UK & Europe Trip 2009

Our last full day in Greece – in sunny downtown Athens (and our last blog from overseas – for anyone who is still checking in to see what we are up to – hope we haven’t been too boring – the blog will be a wonderful record for us of our trip)

Our five star restaurant in Athens served us up a very nice buffet breakfast with lots of choice. The hotel also provided a free shuttle bus into the centre of Athens which we eagerly took. Our first sightseeing stop was to watch the changing of the guard – no we are not back in London, the Greeks do it too, outside Parliament House, – traditionally dressed Greek soldiers dressed in their white skirts and leggings and pom poms on their shoes, accompanied by a naval marching band.

We then wandered through the Flea Markets of Athens, with hundreds of others and made our way to the Acropolis hill.

We  hired a guide and discovered the treasures of the Parthenon and various other temples situated on a high hill with an amazing view over Athens – it is a big city hemmed in by stunning hills. As we listened to the guide tell us about some of the greek myths and the teachings of Socrates and Plato it was interesting to note how much of Christianity’s ideals have their roots in Greek mythology and Greek wisdom teaching. The pantheon is an impressive ruin which they are working hard to preserve.

We then joined with thousands of locals having a late Sunday lunch in the many outside cafes in central Athens. We stopped to listen some Peruvian musicians – I liked their music so much I bought their CD.

Back at the hotel I enjoyed a swim in the rooftop swimming pool while John enjoyed some internet time. Our last dinner in Greece was in the hotel restaurant, not a particularly Greek atmosphere but a delightful meal with vegetables! How I am missing eating fresh vegetables. Many Greek dishes come with little or no vegetables. I enjoyed my vegies tonight. 

Ah well, last night of our holiday, tomorrow we jump on the plane for that long trip home………