Athens, London, Toronto, Regina – Home at last

 

 

Monday we had a very early start to our day – after a last look at the Parthenon, had a comfortable ride to the airport. 4 hour flight from Athens to London included a lovely breakfast. Got smoothly through International Connections Security in Heathrow – onto the 7.5 hour flight from London to Toronto.  British Airways certainly treats their passengers well – had two meals – one hot – Chris watched 3 movies while Bernie napped, excellent flight. Landed in Toronto a little late, so nice to be back on Canadian soil - no problem with getting through Canadian Customs and collecting our bags to get our last 3 hour WestJet flight to Regina. Had a bit of a layover in Toronto – time for a Tim’s. We had a smooth flight, touched down in the Queen City at 2000 hrs local.  The nicest thing we saw all day were the smiling faces waiting for us as we came into view,

In the past two months we travelled via planes, busses, subways, ferries, taxis and a cruise ship.  Took home various mementos, 14,440 pictures and a lifetime worth of memories. We have been so blessed in all the places we saw, all the kind, friendly and helpful people we met and how well everything worked out.  Now it’s back to the routine of living … no more to follow.  At least on this blog.

 

Home Safe & Sound

We are home safe & sound

Long day - Bernie's been up for 27 hours - cat naps on various flights - bagged.

AOL

Chris & Bernie

One more blog to come ...

Last Day in Greece – Changing of the Gurards; St Paul’s Church; Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion Beach

Changing of the Guard

St Paul’s Anglican Church

Coastline Views

Temple of Poseidon

On the Beach

Last Sunset

The title is a mouth full but it was a full, last day of our holiday.  Hot yet again, 40C!! Got ourselves fed & organized. Chris attended the Greek National Changing of the Guards – she was really impressed with the uniforms, precision drill and the music. Bernie attended church service at St Paul’s Anglican Episcopal. A very catholic worship, an enlightening and moving sermon especially. Bit of packing then off for our last adventure. A ninety minute bus ride along the southeast coast of the Athens area. Met Panos a Greek Canadian, who obtained his university education at the U of A in Edmonton!  What a small world!  Gave us lots of tips about where we were headed, great visit about Greece, Canada & the world in general. End of the line at the Temple of Poseidon. The view from the ruins was worth the ride out alone. Met a kind, charming couple, Constantinos & Olivia. Had a great visit, chat about Greece, Canada and the state of affairs in the world.  Dropped us off at the beach – yesterday Piraeus was nice; today this one was heavenly!  What a treat! All too soon it was time to head back. A rather long (2 hour) ride back into Athens but the view along the way, capped by another blazing sunset was a fitting cap to our day & our trip.  Finished off our packing and … the long flight (Athens, London, Toronto finally Regina!) awaits. If jet lag & fatigue will allow we’ll post once we get our Saskatchewan bearings again. Hope you’ve enjoyed the ride … we certainly did.

“An ending,” which as Doughty said “…  is just the beginning for the next adventure.”

 

 

Archeology Museum of Piraeus & the beach

Monuments

Archeology Museum

 Plaque

  Grave Sletes

        The Beach

 Flaming Lamb at SMILE Resturant

As we made our way to the Acropolis to get onto a Hop on Hop off bus we came across a monuments – both in the Plaka area of Athens.  We travelled out to Piraeus to visit the Archeology Museum of Piraeus. Bernie was in his glory – he loves history and there were several plaques, many statues; marble and bronze (especially captivating), items from a Minoan find that dated back to 3000 BC and many graves steles (like a tombstone). It was another cooker in Athens 39C. We made our way to a beach near the museum and stayed for a few hours before heading back to Athens. Had a lovely flaming lamb supper at Smile (met Connie’s daughter Zoe). An easy-paced, relaxing day – other than the heat.

More to follow …