8th March .

Yet another cold and overcast day in Athens, But that does
not deter us going out and doing............

So this morning we set off towards the jewellery section of
Athens and found it. Dyana was in her element sorting through beads, and a
myriad of other stuff. Finally got to the old part of Athens called the Plaka
which is fabulous. Such vibrant life and excellent restaurants. The wonderful
aroma coming out of one place just made my mouth water and then we were in and
eating lunch. The district looks old and dilapidated with paint peeling from
the walls and woodwork, but it has a charm all of its own. Then according to
our hotel receptionist, “the Acropolis will be open till about 6 o’clock
tonight”

A walk up to the entrance through lots of very old houses
most of which have been done up sympathetically   with
the area and arrived at the ticket office.

“You’re too late to enter today,” she said, “We shut at
2 .30.”

I can’t tell you what we thought of the receptionist, but it
wasn’t pleasant........

Caught the train and underground back to the central square
where we were hoping to see some rioting, but not even they were out today. It’s
Monday, and Athens closes down after lunch.

Suddenly, saw some pom-pom soldiers marching in line and we
quickly followed to watch another round of the fantastic way they perform their
drill movements. As soon as I find the way to download the video clips to the
computer I’ll post them. And you will be so amazed. I also spoke to a soldier
who used to do this and he told me that their ceremonial white ‘skirts’ have
400 pleats which have to be ironed. Rather him than me is all I can say.

Into the National Gardens behind the parliament building and
walked round an area where they had farm animals and birds. Lovely.