Athens Day 4

well, bit of a wet start and petty cold as well, but nothing will daunt this
group! e headed fist into town to see the classical architecture of the National
Library and University buildings, before heading to the National Archaeological
Museum. in true Greek style, and most disappointingly, many of the rooms were
closed, due to "staff not being paid enough, and therefore not turning up to
work". we got let in through a 'secret entrance', and saw the famous bronze of
zeus/poseidon, and the golden mask of agamemnon, and a few minor pieces, but
many of the highlights were closed off.
we then took the athens metro to the acropolis, and started the long climb to
the top, seeing the theatre of dionysus and the theatre of herodes atticus on
the way, and the parthenon more than made up for any disappointment in the
morning. cold, bitterly cold at times, but the sights of the acropolis are still
unbelievably good.
we finished up at the new acropolis museum, a three-storey structure full of all
that they have left from the acropolis and agoras, including a full
reconstruction of the parthenon frieze and metopes. by this time the boys (and I
as well, to be honest) were yawning and wilting; the days have been long and
full, but a wonderful start to the tour.
tonight is our last in athens, so we'll do a final run into town tonight for
shopping and sights, and then we're away to corinth and mycenae tomorrow.
hope you are all well, and waiting for your replies,
warren b