monastery dress code & acropolis ?
 

I just read in the newly published Blue Guide Greece revision that something's up with the old Acropolis Museum as the new one gets completed. Is the old one with all the artifacts still open? Has anyone been there this summer? We'll be there in October.
Also, my travel company has told me to wear a "long" skirt when visiting the monasteries. "Long" is a relative concept. I no longer wear minis, although my husband thinks I could! But the travel company rep (a guy) said the skirt just had to be below the knees. Since I'll only bring one skirt, I'd better have the right length! Ankle-length skirts tend to trip me up when I'm walking up and down steps. Does anybody have experience with the skirt issue? What length will get me into the monasteries without tripping me up? Thanks.

Just what "the guy" said: below the knees.

It's a couple of months since I was there, but the new museum was looking nowhere near even being ready for fitout, never mind actually accepting serious antiques. The old museum showed no sign of preparations for an imminent move.

The Greek government has a history of announcing the imminent opening of this museum, and sometimes conning the world tourist community into believing it. In 2003, it was telling us the place was going to open for the 2004 Olympics.

Now the Greeks might have suddenly accelerated construction in the past few weeks, so that all those politicians' announcements about moving antiques late this summer might materialise.

If so, doubtless someone will put us right. But I'd put more money on that herd of pigs outside my window doing a formation flypast.

We were in the old Acropolis Museum just this past Sunday and all artifacts were in place. I imagine that nothing will happen before October.

As for the skirts, we had the immense pleasure of visiting the Monastery of Hozoviotissa on the island of Amorgos. I packed a long sleeved shirt and a long black sarong for the visit. Most people did a quick change-over in the small parking lot. I did not tie my sarong but simply tucked it into my shorts. It reached my ankles and was no problem for the hike up. Interestingly, the notice at the gate asked for women NOT to wear trousers. Everyone was asked to dress decently: no shorts, no swimsuits. I always bring this long black sarong and a long sleeved shirt when visiting countries in the Meditteranean and the Middle East. However, on my visit most women were wearing skirts just below the knee so I think you will be fine. We entered the Monastery and were received warmly by the monks (they even gave us a kind of turkish delight and some cinnamon flavoured raki).

Have fun! I am very jealous that you are going to Greece when I have just come back... already planning next year's trip

It's also necessary to cover one's arms as well as wearing a long skirt.

Thanks, everyone. Good info. No sarong in my closet, but I'll pack a skirt and I always have long-sleeve shirts. The rep. didn't mention that, but I usually have a jacket anyway.

Lots of people, in particular men, were in the monastery wearing short sleeves. Even the local Amorgos boys directing visitors wore short sleeves. However, I always err on the side of caution and wear long sleeves.