Athens

Early morning view of the Acropolis from our balcony.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Kalimera!  (Good morning!)

Had to sit out on the balcony for awhile this am.  It was fantastic.  It was Sunday morning, and pretty quiet out on the streets… but not for long!

There are hundreds (thousands??) of kitties in Athens.  Many of them have homes.  Many have been neutered/spayed, you can tell by an ear notch.

By the time we got ourselves in gear and headed out for breakfast, it was getting pretty busy.  We wandered for a while trying to find a specific restaurant.  We were pretty lost, Ginny’s knees were bothering her, but we finally found it.  Had a nice breakfast with Greek donuts for dessert.  (Can you believe, I forgot to get a photo of them!)

Where's Nutmeg??

We decided to take the little tour train to see an overview of the city.  Then we could go back and spend more time at some of the sites.  There is a big market on weekends, so we decided to spend more time there.  We had many views of different ruins, lots of people, many restaurants, hundreds of vendors.  Ginny continued to ride the train around while Marion and I got off to wander through the markets.

The little train we rode around the city.

Just hanging out!

Library of Hadrian archaeological site.

Got Nutmeg a “collar” with his name in Greek letters of bent wire!  How unique is that!!  Also, a “leg band”.  He is quite the Greek puppy now!

The Ancient Agora of Athens

At the Sunday market.

Many vendors are selling freshly roasted nuts.  Very yummy!

Olive tree and olives!

taking a rest.

Resting on a friend's lap.

Getting a snack!

After several hours we headed back to the flat.  Unloaded our bounty and went in search of the sign up for a boat cruise to some islands, and a market.  We bought some provisions for the next few days so we don’t need to eat out every meal.

We also met our neighbors, visiting from Australia!  Carla, Renae and Graeme.  They are taking a boat cruise tomorrow as well, maybe we will be on the same boat!  That would be a blast!

We had a simple meal inside tonight: cheese, salomi, cucumber and tomatoe and nuts.  And tea.  And fresh baklava for dessert!

Marionette street performer.

Then I sat out on the veranda to work on the blogs.  But there was so much going on down on the streets so Marion and I headed back out about 9:30, watched a marionette performer, a “violin” player, did more shopping (a few stores were still open after 10pm on a Sunday!?!?)  It is the end of the tourist season, the rainy season is about to start (forecast rain tomorrow, thunderstorms the next day) so many things are on sale.  Marion and I needed to take advantage of that!

Looking up to our apartment from the street.

Off we go on another night excursion!

Finally returned to the flat close to 11pm.  Writing away, still lots of activity down in the streets… a motorcyclist misbehaving… got the police after him.  Still gorgeous outside, still sitting on the veranda, still enjoying the view of the Acropolis…

Better shower and hit the hay.  Early day tomorrow.

Mechri avrio (Until tomorrow)

A street performer.  The instrument is played like a violin.

The blood moon in historic ancient Athens!