Athens..it does smell in Athens!

I left Hydra for Athens on the 7am ferry..arrived in Piraeus and took the metro to the Hotel Grande Bretagne! I had studied the metro system and routes a few days prior enroute to Hydra via Athens so I had a good idea of where I was going and what transfers I needed to make. the Hotel had it's own metro exit so that helped greatly in finding the location!

Days before I was supposed to be in Athens, I was told by other travelers that Athens isn't a place to be and that there isn't too much going on there. Being forewarned and knowing that I should be there two days prior before coming back to the States, I used some of my Starwood points and checked into the Hotel Grande Bretagne- Athens' oldest most luxurious landmark hotel! I don't know what is more amusing- the scene of a backpacker checking into a five star hotel OR the look of other guests who paid the 350 euros to stay there watching a backpacker check into the hotel! Rack rate for the hotel is 710 euros a night..about $1000! I chose to go the five star hotel route because I figured, if Athens wasn't a place to be but I had to be there..I mind as well stay at a place where I wouldn't mind being in..plus..not having to pay a cent due to the use of points helped a great deal!

Athens is not Greece..

People were right- Athens not too much going on! I got set up real nicely at the Hotel. They put me on the 7th of 8 floors..center balcony..to my right is the view of the Acropolis which looks amazing at night and to the left was the Parliament building where they change the guards once an hour and is always a sight to see! Directly over the hotel is a park plaza which three to five dogs will entertain you all day if you want to watch! They chase cars that drive on these two lanes that are "their territory." It's kind of funny! I didn't just stay in the hotel..although I would have much to entertain me with their indoor and outdoor pools and the city watching over the balcony..I did venture out to see the Acropolis and the first Olympic Stadiums! It's a magnificent sight in person..the Pantheon of the Acropolis that is. It's so big! It started pouring rain and thunderstorms in the middle of the Acropolis visit so I had to cut it short and made my way down to the street ..carefully..marble stoned streets are slippery!

Later that day..I made it out to the shops because I had to get something for the parentals..one of the guys asked me once again where I was from and I said California. He then said..you have nice skin color and brushed my arm with his finger. I left the shop. There is no touching..none..yuck!

Sundays at 11am..they have a big changing of the guards ceremony with street closures, color guard and a full band..now that is a sight to see!! As I was checking out of the hotel..I asked the receptionist guy if there are guards out there all night long (I left at 330am and there were guards out). He said yes and I guess I had a look of sympathy on my face because he then said, "Dont feel bad for them..when I was in the army..I was in Northern Greece by the river." I asked him how guards get chosen to have the Parliament Building as their "mission"? And he said, "Handsome build..nice face.." And I thought..got that right! They were handsome faces and builds indeed!

Overall, Athens is not a great place to hang out in..not even good. It's a bit boring unless if you're staying at a fabulous hotel..it smells especially when it rains and the streets flood..you actually have to look after your stuff in the city vs. being on the islands and Dimitrius from Naxos was right..Athens is not Greece.

Hydra- I am in love with this place!

I left Mykonos early in the morning yesterday. I was scheduled to take the 7:30am ferry to Rafina and then somehow find my way over to Athen's main port, Piraeus. On a recommendation from Eric, I added Hydra as a place to make it out to during this trip. My goal was to make the 2:30pm ferry to Hydra.

When I left Mykonos in the morning, there weren't any taxis over in taxi square so I made the lone 3 mile or so walk in the dark morning. If I looked to my left at the cruise ships in the calm waters..I was reminded of Titanic. If I looked right on the cars passing, I felt like a vagabond! Once I got to the base of the port, sure enough, taxi after taxi started to appear! I boarded my ferry and made the 4.5 hour journey to Rafina. I thought about taking the easy way out and just taking a taxi to Piraeus but at 35 euros or about 50 bucks..I decided to dig out the 2 euros and look for the bus. I took the hour+ ride into the center of Athen at which, I asked the driver, where I can take the metro to Piraeus. He pointed me to the right direction but I over shot it by a few blocks and was guided back to the right direction by a very nice Greek woman who didn't speak any English. We got by with signals and body language! I hopped on the metro for ten stops..between the first and second..I was almost pick pocketed..almost..there's Athens for you! Got to Pireaus..made my way to the port..boarded the 2:30pm ferry to Hydra.

Hydra- maybe one of my Greek Isle favorites.

