Flying to Athens Greece

It was time to start my latest adventure to Europe and I started in Athens Greece. It was a good flight over and I managed to sleep some after a good meal and a glass or maybe it was two of white wine.  I decided to hire a ride to take me to the hotel and it was from Welcome Pickups, I liked the fact that I was sent the name of the driver and a photograph a few days before I left. The driver said I could sleep if I wanted to but I was ready to see some of Athens so he pointed out some sites to me and mentioned taverna were more likely to have authentic food. Upon the arrival to my hotel which was in the Plaka area I had to wait for my room so I decided to explore the local area. I was very close to some of the most famous ruins.  I stopped at the Ancient Agora I saw a cat inside a ruin peering at me I decided to take his photo and then I was wondering why it was not focusing. I looked at the camera and realized I had accidentally brought my zoom lens 55 to 200 instead of my 18 to 55. I was quite upset at this because I was not going to be able to take photos with wide angel which meant I had to stand a bit away from everything. I then returned to the hotel to check in and take a 45 minute nap.

The church of Panaghia Kapnikarea

Mosaic of Madonna and Child

The Agora

Sneaking through the ruins

After the quick nap I headed to Syntagma Square which was not too far away I decided to walk across to the Parliament and  I was lucky when I arrived the changing of the guard had just begun the Evzones wear traditional Greek uniforms with a Foustanella which is a kilt like skirt  The guard the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, they were also inspected while I was there and the man doing it was straightening the shirt of one (shades of Beatles movie Help) and when he was done we were able to have a photo taken with one. I decided I could use my SONY for the wider angle photos but now I was upset that too was acting up and that many of the photos were coming out too light.  I explored some more and then realizing I was hungry I decided to have my first souvlaki it was chicken it was wrapped in a huge pita and had a couple french fries in it and it was so cheap paid 2.20 euro it was so good. Then I started the walk back to my hotel and stopped in the Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea which is an excellent example of a well preserved Byzantine building. I realized exhaustion was sinking in and I went back to my room for the night.