One thing that surprised me about Athens was how full the trains were, no matter what the time of day. 1pm on a weekday would not seem like a peak time to me, yet there I was standing on another train. Now, it wasn't like that every trip, but just something to be aware of. Very clearly the locals use their Metro system and that might make it an opportunity for pickpockets.

I'm back in Dublin next month for St. Patrick's Day. Maldron on Parnell Square wanted $250 a night. I'm not staying there. Dublin stays are split among three different hotels over two visits.

Tom safely home after hitting a Bay Bridge backup at 8pm