Ok, that's a little harsh but I have to say, the graffiti on every surface coupled with the prevalent cigarette smoke was enough to make me wonder. On top of that, numerous buildings in a state of 'its either being torn down or built but is other wise abandon' was another reminder that things in Athens aren't going to well.
On the other hand - there was an overabundance of bathroom stores (sinks, toilets and tile) and used car lots on my way into Athens - on both sides of the street. It was either one of the abandoned buildings, a car lot or a bathroom store. Honestly - I have the film to prove it.
But besides that it did have the Akropolis (Gr. we use a 'c') and some other ruins to gawk at for a while and the coast line is gorgeous - Athens needs a spa-retreat, face lift. Not saying don't go - but certainly wouldn't spend more than two days in Athens site seeing and then moving on to the Santorini Islands or some other nice part of Greece. Just don't ask me where that part might be...
The ruins were ruined, the food was fully cooked (i.e. - over cooked, with one majorly enjoyable exception) and the people were as happy as folks in Humbug, er Hamburg, Germany. Its not that I didn't have a nice time, its just that it wasn't a nice time :-P Either way, there are some photos to enjoy over at the right hand side link - go to Picasa for that and consider that I just saved you a trip!
