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Dimitri Europe 2024
  • Dimitri Viatos

Dimitri Europe 2024

Germany, Euro 2024, then Greece Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 13, 2024
    Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Setting off

    June 13, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Hi everyone,

    I am on a trip to Europe with my friends. I will first be visiting Germany. We will travel the country to watch the group stages of Euro 2024. Greece sadly didn't make it - but I am still excited to be part of a major football tournament.

    The group: myself, Adam, Joe, Louis and Finn.

    I will then travel to Greece for 5 weeks. Roughly:
    - Athens
    - Drive to Meteora, then to the Peloponnese
    - Meet up with Gianni (tutor friend)
    - Meet up with Adam, visit Egina
    - Meet up with Finn and his partner, visit Athens
    - Meet up with Thia Chrstina, thio Alex and the boys, visit Syros

    First post:
    Adam and I set off from Wellington Airport. Baba and Monida saw us off.

    Our flight plan: Wellington -> Melbourne -> Dubai -> Frankfurt    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Plane trouble

    June 14, 2024 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ 🌙 33 °C

    Our Melbourne-Dubai flight took off but the water to the bathrooms would not run. 5 hours in, we diverted 2hours to Singapore. We made it late to Dubai and missed our connection- Emirates have put us up at a hotel for the night, until the next plane tomorrow.

    Pictures: Adam and I playing Battleships- no screen cheating + our hotel    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Koblenz: Marksburg Castle

    June 17, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We have stayed initially with Finn's relatives in Koblenz. A small city of 100k.

    Today Finn took us for a tour of Marksburg Castle, where he worked as a tour guide for 6 months. It was built to police/tax shipping traffic on the Rhine and has never been captured.Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Football games

    June 21, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We have been to several football games so far:
    - Denmark v Slovenia in Stuttgart. An entertaining 1-1 draw in an impressive stadium (pics 1 and 2)
    - Spain v Italy in Gelsenkirchen. 1-0 to Spain. Italy offered little going forward. We had front-row seats however and appeared on TV! (Pics 3-5)
    - Germany v Hungary in Stuttgart. 2-0 to Germany. The hosts were expected to win this and did. I did not go to this one, just the others did.
    - France v Nederlands in Leipzig. 0-0. We were most excited for this game but, unfortunately, star player Kylian Mbappe picked up an injury in the previous game and was out. The atmosphere was great but the result less so. Our tickets were split up so I watched the first half from the Dutch end on my own (pic 6-7). Joe found me a space in the French end for the second half, so I moved there (Pic 8)

    We have covered 1,800km in 6 days. We now have 4 days of camping in Leipzig. Everyone is glad for a rest.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler
    1

    Leipzig: Day 2

    June 22, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today we had our first full day in Leipzig. It has a large student population. It was behind the iron curtain and buildings on the outskirts look more Soviet. Buildings in the inner city have a more classical architecture however.

    We had breakfast at a Cafe. I had granola with seasonal fruit. Louis and Finn shared a breakfast platter (pictured). It was very good.

    We are staying at a campground. It has volleyball and a water park. We tried out both today.

    We are now heading into town to watch the games at a fanzone (Ronaldo v Turkey, then Belgium v Romania) and explore the city.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Leipzig: Day 3

    June 23, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Today Finn took Louis and I to have breakfast with his friend Danilo. Adam and Joe were asleep.

    Danilo (and his wife & 5 y/o son) served a common German breakfast of bread, cold meats, cheese, spreads, fresh vegetables and waffles (pictured). It was good and set us up for the day. Danilo is a doctor (GP), speaks English well and has traveled to many countries. His apartment

    We have now headed to the city center again tonight to watch Germany's final group game. Half time and they're losing 1 nil.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Reflections for home

    June 25, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We're driving from Leipzig to Nuremberg.

