Ministry of silly walks

We went off to Athens again today as it is so big and there is so much to see there. Again the bus and train journey went smoothly and this time we wanted to see the Parliament building and the changing of the guard in particular.

It was very, very hot and humid when we arrived and the area in front of the guards is very open to the elements so we timed it just right to get there for the changing at 1pm. Very impressive it was too. They have a very distinctive uniform with a short pleated skirt and matching top in khaki, thick cream coloured tights, soft red leather shoes with large black pom poms on the tops and black soles that had serious stud work in them and a matching red Tommy Cooper hat with a long black tassle. There were also black tassles hanging from garters around their knees.

The gathered public went very quiet as the replacement guards appeared with their escort officer and they made a loud noise with their studded shoes on the marble pavement. Then they began their ministry of funny walks - John Cleese got it from them - seriously. It may sound funny but as a ceremony it was very moving, well timed and co-ordinated and very ceremonial. It was like a very well choreographed dance scene conducted in a very serious manner and with a serious rifle at their sides. Some people started to titter at the beginning but all were in awe at the end. - see pics.

Then we went on to visit the original Olympic Games stadium of the modern games in 1896 - see pic - that looked good too.

After some lunch, a drink and a sit down in the shade we set off to the flea market area which is an alleyway of shops and stalls in bright colours. Steve bought himself a couple of bracelets there - very hip cool and trendy they are too. They go nicely with his new relaxed lifestyle and long hairstyle.

A couple of statues later - and we were ready to catch the train and bus back to camp. There is only so much we can do in this intense heat - especially in a city where the heat is magnified further. We must say though that the city has large areas that have been pedestrianised (take note Rome)and so a lot more pleasant to walk in. All areas are spotlessly clean and safe, particularly the metro areas and trains, and there doesn't seem to be the usual amount of pollution in the air that makes it impossible to breathe in the cities. Yes, there is lots of traffic, but it is well regulated and not anywhere near as frantic as the traffic in Italy or London. A good place to be really.

Back at camp we had a sit down with a drink to recover, then cooked pork burgers, home made chilli fries, zucchini a la lemon followed by a choice of praline iced dessert or frozen strawberry cheesecake. Delicious!

Tomorrow is our last day here! We have to visit the authorities with Manos to sign over Esmerelda to him (and he gives us his money), then we want to have a test drive to the port - the whereabouts of our embarkation point has baffled the internet and the tourist information staff in Athens. We now have a rough idea of where we should be - we just have to find it. Wish us luck....