Athens

Hi all

Well, I have had 3 great days here and to-morrow it is off to Crete.

The flight here was 32 hours in total from Brisbane airport to Athen's airport. Long way but quite comfortable. I bet no-one out there has had High tea (scones, jam, cream and sandwiches and small cakes) at 3am followed by scrambled eggs, bacon and toast at 6am.

Kiri met the 3 of us at the airport - we had all arrived on different flights within an hour of each other which was good. We had an hours rest before hitting the town. The hotel is 4 and 1/2 stars but apparently this doesn't mean anything in Europe. It's ok and the breakfasts are great but rooms small and has no view.

We are within 15 minutes of the Plaka district which is the old town and is situated beneath the Archropolis. There are 100's of stalls and shops opened until after midnight. No-one eats here until after 10pm which takes a bit of getting use to. All of us were jetagged so had an early dinner at 9pm and fell into bed.

Yesterday out at 9am with a tour guide. She took us to the Arropolis, then uo the venicular to Lycabettus Hill, the old Olympic Stadium, Parliment House etc and then to late lunch. After lunch we wandered around some more, rested for an hour then had drinks and peopled watched then dinner at 11pm. In bed at 2am.

To-day we watched the changing of the guard at the Parliment ( was the Royal Palace). it was fascinating. These huge, good-looking guys in funny clothes high kicking all over the place.

Then we walked around the Monastiraki area - 100's of stalls on a Sunday, all flea market stuff. Wonderful.

To-night we are off to a club where we are expected to sing, dance and throw plates.

Obesity is a huge problem and it is no wonder - the meals are gigantic and they all eat hot, full meals lunch and dinner. Drunkiness is not a problem at all as they consider it a weakness. All you guys take note please.

Large mixed breed dogs wander everywhere. They are very friendly but are all strays. The council collects them, puts blue collars on them, desexes them and lets them loose again. They are all well fed as the shop keepers feed them and leave water out. Only small dogs are kept as pets as it is all apartment living. There's 5 million people in the city.

Everyone smokes - but not me. It's 2 years to-day since I gave up. The waiters have a puff between serving and everyone in the restaurants go at it non stop.. It also doesn't matter what restaurant you go to, all the menus have identical food..

Have taken 100 pics already. Must rush now as the others are waiting for me.

Haven't time to read through this so excuse any mistakes.

No building is higher than 8 stories.