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Day 9 – Athens, GreeceJul 14, 2009
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Piraeus Port welcomed the Solstice at 8:00 am Greek time. We were prepared for a day full of activities by 7:45 am at our usual meeting place. By, 8 are the ship was cleared and we were one of the first groups of passengers off. Nikolas (our private driver) awaited with a smile and anxious to get moving before the morning traffic begins to slow everyone down. We had a bus and all twelve of us were excited about visiting this beautiful city. Nikolas began with the Acropolis or “Holy Rock”. This is the home of the Temple of Athena Nike (Goddess of Victory), the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Pnyx tomb. The long hike to the top was not what the “Golden Girls” had in mind, so they continued to the museum. The place was just opening thus not many tourists there. We saw the monuments, took pictures (please see them) and then went off to meet the girls. The museum was just opened on June 21 and it was beautiful and full of artifacts from the Acropolis. We had an espresso and continued to the next adventure. Nikolas began a city tour and our next stop was Panathinaikon Stadium: This is where the first modern day Olympics took place in 1896 and after 108 years it hosted the 2004 Summer Olympics as well. Somehow after the stadium, the bus lost its transmission and we had to wait for a replacement. The time was not wasted as we used it to sneak into a Hilton Hotel for a much deserved “pipi” break and ATM for Euro’s. The city tour was spectacular! We reached the highest spot in Athens and were able to see the entire place from way up above (incredible views in pics). After we were ready for lunch and shopping so Nikolas took us to the Plaka: the oldest and more picturesque part of Athens, which features narrow streets and alleys, taverns and tourist shops. We ate at a tavern that he recommended and it was delightful. The cheese croquettes, fried cheese, fried peppers, shish kabob and the Greek Salads were outrageous. Feeling very satisfied we went off in small groups to shop! Mr. Yero (Conrad) returned to the ship as he does not enjoy the shopping. We met up with the rest of the group by 3:30 pm and returned to the ship by 4:30pm. Tonight is a party night since tomorrow is a day at sea! Luis and I are planning a dinner at the specialty restaurant Tuscan Grille accompanied by Lizzette and Conrad. The others will go to the main dinning room and meet up with us at the Casino for some playing later on. Wish me luck…
