Athens Report

Looking out through the aircraft window, it was pitch black. Occasionally a small village would loom into view, given away by scattered lights. We were on a night flight over the Greek mainland. Theo and I were off to the Athens boat show. No sooner had we taken off and climbed to a safe altitude, we started to descend. The flight from Corfu to Athens only lasts a short while. As the plane banked, the glow of the city could be seen on the horizon.

We arrived at the new Athens airport. It is large, clean and efficient. Indeed, within minutes we had collected our luggage and were in search of a taxi. Taxis in Athens are the most popular way to get around. They are easily identifiable as they are all yellow. Often while taking a ride, the driver will collect another passenger on route - an interesting way to meet new people!

Anyway, it was late at night, we found a taxi and headed into the heart of the city. For the first time, I had not already pre-booked a hotel via the Internet. Normally when ever we travel, I am always hyper organised and have a schedule as to where we will stay and at exactly what times! With this trip though, it was arranged at the last moment. We asked 'Spiros' our taxi man to suggest a nice hotel. This proved a mistake. The moment we arrived, he ran inside - I can only assume to collect his 'commission'.

With my limited Greek, I think I read the sign at the door as saying - "Rooms available by the hour!" This should have put us off, but it was late. The room was awful, the beds soft and do not ask what the bathroom was like. I slept on the floor and had a surprisingly good sleep - my years of back pain disappeared over night! The next morning we headed to the boat show. Arrived at 10am only to be told that they did not open until 5pm! We spent the rest of the day sightseeing.

Athens is a city that never sleeps. Traffic, smog, people trying to sell you something at every set of traffic lights, and busy Athenians. Having lived in Corfu for ten years, this brought back my nightmare memories of being back in London.

Surprisingly, you will find around every corner an ancient relic or quiet street. Not all of Athens is so built-up. Just a short drive, and you will see quieter suburban areas.

Everyone in Athens is talking about the Olympic games which will be held here in 2004. Old buildings are being knocked down to make way for new roads. Impressive buildings are being built at a frantic rate - especially as they are behind schedule. Construction is everywhere.

Talking of old buildings, this one is being repaired. The Acropolis, dominates Athens being high up on a hill and can be seen from nearly everywhere. At night it is lit up and looks stunning. To visit, you need to walk up. Not for the elderly, especially as the ancient rocky paths have become smooth and slippery through the ages.

Its sheer size is impressive, and the views over Athens are breathtaking. From here (see the above panoramic), you can see that Athens is actually built in a large dip - hence the smog.

For lunch, we walked down to the "Plaka". This is the old part of Athens, quaint narrow streets lined with tourist shops!

The buildings are old and architecturally interesting. The flea market is touristy. But, the little 'Plattias' where you can stop for lunch are a delight.

After our first hotel experience, we excelled on our second choice.

The 'Oasis' hotel (www.oasishotel.gr) in Glyfada, as its name suggests was very welcome after a hot day of sightseeing along the dusty streets.

Our room even had internet access!

Theo and I wrecked it though!

I almost forgot, we returned to the boat show and bought the following:

It is the 'Pelkios 10m' 22 person speed boat taxi, with a top speed of over 35 knots. We use it as our boat taxi to the Taverna each evening during the summer from the surrounding bays.