Athens

rewritten from 16 September on 8 hr boat trip to Santorini. Have learned - don't try and attach photos to blog. So FB is home of Photos and Blog is home of Words.

ATHENS 16.09.15

Athina ine poli horaya.Athens airport was just so laid back and casual. So easy to get through, and they just waved me through customs without a second glance. 

I wassypposed to get an airport transfer to the city but there was noone to meet me, so after a travel agent made a few phonecalls to Hotel Titania, I ended up catching a cab, from which I was reimbursed.

Panepistimiou 52 I said. And asked the driver how to say 52 in Greek. We didn't stop talking, from Yannis F, and Syrisa Party, from prepared, to post war, The Generals, to nationalism and the Golden Dawn Party. ' I'm passionate about politics' said George. It was 1974 that I came here with Mum and Dad as an uncontrollable 17 year old. That was the last year of The Generals.

Having settled into Titania with my increasingly runny nose,  I washed the grime off from 24 hours of travel, took my vitamins,  washed my clothes and went downstairs to meet Effie, our guide for the trip ahead.

She was young, casual and friendly and gave me some good tips for Athens.

I walked up to Sytagma Square, passing the university and library in their classical white marble,  crisp against the blue sky, but with Oxi signs plastered on the walls below, from their recent referendum and their upcoming election.

I passed some beggars. I wish I had loose change to give.  (I will put in another purse for such Occasions)

And finally to Sytagma Square,  the stately office of parliament with the very toy-like Greek guards outside.

I wandered down to the lower part of the square that hummed with life, to the narrow buzzing street where we stayed in 1974. Memories came flooding back.  But there wasn't the smell anymore,  at least not that I could discern.  And the small tavernas and cafes on the square now bore the names of multinationals, MacDonald's and KFC.  Shops were bigger, brighter, more glitzy. As everywhere I suppose.

I wandered back down Panepistimiou realising I don't have a frigging Pin for my new Mastercard.  I tried what I thought may have worked,  but it didn't. Lucky for those Euros u got in Sydney.

I realised a few things aren't working.  Even if I hook into WiFi it's not enough to send WhatsApp messages or to upload images onto Facebook. And how would I contact the bank?

I was so buggered I had no energy to try. I had a short nap before going to find the place Effie had recommended for good quality and well-priced authentic Greek food. It was not far from Omonia Square.  A taverna named Athinayoi.  And I had a dish of melanzana loaded with garlic,  with chunky bread and taramasalata and a delicious egg and lemon fish soup.  All for 10 Euros, about $13.

Satisfied, I went back to the Hotel to collapse. With air-conditioning on I was awoken by debilitating cramps in my calf muscles.  I downed 2 magnesium.  Fell asleep again only to be startled about 3am by a work related phone call.  Well at least someone could get through with global roaming switched off.

I called the bank via the room phone and got a pin number, all on an automated service. Now I won't be able to send this post unless I get stronger WiFi. Lots to work out.

Anneli arriving today and tour begins this evening.  I should concentrate on keeping well and not overdoing it this morning.

Xxx

Ps. A full buffet breakfast with travellers from everywhere, especially France and India from what I can ascertain.  Still no wifi.