Poros to Nafphila with the "help" of a GPS

We wandered down along the waterfront this morning for an average coffee and an an awesome Pain au Raisin from the French patisserie :)

 We watched a normal day unfold as the island of Poros slowly woke. A mother taking her two children off to school on a scooter....no helmets. Young girls riding along on scooters and talking on cell phones and painters riding off to their painting jobs with pails of paint hanging off each handlebar. There seem to be quite a lot of yachties in port and that made interesting viewing....and listening.

We decided to head off west towards Nafpila but first thought it was best to pump some air into the rent a dent in an attempt to make it drive better......it was an attempt. We took the ferry back to Galatas and captured the last sights of Poros. The GPS lady was kind to us and pointed us in the right direction and we faithfully followed what she said. We do think now that the GPS has been set on the shortest distance possible and it turned us off the main road into a small little settlement where we wound our way on skinny little alleys. Then we hit the gravel........ and crossed what seemed the equivalent of the Southern Alps. We climbed and wound our way up a bumpy, dusty gravel road and achieved 40km in an hour and a half. It was an adventure and we were rewarded with a stunning view from the highest point around. We saw the sum total of two houses right at the very top so clearly there was a need for the road to be there..........probably Roman.

Back down at sea level we passed through Adami but by this time we were trying to outsmart GPS lady. There was a fear of her sending us back over the mountain top. We stopped at a very large 80 seat taverna with three old guys sharing one Amstel. Only one spoke a very little English. They knew where Australia was but had difficulty with NZ. We taught them some English and they taught us thank you in Greek.....along with pointing the way to go. They were so nice to us we felt that we had to buy a coffee, probably the only sale of the day. Regretfully it was pretty disgusting ....something called Nescafé!

In another little settlement (10 houses) all of which were in pristine condition.

Smack in the middle was a lovely bakery with a huge amount of bread and goodies....we just don't know who they were going to sell them to.

Nafpilo is different again and has both an old town and a new town. We are staying in the old town area and have wandered around the small alleys in the old town. We finished up in a cafe in the square and watched the locals out for an evening stroll, children playing and a large number of tourists coming out for dinner. They come out late by our standards for the evening and the square got busier and busier as the night wore on.

Nafpilo is well known for the Palamidi Castle which sits high above the old town. The fortress commands an impressive view over the Argolic Gulf, the city of Náfplio and the surrounding country. There are 857 steps in the winding stair from the town to the fortress. However, to reach the top of the fortress there are over one thousand. Locals in the town of Nafplion will say there are 999 steps to the top of the castle.

We are taking on the challenge tomorrow!

Leaving Athens-Doing it on the Roads

We were advised yesterday (Tuesday) of the general strike that was happening in Athens. According to the hotel receptionist this was going to be big but was a common occurrence in Athens and apart from the disruption to all public transport it should not affect us too much.

The only thing alive and well at 8 in the morning in Athens is the traffic ( even more of it as the public transport was disrupted) and so we decided to walk the distance to the car rental place. It was highly recommended on the web by those traveling and not familiar with driving in Athens. The company, a family affair, pride themselves on assisting people to get out of the traffic and onto the motorways.

Along the way we took a stroll through the Central Markets that were a hive of activity at that time in the morning. Huge amounts of beef, chicken, pork, goat, seafood and (sorry Charlotte) de- feathered whole chickens, feet and combs included were for sale along with huge quantities of feta and nuts and spices. The NZ Metro mag says that in New York pork has become very fashionable however all the bits here were for sale and it would seem like it was fashionable here first!

Like many things Greek there is always some confusion and this began with the name of the rental car company. It was called Swift (should have given the name away really) and when we arrived it had become Avanti but the guy inside assured us it was Avanti Swift. Yes -fast bike or bike fast whichever way you look at it.

We signed up and returned to our hotel via the metro to check out .Interestingly it was chocka at 11.30 in the morning and a tight squeeze to get in the door- something we are getting used to. We were surprised it was so full but then realised that many had protest slogans and banners. At the stop before ours, literally everyone except us got off the train such was the solidarity!

 We had seen a large number of army that morning and police seemed to be everywhere, arriving in big vans around Syntagma Square. The night before we had seen a group of police with riot shields, helmets, and long shin pad type things, standing around on a corner and we watched them for a while but nothing seemed to be happening. But happen it did and I hear the disruption and unrest was significant and reached TV 3 news. We had left town by then but it was lovely to get so many emails asking if we were Ok.

