Still in Athens

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Well, everyone rest easy, my luggage arrived safe and sound yesterday (Monday) as promised. I was gettig sick of the same pair of pants and anxious to wear some make up, so it was nice to walk into our hotel after a long day and have my bag waiting.

Yesterday (Monday) we started the day by heading to the Acropolis. Its a good thing we got an early start because it was crowded and HOT! We were at the top of the Acropolis by 9:30am and there was probably 1000 other people up there by then. Not to mention by 10am we were dripping sweat. The temperature is in the low 80's but the humidity is HIGH. The acropolis is in a sersis of about 6 different ruins. For 12 euro we got tickets into each of them. We were there from about 9-12:30 yesterday and only saw two of the ruins! Its a lot of walking. Today were going to try to hit up at leasttwo more. I think we've realized we're not going to get to see them all.

After leaving the ruins we went out to find the poet sandlemaker. Despite having written down what I thought were good directions, we spent about an hour walking around in circles look for this guys sandle shop! The Poet is Athens most famous sandlemaker. Believe it or not, the city is crawling with small leather shops where same guys makes mostly sandles and sells them out of a small shop. The poet, however, has the best sandles and from what I had read, has made sandles for tons of famous people, including The Beatles, Lilly Tomlin, Jackie O, Madonna and many more. When we finally made it to his shop, the wall are covered with pictures of The Poet and all kinds of famous people! Leaders of various countires and hollywood stars. So we tried on some sandles and of course bought a few pairs. Surprizingly, they were failly inexpensive (22 euro a piece which is about $30). I got the stayle that has now been named Jackie O, since its the style she wore. So, I know youre wondering why this guys is called The Poet. Well, its because he writes poetry. And its not crap. Actually, most universits through the UK study his poetry in their literature ciriculum! There were letters framed in the shop from various UK universities asking this guy to come speack for the and etc., including a letter from Cambridge University!) So, yes, I bought one of his books. And yes I got it autographed (Mom, this is a souvenier for you. I figured I couldn't get you sandles without you here to try them on, so I got you his book). However, The Poet retired in 2004, so he wasn't there to sign his book. But his son now runs the place and is following in his fathers footsteps. He is the one who translated the poetry into three different languages (the book has each poem in original greek, then the son translated into english, french and I think Italian). Also, the son is an artist and has his art work displayed in the shop. He also did some art in the book as well. So the sons signature was second best.

Ok, well Joe is getting anxious. Tomorrow (Wednesday) we leave for Santorini. Today were off to some more ruins and a museaum or two. Were looking forward to getting to the islands were life is a little slower. Kev, this morning when I was awake WAY to early, I was thinking how Athens is an OK city, but not in my top five. I thought you might appreciate that I came up with my top five list. Here goes (1) Florence (2) Paris (3) Munich (4) London and (5) Barcelona. I'm interested to see how that compares to your top 5!

Ok, talk to every body soon!

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Comments

[Bubba]

I don't miss you...
You are both tards. You better bring Chloe back something, you know how she gets.