Athens: Not in Ruins

On their 10 hour flight, they might say that the movies weren't as bad as they were the first time they were on Air Transat, because they couldn't actually SEE a movie... Walking onto the plane, they saw a black screen of tv death in front of them, and two men trying their best to fix it.  At one point one of the men said, "Just five minutes guys"....  Suffice it to say, five minutes turned into 10 hours with no in flight entertainment except the time they found a bible on the floor and returned it.  Other entertainment included the time that JD asked for two butters and was brought two waters.  Which doesn't sound funny at all right now but was really funny 8.5 hours into the flight.  JD's bag weighed 6.5 kg compared to Ash's 11.5 and Britt's 12.  So far he doesn't regret bringing it because it saved them 6 euros in hostel daytime storage costs.  Britt has been doing a good job getting JD to take photos, so far:  Britt 653, JD 323, Ash 0.  There was no swimming for Ashley in Athens.  When they started their 11 hour ferry trip from Athens to Crete and Ashley read 'swimming pool' she promptly went to their cabin, put on her bathing suit, and tromped on deck.  See the picture below to see how that turned out.  Better luck in Crete.  During a drink on a rooftop patio with some lovely Canadians, they cheer'd JD to 'failing out of first year university'; ever since making friends based on this premise, he couldn't possibly share his Greek history knowledge (although they're sure he knows everything).  Britt didn't have to worry about seasickness, because she had a terrible cold and worried about  her runny nose, her sore throat, her plugged ears, and her pouffe hair instead.  

Where they stayed: Athens Backpackers, no Athens Studios, no wait, Athen's Backpackers, uhm or the sister site of Athen's Backpackers called Athen's Studios?  It was had to know, but long story short they did find it.  The hostel was located in the perfect location - near the Acropolis and the very safe and touristy part of town.  They almost had a repeat of the time they blew up the electrical in a hostel with Ash's hair straightener, except that this time they were having a nap and somehow blew a fuse.  This lead to a very informative discussion of Greek architecture with the young Aussie running the place.  They were near a cobblestone street line with restaurants and coffee shops, which they took full advantage of.  

What they ate and drank:  All the things (they are doing well in this department, thanks to JD), including: spanikopita, moussaka, lamb kebab, baklava, other pastries, lots of iced coffee, Greek salad (Britt and Ash ate olives, ew), bread with olive spread, and a street chicken gyro.  They also drank a local beer called Mythos.  That was basically day 1.5.  They definitely came to Greece to EAT.  

What they did:  Well ate, obviously, but when they weren't eating they were walking.  Apparently being awake for 20 hours is code for:  go walk for three more.  The first day they dropped off their bags at the hostel, and went to see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, their first ruin.  They quickly learned that Athens is patrolled by stray cats, dogs, and turtles. The best moment of day one:  seeing an ancient turtle patrolling the Temple, back and forth.  The next day they walked 6.5 hours - they saw the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Plaka, and a stadium, which looked like a ruin, but was not a tourist site.  The Parthenon was breathtaking, and somehow they managed to get photos that looked like it was only them and the ancient ruin - except there were also six ladies and SO MANY TOURISTS.  It paid off, when some lovely tourists obliged them and took their photos in front of all the things.  Sitting in the Plaka was their first sense of being 'in Europe' and on vacation.  While they walked around they denounced busy North American culture and discussed the merits of becoming European.  By the way, they aren't coming home.  They tried to view the National Gardens, only to be told to leave by a policeman creeping out of the bushes.  Apparently this is not for the public.  

Lessons learned:  Free flowers are free until they're stuffed in your pocket, and then they become 50 cents.  Halls can sometimes just be candy - when in doubt, pack those from Canada.  White shirts will always get dirty the first time you wear them.  Always put a case on your camera, in case you mysteriously end up with a hole in your shorts and a dent in it.  

First awkward moment:  Being told off by a museum attendant for posing like statues.  Oops.

A few more questions for Crete...

1) Will JD get to partake in a phalanx? 

2) Will Ash become the Queen of the Palace of Knossos?

3) Will Britt make it to the gorgeous Gorge, Samara Gorge, recommended by her work colleagues?

Stay tuned!