The forecast today said there was a chance of rain. But we took a chance that it was wrong, and left the umbrellas behind. Right move, even though we did wear our light jackets.
We headed towards Zeas Port once again, but turned left to find the area where there is a pedestrian only shopping. More or less. The side streets have one way traffic, mostly motorbikes. And they may slow down, when you are in the street, but rarely stop. Most of the boutiques were just opening, and the coffee shops were already full of customers. We did more window shopping than anything else.
Back at Zeas Port, we needed to decide which direction to go. Did we mention that this beautiful harbor has the capacity to house 670 vessels of 8 to 100 meters? In fact, during the 2004 Olympics, Marina Zeas had racing boats up to 150 meters in length. With all of the beautiful yachts here, we can see why the area is referred to as the "jewel of Piraeus".
The district surrounding this harbor is called Pasalimani. It is considered the most cosmopolitan area in Piraeus. It is the heart of the fun and relaxation part of the city.
From reading the tourist guide, we found that there is another bay further up from Zeas. It is called Mikrolimano, and is a smaller harbor than Zeas. It is another posh area for cafes, fish taverns, and bars that serve ouzo, a favorite liqueur, and wine of course. The Nautical Club of Greece was established here in 1933. The Sailing Club of Piraeus founded in 1937 is also located here.
Located right below the Cliffside is Votsalakia Beach, where we could see sporting facilities such as a large public pool, tennis and basketball courts, beach volleyball, and mini-soccer courts. It appeared that some brave folks, not really young either, were swimming in the freezing waters of the bay. At the top of the cliffs, we found a road that went downhill. Halfway down this steep street, we found a trail that led to the beach and facilities below. This would be a great way to walk back towards the Zeas Port and marina. It would keep us off of the upper road, which was under construction.
This beach has a beautiful pool, where some elderly folks were taking an exercise class. Other younger gals were swimming laps in the separated lanes. Below the pool was the stretch of beach, which was mostly covered with rocks. There was very little sand. Some of the swimmers were laying on these rocks with a towel. There is no way that was comfortable. The water looked terribly cold, but some of the people were swimming in it. Also sharing this bay were a few boaters in tiny one sail vessels.
At the far end, we went up a road that tied back into the main street. Passing by the café we ate at yesterday, we noticed that the chairs on the wall were turned over. Only the real restaurant was opened for business. A crew of trimmers were pruning the tall poplar trees on the roadside, and had a large section of the sidewalk closed. They happened to be right next to Parmigiani Café this afternoon. Wanting to dine outside, we continued all the way around the harbor, and ended up at the Marina in the Freatida District. This was where we could find another good place for pizza, we were told. Except we were looking in the wrong area. We were about to enter another restaurant suggested by Jack and Shirley, when our buddies Barb, Susie and Woody came by in a taxi, pointing down the street and yelling they were headed back to their favorite place. So we ended up joining them.
A fun hour went by as the two of us shared a margarita pizza and had two pilsner beers. And a bowl of salted Spanish peanuts. Many of our friends were strolling by, also looking for cold beer and good food. We doubt you could go wrong at any of the numerous venues here. Guess we left a little too early, because the three of them stayed longer to work on their cell phones. The waitress brought them free dessert, the same as yesterday.
On the way back, we took a different street over the hill, but not before checking some small grocery stores on the way. Something you cannot find here is catsup. Mustard in 20 different varieties can be bought, just no catsup. Had a hard time finding plain potato chips too. So we ended up buying nothing. We did pass by the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus on the way back. If it had been opened, it would have set us back 2 euro each, a senior rate. The best part of this complex could be seen from the street for free. It was a field of ruins and statuary from thousands of years ago.
We got back to the ship by 3:30pm, with a little time before we had to attend the mandatory muster drill at 4:15pm. We all agreed that to demand that everyone attend this drill was odd, since the all aboard time was technically 7:30pm. Some of our friends deliberately left the ship at 3pm to go for coffee somewhere to avoid the drill. It will be interesting to see if they have to make up for it tomorrow. Rather doubt it, since we are in a port tomorrow. So the threat that guests who refuse to participate in the drill will not be allowed to sail with the vessel, may be an exaggeration. By the way, this drill was announced by the new cruise director, who joined the ship here. Her name is Erin Duffy, and she has a wonderful speaking voice.
The ship left the port sometime around 7:45pm, with a sail away in the Crow's Nest. A non-event for the late seaters like us.
It was nice to have Susie and Woody back at our table tonight. Seems that after a few visits with us, our tablemates have welcomed their company. As old tablemates, we always had fun with them. For our entrees, we had honey mustard breaded chicken with mashed potatoes…..one of our favorite dishes. Rocky road ice cream finished the meal just fine.
There was a repeat of the movie Manchester by the Sea shown in the Queen's Lounge at 8pm. Well, that would not have worked for us either, as that is our dinnertime.
Tomorrow, a new port for us…..Nafplion, Greece. The one and only tender port of the entire world cruise. That must be a record.
Bill & Mary Ann
Central Port of Piraeus
Major deliveries to the ship this morning
Do we have enough oranges?
Crew working on the railings on deck three
Taxis waiting outside the terminal doors
Nice balconies
A type of acacia tree
Turn right at the "shoe" sign
Fountain in a square
A public square
Over-pruned pine tree and pigeons
Start of the nicer shopping
Typical high end stores
Center District
Pedestrian shopping
Deep pink paint job
Cafes and coffee shops
Susie and Eloise's Restaurant
Green cross signifies a pharmacy
Sidewalk cafes not quite opened yet
Apartment with nice balconies
So many orange trees
Sidewalk musicians
Zara – a popular store
Pedestrian shopping
Had to watch the cross streets
A boutique
Back to the traffic
Zeas Port
We like this boat
Any one of these will do
Apartments and condos with a view
Luxury yachts
Ancient seawall
Ekaterini Church
Rounding the point of Zeas Port
Votsalakia Beach
Building facing the beach
There were actually people swimming
Sunbathers ready to go for a swim
Pigeons in a tree
Modern apartments
High rent district
This structure was empty
View of the beach from the roadside
Walkway down to the water
A nice district
Ancient walls
Modern swimming pool off of the beach
Also a shallow pool for the little ones
Steep hillsides
Looks like ruins from the past
Turn right for the Yacht Club
Heading for the yacht club
Found a trail to go down to the beach
Spring flowers
Stone structure
Tiered city
Wall art
Pool exercises were taking place today
Down to the water
Local cat
Small island off the coast
A good spot for birds
Extremely rocky beach
Three lazy cats
This one was a hunter
Little sailboat – a fun hobby
A one man boat
Two boys, probably brothers
Sitting on the rocks
Very little sand
Tiny sailboat
End of the beach
The water must have been freezing
Small Greek shrine
Big rocks now
Breakwater from the Zeas Marina
A beach club
Girls on the pier
Looking for a lunch cafe
Followed the harbor again
So many fish, but no fishing from the harbor
Luxury yacht
Anchor in the Freatida District
Baby blue yacht