Landed in Hydra- the long journey was well worth it!! A picturesque harbor greeted me..nice weather..no winds..there aren't any vehicles or buses allowed in the town of Hydra so no having to cross the streets like you're in New York City. The way they transports things are through the use of donkeys! They strap everything on those little guys! Computers...waters..pillows..you name it..they carry it! Every morning at the port, ships would come in with stuff and donkeys would be waiting at hand. It's really quite a sight! Hydra is full of narrow roads.. harbor shops..nice people..nice sunsets..quaint..just lovely. I was in love with Hydra the moment I stepped off the boat!

The only thing that this town lacks is a beach..but tourists and locals make it suffice by laying on rocks. Yes, rocks! By the water are many rocks suitable for laying out on to catch some rays. Pool ladders that lead you into the Saronic Gulf for a dip in the 71 degree water. If you pay close attention to the water, you'll see schools of fish flying out and into the water! Yes, Flying Fish!

Many have warned me about the Greek men and it was definitely apparent in this town. I haven't met a Greek male that didn't ask me where I was from or either how old I was or if I had a boyfriend. I did meet some Californians, finally! Oh, and a couple from Minnesota! They actually met while he was selling her a bike. That's now two couples that I've known that have gotten together via a bike sale. You know what that means Heidi and Mel..I think one of you is going to have to date Jarod now!

Hydra..a lovely gem of a town.

Mykonos- A Nice Town To Hang Out!

Whether I was going to make it out of Naxos to Mykonos was in question all day Monday. My ferry was scheduled to leave Naxos at 1:10pm but the northern winds were pretty brutal that morning so the ferry was cancelled. I don't do well with "no" so I asked again a few hours later and what do you know..it was running again! So I rushed back to my pension..grabbed my stuff..said bye to Despina..paid her..got my passport back and rushed to the dock where I chat it up with a couple of Canadians and New Yorkers. While we were waiting at the port..we heard that they had cancelled the ferry again..but we decided to wait anyway..a few minutes later..here somes the speeding catamaran to take us to Mykonos! The 45 minute ride couldn't have been over soon enough. With the winds, it was a very rough ride! I did okay though sucking in my ginger candy!

Mykonos at last! While Mykonos is no Santorini in terms of the awe factor, it's a really nice place to just hang out. It's not the prime of summer so the heavy party scene isn't felt here but I like the calmer Mykonos. The streets are narrow..houses are white with blue window trim..you'll get lost as if you were in Venice..passing the same corridors again and again (you might think that you're lost at this point) but without the heavy crowds..it's not so bad. If you run into Pedro the pelican and his friend..you might be startled a bit..I had a stare down contest the other morning with my new friend Pedro. He is one HUGE bird and it's so funny how he just wonders around Mykonos..I mean really..he wonders!

Mykonos..a pleasant town to get lost in.

The most beautiful sight of Mykonos is their infamous windmills. I can't seem to get enough of windmills during this trip! The beaches are nice ..supplied with umbrellas made of bamboo and straw. Water is calm..what can I say..I am in Greece!

I got some laundry done yesterday..that had to be addressed! Nothing like the smell of fresh laundry..even if it's in Greece and while in vacation! I was a beach bum yesterday..did more reading..napped..but today I thought I'd do something a bit more active and took another rough ferry ride to Delos. Delos is one of Greece's most important archeological sights..it's not Pompeii of Italy but worth a stop!

I am staying at Hotel Apollon where the owner is a gem of a woman! She would be that one grandmother that everyone loves! She'll blow kisses at you and always tell you that it's ok! Mykonos- a gem of a town!

Naxos- A slice of village Greek life.

I left Santorni at bout 3pm on a HUGE boat with escalators and all enroute to Naxos for a taste of Greek life..not Greek commercialism. I found just that in Naxos. When I got off the boat, I was greeted once again by a group of folk shouting "rooms"...one lady even chased me down but I already had a place..Despina's Rooms. After finding my way through the narrow streets of the old quarters, I found Despina's Rooms. Despina..a Greek Grandma greeted me...shook my hand and then held my hand and led me to my room. It was very cute..Greek Grandma that is. The room was plain but comfy..heck I just needed a bed so it was fine. Later that night..as I wondered into the tourism office..I met Dimitreus..a older man on his late 50's who offered to take me around the next day to show me the agriculture of Naxos..I accepted.

