Day 20.  Athens and Acropolis

This morning we awoke in Athens to a forecast of a mild day of a max. Of 30 degrees C and after breakfast had to be at an assembly point by 8.00am for our tour of Acropolis and Athens. On a coach for half an hour through the city to get to Acropolis and we were surprised there was very little traffic . We climbed 80 steep steps of the historic Acropolis through the Propylaea, the monumental marble gateway to these incredible ruins. To think they were built about 2,500 years ago (446BC)and entirely of marble makes ones mind boggle. It was dedicated to the goddess Athena.All the steps and surrounds are marble and very slippery. We would hate to be walking there if it was showery - it would be like black ice. There were crowds everywhere so you had to be careful of your footing.Once at the top you are rewarded with stunning views of Athens on all sides. These forward thinkers sure had grandiose ideas.

We then visited the old Olympic Stadium the site of the Olympic Games of 1896. It too is huge seating many thousands of spectators.Then we had free time in the Plaka (sort of marketplace come square) where we had a light lunch and did some browsing of the souvenir shops (mindful of the pickpockets) before rejoining tour bus back to ship and a delicious afternoon tea (again).

We are lucky we won't be here when there is a general strike on Sept 26 protesting against the economy. Apparently unemployment is 25% in general and 53% for those under 25yrs.

We enquired at a travel agent re free wifi and were offered theirs so that was good.We are still waiting to see what type of suitcase they can offer us as a replacement.There is quite a wind and dark skies just now so hope it doesn't follow us tonight. Everywhere we went today there seemed to be stray dogs and the guide just described them as city dogs. I guess they were abandoned but all looked to be well fed. Other places shown to us were Hadrian's Arch, statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace, the National Gardens, the Academy and the University Library.After dinner we went to the Theatre and saw a great show with tremendous costumes and music. We have now been told they have a new policy as regards our damaged suitcase. We now have to purchase the case ourselves and submit our claim when we get home. We could have picked it up in Athens had we known so now will look for one at the next couple of ports.

                         Day 21.     Mykonos, Greece (Sunday )

Woke up this morning anchored in Mykonos and after having breakfast lined up to be taken on the town tour commencing at 9.00am. Got on and off the coach 2 or 3 times before being taken into the main shopping / tourist area where we had free time to look around and have a meal before coming back to the ship about 2.30.At first we were feeling quite disappointed with the area as it just looked ever so barren and dry and dusty though we were taken with the clean lines of the houses all white and trimmed with mainly blue shutters. The whitewash isn't merely for looks but acts as a deterrent to insects as well.I really think we are pretty much tired of hearing the various histories of these ancient places and of their gods and goddessesa and just tune out now as we haven't a hope of remembering any of it.

The pop. Here is 10,000(supposedly) with 1.3mill visitors per year in the summer months.There is a northerly wind blowing 95% of the time and it is rather strong.Very few or no visitors in winter when it is raining etc.However today when there were a few ships in, the place was really pumping and it was difficult to move in the very very narrow alleyways though very small delivery vans and scooters do manage with a lot of difficulty.It really is something to see.It is like a labyrinth with tiny shops and eateries tucked in everywhere with the proprietors just sitting out the front nonchalantly waiting for custom.

We also visited a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There are 1,300churches (chapels) and only 8 priests so I would say not many are used and as the religious don't pay taxes well!

We noticed there are quite a few very sleek boats moored here and I guess these belong to the rich and famous or infamous.Some of those who have homes here rarely visit - I guess it is just for show.

We didn't see any crops growing but did see some lovely veggies being sold outside the church - like cucumbers and capsicum and tomatoes and melons.

We had a look to replace our suitcase but didn't see anything - didn't try Louis Vuitton or Ralph Lauren shops!!!! After dinner we went to the theatre for a show by a Ventriloquist who was one of the finalist in the British show " You Got Talent" which was won by Susan Boyle. He was very good.