Replies

a few replies to some questions:

Speaking of the metro, it is complete clean and actually useful. Clean metro... in Greece?

It is brand new. Its construction is also responsible for a number of discoveries archeological finds.

As for everything looking new - well, sure. Didn't you know? They built all this stuff, just recently. They were in such a hurry with that subway that they just created little museums on the fly. So apparently people are walking up and down the subways like they were in one of the National museums.

The metro has been under construction for years and the inevitable acheological discoveries were part of the construction plan.
There were no "museums" on the fly.
There are permanent displays in the interchange stations where the vaious lines interconnect.

Of particular note is the one at Syntagma, which is the government center station. The displays are open to the public.

The director of the British Underground system came and made a smart *ss comment of "too bad the antiquities could not be viewed in their original location." Obviously he is not familiar with the Elgin Marbles.

regarding man in blue tutu
He was not armed. He did not have anything dangerous.
Unless the blue tutu counts as a weapon of mass absurdity.
If this had been a streaker, How is security supposed to stop a streaker from getting naked?

What are traffic conditions in Athens.
Traffic is actually not bad. The hardest part is dealing with the one way streets. Parking is actually not bad due to the August vacations but is starting to fill up.

Sadly there is a report of a 23 year old Danish Athleat competing in the sailing events of the Games who was charged with manslaughter through negligence. He was charged after he ran over and killed a British tourist on Sunay night. The athleat's name was Nicklas-David Holm. (per greek paper)

Most Athenians who do not need to be in Athens have gone on vacation. "
hmmmm.... even the Athenians are not interested in watching the games. Would have thought they might be interested, being Greek and all.

They are interested, just not everyone can do everything, not everyone is interested in Batmitton.
The page http://www.tickets.athens2004.com/en/ has ticket sales. Where anyone can check availability for a particular event. The media reported that as of yesterday Aug 17, 2004 the targets for ticket sales had been reached.
I have noticed the lines are getting shorter at the ticket booths throughout the city. It is still significant there are still lines even if they are only 20-30 people long.

There is also NBC-free broadcasting of sporting events with Greek competitors. So nobody is missing the home team efforts.

with regards to the flag as cape.
Anyone may decide for themselves. However, in this instance the specific display of the flag around your neck is a means of displaying national pride and showing your nation's presence at a sporting event. I am not defending just reporting.
__ __ _____ Will update as ouzo permits.