The next morning, Dimitreus met me at the Zas travel office around 9ish. We got into his car as he pointed out every area we can see in sight. We drove through mountains and curvy roads. Everytime he saw a flower..he'd tell me what kind it was. Everytime we saw a fig tree..and let me tell you..there are more than one type of fig tree...he'd stop..pick a few and have me taste it. We stopped at tomato farms...potato farms..pomegranate trees...olive trees..you name it..we stopped and smelled..touched..tasted! I got a sense of Greek village farming life! I can tell that Dimitreus loves his island- Naxos as he told me stories of other visitors he had shown around. A man in his late 50's..married late..wanted to marry and American woman at first but found that their mentalities didn't match his- they were too independent he says. He then wanted to find a German woman but ended up with a Greek. He told me his views on religion..character..he talked life. Coming to Naxos, I thought I was just going to walk the harbor a bit..get some beach time..get lost in a few narrow roads but I left learning a lot more than that. More than the tourist view of Naxos!

Naxos- a taste of genuine village Greek life..and then some..

I spent the rest of the afternoon at a protected cove with a few other travelers getting some sun. The protected cove was the only spot that didn't have the high winds attacking! I finished the Kite Runner...wow!

Next stop..Mykonos..if my ferry makes it..due to the wind..

Santorini..what can I say?

What can I say about Santorini except that all you hear is true! It's a gorgeous place! I had high expectations coming here and was afraid that I would be disappointed like I was with Venice but I wasn't. Disappointed with Venice- every girl- when you think Venice..you think romantic..cute..romantic..this is the hopeless romantic in me making a rare appearance..you get to Venice and it's not all that cute or romantic..still beautiful but definitely more unique than anything else. Ok..back to Santorini..I don't even know where to start with Santorini..

I left Chania at the crack of dawn to catch the 9am ferry to Santorini. The port at Iraklio was a little confusing..after wandering around for a little bit..I asked the port police guy who was then nice enough to get his keys to let me in through a shortcut! Awesome! After a 2+ hour ferry ride..I arrived in Santorini..immediately greeted by 20+ locals with signs of "room available"..one even "ran" after me and offered 10 euros but I already had a place. The bus wasn't leaving for Fira for another 30 minutes so I thought I'd have to wait..until this local asked me where I was going..I told him "Fira"..he said, "Thira?" I said, "Sure." He then asked if I wanted to share a cab with him up there and I said yes. He then reached for my bag and found us a taxi..ah..chivalry isn't dead afterall! haha! Our cab driver was carazy!! He tried to pass cars and big tour buses on a very narrow windy mountain road! I wanted him to drive more to the right because anymore to the left..we would have fallen off the cliff and I would have liked to actually see Santorini!!

Santorini- surpassed all expectations!

I can't even begin to sum up my time here in Santorini. I saw the two most amazing sunsets- one if Oia (old town) and one in Fira. I had the Red Beach literally to myself for a few hours until the afternoon tourist friends arrived. I took an early morning hike along the Caldera..high up along side the mountains of Santorini. Perhaps, the best part was yesterday morning when I woke up to take some early morning pictures. I heard bells. Bells= donkeys are coming! Seven donkeys and a little old man crossed my path. The old man named Beit asked if I wanted to ride the donkey. I said later...he said now..I said later..he said now so I gave in. It was perhaps the best timing ever. Santorini not awake yet..just me..seven donkeys..and little Beit riding down the mountains to the port. Midway through, I think donkey #5 and I really bonded! We developed an understanding of eachother..I was a bit nervous..he had to be gentle! I took a picture of Beit and donkey before leaving them..that will become one of my favorite photos of my time in Santorini.

I am not quite ready to leave Santorini yet..but another day might be too much for me so I rather leave wanting more. Santorini is a place I will come back to!

Elafonisos- an island of beaches

Last night, as I was sitting on the harbor journaling, an older man (I'll refer to him as Crete Grandpa) sat next to me and started up conversation. It was very endearing and cute at the same time. I really enjoy talking to old people..they always seem to enjoy the simplicities of life a little more, you know? Crete Grandpa started by asking me if I was from New York? He is the second person that has asked if I was from NY. I had a really hard time understanding him because of his heavy accent but I imagined that he had a hard time understanding me as well but it was the experience that counts. He has a brother..from NY..he was born and raised in Crete. He talked extensively about a war with Korea and then asked if I was Japanese. I am not sure why I always get Japanese here in Europe. It was getting late and I wanted to walk around a little before I called it a night so I said good night to Crete Grandpa and told him it was nice chatting with him.

