Pre-arranged cab sharing worked out upon our arrival in Athens. 20Euro split 4-ways wasn't too steep but the argument that ensued as he tried to drop us at some random street confirmed that I got my moneys worth. When a couple of Kiwi girls arrived at the Athens Hostel an hour later and down 50Euro our French-Canadian friends, Maude and Audrey were extremely grateful. That didn't change the fact that the hostel was at capacity and Daz and I hadn't booked surprise, surprise. Fortunately we got talking to the English guy working there and as it turned out he was moving to Pascoe Vale in Melbourne a month later to be with his girlfriend. Perfect, we came to an agreement and reserved the common room couches for a third of the price! Smithy I told him to pack his footy boots and head down for a run with the Panthers.
We arrived with a pretty open mind after the nicest words about Athen's had come from a couple who had a quality sleep at the airport! Our mate "Jimmy" Barnesy ran a pub crawl and everyone we were with arrived home separately with much varied recollections of getting back to the hostel... 3 of which include; walked home by some Greek locals, walked around in circles for hours and someone did a runner from a cab who was driving them in the opposite direction.
We also found time to check out the most iconic symbol of Athens; the Acropolis. The Acropolis rests above an enveloped plain of houses and buildings below surrounded by four mountains. The magnificance of the ancient monument including the Beule Gate - a 3rd century Roman Arch was not lost on us... however the overshadowing scaffolding and cranes erected 23 years ago leave alot to be desired. Its been up for such a long time that the government's conundrum is 1. how much of the structure relies on its support? and 2. mass industrialisation within the confined valley with minimal airflow, has resulted in air polution and "acid rain". Acid rainfall turns the marble structures below into gypsum which flakes away, thus its resurrection is near on impossible.
6th century BC ancient wonder of the world "temple of Olypian Zeus" was also visited. It was impressive to imagine what a structure that took 700 years to build would have looked like so many years ago. Surprisingly alot of the marble was stripped and used for the base of many old houses in the district... Now it is under heavy guard and fenced off to only the paying customer. The marble remnants that don't rest in museums around the world is no doubt gradually being eroded away in the same manner as the Acropolis.
We checked out the changing of the guard at parliament and were met by thousands of pigeons. Picture the lady in Home Alone 2. Locals with seed try to get tourists to buy seed off them to be engulfed by pigeons. They have to make a dollar somehow but it certainly cheapens the parliament house. Not exactly my idea of a good time but each to their own.
I enjoyed visiting the 1896 Olympic games stadium. It remains closed but in great condition, I would have loved to take Daz on in a 100m sprint but the guards ensured we behave ourselves for a change! Next stop Bulgaria.
