Athens ..... for another music lesson!

After a showery night, the morning felt fresher as we packed-up and pulled-out of Macon. It has to said again that we enjoyed our Macon experience even though dinner in the local Olive Garden turned out to be a slightly surreal experience. It was clear from the off that things were way behind in the kitchen and our trainee server tried manfully to explain away the delay, without specifying that all hell was breaking loose 'off-stage'! (Actually, our food was very good when it arrived ..... and all the other guests had 'left the building') The journey to our next destination, the university city of Athens, took two hours and on arrival we docked at the Visitor Centre.

There we met two charming ladies who supplied appropriate maps and guidance, to enable us to tour the City on foot, absorbing its musical heritage. But first, it was off to Jittery Joe's for coffee!

Now, the backdrop of Athen's artistic culture and particularly the contribution made by certain of its past art students has produced an array of bands, perhaps most notably 'The B52s' (originally formed as a 'performance' group) and 'REM'. Of the the latter, Michael Stipe is still often seen around the centre of town and we saw the theatre featured in REM's 'Smiley, Happy People' video.

 Janet from the Visitors Centre had met Michael Stiope whilst waking her dog and he'd commented that he thought her dog was 'cool'. He had also visited the Avid Book-store the week previously, where we happened to call in, chat with Tyler, and make a purchase.

With the clouds gathering, we hiked back to the car and made our way to the Country Inn and Suites, our bed for the night and a very nice place (with best luggage carts ever!) As for a piece of music to round-off the day's posting ..... well it has to be some of REM's Best!