WHILE sampling the local Greek cuisine in the Caf Bar Restaurant on Wednesday night with fellow press men, a few others on the trip to Athens decided to opt for a quick walk to the sacred rock of the Acropolis.

As it was after midnight the doors were closed to anyone wanting to sneak a peak. Unless you are Boro legend and Century FM pundit Bernie Slaven.

As Slaven, and a couple of others, approached the Odeon of Herodes Atticus a security guard appeared to warn them not to go in.

However, after a laugh and a joke, Slaven told the guard that he had made the trip from Scotland just to pay a visit to what was for many centuries the religious centre of the city of Athens.

As soon as the word Scotland was mentioned the guard allowed them in, citing the fact that he has always loved the country. The same trick didn't work yesterday morning and I had to pay 12 euros. Never mind the stunning views are not to missed.

IN the vicinity of the Hotel Imperial there was a dearth of eateries to choose from. So the Caf Bar Restaurant just across the side street was the place chosen for its close proximity.

After the manager, Alex, gave us excellent and friendly service we paid the bill and left, looking for the next bar. Alex had warned us not to leave his restaurant but we didn't listen and ended up being the only men having a beer not far up the road.

Wondering why it was so quiet, the question was asked to the barman. His response was quite categorical and a major reason why business was struggling: "It's not nice round this area. Drugs, prostitutes, not nice people." Down went the drinks and off we went back to the hotel.

I HAVE been mistaken for a few people in my time but never a Spanish international midfielder. Well that was until yesterday.

On returning to the Hotel Imperial, after my trip to the Acropolis, a Greek man pounced on me and asked: 'Gaizka can I have your shirt, you are Gaizka Mendieta aren't you?"

Letting him down gently I informed him that the players were not staying at the Imperial, they were at the Hilton.

But, so determined was he to find some Middlesbrough memorabilia for his young son, he failed to take my word for it and continued to ask me for anything with the club badge on.

In the end I handed him a spare match-day programme from a few weeks ago.

For a split second the thought was there to actually autograph it but I stopped short - at least his son will be happy though.