Everything has gone extremely well from my transportation here including air flights and metro train into Athens and walk to the hotel (only 3 stops for directions!) No sleep on the leg from Miami to Madrid but nap enroute to Athens made me ready to go on arrival. I joined Captain Dave and his friend Carol at the rooftop bar of the hotel with an incredible view of the Acropolis. Dwain, Lydia and I made plans for dinner which was delicious at a Taverna Cafe in an area called the Soulavi district and Soulavi (spelling?) was what we ordered. Lydia ordered a Greek salad which we shared. Great "from the house barrel" wine. We took a walk along the streets of Plaka looking into some of ruins and admiring the lights of the Acropolis constantly in sight. It was a beautiful night and everyone was enjoying strolling around the small streets.
I was awake at 5 and decided to go for an early morning walk an hour or so later. Streets were scrubbed clean, restaurants were starting to open their doors and the early morning light was giving a glow to everything. I had a very interesting conversation with a gentleman who was walking to his work as an engineer due to the lack of public transportation caused by the one day strike. We covered everything from politics, to work ethics, to travel, to education, to Greek History and modern times. He seemed to enjoy his respite from his walk as much as I did.
Returning to the hotel I was ready for the very good buffet breakfast where I met a young woman from Paris and later was joined by the four of my group. Dwain, Lydia and I made plans to set off at 9 toward the main square before heading to the acropolis area which we would walk close to but not in due to the strike. They had been on the Acropolis Grounds yesterday and I will go with Emily tomorrow. We were able to see many sights through fences, often enough to understand the magnitude of the ruins and take photos. We also happened upon a fascinating exhibit of an artist recreating artifacts in the original medium gleaned from much research. Body armour, crows, King Philip's (father of Alexander the Great) personal seal to name a few. My description is hardly giving it justice and I'm debating about purchasing the catalogue. Most delightful though was our wonderful interpreter of the exhibit who spent considerable time explaining the processes of the artist as well as the preparation of the gallery.
All in all it was a wonderful day full of marvelous sights, fascinating conversations and quiet moments in special places because there just weren't many people around. We saw the guards at the Parliment doing their high step marches, and never encountered protestors or rioters. Police presense was very evident but not feeling like we were in any danger at all. Everyone was apologetic that our visit was interrupted by this but I think we were able to experience much more of the area than we would have otherwise. My only regret is that I probably will not get to the new archeological museum.
I've lost this once and also cannot seem to post photos. Hopefully my next time will be at an internet cafe. The best I can add is that I am really enjoying Athens. It much more doable, friendly, cleaner than I expected and I highly recommend the Plaka Hotel for its location, amenities, accomodations and price.
