Arriving at the metro train station of Omonia we realised we needed cash so Drew went off to raid an ATM so we could enjoy our few days in Athens. By the time he got back Jenny and the kids had been approached by some unsavoury people wanting to know where they were staying. They quickly disappeared as Drew returned. Simone's instincts issued a warning but our confidence was high as we disappeared into the Metro station. Tickets were purchased and then we descended further to catch our train. One stop before we changed lines but what a ride it was.
Unknowing we had entered one of Athens worst crime spots. Gangs of illegal immigrants work the space between Omonia and Syntagma stations. As we boarded the train the kids and Jenny were allowed to board then 2 blokes closed over the entry. Drew being polite asked to get through before crashing through them in attempt to board as the doors began to close. With bag caught in door and a flurry of arms and legs we were able to reopen door and push through to get on. Once on things didn't improve. The guys followed Drew across cabin and just as the train pulled up tried to lift bag out of train. After a brief struggle they gave up and all departed. As you can imagine everyone was very tense. Make sure everything is still here. Oh no! Wallet with all cash, credit cards, licence etc, etc. gone. Further check, Simone's IPod gone. A mad panicked rush to the police on duty ended up with a further warning of how dangerous it is on the subway. Welcome to Athens. After a lengthy call cards were cancelled and addresses swapped. Report stolen things to police station asap and see what happens. Super nervous we headed off on one final leg to our hotel. It seemed like an eternity but after some hard work lugging cases across streets, up hills we finally fell into the foyer of our Hotel. The manager was very worried about us and helped us get organised. Free internet and some kind words saw us out for the day. We all collapsed into our beds that night completely exhausted.
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| Acropolis |
A head count next morning assured we were all still their. Its a terrible feeling being threatened and robbed. It changes your whole perception of a place and made for some mixed feelings of our time in Athens. Drew was on a mission to file the report at Syntagma police station(guarded like Fort Knox). Seriously I would hate to know who they are fighting against as huge numbers of police armed to the teeth everywhere. I felt a little insignificant reporting my stolen items, however they were very helpful and then on to find some money. The rest of the family preferred the safety of the hotel room. The morning was frustrating as after a quick visit to the police, money(or lack of it) became a big problem. Banks were closed for weekend, next port of call Australian Embassy for assistance(closed for weekend). It appears the only people working over here are the criminals. On returning to the hotel empty handed and exhausted I pleaded to the new hotel manager which eventually agreed to help with some cash via my Dad's account. What a saga. Totally spent we regrouped, bought something to eat and prepare to leave our room.
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| Parthenon |
It took a while to get our confidence back having to travel the metor again to see the wonderful sights of ancient Athens. Without the luggage things improved quickly. Wow! Surfacing at Monastiraki we were quickly engulfed by the sights and sounds of a busy market which was our starting point for the climg up the steep hill to the Acropolis. The weather was warm and we quickly hit the water bottles for relief. We pushed on enjoying the many interesting sights and were eventually rewarded with a glimpse of the Gates to the Acropolis. As it was getting late we decided to return to camp and plan a full days assault on the ancient attractions tomorrow.
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| Trekking around Acropolis |
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| Parthenon(side view) 438BC |
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| Jenny & Laura shopping in Flea market |
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| Propylaia - cities entrance in ancient times. |
Well we hit the streets running today and quickly got to where we left off. The Acropolis, Partheneon and the many other impressive buildings truly reflect the past glories of Athens. We immersed ourselves in the local markets, people and activities on offer in this amazing city and soaked up the local culture, sounds and smells that are on offer. The streets of Athens in these tourist quarters are both charming and full of interesting little souvenier shops and the people who run them. We walked all day and came home exhausted but satisfied.
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| Athens-hot and thirsty work trekking the many hills. |
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| Changing of Guard at Tomb of the unknown soldier |
After a huge day out we then prepared ourselves for our late night flight out.
Yes we just love a challenge. Our flight to London left at 10.30PM so we collected our belongings after a nice meal and set off on our next adventure. Goodbye Athens. Great memories. Leaving with mixed emotions(both good and bad). Anyway all is well that ends well and so after an interesting trip to the airport we boarded the plane and departed this great city.
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Ancient Olympic stadium |
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| Life in Athens |
