Travel is meant to inspire us, stir emotions and create incredible memories. There were so many of those moments during our 10-day Mediterranean cruise onboard the new Carnival Vista.
For me personally, there was one moment that topped them all — climbing Areopagus (also known as Mars Hill) in Athens, Greece.
What is Areopagus?
Areopagus is a hill located on the northwest side of the Acropolis, just a few hundred yards from the main entrance. The hill offers magnificent views of Athens and the Acropolis too. We even spotted the Carnival Vista from atop the hill.
For those interested in climbing the hill, there are numerous ways up — a steep path, a metal staircase adjacent to the hill, or do as we did – climb the manmade steps up the hill. (It is a workout, but SO worth it.)
And much more significant than the views, Aeropagus is where the Apostle Paul said,
“Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” — Acts 17:24.
My Personal Connection to Areopagus / Mars Hill
Areopagus’ Roman name is ‘Mars Hill’ – which is also the namesake for my beloved alma mater Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, North Carolina. From the time I was ten years old, I’ve heard about Mars Hill, the school, and known of the significance of the ‘real’ Mars Hill in Athens.
When I arrived at school, the university became my home. The place where I met friends that have become family, the place where I created myself and became an adult.
I have always dreamed of visiting the ‘real’ Mars Hill in Athens, but never thought I would have that chance. And I certainly never imagined that I would get there via cruise ship! (Thank you, Carnival Cruise Line.)
Friends and family like to poke fun at me because I can practically cry on cue. And there’s no shame in my game here — the tears were flowing as I sat atop that hill overlooking Athens. Thank goodness for big sunglasses and a husband that knew I needed to cry and let me soak up the moment.
It was emotionally overwhelming — I had reached the place I thought I’d never see. I cried because I wished my Mars Hill family could have been there to experience it with me. I cried because I knew I’d more than likely never experience that moment again. I cried because my journey had come full circle.
While it may be just a ‘rock’ to most visitors, this place and its namesake are an important piece of who I am.
As we made our way back to the Carnival Vista that afternoon, my heart was full of emotions. My heart was overflowing with joy, excitement and a lot of happy tears. I was mentally exhausted. I did it. I saw ‘my’ Mars Hill and it was everything I hope it would be — and more.
I’m so incredibly thankful to Carnival Cruise Line for the opportunity to truly check off a massive bucket list opportunity. You never know what types of adventures and excursions will be significant to travelers.
We all have our own ‘moment’ that remains with us from traveling. For me, I’m certain there won’t be a bigger (or more emotional) moment than visiting Areopagus in Athens, Greece.
What Travel Experiences Have Inspired You?
** My husband and I sailed on the Carnival Vista Mediterranean sailing as guests of Carnival Cruise Line. Our trip to Athens, Greece was part of a complimentary excursion. Thoughts and opinions here are my own. **
I still can’t believe y’all got away for so long WITHOUT kids! YAY!
Ha! You and me both! It was SO much fun — we are already trying to figure out how we can make it an annual thing 🙂
If you want to really travel and see the world, forget the cruises. Mars Hill is a special Place. But you couldn’t have experienced much of Athens on a cruise. Next time call Cosmos Tours
That is so exciting! We used to live in Germany and traveled to many other countries from there, but I never got to visit Greece or the UK. Good to know Carnival is an option to the Meditterranean!
Thanks for reading, Leslie. I hope you can make it to Greece and the UK one day – they are magical places for sure!
Carrie, I am writing this in Athens right now (8-20-2018. I found your blog Googling to try and find the actual Altar Paul saw. My sister told me she saw it, but Google results seems to indicate it does not actually exist today. What say you?
Hi Martin – Thanks for your note! I’m not sure whether the altar still exists today or not – I only saw the hill during our visit.
Enjoy your time in Athens!
What a beautiful experience. I hope to go to Mars
Hill one day, and hope that my experience is as beautiful as yours. the bible says that a woman named Damaris listened to Paul preach the gospel on Mars Hill, and her name was mentioned only once in the bible. Thanks for sharing your lovely story.
You quoted Paul’s words, “Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” — Acts 17:24. Great words and moment in scripture, but then you moved on so quickly from them. These are his preamble to proclaiming Jesus Christ and His resurrection. There were three groups of responses to Paul’s message. What is yours?
Thank you Carrie for posting your travels to Mars Hill. I am Pastor Paul and live in San Antonio Texas. I am 76 years and am doing a series of messages on Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys thru Asia, Greece etc. I am pausing right hear at Mars Hill studying what Paul went thru there. I’ll be moving on to the theater at Ephesus. I don’t think I’ll ever be in that region of the world following in your footsteps and Apostle Paul’s footsteps. But just wanted to thank you for posting pictures of the same place Paul traveled as I tell the story of where Paul evangelized to the members of the church I pastor.
I think what made me cry about this place were the 1000s trying to get to the other places next to this to see the place of the Greek gods and had no idea they were so close to a biblical place. It’s was a blessing!