Athens back to reality

The alarm went off at 7.45. I packed up and went virtually next door for a typical Greek breakfast – ham, cheese, cold boiled egg, tea and cake (wrapped up to take away for later). I somehow didn’t want to leave the room, as it seemed a symbol of the end of my holiday, but I made myself go downstairs, checked out just after 9, and walked down to Monastiraki metro station. I bought my €6 airport ticket, validated it and only had to wait a minute or two for the next train. On the way, the feeling of not wanting to leave got stronger. I think it’s to do with having had such fun on the tour, but also because I feel at home in Greece to some degree, and the fact that I was just starting to feel comfortable and learn about the language and the people. I was feeling quite sad really, and decided to come back. I would have been happy to have seen my friendly old man from the first train trip.

At the airport I found the check-in counter, went through boarding pass control, passport control, bought some Ion chocolate, and went through security to the right gate. The plane boarded in the ordinary way and I got a window seat, though two vapid British socialites took the seats next to me and closed the window blind without asking when I had my eyes closed listening to music. We landed at Gatwick about 2.30 London time, and I felt immediately and somewhat unaccountably depressed. It was so cold and grey and the people seemed to be really pushy and unkind. This was rich having come from a country where I couldn’t understand the language and whose people don’t know how to queue. But I couldn’t help it – I almost felt like crying. I bought a train ticket to Victoria, got some lunch and went on my way.

Epilogue

I loved this trip with all my heart and I am definitely going back to Greece. I have always been scared about travelling in a country where I can’t speak the language, but now I recognise the challenges and rewards that go with it and am prepared for them.