After wandering a little about the winding hilly lanes behind the beautiful Orthodox Church Agios Nicholaos, we found our hotel Ideal. It was quite a deal. AC double bedrooms with complementary breakfast, internet connection and TV for just 40 Euros. True to its name, the Hotel Ideal was in the ideal location for the cruise and they really gave us a warm homely service at breakfast the next day. The lady at the desk even came out with us to show which way to go to reach the cruise terminal. There were two Indian restaurants nearby and we were quite spoilt by the choice. As usual, we chose the one less reputed( not found in google map or Trip advisor). The Maharaja restaurant served us one of the most tasty Biriyanis we have tasted outside India. Let me add, my experience at Indian restaurants outside of India is often not so good. After dinner, we went for a walk towards the cruise terminal.
Even few years ago, the Pireaus port area was not quite a safe place to wander about at night. But from the time of 2004 Olympics games, the tourist police have been quite active. The area around the metro is where most of the hotels, etc are. That is the most crowded part of the port. The area near the Cruise Terminal A, where we stayed, is rather quiet, quite unlikely for a port area.We walked near the terminal which was closed at that time, but we didn't see any seedy place or dangerous characters lurking about.

Next morning, after a light breakfast, we went out for our cruise. It was a five minutes walking distance. I thought, however, I would first peek into the inside of the impressive Orthodox church, Agios Nicholaos. Although I have read about Orthodox churches before, I found myself not at all prepared for the atmosphere. It was quite different from the cathedrals and other churches. There was a chanting going on( in Greek maybe), which sounded like the chanting of Sanskrit mantras in our temples. There were incence sticks (dhoop) burning, bells ringing and local people streaming in and out, praying before they left for their jobs. Young girls and boys,ready for their school or college also came in for a quick prayer.
( The you tube link in case you can't see the video)
Standing in a corner, I must say, I was quite ashamed of my behaviour as I was capturing the whole scene in my handycam, instead of praying. I heard some of them saying, "tourist" witha  scorn in their voice.
 I stopped the recording and breathed in the divine air filled with the fragrance of incence and faith. I could feel the interior of our Dakhshineshwar temple; standing in front of our mother goddess I prayed that our journey be safe and happy.
As I came out, the blue and sunny sky greeted me with an assurance of a lovely day ahead...