Athens - The Big Olive

It's not always you see a pink sky as a backdrop in Athens but I was tinkering around on Photoshop and I decided to give the Greek capital a bit of a twist.

The trip was full of surprises and Lake Vouliagmeni was one of them. It was interesting to cross the highway from the beach and come across this lake. Not many people know about it and it is best to be kept that way. In a city so crowded it was great to see a place with so few people. Vouligameni is part of the southern suburbs on what is known as the Athens Riviera. Not only are there nice beaches but it is one of the best residential areas in the city, Attica region or the whole country. 

The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at foot of the Greek Parliament which is located on Syntagma Square. They change every hour and it is certainly worth seeing the Evzones change.

The Evzona responsible told us that they do not stop for us and that we would have to move aside as the march towards us. at the point that they were to march away and through the crowd of tourists, everyone scatted. The shoes are wooden, so certainly heavy. 

Not a view expected of Athens, which is usually associated with large avenues, haphazardously-built apartment blocks, TV aerials and a lot of noise. But the Gardens just next to the Parliament offered a welcome break from the noise of the city.

The Zappeion.

A lady in traditional Cretan costume. 

There was a Cretan cultural event at the Zappeion and these men in traditional Cretan costume were chatting outside. It was so warm and they were wearing dark clothes. But they handled the heat well.

Monastiraki by night.