Decided to follow the planned train route to Milan (Wales > London > Paris > Basel > Lugano > Milan), then rather than go to Athens, do an about turn and go Milan > Tirano > Bellinzona > Zurich > Interlaken > Jungfraujoch > Interlaken > Basel > Paris, then off to Disneyland for the final with the kids.Was quite emotional in a way coming on that train from Lugano to Milan thinking had the semi gone the other way this would be the start of an adventure through Italy proper. But fuck it, got some Appenzeller lager and went on the Bernina express and up 3 separate alps with my trusty 30yr old Villa scarf so it was pretty good anyway.
Had four days in Athens last week....a wonderful city and very welcoming people. There were three types of visitors; Americans, Italians and Villans. Bumped into claret and blue travellers everywhere we went. Watched the final in the Sports Bar not far from the Acropolis and adorned with a "Greek Lions" flag.