We watched the Guard change at the Presidential Palast in Athens, Greece. It was really hot, and the guards were sweating profusely.

[MikeNArk]

Interesting uniform and capture. I can imagine that outfit would be very hot. Thanks for sharing.

[January]

Interesting uniform and capture. I can imagine that outfit would be very hot. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for your nice words! And if you haven't seen them before... here is another one for you :-) and this are not even the parade uniforms...

[MikeNArk]

Thanks for posting the second photo. You are correct. I have never seen this uniform. Is this posture part of a marching routine? Nice shot.

[January]

Yes, they have a complex ritual of changing the guards. It may look a bit like the Ministry of the Silly Walks, but is dead serious and apparently a centuries old tradition. These boots have iron nails and they are stomping the ground with them. Also, they are really serious guys. Once a Molotov cocktail has been thrown at one of the guards, and while the guardhouse was on fire, the guy did not blink an eye even though his uniform was smouldering, until finally ordered to move by his commanding officer. I only regret not having seen them in their full ceremonial uniforms.

The change of guards happens every hour, so if you are in Athens, it is a must see.

[angkymac]

Fascinating images!!!
Complex cultural things that bring such behaviors.
An interesting study in human behavior--and, as you said, very serious.
Angky.