Today was mostly packing and a transfer to the new hotel in preparation for my departure tomorrow. I managed to get everything in my bags and kept my checked bag under 50 pounds. Barely. I did transfer a few items to the back pack. Some heavy, like the National Geographic book on Greece, one of those Athens: Then and Now books. A couple of boxes of rechargeable batteries. The backpack is probably overweight, but they don’t seem to weigh those.

Apparently the demonstrations were still going on in the afternoon when I took the cab to the airport hotel. The driver said he would take the long way because of the demonstrations. The short way goes through downtown Athens past the Parliament. The long way went through the Piraeus harbor area. It was a more scenic route with much of the coast visible. I was a little afraid the taxi fare would be very high – but it turns out there is a fixed rate to the airport.

The airport hotel is located across the street from the airport terminal. The hotel is one of those swanky affairs with rooms more like what we see in the US. But a lot of extras like bathrobes, slippers, etc. All I really needed was a place to crash for the night before catching a red eye to Frankfort.

I did walk to the airport to get my seat assignment and boarding pass. The flight was due to depart at 6:15 AM, but they wanted me to be at the gate at 5:45 AM. And at the airport at 3:45 AM to check my bags and go through security! (Which is why I changed hotels – I would have had to leave the other hotel at 2:45.)

These early morning departures always make me nervous because I am virtually deaf in my left ear and hearing impaired in the right. If I am sleeping with my right ear buried in the pillow, I won’t hear the quiet phone’s wake up call. So early to bed in hopes I’ll wake up in time.

I ate in the hotel’s dining room. Very expensive. And my camera has started acting up. So no Thursday photos.

Canicus Modius.