The boundary between the ancient and the present encountered at the Acropolis

The highlight of my trip to Athens was undoubtedly the Acropolis. As I slowly ascended the hill, the city's noise gradually faded away, leaving only the wind and sunlight. At the end of the path, the Parthenon stood with a majesty that had withstood thousands of years, overwhelming travelers with its presence. Each marble column bore marks that testified to the passage of time, and standing before it, an indescribable sense of awe washed over me. Walking a bit further past the temple, the panoramic view of Athens unfolded before my eyes. Ancient ruins dotted among the gray buildings, and in the distance, Mount Lycabettus came into view. The scene was not just a 'view' but a 'landscape where history and the present coexist.' As the sunlight tilted over the temple, turning the marble into a golden hue, the Acropolis revealed yet another face. In that moment, I found myself imagining how the ancient gods might have gazed upon this hill. In the scenery where the grandeur of the day and the tranquility of dusk intersected, I felt the true meaning of travel.