The car arrived (he parked on the footpath while we did some more paper work) and because he had forgotten the GPS we had to head back to the office with the guy driving. Many of the roads were closed because of the strike and protest march so normally a  5min trip took nearly 30mins as we must have gone down every tiny back road  (again up on the footpath where we had to) to collect the GPS that we so very much needed. Thankfully the nice lady voice on the GPS speaks English but she does get a bit angry if you don't go the right way!  The service from the rental company was fantastic however the car leaves quite a lot to be desired.......Brent has slightly different terminology to describe its features or lack thereof. The car is a more like rent a dent, brakes are noisy and yes not much faster than a bike but it’s got us to Poros in one piece!

Navigating the traffic was an experience however once out of Athens it was a lovely drive on the highway. Only one wrong turn along the way but unfortunately we ended up not on the coastal route but on the toll road. Never the less it was a pleasant drive and we arrived in a very underwhelming township of Corinth. There is nothing much there and quite dreary however the Corinth Canal does not disappoint. An amazing engineering spectacle.

We continued on to the island of Poros travelling via an incredibly cheap car transportation ferry. We were treated to a fine display of cruise launches tied up along the huge jetty that runs alongside the main part of town. It was the annual boat show and they were a truly amazing sight. The people watching to accompany this type of event made for a very interesting evening.

We are in a lovely little hotel (for 2 nights) less than 50 metres from the waters edge with an amazing view. We have wandered up through the houses on the hilltop this morning for some fantastic views including the departure of most of the launches from the boat show returning to Piraeus- a real spectacle.

This hotel also has its own little quirks. Having a shower earlier I pulled on a cord with a frayed end which looked like a broken washing line. Unfortunately it was not what I thought but an emergency cord and I had the hotel receptionist high tail up two flights of stairs to our room. I of course was oblivious to all of this and left Brent to answer the door!

At lunchtime the taverna that we could look down on from our hotel balcony was cooking large octopus on a grill. We ventured forth for dinner and had a lovely meal. (no not 8 legs!) Sitting so close to the water there was never a dull moment with luxury yachts, hydrofoils, fast ferries and little passenger ferries going to and fro. The waiter was born and bred in Poros, went to school here and spoke very good English, Italian and of course Greek. He was a lovely guy who liked fine things, was impeccably dressed and when he went home for his siesta (7pm-10pm) off he drove on the most well looked after scooter I have seen in Greece so far.

 We ended a lovely evening by wandering up through the small alleys and pathways meandering our way up to the clock tower (incidentally it chimes on the hour through the night) and watched the sun set and soaked up the tranquillity.

An Introduction to ATHENS

After what seemed like and endless flight we arrived in Athens early morning and negotiated their relatively new metro service with (accidental) ease. We explored Athens on foot as most of what we wanted to see and do is in the city centre. We were taken immediately by the heavy traffic, many motorbikes and the crazy driving. Road markings were last re- touched at the time of the Olympics and I don't mean the modern ones.  It would seem that rules are to be broken and it was not uncommon for motorbikes and scooters to mount the footpaths to avoid a traffic light. You take your life in your hands merely walking down the street and if the pedestrian signal is green we learnt to not take that as a given that all drivers respect that ....they seldom do. We were on the receiving end of many a gesticulation and much horn blasting.

It is not as crowded as one would imagine. That’s unless you try and get on the metro as 99% of the population head off to a protest march on the day of a general strike. When they all get off at one station you find you are the only ones left on the metro with not a pick pocketer in sight. We have been warned of the pick pocketers around the metro stations and I have never seen Brent clutch his man bag so tightly!

We discovered a yoghurt shop that served thick and creamy (spoon stand up thick) yoghurt with your choice of fresh fruit. Black Cherry was our favourite and we returned to this shop on our travels the next day as well.

Our first Greek meal was at a lovely Taverna in the Plaka district...the pedestrian only oldest neighbourhood in Athens .That's not to say cars and motorbikes don't flaunt the law here.  While we were sitting there a car squeezed past, how without hitting tourists enjoying their meal outside was beyond me. Waiters from both sides of the street scurried to shift tables and chairs to allow the cars to pass. Brent could not resist the French Fries!....also flaunting the law.....when in Greece eat Greek!

I have taken a liking to one of the traditional Greek bread Kouloupi, sold in huge quantities by street vendors. While people watching down by Syntagma (Constitution) Square I watched the hordes of people coming out of the Metro buying Koulpupi. The majority of people bought two of these thin rounds of bread covered in sesame seeds, however the skinny young girls only bought one!

Coffee is not great and is expensive. Strawberries at 1.80 E a kilo are freshly picked and sweet. Fresh feta for around 4 E is a bargain. Our bottled water in NZ has a way to go to come down in price...they sell it here in the supermarkets for .15 E.

We enjoyed the Hop on Hop off double decker bus that took us around the major must sees in Athens , including the Parthenon ( infuriatingly crowded), National Gardens  and the changing of the guards at the House of Parliament , New Acropolis Museum and other numerous archaeological sites.  Cultured commuting also has its place where two large metro stations display finds from the subway excavations and amount to Athens newest small museums.

