Greece Summary

We stayed in Athens two nights, seeing the Acropolis, Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, and Syntagma Square. Saw the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square and took pictures of demolition from the riots a few weeks ago. All was fairly calm while there though. We were going to take the early 7am ferry to the Greek island of Santorini but even though we left at 5:30 am they were all sold out! So we bought tickets for the 3:00pm ferry and went back into Athens with our packs snd everything. It was a blessing in disguise! We were able to see Ancient Agora and some other smaller sights around there. Randy really likes the food; I, however am not a huge fan! Its really bland. The best items i've had were Gyros and Soulvaki which is like a skewer of sorts. Randy had a milk pie one day which was a croussant with "warm thick milk" inside. Finally made it to Santorini that evening!

Santorini is the island in Greece which is most typical in pictures for the white buildings with blue roofs. Our hostel is really more like a hotel! We had a suite the first night for like $40 with s refrigerator for my Pepsi and a balcony with an awesome view! First full day did a tour of the island in a day which was cool but stressful in a group. We went to a monastery where the priests were ages 24-44 years old and made wine and shoes to support their living. Visited some cool small villages like Pirgos. Then off to the volcanic island to hike to the top of the active volcano. Then swam near the hot springs of another island in the Agean sea. Felt good to cool off. Its so hot there. On the island it was about 90 degrees and in Athens closer to 100. At one of the island stops of Santorini met a guy who lives there 1/2 the year for free lance photography. He's from Great Britian. He was telling us the primary income on the island is tourism and the second is wine. Saw the sunset at Oia and climbed the 248 steps to the city from the port. When we left the second day we had the opportunity to try both the red and white wines. Our hostess and the hostel was awesome and obviously has found her nitch. When we left she gave us a bottle of white wine, which Randy almost single handedly finished himself! Before our ferry left the second day we rented a quad to see other parts of the island we didn't have a chance to see. That was fun and relaxing. Rode the ferry back to Athens. Got there at about 12:30am, took the bus to the airport and arrived there around 1:30. Then our plane didnt leave for Rome until 7:00am. Tiring day to say the least.