Harbour Lights

A great night's sleep (they have beds, and everything here), followed by breakfast with my new Korean roomie. We get on splendidly from the start, mainly because he hasn't a clue what I'm saying to him. The metro journey today takes me down to the port area of the city- Pirraeus. I contemplate just how immaculate these trains and stations are. It's a continuing legacy from the Olympics, and, at any station, you can view offerings of the city's historical worth by observing giant friezes and other artwork along the walls, and encased priceless jewellery and pottery.

Pirraeus is Athens' lively gateway to the country's islands, and beyond. It's the final, most southernly stop on the line which yesterday took me north to the Olympic Stadium. Today, my tingling football senses lead me to the George Karaiskakis Stadium, home of Olympiakos F.C, suitably located near the train line. I engage in conversation with Dimitris, a friendly resident, originally from an old haunt of mine- the Greek island of Kos. I always laugh at the very mention of Kos. It was my first holiday destination (independent of the parents), and I went with my girlfriend of the time for a break from things. We'd been there five minutes when two of her university course mates rocked up and checked into the room below us. Unbelievable. They say it's a small world.... Anyhow, I digress. Dimitris point me the short walk to the ground, and I enter.

There's nothing happening here (it's the middle of the day), but I'm directed into the stadium and upstairs to the cafe, where I get a brilliant panoramic view of a highly impressive, yet compact arena. I'm not alone as I take in the scene- a visiting delegation of Greek Orthodox priests are enjoying frappuccinos and some sugary buns. Maybe they're present to bless the goalmouths. Football is serious stuff here, I tell thee.

The harbour area itself is bustling affair, and not the quaint place I somehow imagined. There's a busy coastal road running through it, and this highway allows the crowds of people and rows of vehicles access to the succession of multi-coloured ferries stretching off in both directions, waiting to take the world and his wife to any number of destinations. I can only imagine just how seriously busy this place must be in the peak summer months. Some people have even set up camp in the host of waiting rooms, with pots and pans, and sleeping bags and rugs scattered on the seats and the ground.

I determine that taking the seaside tram back along the shore and then into the centre will be a pleasant change to my perspective of the city. I leave industry and transport alone as I pass along the Aegean lapped suburbs of the city. It's a very picturesque stretch. We pass white washed churches, sandy coves and windswept lovers. There are also a couple of lunatics braving the chilly sea for a quick dip. A sharp lurch left and we leave the grey waters, and begin rolling towards the centre.

On arrival there, I amble towards the Greek parliament building, which is fronted by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where traditionally dressed soldier stand guard, occasionally marching in a rather unorthodox fashion. Their style of marching is very much from the Ministry of Silly Walks, but it's perfect for someone like me, who has a limited ability with a camera. The slow symmetrical motion is quite beholding, and even I manage to get a couple of good photos. Still not convinced by the pom poms on the footwear. Kilts- fine. Pom Poms- not fine. Rumour has it that the kilts have 400 pleats in them- one for every year of occupation by a foreign power.

The evening is spent making the short walk with my two new room mates to the Acropolis for some night time photographs of an impressively illuminated Temple of Athena Nike and The Parthenon. Our vantage point is a perch of stone more commonly known as The Aerios Pagos Rock- the scene of the first democratic trials, and judicial assessments. The view is brilliant and the sound of a bell tolling in a nearby church gently emphasises the perpetual meeting of the ancient and modern worlds.