Pireus, Athens, Corinth

Yeah. Another great day’s trip. We started off early so were at the Acropolis at about 8.30. Not many people around –Saturday morning early, and a long weekend to boot. Yes. I finally went to the Acropolis! Last time we were acropolissed out after a few weeks in Turkey but this time they got me. It was very interesting in fact. Very grand but that grandeur enhanced by the continuing restoration work, compared to the absolute ruins we saw before. I always thought that there were interminable steps too, but entering at the side and stopping in the shade for a talk you hardly noticed. A great view all around at the top. I love looking out over the roof tops and into all the back yards. Lots of churches, domes, bells, here. Fascinating. Took lots of photos!!!! After two hours bus ride we passed various seaside resorts – just gorgeous, to have lunch at a very nice hotel; and had a very nice lunch. Wine was provided but a bit rough for my taste. Not as nice as the Israeli white! We then went to ancient Corinth. First, of course, the compulsory shopping at Temple Apollo – more expensive stuff and I finally made sense of some of Mum’s things. Here the same family for generations has pottered and made jewellery based on ancient stautes etc. Mostly very large and very overdraft causing! Hoppy bought a fair wine goblet. Using one of Pythagoras’s theories, if you go past the “fair” line the cup empties itself and greedies have none!! At ancient Corinth another temple and town partially excavated. Another village is under that again so to uncover one could mean losing the other so there the sit, half exhumed. Then off to Corinth Canal which joined the Aegean Sea with the Ionic sea. Eighty metre walls to an eight metre deep passage for smaller ships and boats, and twenty-four metres wide, saving a 105 mile journey around the peninsula. Here we also found a shop with trumpet ice creams, yummy nut bars – just like home but with a twist!! Back through the country side of olive trees, vineyards and pistachio trees to home – now everyone seems to call the ship home!! Oh the temperature – a gorgeous 37C.

Lots of love from us!