Cracked Amphoree in Loutraki

The week-end that past I went to Loutraki. Loutraki is a small sea-side town very near Athens famous for it's spring water (which the rest of Greece buys in bottles), it's therapeutic spas (actually I found most of them closed, what a waste!) and recently, it's casino.

I was rather disappointed. For some reason I had imagined Loutraki to be the Greek equivalent of Bath in the UK. It turned out to be more similar to Blackpool. And even then far uglier. Not a fancy hotel or old stately building in sight! Everything was tall utilitarian modern blocks...

However I had a good time. It's the company, not the location, that's most important. And I was in good company. I swam, I ate, I took photos and caught up with friends. All in all a worthwhile trip.

However, on the way to a nearby monastery I came across this little gem:



Ironic Post-Modernism in the greek countryside? It brought to mind this iconic building:

Seaside AlleyCat race

In February I mentioned taking part in a Carnival AlleyCat Race held by the team 'local'. It was so much fun that when I heard about the Seaside AlleyCat Race the Sunday that past, I had to take part in that one too!

I must say that it was exhausting! But also exhilarating. It was much harder than the Frebuary one, this time we did 36 kilometres! And took a boat to an island. If I didn't take two big breaks in the middle, I wouldn't have made it. But I did, and I have been feeling very smug and proud of myself ever since.

For those who know Athens and would like to know this times itinerary:
Start point Athens 1st Cemetary - Mets
1st checkpoint Tom's Corner - Plaka
2nd checkpoint Nea Smyrni Park - Nea Smyrni
3rd checkpoint "Freed" Beach in Elliniko (here I took a half an hour break)
4th checkpoint Faliro Square - Paleo Faliro
5th checkpoint Ticket Office for boats to Aigina - Piraeus (here we all took a one hour break
while on the boat)
Finish point Perdika Beach - Aigina