Each March 25th is Greece's Independence Day, celebrating independence won from the Ottoman Turks in 1821.  We went to the parade where, traditionally, they have all the Military units and their tanks, cannons and etc in the parade.  This year they did not have any gas and so all the equipment stayed home and the units marched.  This unit is the crack Parliament guard.  They are dressed in the uniform of the 1821 army.  They guard the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Parliament.  I think they were the only ones marching together.

This year even the Generals had to walk

Military army brigade

This unit had adopted a mythological hero slaying a dragon as a symbol of their unit on their  flag

Mom made friends.  They were standing by her at the parade and could speak English and so they answered all her questions and told her about the different military units. 

Kids at parade in 1821 soldier costumes

Pretzel vendor at parade.  Anyone want a pretzel?

Jakes friend, Slim Stanley, came to visit us.  This is a picture of us taking him to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Lil' Mia

This is little Mia Abigail Ollerton, age 21 months.

This President Sankho and me doing the financial report.  President Sankho is president of the Acropoli Branch.  He's a real cool guy!

This is the Plaka at night.  The Plaka is a real cool shopping and eating area right at the base of the Acropoli

These are some buildings on the university campus in Athens

Chris felt so bad I took her down the street and bought her a γερο.

This Chris in the Police station filling out reports.  Oh the life of a missionary.  The police said that with the economy being so bad here, this type of thing is on the rise.

Chris was pick-pocketed.  We had to go to the police station to report it.  She lost drivers license, Credit card, ATM card, Temple recommend (she did that because she wanted a recommend from Greece) They also got 120 euros

Chris listening to the gypsies and throwing money at them

These are two gypsyies that come around every once in awhile.  It is one of Chris's favorite things.  The music is quite good, it echoes through the canyons of buildings.  She throws them a few coins

These are pictures of Chris & I visiting less actives at their home.  They are feeding us!

NO TABLES OR CHAIRS SO PRESIDENT CHARLES LAID DOWN NEXT TO FOOD

Another view of amphitheater

This is a amphitheater at the base of Acropoli hill