Acropolis Now....

A view of the Acropolis from the roof garden of Hotel Stanley, taken half an hour before the shooting star

Kalimera from Athens. This place is amazing. It's supposed to be winter and strong sunlight is streaming through my window on the 5th floor of the Stanley. (Yes alright, it did rain yesterday but the rain was warm like an Auckland summer.) The generosity and hospitality of Effie and her people flows in abundance. And there is a legal roof garden at the hotel. I know. I've been there. And I know I'm allowed because Effie and Helen took me there and permitted me to run around, the usual thing when you let Kiwis loose. I took the photo just so you can see what a magnificent view will greet you from the rooftop - and the balconies of some of your rooms. About half an hour later, I was up there again, admiring the northern night sky when a shooting star arced briefly over the city and was gone.

The Athenian night sky was not as sparkling as the view from Effie's home outside Athens but still impressive. After staying at the Giannakouri palace for a few days, we moved into the Stanley two days ago and have now settled in, waiting for the rest of you. The metro station is right outside the hotel as is a fleet of polished yellow taxis and a kiosk that sells all manner of things including key ingredients for finals, like dark chocolate. Internet is available at the hotel for 20 euros for 500 minutes or 50 euros for a week. However, free internet access is available all over Athens and there is a hotspot not far from the hotel (and much closer besides!!) The hotel staff know everything about, well, everything and even took the time to courteously warn me about pickpockets before I descended into the roar of the crowd in the subway. And a 3 euro all day pass - pretty reasonable.

I've visited 5 of the host schools. They are eagerly awaiting their international guests and there will be a few wonderful surprises in the welcome you receive. But I'm sworn to secrecy.