About Me
Monday, 17 November 2014
I'm sorry I've been absent so long..
Saturday, 5 April 2014
12 Ancestors - #1 Cecil Bertram James Hook
Athens Day 11 - Changing of the Guard & Amalia Gardens
The blog post for my last day in Athens has been a long time coming.
Another beautiful sunny morning and the glorious view from the hotel window.
Found this quaint church tucked under the corner of a modern building. I think it was a museum rather than a church now but amazing that it has survived under the 1970s concrete monolith above.
So tempted to ring the bell, but somehow think that might have gotten me in trouble!
More artwork on shop shutters.
On to the changing of the guard at the Parliament building near Syntagma Square
The guards are called Evzones, they are often selected for the Presidential Guard during basic training as they need to be 1.86m (just over 6'1" tall)
They are wearing the winter uniform of Navy Blue, the summer uniform is light khaki.
They perform the standard steps but in a slower and more stylized fashion.
After standing out in the sun on what felt like a warm English summer day we went to Amalia Gardens next to the Parliament building to find some shade.
Caught a glimpse of the Evzones heading back to their barracks after the changing of the guard.
Notice on the gates of Amalia Gardens, glad we visited this time as when we go back later in the year they will be closed to the public to keep out protestors during the Greek presidency of the EU.
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Athens Day 10 - Kentimata Katerina & a return to the Stitchy Shop
Mind The Gap! (I imagine this in the same voice as on the London Underground)
Arrived at Kato Patissia.
Valentine's seemed a big thing, but only in florists and bakeries. I didn't see any card shops in all my wanderings.
And then we found Kentimata Katerina - a shop I had seen advertised in one of the crafty magazines. It was full of completed embroideries, all household linens and soft furnishings as is common in Greece. When we got there an older gentleman was minding the shop. He did not speak any English but called his son Nico, who spoke a little English, to translate. When Nico arrived he advised the shop was his mother's and that she would be along shortly.
Many gorgeous embroideries were laid out for our admiration by the owner Katerina. There were modern pieces and some old pieces - I could understand "antica"
On the way to other stitching shop we came across an abundance of taxi showrooms. Who could have imagined you would need so many places selling taxis in one city? And all on one street? But this is typical of Athens, shopping is a little like a game of snap, find one shop of a kind and you are sure to find a similar shop within a short walk.
Interesting statue found on the way to the other stitchy shop.
Small cars are very popular in Athens, particularly Smart Cars. And even if it isn't a Smart Car, you do see some very "smart" parking.
And some vehicles that shouldn't even be on the road.
Some awesome graffiti, making use of a hole in some plasterwork...
and turning it into a beautiful bird.
A half completed apartment block co-opted by a scrap dealer. Each balcony level had a different collection of car parts.
Stitch band of various kinds
Anchor and DMC cottons
Fabric to drool over, here is the owner cutting some red/natural gingham for me.
And an amazing collection of various bands of fabric, mostly linen or evenweave, and in the most glorious colours.
More smart parking.
And a Smart Car that's had smarter days.
An ancient Opel Kadett, in 70s orange.
Gorgeous skies and some quirky places on the way back.
View from the roof garden.
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