Both flights were mercifully uneventful. The seatmate for the trip into Frankfurt was a wine company representative from Montevedeo (sp?), Uruguay (again, sp?) who was on his way from a show in Chicago to one of Europe's largest wine expositions in Dusseldorf this weekend. Hmmmph, and we thought they only made mustard there.
The Frankfurt airport seemed at least as large if not more spread out than even O'Hare. The Lufthansana boarding process was most un-German; I expected something similar to that of Southwest Airlines where everyone is lined up. Instead, the check-in lane (THE check-in) suddenly opened and people rushed for it. Seated next to me on the full flight was an elderly Greek couple who brought onboard three irregularly shaped boxes of purchases in addition to their carry-on. And "carry on" they did; they were some of the last to board so overheard space was already limited. The flight attendants retained their composure through all the antics of the Greek couple trying to find overhead space, which they eventually accomplished. The flight had a couple of bumpy spots, especially when flying over the Alps, so the pilot activated the 'stay in your seats' lights. This couple apparently saw that as almost a commandment to get out of their seats and either: a) check on the security of each item stuffed into the overheads; b) seek out additional cups of coffee or cans of pop from the flight attendants; c) somehow squeeze into the lavatories;, or d) return service items the instant they were finished with them. In my mind, I thought that this couple had certainly already been banned from both Olympic and Aegean Airlines.
The Frankfurt airport seemed at least as large if not more spread out than even O'Hare. The Lufthansana boarding process was most un-German; I expected something similar to that of Southwest Airlines where everyone is lined up. Instead, the check-in lane (THE check-in) suddenly opened and people rushed for it. Seated next to me on the full flight was an elderly Greek couple who brought onboard three irregularly shaped boxes of purchases in addition to their carry-on. And "carry on" they did; they were some of the last to board so overheard space was already limited. The flight attendants retained their composure through all the antics of the Greek couple trying to find overhead space, which they eventually accomplished. The flight had a couple of bumpy spots, especially when flying over the Alps, so the pilot activated the 'stay in your seats' lights. This couple apparently saw that as almost a commandment to get out of their seats and either: a) check on the security of each item stuffed into the overheads; b) seek out additional cups of coffee or cans of pop from the flight attendants; c) somehow squeeze into the lavatories;, or d) return service items the instant they were finished with them. In my mind, I thought that this couple had certainly already been banned from both Olympic and Aegean Airlines.
Approaching the Athens airport from the east over the Aegean.
Athens airport is relatively new, having been built for the past Olympics (2004?) But, the subway line between the airport and the downtown area is closed in sections in order to add new stations along the route. Apparently, some type of antiquity is found every time a shovel is put into the ground on these projects and that requires anthropologists to be called in to examine the scene. One of the station sites has already had to be moved and another had to be lowered to thirty feet below the surface rather than the typical ten feet in order not to disturb an ancient cemetery. Mayor Daley just moves 'em.
I took the bus downtown which afforded a much better view anyway. The destination was Sygmata Square, the center of Athens and near the hotel. But, the bus driver stopped before reaching the square because of the nasty traffic. One of the others on the bus said that he announced this was as far as he could go because he needed to start the return trip. Fortunately, all four of the police officers I asked for help along the way spoke English and pointed me in the right direction.
Seems that the same huge group of public employees who were demonstrating last week did so again tonight and tied up traffic for blocks and blocks. Actually, the police had blocked off the streets and were prepared for whatever with their numbers and most had riot gear, including those clear plastic shields. Not the place for me to be.
I took the bus downtown which afforded a much better view anyway. The destination was Sygmata Square, the center of Athens and near the hotel. But, the bus driver stopped before reaching the square because of the nasty traffic. One of the others on the bus said that he announced this was as far as he could go because he needed to start the return trip. Fortunately, all four of the police officers I asked for help along the way spoke English and pointed me in the right direction.
Seems that the same huge group of public employees who were demonstrating last week did so again tonight and tied up traffic for blocks and blocks. Actually, the police had blocked off the streets and were prepared for whatever with their numbers and most had riot gear, including those clear plastic shields. Not the place for me to be.
The hotel is just a few blocks from the square and there is a great illuminated view of the Acropolis out the window.
After settling into the room, I walked back to the Square where things were noticeably quieter and bought an international calling card since I had forgotten my cell phone at home. Actually, the cards are a much better deal than the $1.29 a minute AT&T charges.
That's all done and I'm dragging myself to bed in order to be able to complete a three-hour walking tour of the basic historical district tomorrow morning.
Hope all is well with everyone.
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