Early morning wake up call for 5.15am.
it rang at 4.49am.
oh well... up and at 'em
Sitting outside the Hotel at 6.40am for 7am pickup.
i wasn't going to be late.
hmmm... bus is late.
oh, there it is.
Local guide waved at me...I take the case across the road to the bus.
'Are you French, Madame?'
'Non.'
Wrong bus.
After that , I avoided being picks up by a Spanish bus tour ... And 2 others...I just stared them down in the end and they left.
Ahhhh... There's my bus!
At 8.30am... Delayed at the port.
After much cheering and waving, I'm back on the Tour!
And off for a driving tour of Athens with a local guide. That was fun but mainly what I had seen on the Hoho bus. Actually I saw more on my hoho tour. I am very glad that I had the time in Athens by myself. Could spend some time wherever I wanted.
Then off to the Acropolis. Quite a walk to the top on wide paths made of marble. You wouldn't want to do it if it was raining. These were so slippery. They are new walkways so it isn't the ancient Romans fault. They do look spectacular though!
We had a beautiful sunny morning to see the view and the buildings .
WOW!
Unbelievable. As you can imagine, it is a pinch yourself moment. The Parthenon is magnificent. I just walked around in awe. I was very lucky because I had spent so long at The Acropolis Museum so had seen the statues and marbles and knew a lot of the history.
But, it is just so big!
Really, really BIG!
Just absolutely marvellous!
I took several photos there as you can imagine... Some of The Doctor at The Parthenon ....
This very official looking lady came up to me, waving her arms and saying, no photos of toys....
( They have a rule for that? Must have been a slow rule making day when they came up with that one. )
Anyway she made me delete the photo... And watched while I did it.
Luckily enough, he's a time traveller... We just came back when she'd gone... (Or I had taken some other photos earlier... Which ever story you prefer.)
This place was just awe inspiring. The views alone... 360 degree view and just stunning. All the way to the harbour... Which is why the site was chosen in the first place... On top of a huge rock plateau and so defendable.
Also why earthquakes don't bother it. Built on solid rock.
There was a lot of scaffolding on one side and end as the restoration work goes on, but great photos to be had from other angles.
Then, of course the other buildings up there... Have to look them up, I have forgotten what they are called .
Could also see where half of one side was blown out when it was bombed by the Persians .... Unfortunately it was used for ammunition storage when they managed to bomb it.
Big mess!
The grand entrance to the complex, flanked by column after column of marble ... With rooms either side of the entrance for the people to rest after they had climbed up to the top.
( back then. Not now)

Absolutely loved it. Who wouldn't?
But I was disappointed that I didn't go yesterday.
I decided to wait and do it with the tour group and I could easily have spent hours there.
With the group you only have very limited time
And I would have been there forever if I 'd done it by myself. They would have had to drag me away!
This is a place where you just sit and stare.
I think I could stay there for days!!!
Loved it!

Anyway, down the hill for free time and shopping. Then a big bus trip to catch the bus at Patras. Overnight boat trip to Ancona.... Then Venice.
Might not be wifi on the boat.
Nice to be back with the group.... But really love it on my own as well.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY XXXXXX
This is going to get to you SO late!
Sorry... Should have been much better prepared.
I think the no wifi thing is going to muck me up.
Hope you had a great day and fantastic night out! I have been thinking of you xxxx
Love you lots xxxx

Having a great time....
Thanks for all the comments everyone
Xxx