Classical 2 Fashion House Athens

... be used to the same capacity again. We were able to go in and look around the Olympic complex because there was a skateboarding show there. A world-class facility, the centre of the world for a couple weeks, was being used for a skateboarding show because it had a massive amount of flat concrete. Trees were dead, weeds overgrown, columns corroding. It was extremely depressing. Though, at the ...

... of Otto’s Nonna.

A short walk away is the new Acropolis Museum, which just opened a couple of weeks ago. However we decided not to head in. But just outside the museum is actually some ancient Athens ruins that are still be excavated. Quite cool to be standing over them with the glass floor. We then headed a short walk to Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. We had a couple more photo opportunities and just taking into the scope ...

... from Kiev, as all churches seemed to be open all the time. Back to the hotel and realize that the Archaeologies Museum would also offer a free entrance today. So we go up the street to find the Museum. It is impressive and huge. We begin our way through all the rooms, there is so much to see and read in each room. Wow! What an impressive place. I think 3 or 4 days here would do it. We left tired and hungry.

... that there was free entrance. So money was saved which was great news. Marveled at the ancient sites and pondered again how in the world they managed to build such buildings that are still standing today. Meandered our way around the city center, and walked to the Library of Hadrian, which wan't too impressive but cool to walk by because it was free entrance :). Afterwards walked through the "Flea Market" which really just housed a whole bunch of stores which I wanted to look ...

... we decided we like our area best and stopped in for a Gyro and a Fanta for lunch. Dinner found us at a more upscale establishment were we had dolmas (8), more Tzatziki, stewed meatballs and rice for Ed, and a huge grilled salmon steak with potatoes and rice for Sue. And it was cooked over an open fire. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't eat it all. Tomorrow, exploring the neighborhood in the other direction.

... Once back at the original hotel Patricia and I left to find ours and shower and change for supper. We made our own little party with the rest of us that were still in Athens after the cruise. It started with supper and then we went bar hopping. There was 13 of us in the end. Saturday we slept in and stayed int he hostel 90% of the day. A girl we met on the cruise (Haley (not the tour ...

... Greek food in Greece is waaay better. The grape leaves were the best we'd ever tasted and the feta was just amazing. I learned that real Greek salads don't have lettuce. We went to the supermarket today so we could buy some stuff for tonight and the morning, but navigating the aisles was an adventure in itself. We figured hummous would be flowing from every aisle, but after 30 minutes, we had to leave defeated. One major problem is ...

... in the mediteranean is quite the treat. It didn't disappoint! I dived in the Anavissos, beatufiul caverns illuminated by wells of light that tapestried the walls of the cave. This made for a very memorable dive, but the fun part about this day trip is also the people you meet. Like Alex, divemaster/skydiver/comedian all in one. A funny man to have around and give a few good laughs along the boat ride to the dive ...

... were friendly and there were beautiful gardens everywhere. The art in the churches and mosques almost compares to the tombs I saw in the valley of the kings /queens in Egypt. They painted with gemstones both places, which leaves intense colors and beautiful images. Mary: I loved Istanbul, but I'm not good haggling. I did manage to get the pointy toed shoes, that I wanted, what fun. It too is a city that I would love to return to. Linda: Ephesus captured my heart. I could ...

... like no big deal, but when everything in your luggage and on your person is soaked, it sucks! At midnight I arrived in Kissamos, Crete right after the buses had quit working for the evening. Luckily one taxi was working, ferrying people back and forth the 4 km to town, and I managed to catch it on its second trip. The next morning I caught the first bus on to Hania on the northern coast of Crete. Hania is yet another Venetian fortified town, but evidently the ...