I particularly liked the inscription on Hadrian Arch. Now for the history lesson. Hadrian was a Roman Emperor but built a number of monuments in Athens including this enormous triumphal arch with its highly ornamental Corinthian columns. Hadrian didn't hesitate to use his arch to let the Athenians know who was boss. The inscription facing the Acropolis  side reads  THIS IS ATHENS, THE ANCIENT CITY OF THESEUS  On the other side it states THIS IS THE CITY OF HADRIAN,NOT OF THESEUS .

 We also ventured on the bus out to the Port of Piraeus; apparently the third largest port in the world and it was not difficult to see why. We explored the area by foot and were hounded by the people touting for business outside the restaurants (most of them empty) down by the waterfront. We found a quaint little cafe in a side street up a steep hill and while we were looking at the menu were encouraged to come inside by a group of local men attesting to the fact the cafe was for the locals. It was run by a family and  the food was amazing , however I had read the bus timetable wrong and half way through had to ask for one dish to be packed up to take away. Had we not done so we would have had another hour to wait for the next bus to take us back to Athens.

We decided we would get off at the National Archaeological Museum having checked with the driver that it would still be open. However even Greeks get confused by their complicated and changeable hours and we arrived to find this shut. We decided that it would not be offensive to anyone if we sat on the steps and ate our takeaway!

I am astounded by the Amazonian size of the elite Ezvones guards, an elite ceremonial unit that guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They are on 24 hour duty down at Parliament buildings.  You are allowed to take photos standing beside them (when directed by the minder) and when my turn came they towered above me. It is all very serious and you are not allowed to talk to them, however I could not resist asking one as I smiled at the camera if he was ticklish? For all the seriousness of it the way in which they march with their legs and arms borders on hilarious and I got a fit of the giggles.

 

We are going to attempt to rent a car tomorrow and join the crazy drivers...when you don't know where you are going any road will do.

More Photos soon.

The Getting There

 

It was a lovely start to Mother’s Day today as I was lucky enough to have Charlotte and Jaime stay at home on Saturday night. We went to the cafe to have breakfast on our way to the airport and had to wait for the cafe to open! (Have to confess that that is not the first time that has happened though).

Tourists or what???

The getting there looked for a while like Brent and I would get there separately.....well at least sitting in separate seats. Online check in and choosing your seats had us sitting several rows apart and no options to change seats to sit together. Thanks to a lovely lady at AK airport that set us up with three seats each. In a very full plane we felt very spoilt .Sleeping pills must have been duds as I managed only 3 or so hours, but caught two great movies and got to read 2 Sunday papers.

We have arrived in Singapore’s Changi airport. Of course it’s huge and the departure boards have planes going to all the big name cities. We were keen to get outside but were advised that on a Sunday night at this time there was not too much to see in the time we had available. You know it’s a big airport when they have sky trains linking several terminals and messages on travelators say the distance from that spot to say Gate A21 is 9mins. Singapore would not be complete without the beautiful Singapore orchids. Inside the terminal they have created a garden trail including a sunflower garden, orchid garden and butterfly garden. We visited the butterfly garden though finding it was a mission but through two double doors and then out into Singapore air.......At 37C it felt like an oven...so humid. Think all the butterflies had gone to bed as we didn't see a one.

My computer is telling me its 2.52 am at home but 11pm here. We leave in a little over 2 hours for the last part of getting here...... 11 and half hours to Athens

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Singapore Airlines are great and I can recommend their signature cocktail a Singapore Sling. Slipped down very well and the Steward Leader a lovely smiley guy just kept coming back to give me another one. Who needs sleeping pills when you have had 3 of those!

We are resting in the resting area which has some lovely loungers. There are lots of SHHHHH signs around however I am currently listening to Bruce Springsteen thumping it out from the music in the Hard Rock Cafe situated......right next door. There can be no SHHHHh!

I'M DOING IT - Itinerary

 I'M DOING IT  - Itinerary 

8 May - Auckland - Athens ( via Singapore for 5 hours)

9 May - Athens

17 May - Athens - Istanbul

18 May- Istanbul- Athens

20 May- Athens - London

30 May Brent London- Auckland

30 May Lynette- ( Hampton - 35mins by Train from London central)
 
4 June - Return to London

5 June Tour begins

Day by Day
 
5 June                           LONDON-BRUSSELS, BELGIUM.
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to Brussels. Walk to GRAND' PLACE and see famous Manneken Pis, followed by a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

6 June                            BRUSSELS-AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND.
In Amsterdam, enjoy a CANAL CRUISE, the best way to see the 700-year old capital, and visit a major DIAMOND CENTER. Later, an optional excursion to Volendam? (B,D)

