Sat July 17, 2004

Took the bus in front of Hotel Poseidon to Plaka. I walked up the road to the entrance of the Acropolis. Walked around the hill and took pictures. Did not buy a ticket to see the inside as the visit is include on the city tour the following morning. Plaka is the center of Athens, with narrow streets, Tavernas (restaurants), street cafes and many souvenir shops on both sides. Jars, ash trays made of colorful glass, gold, cotton shirts, t-shirts and many typical Greek souvenirs. Shop keepers pull you inside and try to sell you things. Met an Iraqi lady who sells at one of the cotton shirt shop. Sat down in a street café at an intersection, had cappuccino and took pictures while sitting. Walked to the back side of the acropolis. More broken columns and stones behind the fence. 4 men who look like skinheads walked by several times singing and beating a drum. Underground station. Took the bus back to the hotel. As the bus went along the seaside, many people were walking along the promenade and having dinner in the cafes and restaurants on the sandy beaches. Went to my room and packed for the next day departure.