Greeks Exult at Olympic Games 'Surprise' Turnaround

Six months after dire warnings of disaster, the last minute efforts of the Greeks are being praised as athletes and visitors begin to arrive in the city. Even the traffic flowed smoothly on the first day of the Olympic traffic system.

Russian women's volleyball coach Nikolai Karpol, himself a gold medallist twice in the sport, was among the many surprised at the dramatic turn-around in Athens' fortunes.

"There is a great improvement compared to the last time I was here," he said. "In my opinion the Athens Olympics will be the best ever."

American Christie Wells, 24, a medical student from Kansas City, said she was knocked out by her visit to Athens.

"It is great. I saw the Olympic Stadium yesterday. It is great and the scenery as well. We didn't expect this at all."

From the AP:

Greek navy on Olympic patrols for 'suspicious' ships

35 Greek vessels have begun to patrol the coasts in advance of the Games. They will soon be joined by 15 NATO ships paroling in international waters.

Maritime protection has taken a prominent role in Greece's $1.5 billion security network. Greece -- with a coastline of 9,320 miles and some 6,000 islands and islets -- is a major destination along illegal smuggling routes for immigrants and goods.

Some global security analysts warn that al-Qaida or other terrorist groups could be studying possible attacks on shipping lanes and other sea targets.

More than 200 naval commandos are stationed at seaside Olympic venues. Off the port of Piraeus, about six miles south of central Athens, a frigate with about 200 sailors will watch over at least eight cruise ships that will serve as floating hotels for heads of state and other dignitaries. The first of the cruise ships is expected next week.

From Go Greece:

Prices Drop for Olympic Games Travel

If you put your dreams of Olympic travel aside because of high prices quoted months or even a year ago, now is the time to reconsider. Some flights to Athens are actually costing less than the same period last year.

Also from Go Greece:

A New Athens Emerges
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