    On the way, some ideas on what they do here that we could adopt:

    1. The autobahn. Many parts of the German motorway have no speed limit. Drivers are trusted to travel at the speed they judge appropriate for the conditions. Traffic flows smoothly here, and we have seen zero accidents. The drivers seem about the same skill, and the roads the same quality, as those in NZ. Being able to travel at 150km/h, for example, means we get somewhere 50% faster and can enjoy more time there. This only works on long straight-ish stretches however - with 2 or 3 lanes. Like Transmission Gully until Foxton

    2. The fundt ("deposit") system. You buy a drink in a plastic drink bottle. You drink it empty. You return the bottle to the supermarket in reusable condition (not squashed). They refund you 0.25 EUR a bottle. The amount is meaningful enough to incentivise two behaviors: (a) ordinary ppl to recycle each time they visit a Lidl and (b) has created an industry of people going around gathering stray bottles (or even grabbing the ones you're holding).

    3. Red lights turn yellow before going green. Gets the front car ready - there is less delay at the lights.

    Pictures: 1. Our car (Hyundai G70 Genesis) 2. Finn returning fundt bottles. 3. Watching Italy-Croatia 4. Leipzig    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Back in Stuttgart

    June 26, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Today we are back in Stuttgart for Belgium v Ukraine. We are sitting in the Ukrainian end.

    We stopped off at Rotemburg, a medieval town which is very popular. It's walls have been renovated to look like original.

    Next stop, Berlin.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Leaving Koblenz

    June 28, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We are on the train to Berlin.

    We spent a night in Koblenz packing up. I went for a walk by the river (pictured).

    Belgium v Ukraine turned out to be a fizzer: 0-0. We have not had much luck with the games we've been to: 3 goals across 4 games. The atmosphere was great however. Originally only 4 of us were going but Louis procured a last minute ticket and made it too.

    I am looking at attending England's game in Gelsenkirchen at 6pm on 30 June. Only problem is it's a 6 hour train ride away and I need to be back in Berlin to fly out at 11 am the next day. Will weigh it up    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Berlin and the cost of living

    June 29, 2024 in Germany ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    We are in Berlin. We are staying with a family who hosted Finn for 9 months when he was last here: Uver and Katerina. They are very friendly and put on a barbecue to welcome us.

    I have decided not to attend the England game.

    What is the cost of living in Germany compared to NZ. Here is a quick price comparison based on the things I buy:
    - Fuel: more expensive. It's NZD $3.08/L for 95 octane (or 1.75€ per litre). You would pay about NZD $2.50 in New Zealand?
    - Bananas: the same. About NZD $0.50 each.
    - Chocolate milk: slightly cheaper. NZD $2.20 for 400ml    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Ich bin ein cyclist

    June 30, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Today I toured Berlin by bicycle. I was joined by Louis and Alex (his partner) for the second half.

    First half: borrowed bike from Uver and Kristina (thanks!). Biked from our accommodation in North Berlin to the city center. Maps says it takes 45 mins but it took me a little over an hour, due to wrong turns. There is some form of cycle path on most main streets, though the quality of surface varies. It is not required to wear a helmet, which makes the experience more comfortable and convenient.

    Second half: met Louis and Alex and had a second breakfast. We then biked to Brandenburg Gate (smaller than expected) and then another hour of biking to a The Allied Museum in west Berlin. This displayed allied war memorabilia (US, UK, French) from when they occupied Berlin, keeping an eye on the Soviets.

    It then began raining heavily so we took the S Bahn (overground train) back. You can take bikes on board.

    We saw Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright doing TV pre-match (zoomed photo).

    Also pictured: me at Olympiastadion for Switzerland v Italy. This is the stadium Jesse Owens won the 100m in the 1936 Olympics.

    We are now at the fanzone to watch England v Slovakia. England are expected to win and their fans are confident - a bad sign..    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Arrived in Athens

    July 1, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    I have arrived in Athens. Had a gyro - was great. It is a relatively cool 34 degrees.

    Visited Thia Mercini with Thia Christina, pictured. She was very happy to see us - we took another photo with her smiling but I don't have that one.

