A day of timings and movement. Firstly, a bus to the airport at 11.40 to catch the 13.15 flight. This was in a DC9. Arrived at Athens airport at 14.00 after a smooth flight.
It took me about an hour to clear passport control, baggage collection and customs. I also changed some money. I caught a bus to the centre of Athens, arriving at 16.00 hrs. I took a tram which dropped me right outside the youth hostel.
I met two young guys from London, one with his American girlfriend. We all spent a pleasant couple of hours playing rummy and whist.
My exit from Turkey was not as dramatic as in the film Midnight Express, but I still felt a sense of relief. Although I had some lovely experiences in Turkey, it did feel quite alien and threatening at times. Even at the airport, one of the customs police asked me to get him some duty-free cigarettes. I politely refused. For the security check. men and women were placed in seperate queues. We walked through a small canvas tent where we were frisked quite comprehensively.
No new destination tomorrow – I will be staying in Athens. Join me there if you so wish.
Psychologist on the Move 