Athens

 We have loved our time in Nfplio but as in all things time marches on. We are onto our last few days of this little adventure and today we left Nfplio and moved onto Athens. The travel was easy. A simple 2 hour bus ride direct from the bus station in Nfplio to the Elonas metro station on the outskirts of Athens.

We needed to get off here as it’s the only spot where the bus route coincides with the metro line. Otherwise it would involve a few other buses to get us where we needed to be and it could prove a faff.

The bus, as promised, dropped us off right outside the metro station and we descended the escalators into the underworld. It’s not like London. It’s clean, airy and very comfortable. We descended 2 levels and bought our tickets for the journey. The ticket pricing works in minutes. The basic fare is one euro twenty cents and entitles you to ninety minutes of travel. Not just on the underground but the ticket is usable on the buses and trams as well within the allotted time slot. It was busy on the underground which is not surprising when public transport Is cheap and efficient. We were no sooner on the platform when the train whooshed out of the tunnel and allowed us to board. Clean and new the trains were modern and efficient. 

Two stops later we alighted at Sygmata square. The central square in Athens and the home of the monument to the unknown soldier. The memorial is guarded 24/7 by serving troops in ceremonial uniform. They change the guard every hour and it is something we want to see whilst we are here. I will try and video it for the blob tomorrow.

Sygmata underground was very busy and it took both of us by surprise when we emerged onto the square. Other than Tirana this journey has involved quiet and sedate villages, towns and cities. This is the first time in along time that we have been in a crowded bustling environment. We both felt a little intimidated by the amount of people here. The noise the throng, all of it was a little overwhelming. 

I can always tell when Crispy is uneasy. She talks a lot while saying nothing and clings to my back pack straps with a grip of steel. I doubt even Hercules could prise her fingers from my shoulder straps. She was holding on so tight as we ascended the stairs into the sunlight that she nearly pulled me over.

Once outside I found a quiet spot to allow us to get over the shock of our new surroundings while I searched for free WiFi. We sat in the shade and I worked out where we were in relation to our lodgings. I knew we were staying close to Sygmata in a quiet street within the Plaka district. I soon worked out our bearings and we launched ourselves into the chaos that was Athens. 

Within minutes we were acclimatised and easily found the address where we were staying. It’s on a busy little street on the fourth floor af an old apartment building. When we arrived the door was locked and I had lost internet connection. We were trying to work out how to contact the host when the door opened and a young lady showed us to our new lodgings. It’s nothing fancy as accommodation in this part of the city is very expensive. It’s a small room with private bathroom and a large balcony with a fantastic view of the Parthenon. We are in striking distance of all the various rubble from here and shouldn’t need any more automated transport. There is an elevator and I’m sure it’s safe but it certainly looks dodgy. It ascends and falls at warp speed before juddering to a sudden halt. There are no safety doors and the buttons need persuading to call it into action. Crispy’s not keen and I think will prefer the stairs. I love it as it’s like a crazy funfair ride. 

Outside our room in the street below are several bars and eateries. We quickly dropped the bags and set out for a cheeky drink to celebrate finally reaching our final destination.  Suitably refreshed we walked through the Plaka and found the main ticket office for the Parthenon. There were no crowds at this time in the evening so it was no effort purchasing them. The tickets grant access to all the major rubble sites and that is our plan for tomorrow. We shall use the rubble to guide us around the city. It’s going to be fun.

Just beyond the Plaka is an old area of Athens that resembles a Greek fishing village. People still live there. It seems bizarre in the middle of a thriving city to have this surviving community. We had a quick walk around but will definitely return in the next couple of days to have a proper look. 

It’s our third week in Greece now and we’re getting a little fed up of salad and souvlaki. Don’t get us wrong we love it but felt in need for a change. Next door is a Vietnamese street food place and we ate there. Oh my god it was fantastic and easily equaled anything we ate when in Hanoi. 

Early night as tomorrow is rubble day. Crispy can’t wait.

Bare and Crispy signing off, below the Parthenon, Athens