This is what I texted Marnie from the next bed in our hotel room when we got there. Before I left, Meg told me that Athen's was not going to be my favorite spot, and she was right. To give it some credit, I have only seen the city through a bus window from the airport to the port, but there's lots of a graffiti, and trash everywhere. Big buildings that aren't nice to look at, and then the occasional pretty church. We'll do some more touristy things once we're done in the Greek Islands in Athens, so I hope that will make my opinion of it better.
The girls had quite the eventful traveling day trying to get to Athens, with a layover, a late plane, super long lines, and nearly missing their connecting. Mine was a direct flight, quite peaceful, and it wasn't on a budget airline, so I even got a free drink and snack, leg room, and the ability to recline. It was a great flight!! Trying to find our hotel, with an address written in English, and all street signs written in Greek was a bit of a challenge. After walking around with our giant packs for 45 minutes, we decided to just get a cab. It took a couple cab drivers before they also knew where our hotel was, and he literally drove us about 4 blocks, but it was worth the 5 euro, especially since it was getting dark.
In the morning we caught our ferry to Mykonos. Mykonos puts Dewey Beach to shame as a party town. It's insane, and we were staying at Paradise Beach, in the center of it all, with people coming and going at every hour. 3 nights there was more than enough. I think I'm getting too old for this! The bathrooms and showers were shared, and disgusting to say the least. Oh, and I left one of my shower shoes in Croatia, so my Rainbows would just get wet! We stayed in bungalows that had no AC, but did have electricity. I think my room is also located inside a mosquito's nest. I am COVERED in bug bites and they are not fun!!
It took about a month, but I finally ran into someone I knew!! I was eating breakfast on the beach one morning, people watching. And I see someone with a Delaware Basketball t-shirt on. I could hardly believe it!! Then I realized I recognized him, and looked to the girl behind him and saw that it was a girl that was in my major at school. They were on their honeymoon and only in town for the day. Small world!!!
The islands are more like the Greece you picture. The little white houses with blue shutters and doors. They remind me of Nana and Boppa's house. The streets are narrow and people are riding little scooters through them. We arrived in Santorini this morning after a not so fun boat ride. The little boy in front of us didn't find it fun either. Thank god for an iPod today! Santorini is a quite little island with black volcanic ash beaches. Our place is beautiful! We're laying by the pool and relaxing now and are going to do some exploring over the next couple of days.
The girls had quite the eventful traveling day trying to get to Athens, with a layover, a late plane, super long lines, and nearly missing their connecting. Mine was a direct flight, quite peaceful, and it wasn't on a budget airline, so I even got a free drink and snack, leg room, and the ability to recline. It was a great flight!! Trying to find our hotel, with an address written in English, and all street signs written in Greek was a bit of a challenge. After walking around with our giant packs for 45 minutes, we decided to just get a cab. It took a couple cab drivers before they also knew where our hotel was, and he literally drove us about 4 blocks, but it was worth the 5 euro, especially since it was getting dark.
In the morning we caught our ferry to Mykonos. Mykonos puts Dewey Beach to shame as a party town. It's insane, and we were staying at Paradise Beach, in the center of it all, with people coming and going at every hour. 3 nights there was more than enough. I think I'm getting too old for this! The bathrooms and showers were shared, and disgusting to say the least. Oh, and I left one of my shower shoes in Croatia, so my Rainbows would just get wet! We stayed in bungalows that had no AC, but did have electricity. I think my room is also located inside a mosquito's nest. I am COVERED in bug bites and they are not fun!!
It took about a month, but I finally ran into someone I knew!! I was eating breakfast on the beach one morning, people watching. And I see someone with a Delaware Basketball t-shirt on. I could hardly believe it!! Then I realized I recognized him, and looked to the girl behind him and saw that it was a girl that was in my major at school. They were on their honeymoon and only in town for the day. Small world!!!
The islands are more like the Greece you picture. The little white houses with blue shutters and doors. They remind me of Nana and Boppa's house. The streets are narrow and people are riding little scooters through them. We arrived in Santorini this morning after a not so fun boat ride. The little boy in front of us didn't find it fun either. Thank god for an iPod today! Santorini is a quite little island with black volcanic ash beaches. Our place is beautiful! We're laying by the pool and relaxing now and are going to do some exploring over the next couple of days.
From Ellen O --
ReplyDeleteHi Courtney,
Well, here goes! I've never, ever posted anything but I've enjoyed your journal so much! I'm your grandmother's long time friend, Ellen, so I know all your family well. I've been lucky enough to have been to all the places that you've been or are going to. However, I was older when I traveled so "jumping off a cliff with a man on my back" was never on the itinerary, unfortunately. When I traveled to Greece and the Greek islands Santorini was my favorite! I loved the mule ride up the hill from the boat landing. Make sure that you get to the far side of the island from the boat landing as that is where the great photography is - the beautiful white buildings with the blue domes. Also, I hope you'll have a better opinion of Athens when you see the Acropolis. It's awesome. The changing of the guard in front of Parliament is cool too. I hope the rest of your trip will be as much fun and adventuresome as you've already experienced.
Court, I just love your blog and am so glad you are taking the time to do this. I have lots of questions about your whole trip and hope you don't forget one little thing so you can tell us everything -- well, mostly everything, in person.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice the houses made you think of Nana and Boppa.
Mom was telling me abt you texting back and forth. it must have made her day. we're excited for you but we'll be excited when you're home again too.
Another thrilling Tour de France and you're missing it!!! As always, it's the highlight of my summer. We've had a heat wave this week -- 100 degrees or so, so sitting in the a/c watching TV is the way to go. Love you and stay safe.
Grandma
Tell Ellen I am hoping I will like Athens better when we pass through and get to see more.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are inside staying cool during your heat wave. I've been on a boat with no AC, and in a campground with no AC. The one thing I was hoping for when I planned this trip was to see a leg of the tour. Made it to France, but did not see a single bike. Next time I guess! :)
PS. Elmo is lonely on Darling st, if you would like to take care of him. XO
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteI loved your post! I'm glad to know that you never jumped off a cliff with a man strapped to your back and hope that was Courtney's last time of doing that! A mule sounds much safer! Unless the mule tries to buck her off, of course.
Grandma is right (of course!)-I loved getting to text with you! Funny how you take so much for granted when you live close to someone. This has been a long 5 weeks for us so we'll be anxious to see you in just under 2 weeks! Looking forward to seeing all of your pictures and hearing all of your stories!
Love you!
Mom and Dad
Hmmmm Elmo should have stayed with your Mom. He could have gone to the beach. How is Ed the Clam??
ReplyDelete