I wasn't able to sleep as well last night. I woke up at 1:30am to the sound of garbage trucks and couldn't go back to sleep until about 4am at which I woke up shortly after because I was cold. There is a blanket in the closet about three feet away from me but I didn't want to get up and chose to curl up like a ball hoping it'll be warmer! Woke up at 8am to catch the 9am bus to Elafonisos. I timed my walked there..took about 15 minutes..good to know for tomorrow morning. I haven't figured out the Greek language but I have employed my own strategy! Photographic memory!! I've come to just take a photographic memory of the first three letters of every street that I have to know..it's worked so far!

Elafonisos- natural pink sand?!

Which I guess brings me to today! I chose Elafonisos because it's an island of beaches and one of the best in all of Greece. The bus rolled in around 8:45ish and let me tell you..I am not sure that bus meant any safety standards if there were any! After 2.5 hours of a bus ride through the mountains and waters of Western Crete, we arrived!! Elafonisos is divided up into many different parts. You can walk through the water from island to island. Water is about knee deep which is pretty cool! There is even pink sand! Go figure! I had planned to read but that didn't happen. I napped...played in the water..walked through the water..took pictures and repeated that cycle again throughout the four hours that I was there. The weather was amazing and the atmosphere was surreal- not crowded at all! I did see one very hairy man butt though! It's one of those things that you notice and you don't want to stare and you shouldn't stare but it's hard not to stare! He had a girlfriend..you'd think she'd do something about that. Seriously, that is not ok!

The bus ride back to Chania took only 1.5 hours. What I enjoy most about long bus rides is the scenery! I saw many goats or maybe they were lambs? Definitely not llamas! Saw gorges, mountains, water and Greek life in general. I did see something that made me very envious though, cyclists!! I miss my bike..I miss riding..!!

I am spending my last evening in Crete..just trying to take it all in. I do have to say though, these Cretan folks are huge in knock offs! So far, I've seen knock offs of A.Kurtz hats, Von Dutch, Gucci and the best..Crocs! Yes, Crocs. They have knock offs of Crocs! Many of you think they're ugly but I still love my Crocs..they're the best thing to stick your feet into after a long ride/run! That is it for today..I have an early morning tomorrow! I have to catch the 5:30am bus to Iraklio for the 9am ferry to Santorini!!

At last- in Chania, Crete!

I am finally here in Chania, Crete! Getting here was nothing short of a LONG journey! I think all in all, I was traveling for about 24 hours. Heidi dropped me off at the airport after visiting my favorite coffee place and bakery in the neighborhood and then off to SFO we went.

I got on Lufthansa's direct flight to Frankfurt and scored in terms of seating! I was the first row behind business class in the economy cabin which meant lots of leg room! The flight to Frankfurt took a bit less than 10 hours and from there I had to connect to Munich. My first impression of the Frankfurt airport was not impressive. I thought..isn't this suppose to be the main transportation hub of Germany? Why does this airport look so 1972..not that I knew what an airport in 1972 would look like but I imagined I would looked something like that! I went through customs and through another wing of the terminal and there it was...the more modern part of Frankfurt airport..that's more like it! I had a few hours to kill in Frankfurt so I looked for an ATM. There are probably three things when you're traveling abroad that can really freak you out and piss you off! One is missing your flight...two is missing your baggage and my third is being denied at the ATM machine. The latter happened to me in Frankfurt. I went in to pull some cash out and said I wasn't authorized on my account. Talk about a

WTF moment! I took that WTF moment right over to the T Mobile phone and called my bank...extremely annoyed! A few days prior, I was on the phone with them on hold during the entire drive from my place to pick up Mike to go to Sports Basement just to tell them to unlock my card for international travel. Anyway, they told me that they had limited the amount I can pull from my card as a security upgrade. I said and no one thought to tell me that when I requested my card unlocked?? I will never understand why corporate America always feels the need to reinvent the wheel on something that is working! Got the money situation figured out..got my cash. My flight from Frankfurt to Munich was pretty uneventful..it was short but it was very late actually..so I was a bit worried about not catching my connecting flight. I arrived in Munich at 2:01pm and my connecting flight to Athens was scheduled to board at 2:15pm. Got to Munich..boarded my flight to Athens. I must have been exhausted by then because I fell right asleep! I woke up the the sounds of food trays. The gentleman next to me was nice enough to pull out my seat try and placed my dinner on it while I was sleeping. Arrived in Athens..now I had to get my bag and check in again for my inter-regional flight to Chania, Crete. Arrived in Chania at about 9:10pm..walking out of the baggage claim..I saw a man in his 30's holding a sign with my name on it. I was never so happy and relieved to see a stranger at the airport in my life! Lena had arranged a taxi to come get me! He greeted me with a smile and said,"Pension Lena?" I said, "Yes."

