ATHENS

We loved Athens! After a night stern to at a public quay on Nisos Salamis we motored around the north end of the island towards Athens. We had no idea that we were motoring right through the waters of the famous "Battle of Salamis", Greek naval HQ to the right and Pireaus port to the left. Busy busy waters but fascinating.... We chose Zea Marina in Pireaus because of its proximity to chandleries and marina supplies and spent a couple of days of cleaning, purchasing and maintenance. We started early each day because the sun was so hot until early evening....

Sunday 7th August I declared Kinabalu's galley "closed" and we took a 15 minute taxi ride into Athens. The new Acropolis museum is absolutely amazing (joint effort by Greek Ministry of Culture and the EU €200 million) and although I had viewed it in 1970, the Acropolis and the Parthenon temple is truly a sight to behold. I am standing at the entrance right above the archaelogical remains over which the whole museum is built. Truly amazing!! We ate and drank Greek style and embraced the ambience.