Oi you, EU! You made us late!

If you read our earlier missive, you’ll have realised that we made it safely to Doha, and as the post was going up from Doha, we were at the gate boarding for the next leg to Athens.

We had an uneventful flight from Doha, until we made it to our final approach into Athens where, after dropping rapidly enough to cause a chorus of “Oohs” and “Aahs” from the children and Ms. Govender, we just as rapidly climbed again – the pilot belatedly came on to reassure Ms. Govender that in fact there was congestion at Athens airport and we had to go round again!  Second time around, we landed safely.  As we disembarked, Mr. Suter was checking under seats to make sure nothing had been left behind – as he left the plane, one of the stewardesses called him back to inform him that one of our children was in fact still in the toilets at the front of the plane.  Out emerged Fayzullah, none the worse for nearly being left behind!

Immigration proved easy, and everyone’s bags turned up, which was a plus.  Waiting to meet us outside the customs point was Anne, our tour rep who had last been with us four years ago.  We had a smooth passage along the Athens Riviera, as Anne called it.  Lots of children began fantasising as she told us of Coca Cola Island – a small outcrop just off the coast, far enough apparently to reach on a pedalo, where one enterprising individual managed to set up a small stall selling Coca Cola and subsequently made his fortune off thirsty holiday makers!   

Then we hit problems.  Apparently, the European Union politicians are in town, and in their endeavours to right the woes of the EU caused absolute chaos to central Athens’ traffic as all the main thoroughfares were closed to Joe Public.  Subsequently, what should have been a 45 to one hour trip from the airport to the hotel took us more than two hours.  Tired, hungry, bemused and confused (and that was just Mr. Piddock) our children were absolute stars as they were very uncomplaining for most of the time.  Not so our driver Georges, who at one stage deserted the bus and frog marched fifty metres down to the street to remonstrate with a somewhat lethargic Greek policeman who wasn’t doing much to alleviate the suffering of any of the drivers.  Georges’ protest obviously worked, as were soon moving again.

So we finally made it to the hotel.  We literally dumped our bags in reception, and made our way up to the eighth floor for our dinner: a selection from Greek salad, baked fish, pasta and roasted potatoes, with chocolate mousse to follow.

And so endeth our first day.  Karl is to be commended for his positive attitude: stuck in traffic, his attitude was “this is an adventure, enjoy it.”  Ridaa has shown early promise as a potential tour guide – her knowledge of Greek mythology has shown that our guide will be kept on her toes this week! 

The children are all sleeping, the staff are not far behind them, and it’s an early start tomorrow for our island cruise so we’re going to sign off.  Until tomorrow…