At last- I arrived in Chania, Crete!

We drove through night time traffic of Chania as I was trying to take in the sights, streets and stores. We arrived at Pension Lena where he took a key from the flower pot outside and tried to open the door. Door wouldn't open so we went four doors down..that wouldn't open either. He said,"No worries." and gave me a comfort tap on the shoulder. I thought,"I'm good..no worries here bud..I am glad I am off the plane!" He eventually got the front door opened and sent me on my way up the stairs to my room wishing me a good trip." The door was just wide enough for me to get in..I literally had to drag my 30+ pound backpack through. I slept for about 8 hours before waking up to the birds singing ! I was tired!

Which brings me to this morning! I've been walking the streets of Chania. I have to say that the Greek alphabet has got to be the most foreign thing to me, ever! Unlike the languages of other countries I've visited, it's not something that you can just figure out and catch on. I found my way to the bus station to look at the schedules and familiarized myself with that region of town. Bus stations are always intimidating to walk by and through because you always feel like all eyes are on you..especially when you're a female traveling on your own. What made it more uncomfortable this morning was that the square before the station was lined with men! Everywhere! I tried to walk around other streets but the only way to get to the office was through..so I walked..fast..no eye contact..just walked!

Weather here is perfect! Not scorching hot and definitely not cold. There were a few sprinkles earlier which I welcomed! People here are generally friendly and the prices aren't as bad as I thought. I can almost say it's cheap! It might be because I came somewhat off season. Our dollar is in the tank though! 1 euro equals $1.40..I've never traveled to Europe when our dollar is so low! I am spending my day getting to know Chania. The main spot here is the harbor lined with restaurants, stores, street vendors, glass boat tours and horse carriage rides. At the end of the harbor rounds out to a lighthouse. I think it'd be faster to swim across to the lighthouse than walk the roundabout..not that swimming is an option..just saying. I think I will take the bus tomorrow to one of Crete's best beaches- Farlasarna or Elafonisos- and spend some time in the sun reading..Kite Runner. I thought about going to the Samara Gorge which is suppose to be one of Europe's best but with 10 miles of hiking and no hiking boots in hand, all I can hear is Dr. Rabbetz in my head telling me what a terrible idea that would be..

More to come!

Gearing up for another trip to the EU!

So here I am gearing up for my annual trip abroad! I couldn't think of a more stressful time right before leaving a trip- ever! We had our Ironteam kickoff yesterday, Colleen's Birthday party was yesterday and Fleet Week started yesterday as well! I made IT kickoff but unfortunately missed on the latter two- so sorry! While packing, Mel called and asked how I was doing. I told her I had so many thoughts about IT and Greece in my head going on at the same time that I was stressed out and I can feel myself shaking?? When was the last time that happened?! Geez! The really busy week at work probably didn't help matters either but all that is behind me now and I am off to Greece!

I finally packed my backpack right this time! See picture- it stands up on it's own! If you pack a backpack right- it should be able to stand up on its own! All the little colorful patches you see on the backpack represents all the different countries I've been fortunate enough to visit! One thing that will be different about this trip is that I will be only visiting one country. Not 2 or 7..just 1 which means just 1 patch to add.

The Annual "me" time trip!

My flight connections going there is a little crazy..it goes something like this: Fly out of SFO direct to Frankfurt. Then from Frankfurt connecting to Munich (I mean really? They couldn't get me straight to Munich?). Then from Munich to Athens. I opted to visit Athens on my way back so I bought a seperate flight that will take me from Athens to Crete. I arrive Monday late night. Sounds like a lot of connecting huh? I will be so happy and grateful if my backpack arrives with me and is in sight at the baggage claim once in Crete! Last year, when I went to Eastern Europe, I flew from SFO to Heathrow and then I had to get my baggage and haul @ss to get to Gatwick for my connecting flight to Split, Croatia. From Split, I had booked another flight that would get me straight down to Dubrovnik arriving at 9pm ish. So these crazy connections aren't new to me..just have to be prepared and ready to go!! Please backpack be there ..please follow!!

My Chinese Horoscope for today from Facebook read:

This is a good time to travel, especially to places you've never experienced before, where you will be exposed to new ideas and different ways of looking at the world. Studying new concepts is also favored; your ability to understand abstract ideas and your desire to grow intellectually is strong now.

Hm..Strange or purely coincidence?

So here I am..another year..another trip..another destination! Welcome abroad!!