After being back in the UK for my brother’s wedding, I was slightly concerned about returning to the two-wheeled adventure. It was significantly easier to procure food from my Dad’s fridge, situated four metres from the table, rather than procuring food from endless unknown stores, markets, farms or generous locals. It was also significantly easier to roll into a bed at my Dad’s house rather than having to construct a roof over my head and make a semblance of a bed each night. To ease myself back in therefore I spent a week drinking beer and eating souvlaki in Athens. I think I saw some archaeology as well. But the Classical rocks were not as delicious as the souvlaki or as entertaining as the company.
The accumulated solo travellers from Athen’s Choice Hostel: Jonas, Alice, Ashley, Jeremy and CamiloAfter many days of laughter and sharing of stories, my new found friends signed an Australian $5 with promises to send them a photo of myself and the Sydney-based Jeremy, buying a beer and chicken wings with it in Sydney. Jeremy ensures me it is a $5 deal. Here’s hoping there is no major Aussie inflation in the next year.The Erechtheion on the Acropolis. Ashley did not have enough cash to enter the Acropolis so Jeremy and I made a multimedia guide (photos and voice recordings) for her. Despite our best efforts, I think Ashley learnt very little about the Acropolis…The infamous changing of the guards in Athens. I think these guys missed an opportunity to be tap dancers. They would have more creative freedom than the stilted movements of a Greek guard, whilst still be able to wear the same shoes.What a coincidence, a bike festival the weekend I arrived in Athens! Awesome.Steve, my very excellent bike mechanic in AthensSaying goodbye to my two excellent Calgary companions in the hostel, saying goodbye to the mysterious hostel barman (and potential secret agent) Konstantinos and saying goodbye to Athens
Northeast Peloponnese
Leaving Athens behind I head over to the northeast of the Peloponnese peninsular to soak up the big names in ancient- and pre-historical sites: the Epidaurus Theatre, the Mycenaean civilisation at Tiryns and Mycenae, the Nemea Olympic stadium and Ancient Corinth. My ancient- and pre-historical knowledge seemed to have peaked about a week previously, then I overdid it and left myself thoroughly confused about the passage of time and civilisations.
I took the boat from Piraeus (Athens) to Methana and this is the view back over Methana as I set off on the bikeA rather peaceful view to accompany my breakfast. Maybe procuring food on the road is not such a stressful experience after all…The Ancient Epidaurus Theatre. This did actually live up to the impressive reputation that preceded my visit. The acoustics are a little mind-blowing.The Mycenaean civilisation at Mycenae (1600-1100BC). A civilisation featuring big names such as Agamemnon and OrestesPotentially the mask that was on the face of the potentially mythical AgamemnonPotentially the grave burial of the potentially mythical AgamemnonThe Olympic stadium at Nemea. Nemea hold their own Olympics here in June every four years, open to anyone to compete as long as they run in bare feet! By the sounds of the descriptions of the games it is quite a jolly family festivalJust in case you were wondering, I won my (one-horse) 200m race and received an olive wreath crown from a kind Greek lady!Ancient Corinth, an impressive site, with a history ranging from Bronze Age to present day.After many visits to the ancient- and pre-historical worlds of Greece I needed to get some present day relief. I went off to cycle in the Attican hills for a few days…
