Greece – Yum

****Editors Note: This was written several weeks ago however due to technical problems Joe was unable to upload it.

Greece – Yum

Getting to Greece was difficult. Because of the Greek economic crisis and the myriad of violent riots that have been occurring in that country, my first flight was cancelled because of a nationwide strike. Determined to see Greece before I left Europe, I rescheduled my trip for early April – a day after my return to London from Scotland.

Again this was a trip in which no one from my London gang came with me on however I was not alone when I landed at Athens International Airport. Kristen Thiers, a good friend of mine from CUA, had been studying abroad there since January. It was so great to see her friendly face when I got off the plane in Athens. The first thing that struck me about the city was the airport and the train system. It was so modern! Apart from that it was very clean and efficient.

The first stop for Kristen and me was her place to put down my stuff. As we walked to her apartment, I quickly realized something about Athens. It is very, very hilly! I was very glad to see the door of her apartment for I was huffing and puffing.

She lived in a very nice place and had really great roommates and it was good to get to know them over the course of the weekend.

After a quick rest in the apartment, it was time to get some food. Of course, when you are talking about food in Greece you must be talking about the Gyro. Kristen took me to her favorite Gyro place and boy did I enjoy it!

After words it was time to take a trip around the city at night. I was struck by a few things:

1) It wasn’t as dirty of a city as people told me!

2) I love how orange and lemon trees grow on city streets

3) Athens has a large homeless dog population. Thankfully, I like dogs. If I didn’t I think I wouldn’t have liked Greece because there are so many wild dogs!

4) The Parliament is an impressive building and the changing of the guard is a very unique expierence.

With those initial impressions of the city behind me, Kristen and I grabbed some wine and sat and talked atop a hill near the Acropolis. It was definitely a nice evening.

Then it was time to head back to the apartment. For we had an early morning Ferry departure to Santorini island to look forward to.

Kristen and I woke up around 5AM in order to meet her friend Kate and board the boat. The ferry was very impressive however it was very long – 8 hours to our desitnation.

Thankfully we slept most of the journey however I did wake up to shoot a short video:

Upon arriving in Santorini, we quickly boarded a bus and headed to the city center. Our apartment was a short walk from there and when we got there we were shocked! For only 10 euros we got two nights in a fully furnished apartment. One big bed for the girls and a spacious single bed for me. One thing was clear: we wanted to rent an ATV immediately. And we did. For just 15 euros we rented an ATV to traverse the island. Here is a video of me on my ATV the next day before we visited the site of Ancient Thiera.

Visiting Santorini was amazing. I am so glad Kristen led me to that island because the isles are such an important part of life in Greece. The blue topped domes and the simple island living is definitely something to expierence. We had great food on the island as well – including incredible mousika ( A greek eggpland dish). Walking along the beach was a blast and the sunset was simply amazing. Because it was not tourist season, I felt like the island was ours and believe me we crusied the highways of Santorini as if the island was our own.

Our journey back to Athens was – well – interesting. We walked the 10 minutes to the bus station and then I realized I did not have my passport! I started running back to the apartment, hopped in a taxi, ran back to the room, tore up the place looking for it, then found out that Kristen found it in my backpack back at the station. Then the next drama was occurring – catching the bus! Thankfully I ran into it on one street corner and hopped on. We thought all the drama was over—not the case! When we got to the Ferry office they told us that it was sold out! Thankfully, Kristen used her charm at the Captain who let us on the boat. From there I embarked on the worst boat ride ever! The boat was so full I ended up having to miracoulosuly find a folding chair and then I sat in the corner and slept for the journey. A corner! It was certainly an expierence.

Upon arriving back at the Athena Port – Kristen and I headed back to apartment, rested a bit, and then we climbed Mt. Lickavitous! The spelling on that one is definitely wrong however the view from the top of that hill is remarkable. Here is Kristen and I at the sunset there and the amazing 360 views of the city that it offers.

Then it was dinner time again – my favorite as avid readers know. We went to a Teverna that offered a college discount and gave us unlimited food. YUM!

It was so great and I really thank Kristen and her gang for showing me this spot.

The final day was for exploring the final parts of the city I hadn’t seen yet including the Acropolis: Here is my video from there.

In conclusion, Greece was amazing. I am sad to hear about the recent riots there because it gives an incorrect view of the country. Greek people are very nice and their food is to die for. I recommend a trip to Greece for everyone but be sure to visit an isle when you go.

Blogging till next time,

Joe