Athens' Acrapolis

Flew from Cyprus to Athens, stayed there just one evening, but was just enough time to get to see the Acropolis, which was a must do as I'd never been to Athens before. So on arrival, straight to hotel, dump bags and walk to the centre. On the way I saw a number of Lua Lua football shirts, the ex-Pompey star is now a hit in Athens where he plays for Olympiakos and still wears the number 32 he wore at Fratton Park. His popularity was clear by the fact his shirt was hung in front of the globally popular shirts of stars like Ronaldhino, Rooney, Ronaldo and Kaka.

The Acropolis was littered with heavy scaffolding on most sides, which thoroughly spoils the view, the crane sat alongside also didn't help. Good to see one of the most famous worldwide sites but pretty disappointing in its current state. On the way back we stopped for some traditional Greek food and were annoyed by one of those accordion players trying to entertain everyone. I really fancied following him after, wait until he was having his dinner some place, then stand by his table singing Welsh football songs and ask for money, see what he would do! Athens isn't that nice really, bit gritty and dusty, just a standard city in the main, except for the historical sites of course.

Next morning off to the bus station and caught a bus to Patras, crossed the Corinth canal, though I didn't see it, I was snoozing I think, and to the port for our boat from Patras to Ancona.


A twenty hour journey, there were twelve Welsh fans making this journey as a way of getting from Cyprus to San Marino for Wednesday's match. Perry kept us all guessing in the journey with his trivia quizzes and we played some poker with peanuts from the bar. Peanuts are better than chips as they don't get cold during the game, so you can still eat them after! Grabbed a couple of hours sleep on a couple of chairs, but was woken early when the cafe bar opened again and another day began. I went out on deck to get some fresh air and to wake up and caught a beautiful sunrise, the sky a multitude of rich colours made it worthwhile getting up so early for once. A few hours later an we arrived in Ancona, Italy.