Athens - the beginning of the journey

We are finally in Athens and it is hot hot hot!!! We flew KLM from Vancouver to Amsterdam and on to Athens; both pleasant, uneventful flights. I managed to get some sleep but Blake was not so lucky. We checked in at the Hotel Grand Bretagne (and let me tell you it is truly "grande") a few minutes ago and Blake fell asleep before I'd even taken my shoes off. So much for taking pictures of the room before messing it up :)

 

As we drove from the airport (30 minutes and 35 euros on a taxi) looking excitedly out the window for my first sighting of a Greek monument I was slightly disappointed to see instead the iconic big blue box of IKEA. Enthusiasm in check I then turned my attention to the taxi driver who did not speak a word of English (he had to call his dispatch so I could tell him where we were going) and who showed a clear distaste for choosing a traffic lane and drove straddling two lanes the entire time. I think it was all about keeping his options open. Somewhat used to chatty cab drivers who like to give you a tour as they drive, having this silent guy was a bit refreshing.

Anyhow, Blake just woke up so we better go out. The plan is to go for a nice walk and dinner along the Plaka. Tomorrow morning we'll go to the Acropolis. We'll head for the port at noon for embarkation and lunch on the Serenity and visit the new Archeological Museum in the afternoon. We sail in the late evening. Stay tuned!

 

Posted with Blogsy