Greece 2007

Twenty Paulines and three staff spent a highly enjoyable week In Greece during the half term Remedy, visiting the major mainland sites, almost all of which are now designated "World Heritage" sites. Athens was the obvious place to start, and despite slightly blowy conditions the agora, Areopagus, and acropolis provided a busy first morning.

Several of the party were interviewed for Alpha TV on the subject of the Elgin marbles, but sadly it is not known if any achieved air time in the evening! Afternoon visits to the theatre of Dionysus, temple of Olympian Zeus and the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown warrior in Syntagma square meant that the party was able to devote the following morning to the National Archaeological Museum, where the magnificent finds have been labelled more clearly in recent years.

The next three nights were spent in Delphi, Olympia and Pylos, with visits at suitable hours allowing Paulines to take part in their own races in the stadia. The extent of damage caused by forest fires was quite alarming in some parts of the Peloponnese, especially on the drive over the Taygetos range, and all appreciated just how close the fires had come to destroying villages and sites alike.

The final two nights were spent in Tolon, as a base for vistits to Epidaurus, Nauplion and Mycenae: the only improvement would have been if Saturday evening's focus (world cup rugby final) had produced a more satisfactory outcome. Efficient transport, good company and glorious weather made this a memorable holiday.

A full range of photographs from the trip is available here (to those with intranet access).