eating potatoes in london: Day 43 - Back to Athens and end of trip

The overnight ferry finally arrives. Right on the dot, 0040H.

This ferry seems to be more suited for overnight travel. There are no cafes, no fast food restaurants, no shops. Loads of open space and berth seats, so it's not uncommon to see people sleeping on the floor in their sleeping bags, people sleeping across berth seats etc. I just settled for a nice airline-style seat and slept so soundly, that a fellow passenger had to wake me up to tell me that we've arrived at Athens.

Reached Athens at about near 6am. Since it was too early to do anything, I've planned to take a long metro train ride to the 2004 Olympics site. Reached there at about 7.30 am. Unfortunately it was cloudy and wet......

The Main olympic stadium.

Faster, Higher, Stronger?
(It aren't easy taking a jumpshot from a timed camera on a tripod)

The long walkway

By the time I was done, it was 8 am. Went to the National Archaeological Museum which has wonderful collections of sculptures from all eras. I was so overwhelmed that I've become numbed to Hellenistic sculptures. Suddenly, not going to the New Acropolis Museum doesn't seem so wasted anymore, especially when you're numbed to all these beautiful sculptures.

Made a trip to Plaka to search for a vegetarian Greek tarven mentioned in the Lonely Planet guidebook. Unfortunately, the tarven no longer exist. Headed back to Monastiriki square, as the remaining attractions that I intend to go are there.

Like this one, Hadrian's Library.

Went to a tarven to have a last proper Greek Meal. Like I said, since most Greek dishes contains beef, I had to settle for something else. Like this one lor. From top left: Fried Eggplant with Yoghurt, Pita Bread (complementary), and Greek Salad. Oh speaking about the Greek salad, I've never eaten such wonderful tomatoes and onions before.

The thing about metro stations in Athens: if they discover any archaeological remains while building the staiton, they would keep it aside as part of the station. Like this one at Monastiriki station.

Headed off to Hadrian's library, next to the old mosque (that is unfortunately, converted into a shopping area and a musuem). €2 entry fee, but if you bought the Acropolis ticket or an EU student, it's free.

Subsequently, I went on to Ancient Agora, the old market place where Socrates taught. Same entrance fee rules apply - free if you have the Acropolis ticket (valid within 1 week I think) and EU students.

There was no markings of where Socrates teach though. Perhaps he didn't had a fixed location in the Agora.

The Agora was just at the foot of the Acropolis. Ancient Athens was pretty small. Probably 3/4 of Ang Mo Kio, or from AMK Hub to the Library.

Former entrance to a theatre school.

Subsequently, I went on to the Roman Agora. When the Romans took Athens, they found that the Ancient Agora not suitable for their use. Hence they build a new one next to the ancient one.

Tower of the winds - It was used to mark out 8 cardinal direction (hence 8 faces), and to tell the time, with a water clock inside to keep track of time at night.

A old mosque at the corner of the Roman Agora.

Bread sellers outside the metro stations - a common sight throughout Athens. A big Pretzel ring cost only €0,50 and makes a good breakfast. Those with fillings, like spinach, chocolate, feta cheese will cost below €2

Preserved archaeological finds at Syntagma Metro Station.

It's as though as the station doubles up as a museum.

Took the long bus ride to the airport. Was almost AND-1 at the pick up point. The uncle at the ticket booth mentioned in Greek, which a nice old lady kindly translated to tell me that the bus will leave only at 5pm (when the schedule stated 3.30pm and 3.45pm buses as well). I almost had a shock as my flight was 7.40pm, and that it takes about 1 hr to reach the airport. Just when I was about to hail a cab, the driver for the bus came, said that this is the 3.30pm bus. Lucky me, not so for the person before me who went on the cab, huffing and puffing in anger about the apparent change in bus schedule.