Day 6 Mars Hill, Acropolis and Downtown Athens: From Ancient Stones to City Streets

The day started just like no other some fresh coffee from the local coffee shop and some devotional time with fellow students. This is a time of reflection and laughter among the crew.

After this we loaded up in the vans for a trip to the city, Downtown Athens. With our fearless leader showing us the ropes, we were all able to navigate through the getting our metro pass and boarding the train. For those who are unfamiliar with the subway system this can be overwhelming, A thousand quiet stories packed into one train car. But we did it and made it to downtown Athens.

Getting off the Metro opened a different since of history, We are now walking the streets of Athens and headed to Mars Hill. There is one lesson we can all learn from while walking the streets of unfamiliar territory, Watch your step. The uneven surface and slick paths can catch you at your least prepared moment.  IYKYK!

Today felt like stepping through layers of history, belief, and human longing.

Starting at Mars Hill, where Paul once stood and spoke to the people of Athens. It’s strange, standing where he stood, looking out at the same skyline. He didn’t preach with anger or arrogance—he began by noticing their searching hearts. “I see that you are very religious,” he said. And then he pointed them to the God they didn’t yet know. Not a distant deity, but one who is near. “In Him we live and move and have our being.” You could feel the weight of those words in the air, even now. The view from above where History meets modernization was like no other.

From there, we climbed up to the Acropolis, with the Parthenon rising in all its ancient power. It’s beautiful, no doubt. Every stone, every column, carries centuries of meaning. People built it out of deep devotion trying to reach the divine, to make sense of the world. And yet, for all its beauty, it’s also silent. Impressive, but empty. It reminded me that humans have always been reaching for something bigger than us. But not all that glitters is holy. Not all gods speak. The structure and the views resonate with us that such history lies right above us, all the sights and sounds of the city just below. Not everyone knows the story some just visit because it’s a landmark, If those walls could talk the stories would be unfathomable. 

Walking through downtown Athens, there were no ruins, no temples, just real life. The sound of traffic, the smell of street food, the press of people going about their day. Locals and tourists moved together through crowded streets, with music, conversations, and car horns filling the air. It was chaotic, alive and somehow, sacred.

Finishing off with just some delicious treats we enjoyed for the day.  

Food in Greece isn’t just about eating it’s about connection. Every meal feels like an invitation to slow down and enjoy being together. The flavors are fresh and real olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, bread straight from the oven. But what stands out most is the hospitality. People don’t just serve you food they make you feel welcome. Like you belong.

Meals last longer here, not because they’re fancy, but because no one’s rushing. It’s about conversation, laughter, presence. It reminded me how often Jesus shared meals because food has always been about more than filling our stomachs. It’s a way to show love.

Here, food feels sacred. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s shared.

-Jennifer Anthony