Athens - Cruising all finished
Trip Start
Aug 26, 2008
1
17
25
Trip End
Oct 16, 2008
Athens,
Greece
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The port of Pireaus is quite incredible for the number of cruise ships it can take. After processing customs with our bags, we trundled out the door to the waiting hordes of buses and taxis. As "independents" there was no bus for us and we had been well warned about the port side taxis drivers. Common term we were given for them is "crooks" and "mafia". Their cost to get us into Athens (about 8km) was €50.00. Di and I headed off back packs on, main bags on wheels - thank goodness, and Di's repaired bag behaving itself. 15 minutes walking and we were on the main drag. Waved a taxi down and a nice young guy, was happy to take us based on a metered run. Cost €10.00 (included tip)!!!
Found our hotel and promptly headed off on a walking tour, this time of our own, to the main parts of town
Di's Greek Soldier
. We are about half an hour away from the centre. Great walk along interesting and busy streets. Managed to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Would not want to receive a kick from those guards pom pom shoes - daggers hidden in the pom pom. Di reckons the marching style is like watching high stepping Andalusian horse dressage. Certainly different to our eyes. Tall boys too.Off tomorrow evening to Barcelona, then on to Toulouse and then to meet with Yaelle and Olivier near Cahors. Quite excited about getting together again. More on the blog then.
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