Athens City Tour, Visited the Acropolis, Two Museums

Panathenaic or Olympic Stadium

 

The Acropolis & surrounding monuments / ruins

 

 

The Rock from which St Paul preached to the Greeks

The Temple of Zeus (from Acropolis then ground level)

 

Acropolis Museum

A Ride Around the City of Athens

 

 

 

 

 

An easy start to the day, sort of slept in.  Out at nine to try to beat some of the heat of the day – 37C Zesty!  Poli Zesty.  We took advantage of another ‘Hop On Hop Off” Bus Sightseeing Tour.  Two hours looking at the old and new Athens.  Nice light lunch, freshened up, and out to the Port of Athens, Piraeus.  Interesting contrast of ancient, modern and some noticeably run down areas.  The ‘crisis’ has hit Greece hard.  Back for another refreshing and needed shower.  Out for a lovely meal at ‘Smile’.  Our hostess Connie knew all about Canada and Saskatchewan in particular.  Anyone  who knows about Rosetown, knows about Saskatchewan. Connie served us a huge, delicious meal, gave us some tourist advice, and filled us in on local heroine Melina Mercouri (Never on a Sunday … look it up on YouTube).  Our first full day in Athens was interesting and a comfortable pace.  Tomorrow, more sights of the city and … zesty!! (means hot in Greek)

More to follow …

 

 

Santorini back to Athens

 Santorini Sunrise

Had to say goodbye to Nectarios Villa in Fira, Santorini. Our host Nectarios and especially our hostess Kataryna were wonderful –  excellent people. Made our way down to the port where we boarded a highspeed ferry (travelled at 35 knots – 65kph – very fast for water travel). We arrived safely in Athens a mere 5 hours later. It was zesty (hot) at 34C. Got settled in our hotel, Best Western Amazon. Had a light supper – very friendly server, Andreas. Grabbed a few groceries and got ready for our sightseeing of Athens tomorrow. Good day that went quite smoothly.

More to follow …

 

A Day at the Beach in Santorini

Sunrise / Red Beach

Around Santorini

Black Beach

Sunset

Lovely, easy start to the day – breakfast on our balcony – beautiful morning. Down to the local bus station. Rather a chaotic experience – pushing our way onto the Red  Beach bus to Akrotiri. What an adventure getting to the beach – goat trail with volcanic red rock – absolutely  amazing. Bernie did not appreciate the trek to get to the Red Beach. The water was very warm – like your bathtub. Got back on a bus to Fira to catch the next bus to one of the black beaches – Kamari. Much easier access to the beach from bus stop. Bernie & Chris both enjoyed this beach. The day was much less windy so it was quite hot. Back into Fira, cleaned up and out for supper at a cliffside restaurant Fanari. Captured our last Santorini sunset – glorious. Travel back to Athens tomorrow.      

More to follow …