Category Archives: Greece

Patras,Greece to Bari, Italy Ferry

Marsha and I took a cab to the bus station and Stephanie took the subway to the airport, so we said goodbye at the hotel. Our bus ride to Patras was approx 2 1/2 hours but it took longer because there was a horrific accident on the highway. We reached the port and got our tickets. The ferry looked nice – see pic. We were only able to get “deck” tickets which means grab a seat and that’s where you sleep. See pic of salon we were in. I then took a pic of a bridge as we were leaving port and also of another ferry. We had dinner on the ferry which was salads, but we had a great view. Then it was time for bed – see Marsha in our luxurious accommodations. I know I have been saying how hot it Is here, but the ferry is like a freezer. It seems there is no happy medium – either too hot or too cold. About 1am the crew woke us because we stopped in a port. To our surprise we think about a thousand people got on. We found out this is a usual occurrence and must be since people brought queen size air mattresses with them. There were people sleeping everywhere! I am writing this while we are about an hour from the Italian port of Bari. Will let you know what happens next and send when I have wifi.

Athens – Day 6

We slept in after 2 long days of touristing. But after we got ready we went to see more ancient ruins in Athens. – see pics of Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus.

We also went to see the Olympic Stadium and Hadrian’s Library (pics on my camera). Then we went to the wine shop because Marsha needed a gift for a friend in Italy. While we were there we had a cold drink. See pic of Marsha in her newly purchased Greek hat.

We then walked around some more – I should say it is still very hot here. We stumbled upon a Greek celebration. The celebration was for the full moon in August. See pics.

We then went to have dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a great view of the Acropolis. We had an appetizer plate for the three of us and then Stephanie and I had stuffed grape leaves and Marsha had an eggplant dip. Tomorrow Stephanie heads to the airport to fly home and Marsha and I head to Patras, Greece to catch the overnight ferry to Italy. Tomorrow will be a long travel day for all of us.

Athens – Day 5 – Mycenae

We were up early for our tour to Mycenae and Epidayuros. We stopped on the way to Mycenae at the Corinth Canal. I took a pic of a boat going thru the canal.

We then went to Mycenae to see Ancient Greek ruins. They really are neat in person and I have a ton of pics on my camera. Our guide was very knowledgable and of course our heads are full of facts we probably won’t remember.

We then went on to Epidayuros to see the amphitheater – it has perfect acoustics and still is being used today. We also saw a “beehive” tomb there and toured the museum.

We returned to Athens about 7pm and we went up about 200 steps to get the funicular to the top of Mount Lycabettus for a birds-eye view of Athens. See pic of Acropolis from top of mountain.

We then headed to the Plaka to get something to eat. Marsha and Stephanie had Greek salad and I had stuffed grape leaves with lemon sauce. The las picture is of the Acropolis at night. It was the view from our table at the restaurant. It is now 12:30 and it has been a long day.

Athens – Day 4 – Delphi

We got up early and the tour picked us up at the hotel to go to Delphi. It is about a 3 hour trip from Athens – the last part on winding mountainous roads. We now know more about Apollo, Poseidon, Athena and Ancient Greek history than we will ever need. We toured Delphi and the museum there. We chose not to have the lunch included with the tour but found a little restaurant instead. We had stuffed grape leaves, Delphi olives and tzasiki. We got back to Athens about 6:30pm and decided to go to a restaurant near our hotel that Marsha recommended.

Marsha had baked vegetables and Stephanie and I shared pork cooked in wine and meat patties with spicy tomato sauce and yogurt. We walked back to the hotel since we are stuffed and have another early day tomorrow with another tour.

Athens – Day 3

Today was an easy day. We went to the Archeological Museum in the morning and early afternoon. Definite information overload. We then walked back to the hotel to stay out of the heat of the day. About 4pm we went to the Placa where all the shops and restaurants are located. We stopped in a wine bar for a wine tasting – see pics and then went to eat dinner. Marsha had stuffed tomato and pepper, Stephanie had slouvaki and I had “grandma’s meatballs”. We then came back to the hotel since we have a tour scheduled early in the morning.

Almost forgot again – when we got off the subway to go to the Placa we saw the changing of the guard.