecture on display in the museum at the bottom of the hill, kept indoors for protection against the elements. The buildings of the Acropolis were of course destroyed and looted by Romans, Persians and Christians alike.

Having had its heyday around the 5th century BC, the Acropolis is constantly being restored to discover and repair the damage caused by stupid power hungry humanity’s disregard for the beauty of cultural heritage.

On our final day we visited the ruins of the ancient agora (imagine your favorite shopping mall empty and blown to bits!)

But I appreciated these ruins even more because they were much less crowded and just as impressive.

Surrounding the ancient agora is the modern agora, a flea market of sorts. It was a great place to wander around the myriad of shops and fritter away the last of our Euros.

All over Greece and Turkey, people look after the feral cats. Many of the strays are even spayed and neutered. Restaurant owners put out food and water for them. As cat lovers, Dotty and I couldn’t resist the photo opportunities.

And so, one last time, I’m off to another international airport with my well-worn passport and scuffed luggage. Wherever it may be, I intend to return to a simpler way of traveling that leaves a smaller footprint. The more humble the traveler, the easier it is to blend in with the locals. So as I ponder that challenge, I wonder where the winds will blow me next.