Arrival in Athens

Well, here we are, after what seemed like an incredibly long journey. Customs was cleared quickly and easily with no difficulties, and having been given a bit of free time to explore before our departure time most made their way to the ice cream parlour – at 2.30am in the morning! We have photographic evidence of all the culprits (anonymous at this stage!!) but sure mums will find the chocolate and strawberry stains on some white clothing. Rumours circulated that Mr Suter was seen at McDonalds but flatly denied it, claiming that Nurse Eileen would never let him eat so unhealthily. Again our resident detectives have the evidence.
The journey from Bahrain through Abu Dhabi to Athens was largely uneventful, although a few moments stick out: Azfer trying to “steal” his emergency lifejacket from the plane; Kyle taking the customs officer’s immigration stamp; Abdullah making every effort to stay on his feet and collectively the number of lollipops that were consumed in Abu Dhabi could have energized the entire Saudi Olympic team for the duration of the games..
Resplendent in our white ‘tour’ hats, after arriving at our Hotel exhausted and starving Mr. Gikas led us on an exploratory tour of Athens, to find a traditional Greek snack to tide us over until dinner. Souvlaki and chips, partly traditional – OK cooked in greek olive oil were, wolfed down with gusto. Despite the fact that the walk gave us some stunning views of the Acropolis framed by the tall buildings along the narrow roads, the highlight of this excursion was by far chasing the pigeons in the town hall square! Emre is still maintaining that pigeon poop on your derriere is luck!
Down town Athens has thrown up some sights and sounds we wouldn’t normally see in Khobar. A passing vendor selling hand made wooden toys thought his luck was in as the children were captivated by his offerings – he probably sold more in half an hour with us than he probably normally does in a week! A flower seller tried to continue in the same form – Amy and Cordelia were delighted to be offered flowers by a passing stranger, but didn’t realise the hidden tag of having to pay for them! Crossing roads has proved a nightmare – no one pays any attention to anything any other road user is doing. Imagine the worst streets in Khobar, and add in motorbikes going any way they like, whether on the road or the walkways, and you’ll get an idea! Luckily coming back to the hotel we were escorted – quite randomly, not because of our behaviour! – by four policemen and women who held up the traffic for us at every junction. So yes, all still present and correct!
Exhaustion has set in – an early night for all, as we look forward to tomorrow’s island cruise out into the bay! It’s been dry with some sun today, and we’re looking for more of the same tomorrow! Watch this space!