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Location Date UK 1724367600 Portugal 1699833600 Spain 1699660800 Czech Republic 1562022000 Italy 1410562800 France 1410217200 Turkey 1381186800 Greece 
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Location Date Sun, 29 September 2013
1380464040 Sat, 28 September 2013 1380376860 Fri, 27 September 2013 1380320100 Fri, 27 September 2013 1380271020
We're now sitting in Mrs. Lady's cafe across the road from the hotel, which we've named The British Embassy. Not that we've seen any other Brits here, just that they've got used to us and have the beer ready when they see us. There's more locals dining today as it's Sunday and they probably need a bit of a treat to get away from the everyday woes of modern day Athens.
We've had a bit of a lie in, as has the rest of Athens and it's pretty quiet once we head up town towards the Parliament. Today must be the day that the human Horror Shows come out as we've seen some people in a very bad way. I have to admit that some of these poor souls are in a shocking state and not something that we've seen in Europe before. Acts of kindness to them from the locals are rare but you do sometimes see a random person take pity and offer food which is a humbling sight.
As for us, we're heading to the Byzantine Museum. Believe it or not, we do have cultural conversations and since Florence, Grant has been educating me on what happened after the sacking of Rome, and highly enlightening it has been. Thus, we head to the Byzantine Museum to find out more. We jump on the Underground and as this one is in a more upmarket area, the aircon is working and the carriages are pristine. As usual once we get out of the station we get lost, not a bad thing as we come across the Museum of War, a place which was on today's agenda. The long and short of this museum is that the Greeks and the Turks have a long history of not seeing eye to eye. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
last night before heading to bed, we turned on the BBC World channel, more to torment ourselves than to get any correct information and as luck would have it they were showing the UK news. It seemed more alien than Bizzaro TV that was on the ferry the other night. it would appear that this week's indignant oppressed minority in merry olde Blighty is "Mental Patients" and much hullbaloo was made of it. Apparently due to some supermarkets selling mis-labeled Halloween costumes. If it was horror they were after, they should have seen what we saw today.
We've had a bit of a lie in, as has the rest of Athens and it's pretty quiet once we head up town towards the Parliament. Today must be the day that the human Horror Shows come out as we've seen some people in a very bad way. I have to admit that some of these poor souls are in a shocking state and not something that we've seen in Europe before. Acts of kindness to them from the locals are rare but you do sometimes see a random person take pity and offer food which is a humbling sight.
As for us, we're heading to the Byzantine Museum. Believe it or not, we do have cultural conversations and since Florence, Grant has been educating me on what happened after the sacking of Rome, and highly enlightening it has been. Thus, we head to the Byzantine Museum to find out more. We jump on the Underground and as this one is in a more upmarket area, the aircon is working and the carriages are pristine. As usual once we get out of the station we get lost, not a bad thing as we come across the Museum of War, a place which was on today's agenda. The long and short of this museum is that the Greeks and the Turks have a long history of not seeing eye to eye. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
last night before heading to bed, we turned on the BBC World channel, more to torment ourselves than to get any correct information and as luck would have it they were showing the UK news. It seemed more alien than Bizzaro TV that was on the ferry the other night. it would appear that this week's indignant oppressed minority in merry olde Blighty is "Mental Patients" and much hullbaloo was made of it. Apparently due to some supermarkets selling mis-labeled Halloween costumes. If it was horror they were after, they should have seen what we saw today.
- comments
Gareth Gibbs These blogs from Athens should be compulsory reading in the European Headquarters and in the BBC headquarters also! Pa. x
Gareth Gibbs Delighted that Grant is showing off his knowledge of Greek & Roman history to his father. I’m impressed! G.xx
Jaynelove Great read as usual .....We dont know how lucky we are sometimes, yet we still like to moan and groan about nothing..... I do feel sorry for the Greek people !!! Bet they wish they never saw the euro...
Ma Gibbs Good to see that you are brushing up on your history and culture. Grant taught me lots about battles,too, and about geography - that has certainly helped me to follow your journey. Great reading! Luv Ma XXXX
BIg Steve It must have been a slow news day here today Lloyd, if thats all they have to write about then it cant be too bad. The situation is Greece is only like to catch on around the EU, people being forced to live beyond their means, Carbon taxes, food, trasport etc etc. Also, how can you get lost with all the cheap technology you have available to you?
David Dodd Thanks for including me on your updates.....What an adventure....Charlie and I will be waiting in Hong Kong for a first hand telling of your escapades....Stay safe,,,
Clive Nice to see you’ve found your Black Lion of Athens!Good to see they’re catering to your needs.Its a real shame to hear how the effect of the economic disaster that is Greece, impacts on the common man, that tends to be left out of the news ! Sounds like some of them are having a real tough time of it. Hope you’re both well and sounds like you’ve not only dipped your toe into the cultural waters of Southern Europe but decided to have a bath, well done to you both!! Look forward to further updates! Clive, Gail & the boys.
Rob Lewis Hi Lloyd, and greetings from Lor-Luv-A-Duck-Leave-it-Aaaaht London. Many years ago I walked to the Acropolis (or "Croppo", as it’s known in Barry) from the docks. Not Cardiff docks, obviously: even a Greek god couldn’t run to that. A helluva jaunt you’re on, sounds fun!
Andrea Things seem really bad in Athens. we knew Greece was on its knees but the situation is worse than I thought, Nothing like seeing first hand the economic decline. Love to you both