We Travel World

Wheeeee
Johnny’s reaction to driving in Greece.Monday, August 31, 2009

Monday was a rest-up day. Lee and I helped Tdom Bah and Jackie take down the canopies, repack the trailer and clean up the area. We left the rest of the group back at Dimitri’s and Sophia’s to rest. Wow! Don’t we sound like martyrs! Hahaha Not really, we were just there and it was easier to get it done and over!

Back at the house, we rested. That was nice. We made Indian (oops, sorry David) Navajo Tacos. They were well received.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

First thing — Let me wish a public HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mom. I really tried to be on top of things when it came to her birthday, but probably the HEAT scrambled my brain (how’s that for avoiding raising my hand and saying I’m an idiot!) and I was ahead of the game! I forgot how many days in August, screwed up the time difference, and I think my email was received two days before the event. Trying to rectify that, I sent yet another email the next day (still zoning out on how many days in August and time differences). So, Mom, hope your
First Look
We just got out of the car and were greeted by this wonderful sight.birthday was wonderful and you are loving your Lush gifts!

David and I are on the way to Athens. We were the only two hardy souls that wanted to get up at “0 dark hundred” and ride five hours to see the Acropolis and other highlights in Athens. Tdom Bah drove, as he lived in Athens for a couple of years. Jackie, Merrick and Agnes (Polish pow wow dancers) and David and I were excited about going to Athens.

We’re in a van. A nine passenger van. With some storage room in the back. With side mirrors. Tdom Bah is driving through very, very narrow streets in this nine passenger van, and I must say although David and I were freaked out, he skillfully maneuvered the van and we found a parking space without mishap. I handle these situations in an adult-like manner … eyes closed, fingers in ears, muttering “la, la, la, la, la.” With three out of five senses shut down, and with deep breathing, I was fine. David, on the other hand, kept his eyes opened and muttered various prayer-like phrases.

Out of the van. We’re walking. No time to dawdle. Tdom Bah is
Church
We were supposed to meet here if we got lost, Actually we didn’t get lost until we got to the church and lost Tdom Bah and Jackie to a foot race.on a mission and he walks like a bat out of, well, you know. Lots of interesting shops, but no stopping. We’re walking, and walking and walking. I’m seeing wonderful places I want to poke around, but … yes, we’re walking.

Finally, we hit the souvenir street. David and I grab as much as we can in a very short timeframe. I’m throwing things in my basket hoping I’m getting enough junk for the family back home. But time is our enemy here, and we’re not yet to the Acropolis, which is, of course, on top of a very large hill, and we are still at the bottom.

We made it. To the gate of the Acropolis area. Need a ticket from the ticket booth down the hill (short hill). 12 Euros. Tdom Bah advises that we have 20 minutes before we need to leave to meet his friend George for lunch. David and I had a meltdown. Five hours in a car for 20 minutes at the Acropolis? What? David balks. Frustrated, I ask if we can come back and use the same ticket after lunch. No. I turn away and go get a ticket. So does
History Alive
Old and New? Older and Older? David and Merrick. Jackie, Tdom Bah and Agnes opt not to go. David and I lose sight of Merrick as we wander, but we continue to look, enjoy, take pictures, enjoy, wish we had more time, see people sitting around sketching, wish we had more time, and finally after an hour or so reluctantly leave this awesome place.

Sprinting. We are past walking. We are late (thanks to David and, but we don’t care) for the lunch or meeting or whatever it was. I don’t know how many miles we walked, sprinted, dragged (the dragging was me after 40 minutes) up and down hills to the other side of Athens, at least that’s what it seemed to me. And it was … all together now … HOT. HOT and HUMID. Many big thanks to David for carrying my heavy purchases. He asked once and I declined, with my usual “I have a rule that if I buy something I have to carry it.” When he asked a second time, how many of you think I declined!! I see no hands. Awesome. Right on. I gave him my bags in oh, one second. No need to think about that one.
Old and New
Boy, would I love to be able to go down to that stage and play my flute. The sight of sprawling Athens behind is mind boggling.

We finally got there. Had lunch with George, John and Vassi (from the Veria event). It was very nice; sitting outside under large umbrellas. George ordered typical Greek food for us and it was fabulous. Good to sit down.

After a big meal, we walked back to George’s shop, and of course I had to buy a few things for moi. After that, we were done. Done. Ready to go back to Veria. Back to walking. But this time we went to a …. ah, subway, tube, underground moving vehicle thing and got off a couple of blocks away from our parking lot. My blisters were grateful.

We made it back. We leave tomorrow back to Germany. We’re not looking forward to the drive, but we have restocked our food supplies.


Souvenir Alley
Good thing we didn’t get more time. Lots of things you don’t need but think you have to lug home with you.
Shopping
We weren’t the only ones shopping on Souvenir Alley.
Acropolis
David and I are on our way to the top.
Athens
From the Acropolis hill, Athens spreads out in all directions.
Ancient, Just Ancient
I began to care less for figuring out what was what and began to care more for just experiencing this place.
Statues
Statues as pillars. No words to describe what we saw.
View from Acropolis

Resting
When David asked if I wanted him to take a pic of me, I think I was more excited about sitting down.
Terry’s Temple
If I was a Goddess, this would be my temple!!
Architecture
Terry’s Temple ceiling.
Me and My Temple
If I was a goddess!!
More Ancient Ruins
Have no idea what this is. We were trying to catch up with Tdom Bah.
We’re Walking
No time to find out what we’re looking at, but it sure is impressive.
Olympic Stadium
David gets ready to run the marathon. Oh, we were trying to catch up to Tdom Bah.
Lunch
We made it to our destination. Lunch with George, John and Vassi.
George
Many thanks for the wonderful lunch.
All About the Food
Second or third serving of buttered garlic bread.
More Food Anyone?
Care for some food. We have plenty to share!
Vassi
Sweet, helpful and beautiful new friend.
George’s Shop
Yes, I shopped., What did I buy? Can’t remember. Slept since then.