Athens Trip No 2

 Our day in Athens

All's well that ends well

It was drizzling early this morning but held off while we boarded the 'Aero 4' on Poros and disembarked in Piraeus.  The seas were calm and the Catamaran half empty.

One of the taxis at the port, waiting for tourists, took pity on us and drove us right from the gangway of the Catamaran to the entrance of the hospital. He charged us 5 euros extra, for the harbour pickup.  Worth every euro.

We spent 5 hours at the hospital getting Ks tests done and 2 more hours sitting in the warm comfortable hospital waiting room drinking coffee till it was time to return to the harbour. 

Many hours but K got all his checkups completed while I finished reading a book and then used their strong Wifi to do a few online crosswords and catch-up on emails

It's the Onasieo Cardiology Hospital. Built many years ago by the great Aristotle Onassis and gifted to the Greek people.  

All Ks scans and tests here are covered by his Navy insurance. First results look good so his shoulder surgery can go ahead as planned with the Cardiologists approval.

We had a bit of a wait but no complaints. Staff were helpful and  friendly.  The doctor that did K's scan completed his 12 month military service at the Naval Base on Poros.   He remembered K, a Commander still on active duty back then, and the fresh raisin bread that came hot out of the Base's ovens every morning.  All the family remembers those raisin loaves.  The baker back then was a civilian who baked outstanding bread. 

Unlike the turkey and cheese sandwich, on 'wholemeal' bread, we bought at the hospital canteen.

 Can you believe this list of ingredients.  All in Greek naturally and I'm not translating.  It starts off with 'flour', ends with  'trace of nuts' with another '50' things inbetween.

The return was uneventful. As we climbed down off the gangway there was our daughter Elli welcoming us back with open arms.  Her happy smiley face warmed the cockles of my heart.

 

After a natter and a catch-up we found out car, parked nearby in the early morn, and went home via the souvlaki shop. What better ending than a few skewers of pork,  greasy chips and a glass of wine

Our guardian angel was looking after us

Thanks