7 June                           AMSTERDAM-HEIDELBERG, GERMANY-RHINELAND.
Past the locale of A Bridge Too Far on the way to Cologne. Here, visit the gothic CATHEDRAL. The afternoon's highlight is a romantic RHINE CRUISE. (B,D)
 
8 June                          RHINELAND-LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND.
Morning stop in the BLACK FOREST. Next, take pictures of the thundering RHINE FALLS and continue to Lucerne. (B,D)

9 June                       LUCERNE.
During your walking tour, admire the LION MONUMENT and cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Afterwards, shop for Swiss watches and choose from our optional activities: climb a mountain by cable car, take a cruise on the fjord-like lake, or sign up for a folklore party. (B)

10 June                       LUCERNE-LIECHTENSTEIN-INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA-SALZBURG.
A short stop in Vaduz, capital of the pocket-sized Principality of Liechtenstein. Next is Innsbruck, Austria's Olympic resort in the Tyrolean mountains. Walk to Emperor Maximilian's GOLDEN ROOF before continuing to Salzburg. (B,D)

11 June                    SALZBURG-VIENNA.
A pleasant stroll with your Local Guide takes you through the historic center. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, and ST. PETER'S CHURCHYARD. Then, drive along the Danube Valley to Vienna. (B)

12 June                     VIENNA.
Guided sightseeing features Prater Park with its Ferris wheel, the United Nations City, the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, St. Stephen's Cathedral, a stop at the Hofburg Palace, and a visit to STRAUSS HOUSE. Optional excursions to Schonbrunn Palace or to Grinzing are available. (B)

13 June                VIENNA-VENICE, ITALY.
Journey across scenic Semmering Pass to Venice. Tonight is your chance to sample the city's fine restaurants. (B)

14 June     VENICE.
Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT. Highlights of your guided walking tour are ST. MARK'S SQUARE and its BASILICA, lavish DOGES' PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also enjoy a GLASSBLOWERS' DEMONSTRATION. (B,D)
 
15 June     VENICE-ROME.
A scenic drive across the wooded Apennines brings you to the "Eternal City." (B)
 
16 June     ROME.

Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL. Continue to monumental ST. PETER'S SQUARE and BASILICA. Also visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM. (B)
 
17 June     ROME-FLORENCE-TUSCANY.
In Florence, enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide and visit Michelangelo's celebrated David in the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS, the CATHEDRAL, and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. (B,D)
 
18 June     TUSCANY. EXCURSION TO PISA.
Focus on Pisa this morning and take pictures of its famous Leaning Tower. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, you may wish to join an optional dinner to a fine Tuscan restaurant to try out the local specialties. (B)

19 June                 TUSCANY-NICE, FRANCE.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Italian and French Riviera, and a stop at a PERFUME FACTORY. Tonight, an optional excursion is available to Monte Carlo. (B)
 
20 June     NICE. EXCURSION TO ST. PAUL DE VENCE.
This morning, visit the picturesque hilltop town of St. Paul de Vence. Afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)

21 June     NICE-ARLES-BARCELONA, SPAIN.
In Arles, walk to the famous Roman Amphitheater and enjoy free time. Next, continue to the Spanish border. Overnight in Barcelona. (B,D)

22 June                    BARCELONA.
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the spectacular Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's masterpiece, and a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuic Hill. Also visit the GOTHIC QUARTER. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

23 June     BARCELONA-MADRID.
Rustic Catalonian and Aragonian landscapes on your journey to Madrid. (B)
 
24 June     MADRID.
Guided sightseeing features the highlights of Madrid. Then, a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. Enjoy free time afterwards. (B)
 
25 June     MADRID-BURGOS-BILBAO.
North to Burgos for a short visit, then, continue to Bilbao for a guided visit to the famous GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM. (B,D)
 
26 June           BILBAO-BIARRITZ, FRANCE-BORDEAUX.
Visit Biarritz, an ancient fishing village turned trendy seaside resort. Continue through the Landes region to Bordeaux and enjoy an orientation tour. (B,D)
 
27 June     BORDEAUX-PARIS.
Travel by high-speed TGV TRAIN to Paris. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion to the Louvre Museum. Tonight, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket! (B).
 
28 June     PARIS.
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the most famous sights and a visit to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. An optional excursion to Versailles Palace is available. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with wine at one of Paris' fine restaurant. Afterwards, you may wish to join an optional drive through the "City of Light." (B,D)
 
29  June    PARIS-LONDON, ENGLAND.
Board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to London, arriving in the afternoon, where the holiday ends

30 June - London to New York
6 July - New York to San Fransisco
12th July Done It!!!