On Friday we caught the train on the new Elizabeth Line to Heathrow which took just under 35 minutes. I understand this used to take over an hour requiring a couple of changes. We took the fast track lane for customs and I got singled out for my first (very thorough) pat down. I had my oyster card still in a pocket – doh. Had a nice wait in the Lufthansa lounge, no GF food alas.

Went to the gate which was a shambles. Three flights trying to depart from one waiting area. Went up to get our bags weighed when called (you need a tag to say it is under the required weight) and was overweight for economy. They then realised we were business and waved us away very apologetically. So, it seems that business class on Aegean means take whatever you want. We are just dumb rookies!

Upon arriving in Athens, we were out the other side of customs within 10 mins of coming off the plane. Why do we take so long in NZ…!! Caught the 6.49pm train to Piraeus which left at 7.23pm and found the hotel pretty easily. Lovely 23 degrees and found a great restaurant just around the corner.

On Saturday, we visited the Athens Archaeological Museum catching a subway train from Piraeus into Acropoli with one change at Omonia. After upskilling in London, we reckon we did pretty well. The trip took about 35 minutes and cost €5.80 for both of us return.

The museum is relatively new building large enough to house an extensive collection of recovered artifacts and sculptures. It does a good job of describing the excavations, history of the area and the various design elements of the Acropolis (and similar buildings). We considered trekking the 136 metre high track to the Acropolis but it was getting late and we all know how much I like climbing hills. Another day…. Time to return to base.

Dinner at a different restaurant where we both had Souvlaki – yummm!! Love Greek food – it’s suits our preferred food style.