18th, 19th March, Athens

Sunday 18th March. Our world cruise had reached 38,247 n. miles as we arrived in Piraeus, Greece, at about 10.30am. It took an hour to manoeuvre the ship into her mooring through the narrow harbour entrance because we had to reverse in and then turn 180 degrees. After an early lunch we allowed the hoards to exit the port on the shuttle buses before we attempted to take our leave. At 2.30pm we were heading into Athens and looking forward to spending the afternoon and evening in the city. We were dropped off at Plaka, just across the road from Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus so I hopped across and took photos leaving Alan waiting at the pavement cafe. We strolled around some very pleasant small streets with plenty of tourist type shops and lots of jewellers. Then we came across a square with yet another ruin to study, which was overlooked by the hill and The Parthenon, but we didn’t climb up there as we had visited in the 80’s. It had been warm and sunny during the afternoon, about 22 degrees, but by 6.30pm when it was turning cooler, we found a nice restaurant in the square. ‘Diogenes’ was very popular with the locals and the tables outside were soon filled with people wearing warm clothing. We dined in a small room that was tastefully decorated. People we had been talking to in one of the shops had recommended the restaurant and some wine from central Greece. Hatzimichalis, a dry red, from Syrah, Grenache, Cabernets and Carignan grapes, at 26 Euros, was indeed very good! Alan had veal and I had lamb, and although it was tasty it wasn’t anything special, but the atmosphere in the restaurant was most enjoyable. At 8.45pm we strolled to catch our shuttle bus back to port. By the time we were on board again we decided an early night was all we could manage!
Monday 19th March. After a restful night we awoke to brilliant sunshine and a very busy ship. All the tours were heading off in every direction possible so we kept a low profile because we had our formal dinner to look forward to with Carol Marlow, the President and Managing Director of Cunard. About 400 world cruisers had been invited to dine with her at The Athens Ledra. I had made afternoon appointments at the beauty and hair salon to prepare for the occasion so I had a leisurely morning before lunch. We were collected from our suite at 4.45pm because they had organised individual cars for disabled passengers (which was better for us than climbing on a bus.) Upon our arrival we were greeted by a group of school children holding the flags of different countries to symbolise the many nationalities that were attending. Following the red carpet we were guided into the atrium where Carol Marlow welcomed each guest individually and then yet another welcome by the Commodore before taking a glass of pink champagne, or any of the other drinks offered. We moved on to where a string quartet played classical music and then stopped to sit and chat with other guests as we enjoyed the welcome. There were several podiums situated around the open aspect lounge where Roman athletes were depicted by men dressed accordingly as statues that slowly changed their pose. When we entered the dining room my breath was taken away by the magnificent sight of tables dressed with yard high glass vases containing green apples topped with cascading white roses, lilies and green ivy. Even the chairs had a sprig of ivy and a white rose tied to the rear of their covers. The resident orchestra played whilst a group performed several traditional Greek dances, then the school children sang. A lady vocalist entertained us whilst we had dinner, which was four courses with wines, ending with champagne for the loyal toast and then Greek liqueur. After this the ‘athletes’ came and performed their slow motion positions to the theme from Chariots of Fire. We had good company on our table and that made the evening so much more enjoyable, but it had to end at 10.30pm because we had to get back to the ship before she sailed at midnight. It was indeed another well organised event that we will often recall.