After two years we eventually made it back to Athens! Humid with Thunderstorms; but what the heck, it was wonderful! (The following contains Twitter and Hyperlinks so please hover your mouse as you read)
Athens here we come! Can’t believe it’s been two years! Excited is an understatement! Gatwick not too bad, a tad chaotic but only because half of everything is closed and everyone is struggling with paperwork.
First rule at Gatwick….make sure you have paper copies of everything! No internet connection = huge, slow queues…..much closed but not too bad considering. Surprised at how few mask wearers – simply being told, buy one when you can!…:
We never tire of this view from Hotel Ilissos! Despite the rain we head up to Parthenon with hydromel from breakfast😇to propitiate Athena on behalf of all schools enquiring and (most importantly) BOOKING! The Concrete paths awaits!
It was a little wet in Athens …..but nevertheless SO good to be back. Akropolis Erechtheion, Hekatombeion, Parthenon – good to see you again. A few Tourist shots from Agora and Hephaestion.
The sun came out for Number One Cemetery, perfect introduction/comparison to Kerameikos as was….an oasis of beauty, sadness, calm & nature entered via modern Propylaea.
Lysikrates Choregic Monument remains a good coffee stop ….. with cats of course! Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro) in 35 degrees. Not used to this after previous deluge and thunderstorms. Omonia refurbishment in the sun.
Not the sophistication of 50’s & 60’s (the world has moved on) – but a definite improvement on recent years.
Hotels are very well prepared and super hygienic.
The contrast between leaving Athens Airport and arriving at Gatwick could not have been more stark. Which do you think is which?
However, to be fair, bar 45mins walk from ‘plane to Passport Control, not too bad. Queues yes, social distancing no…. but only 20 mins to clear this melee. Everyone was very patient.
For those Planning Trips in 2022 ………… You will be welcomed with (socially distanced) open arms!
Greece and Italy are far more stringent than UK in upholding C-19 Rules. They are also far more used to living within the new boundaries, so in all likelihood you will feel safer. Things certainly run more efficiently as they’ve had more practise!
There have been paperwork changes for Guiding Permit Applications in Greece and Proof of Being an Educational Establishment (to qualify for reduced Site and Museum Entry) in both Greece and Italy. Ensure you Have prepared well in advance.
Whispering Guide Headsets are mandatory at some venues – make sure you’ve alerted us to order yours!
Hotels, Restaurants, Coaches, Sites and Museums have strict hygiene protocols, please don’t make life difficult for Staff……..even if some instructions seem daunting! Even their cats are more prepared than our humans!
Rules and Regulations are mutating almost as swiftly as Covid Variants, so our strongest words of advice are CHECK, CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN!