Day 27 (final day)

Ok, The final day is almost drawing to a close. I still have tomorrow to fly home but I don't class that as a day of seeing anything except the insides of two airports and an aeroplane.

I saw more of Athen's fine discoverys today. I'm surprised how fine most of the pottery and jewelery is. They were able to replicate (batch produce) things to a very high standard.

Well, on reflection I've enjoyed it all (except the late night border crossings). The fact I crossed so many borders (as opposed to last time in India) has shown me the similarities and differences between different nations. But, I have to say I've learnt nationality is your passport, You are whoever you are and part of something much larger than the borders that contain you. They only exist as a mechanism to allow a system of control. If we didn't feel we were so different (because of these lines drawn in the sand) we would I hope all get along as a civilised planet.

I'll try and bring the sun back with me but I doubt they'll let me take it on the plane. Keep your eyes on this page for updates of future Spinifex events

Thanks for reading

Sam
Spinifex

Day 25

Well, I've saved the biggest for last. Athina. It certainly holds it's own on the world stage as one of the great Capitals of the 20th century. The city spreads out as quite a monotonous sprall but the hills of rock that spike up between the buildings are impressive. Particularly when they are crowned by magnificent ancient Greek architecture! I reckon anyone living here could start their own museum. All they would need to do would be to spend a morning in the garden digging and by lunch they would have enough finds to open a museum! On a serious note old remains really are everywhere. The increase in size of the new Acropolis museum compared to the present one is testament to this.

So, It is almost over. One day left and then back to London. I am not looking forward to the 'good old british weather'

Final posting to follow

Sam
Spinifex

Day 19

Hello everyone,

I've not long left but it's been fantastic. I've just visited Meteora where they've built monastries on the tops of tall rocks. Quite a sight to behold and an impressive few from the top.
I noticed on the way down lots of small indents and platforms built in other parts of the landscape. The monastries were used as shelter against attack but I'm wondering if these other structures are perhaps from more recent conflicts!

I'm now in Patra (southern Greece) and will explore tomorrow.

Bye for now

Sam
Spinifex

day 13

Decided to make a dash for it south. Belgrade, Sarajevo and Mostar have all been fantastic but the snow is finally becoming too much. It just dosen't stop until it's over a foot deep and then it melts leaving the streets awash with brown sludge. I've also seen a few people hit by avalanches as the snow slides off roof tops and ledges!

None of this though gets in the way of daily life. London would most definitely be at a stand still within an hour! I guess people are just used to it here. As soon as it gets too deep all the shop keepers and restaurant owners come out armed with shovels. We (in the UK) just sit there and wait for the gritters to come around.

If I don't drown in brown sludge I'll post again soon.

All the best

Sam
Spinifex

day 10

Made it to Mostar to relax in the hills. It is actually quite warm here!

Day Seven

Now I'm in Belgrade. The overnight train was a joy as ever and this city has stretched me more than I expected. It' no dissimilar here from any city in Europe at first glance but something felt different from the moment I arrived and then you notice the scars.
Certain parts of the cities fabric don't fit together. Brand new buses will drive past and then you notice one with the doors hanging off! You can walk 100 m from a bright and busy shopping centre into a grey and grubby housing estate. It's only when you look up and see the bomb damage that everything becomes clear.
It's a really exciting place with a bright future. People here seem to have moved on, only these tell-tale signs exist of what happened.

more to follow

Sam
Spinifex