    My room is pictured. Now watching Portugal beat Slovenia.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Bottle refunds in Athens

    July 3, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    "Η Αθήνα αλλάζει" says the sign ("Athens is changing").

    You can return used bottles to central collection points around the city and receive €0.03 back per bottle. This is less than Germany however (usually €0.25). The guy supervising drop-offs told me the machines had been there for 5 years, though I don't remember seeing them last time (2022). The machine is open between 10am and 3:30pm, seven days a week - when he is there. You get a voucher for your money that can be redeemed at a cooperating store. I will use one tomorrow and see what happens.

    Thia Christina and I visited Thio George and Thia Matina yesterday. They were happy to see us. Pictures.

    I saw the local vegetable seller this morning. He drives with onions and potatoes in the back of his ute, advertising with a megaphone. See video.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Arrived in Kalambaka

    July 5, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    I am in Kalambaka, to visit Meteora tomorrow.

    I have hired a car: Toyota Aggo. It caps out at about 120km/h. Just as well that is the speed limit here.

    Now watching Spain v Germany, in the quarter finals. Was surprised only 3-4 places were showing the game in the town. Those restaurants were full and the ones without TVs relatively empty.

    The town is quite touristy - a lot of American and Chinese tourists.

    PS - on Wednesday I visited Kiki, along with Zefi, Marina and Zefi's husband Eleias. Pictured. Then on Thursday I went to the Benaki with Thia Irene - no pictures sorry (Thia Christina has them).

    On food: pictured is a tiny €16 Crayfish ravioli in Monastiraki vs a €2.50 gyro in Kalambaka - gyro wins.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Meteora

    July 6, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Today I visited four of the monasteries at Meteora.
    - Started with guided hike from carpark with guide Evangelis (Evan). There were only 2 others in our group: a Belgian couple. Evan says few people want to do a hike in summer.
    - Evan says "Meteora" is from two words stuck together. "Meta" (after/beyond) and "oros" (mountain) - literally "beyond the mountain". Because when they have fog here, it looks like the rocks are floating.
    - We reach Megalo Meteoro (the Great Meteora monastery) after 3.5 hours. I get free entry (citizen), the Belgians have to pay 3 euro each.
    - The monastery has been heavily renovated in the last 50 years. A gruff "no photos" gets repeated ad nauseum by the guards when inside.
    - In the afternoon I then drive to three more: Agios Nikolaos, Agias Barbaras (a nunnery; she is the patron saint of coal miners, the diseased and the Greek artillery regiment) and Agios Stefanos.

    Evan tells me that the price of 0.5L bottled water is set in law as EUR 0.60. This seems correct on an internet search - it is illegal to sell it for more. This came up because a place we passed was selling it for EUR 0.75.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    In Ioannina

    July 7, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 28 °C

    I have arrived at Ioannina. It is an unusual Greek city, being on the shore of a lake.

    I stopped at Metsovo on the drive from Kalambaka and had lunch: yemista and xoriatiki salata - was average.

    I am staying in a private apartment. There was confusion on who I was to contact to get the keys. The owner told me to call her husband who told me to call someone else. Eventually made contact with Georgio, who met me outside. He was quite interested where my family was from so I told him. He then seemed to get a kick out of calling me a νησιώτης (islander). Multiple times.

    Multiple people recommended I visit the island in the lake. Where local ottoman stooge Ali Pasha was executed in his home (by the ottomans, when he went rogue). You can Google his life. It's quite interesting. There are still musket ball holes from when they shot him through the floor (from underneath).

    There seems to be a large army base here. In the evening, they played the national anthem and raised the flag (pic).    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Actium

    July 8, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    In 31 BC, Octavian defeated the navy of Antony/Cleopatra at Actium. In 2024 AD, I drove through.

    Nothing remains of the battle - it was at sea. But Octavian founded the city of Nicopolis here afterwards (literally "victory city"). The walls are still visible and have been restored slightly. Pictured is the west gate, leading down to the old city's port.

    I then visited the city's old Roman theater built into a nearby hill.

