Ride the Metro to Nearby Shopping

Today, all the students were split into groups with a guide to show us how to buy train tickets and navigate to nearby squares for the most excellent shopping and dining areas I have ever seen. Yes, its that good.

About the train - we bought our tickets from automated machines inside the station, but there was a ticket booth, as well. The cost was 1,20 euros for 70 minutes of public transportation, either train, tram, or bus. There was a discount available for students under 25 and seniors over 65. We then got on the train (first time on a subway for me and Chuck!) and got off a couple stops later. Not too difficult. Monthly passes are available, as well, and we may take advantage of them just to facilitate getting to off-campus classes and sightseeing. Lots of people ride the public transportation, but it wasn't intimidating if you know where you are going. A good map is essential, for sure, as well as a minimal knowledge of Greek, although if you look carefully you can usually find instructions in English not to far from the ticket machines. Also, Greek people are friendly and polite - and most of them know some English if you need help. Just make sure to thank them in their language - they will appreciate your effort.

there are so many eateries, bars, and coffee shops in Athens...
if you can't find something to satisfy, there is something wrong with you!

We walked through the National Park to the train station to hop the train over to Monastiraki Square and the amazing shopping and eating available there. We walked around for a bit (by no means did we see it all!), then stopped for a coffee. This was simply lovely - sitting outside with a wonderful frappe (which is cold coffee with sugar topped with foam) and conversation about Greece. Our guide, Vasso, was a great host and a wealth of information on where to go and what to do. I didn't get many pics, and when I could bust out the camera, my battery died. Go figure.

but, I did manage to get this guy!

a quicky snap of our walking tour after coffee - we decided to walk back to campus
via Syntagma Square, another popular shopping square

ah, what delights for those that can endure wheat!

and, in the middle of it all? An ancient Byzantine Church! Wow!

When walking around the shopping squares, it is wise to be aware of scam artists and pickpockets. Always be mindful of your possessions, and don't get too distracted. One of the young women in our group had a man take a liking to her and try to tie a friendship bracelet on her wrist. It would seem for free, until he would have it knotted on her - then he would have asked for money to pay for the bracelet. Thankfully, Chuck and I had heard of this scam and intervened politely, getting her out of the situation. She was totally unaware of what it was all about. Later, a gypsy tried to give Chuck a rose, then when he had it in his hand, asked for money to pay for it. He tried to give it back, but she was very good at evading. She finally did take it, but it was awkward. Just be aware that there are people looking to make money any way they can, and there are some who just want to take what you have. Oh, one more thing: Chuck was wearing a backpack and at one point a women pointed out to him that the main pocket was unzipped. We hadn't even realized it. Thankfully, nothing of value was easily accessible, but if his passport, money, or camera would have been visible, they would have been gone. Don't be intimidated or afraid  - forewarned is forearmed.

a blurry crowd snapped right before the battery gave it up