Checkout was a sensible noon which worked well as we were due to board The Galileo for our cruise at between 2 and 3 pm. We all had a breakfast downstairs (it’s included in the room price) and Barbara and I set off for the Archaeological Museum. It is 2 stops away from the National Gardens which were outside our hotel. We still could use the hop on hop off tickets so off we went. We were pleased to see that taxis were operating. It took a bit of time for the bus to arrive but we got to the museum at about 9.30 and knew it would be a quick tour as we would have to leave by 11.15.

Well the archaeological museum is pretty fantastic and seriously huge. You could easily spend a whole day there. There’s a lovely courtyard in the centre with a garden and cafe that must be lovely when you want a break.

We were truly amazed at some of the artefacts, sculptures and jewellery that dated back to 2800 years BC. There were heaps of ornate pots (mostly glued together from pieces but nevertheless pots showing their original form and pattern) and dating from 1200-1400 BC. There were also ornate patterned frypans which they think were found in graves ( the Greeks out all sorts of household stuff in graves but more decorated than normal. They presumably wanted the departed to have the necessities for life in the hereafter.) Some of the gold jewellery could be modern and the sculptures are also amazing. I love the one showing Aphrodite fighting off the advances of Pan using her sandal – and with the help some other winged god. The sandal looks so real. That’s a recent one though. It only dates back to 100BC so only 2100 years old.

I also loved the stone lion with teeth and the dog. So much and so old and so very well made.

We got back to the hotel just before noon but it doesn’t take long to pack up. We asked the nearby taxi guys if they’d take us to the marina. They are evidently airport guys but one of them said ok and we were treated to a first class exhibition of multi tasking. “Where you going?” he said as we were already heading down the road. “Marina Zea” we said. “No. That’s not right. What boat?” “The Galileo“ we said. “Oh yes. Show me the paper”. Barbara and I were in the back seat and she handed across the sheet with the address of the closest road. He took the paper, got out his glasses and read the address, (still driving through heavy traffic) handed back the paper and then got his pen and his own paper and proceeded to draw a diagram showing where we had to go. “Good. Thanks” we said. By this stage we were on familiar roads heading to Pyraeus.

Well not only did he get us to the right location , he drove down this narrow passage and along the edge of the quay depositing us at the foot of the Galileo, where we were able to deposit our bags with one of the crew and headed up to a cafe for lunch. I stuck to a salad as am feeling a bit folded out. The marina side cafes all have kitchens and bars in the proper cafes across the road, which means that service tends to be slower than usual. The toilets are also across the road and the toilets are the main reason for going to the cafes. This particular toilet has to take the prize for best view. Barb went first and recommended that I take my camera when I went. Good call!

We boarded the Galileo just before 3pm with a large measure of excitement. There was a minor hiccup as they mixed up our booking with Barb’s. We both have the same class of cabin (upstairs and further from the engines) but they’d put her in one with a double bed and us in one with 2 singles. She was willing to swap so we soon got settled in and had a look around. The cabins have 2 wardrobes with lots of mirrors on the outside to give the illusion of more space. There is an ensuite with toilet, basin and shower and plenty of storage space.

The main dining room is downstairs. There is a bar on that floor and also at the end of our deck, but only one bar maid so only one bar operates at a time. There is a large sun deck above us where the masts are. It’s an older style wooden sailing yacht but we motor along.

There are 44 guests on board and 14 crew. The guests are a mix of mainly Australians, Kiwis, Americans and Germans with a couple of Greeks and Brits. The tour leader is Greek and called Joseph. As he says, his Greek heritage has given him a well developed bundle of sarcasm and 10 years living in the UK honed it into a fine tool. He has an excellent manner and is very clear about things. Our safety drill (how to put on life jackets) was followed by drinks and canapés on the deck.

We left port an hour later than expected because of strong winds and therefore altered our intended course, heading for a sheltered island nearby. We were supposed to be sailing all night for Paros but it would be too uncomfortable so instead we would anchor at a sheltered bay on Aegina island then sort out the plan in light of the wind the next day.

The short trip to Aegina was sufficient for most of us to agree that a night time trip in heavy winds and seas was not how we needed to start. We had a briefing about the next day from Joseph and then a sumptuous buffet dinner and some pleasant conversation with our new shipmates and then it was time for an evening stroll in the little town. It is close to Athens and is a bit like the local Waiheke Island with lots of people commuting to the mainland. The bars and restaurants are always on the seafront with the shops behind and the houses behind that. We found some excellent shops and Mike got new togs and a new pair of shorts.

We had to be back on board by 6.30am but opted for 10pm after the shopping spree and then it was off to bed. Mike and Barbara had been feeling a bit dodgy in the heavy seas earlier but by bedtime we were in sheltered water. I was ok but had some doubts when I lay down but exhaustion kicked in pretty quickly and we all seemed to have excellent sleeps. A great start.