    I also found China Mall - a huge warehouse selling plastic stuff/electronics/clothes. The Chinese lady staffing it spoke a little Greek (no English) and said she had been here for 10 years.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler
    1

    Lefkada and beach

    July 9, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 28 °C

    Today I went to a pebble beach at Nikiana, just south of Lefkada town. It was not busy. A canopy/couch set was €12. I laid my towel beneath a tree and it was just as good.

    I then filled up the car: €1.91/L. It is more expensive here than Germany.

    I also explored an abandoned castle, built by Ali Pasha. The guy got around.

    For dinner: kleftiko, rice and xorta. Was quite nice.

    On to Amaliada tomorrow. On the way, I am meeting Irini Triandakostandi and her husband for lunch.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    First day in Kourouta

    July 10, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    Quick note today. England v Netherlands tonight!

    Drove from Lefkada (Agios Nikolaos) and met Irini and Christo. They took me to a taverna on Mytika beach. They were very happy to see me and say hi to everyone.

    I then drove to Kourouta and met Gianni for a swim. We'll watch the game tonight.

    I also met the owner of my accommodation: Gianni, an ex-lawyer from Amaliada. He waved me over when I was coming back from the beach and was interested that I was a lawyer too. We had a conversation and he gave me a bottle of white wine he brewed. Photo.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Kourouta day 2

    July 11, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Today I visited Arxaia Ilida, the forerunner to the Olympics at Olympia. Unfortunately, I only arrived 30 mins before closing, but the reception guy Pete (from Chicago) let me in for free. It is normally €4.

    I then had a swim and started a book Gianni (tutor) gave me.

    Gianni (tutor) was busy with classes this evening. However, Gianni (landlord) then invited me to a taverna for dinner. Gianni (landlord) is an ex-lawyer, of the old school. We had contrasting experiences to share.

    Gianni (landlord) is 64 and takes his pension in 3 years (at 67). He had his own firm with 4 other female employees, though only he would appear in court. He said he is done with all that and much happier managing his apartments.

    We also met his friend Thanasis, who said he works import-export - all a bit vague. Gianni saved him from bankruptcy with an insanity defence - there's more, but best not put in writing.

    Both didn't really speak English but we got along fine.

    See photo - Gianni (landlord) asked me to make sure I tell everyone he is 64.    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Beach life

    July 12, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    This afternoon, Gianni (tutor) and Theodori (his brother, also a tutor) took me for lunch with their parents and the family's summer cabin in Kourouta.

    We then went to Marathias, a nearby beach, and hit a ball around with their friend Spiro. In the cover photo from the left: Gianni, Theodori, myself, Spiro.

    They serve souvlakia on the beach, which is a rarity apparently. We got back at about 12 midnight    Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Last day Kourouta

    July 15, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    Yesterday I went to dinner with Gianni

    Today I visited ancient Olympia with Gianni, Theodori and Spiro. We then watched the final

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Athens: before Egina

    July 16, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Louis, Adam and I have reunited in Athens.

    Adam and I arrived first and we got dinner. Louis then arrived and we walked up the Acropolis.

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler
    2

    Arrived in Aegina

    July 16, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    Fast ferry ride from Pireas to Aegina, only about 45 min. We arrived at midday and have spent the day at the hotel pool and scouting for scooters.

    €25 - 30 seems to be the going rate per day for a scooter, but we will attempt to get a lower collective price given we are taking 3, and for at least 2 days.Read more

  • Dimitri ViatosDimitri Europe 2024Traveler

    Scootering around

    July 17, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 31 °C

    We have obtained three 50cc scooters. They are of questionable quality however.

    Adam's is missing a mirror. Two of the fuel gagues permanently read zero. None of our speedometers work - not that it matters, given they don't seem to get above 30km/h.

    Louis did two rounds of a job interview today - so spent much of the day in his room. He reports it went "ok".

    The climate is such that our phones are turning molten in our pockets. I'd say they feel around 50ish oC and we are having to shut them down to protect them.    Read more

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