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Corfu hiking
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  • Начало поездки
    6 августа 2022 г.
  • AmbulatoryCorfu hikingПутешественник

    Emirates

    7 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ 🌙 28 °C

    Wow there are about 5 empty seats on this plane 🤭. Must be several hundred passengers and we have one empty seat next to us. Guess who got it 🤪 Watched King Richard good movie.

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    Deviation

    12 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Arrived in Agios Georgios where our deviation begins. A walk from Sparteria to Kovis at ten this morning in searing heat was number one The island of Corfu is heavily booked and getting accomodation at each of the stages at the last minute is not easy. Number two The walk is a mountain trek although the paths are easy there are a lot of steep downhills and my knees don't like this with a 15 kg pack. Number three The island is not large so day walks from a central location makes sense. We are this booking into am apartment to use as a base and then to explore on foot and by bus . So no more seeking the lost challis of hidden accomodation.Читать далее

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    Morays

    12 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    An eel swims by and touches your thigh …..,,It’s Amoray. Our first base is in a super apartment we found in Agios Georgios comfortable with kitchen and lounge. The meeting place was the Kazzoo bar. And our pad is just 60 m from the sea. The walk to Agios Georgios was in midday heat and ended with a cold beer and a swim in the Mediterranean. A dinner of spaghetti let us plan our next few days.Читать далее

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    Home fare

    13 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We had a dinner out whoops the rand is under threat. Simple fare like meatballs and R900 later meant it’s time to made a new plan. Eat at home 🤣🤣. A beer 🍺 at home is R30. So that’s the solution if Thirsty . The sole hake cod and even mince are available. A tub of ice cream 🍨 at R 80 better last a few days. There is so much Greek traditional food and we are learning to cook it. Lunch can always be a gyro…….Читать далее

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    Korrission

    13 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Early morning we were up to avoid the midday sun 🌞 we walked a strip of land between the sea and a lagoon. We were warned “look out for Snakes 🐍 “. Never saw one. A 15 klm walk on sea sand and over dunes through a “forest”. the overwhelming sound of Cicadas meant I had to spot one. (The photo is a puzzle to see it.). One of the saddest things is the lack of birds 🦅 it seems a favourite past time is shooting birds and there are many shot gun shells on the ground. The walk was along deserted beaches as we passed rows of empty deckchairs under thatch umbrellas. So great veiwa of the sea and then a swim on a quiet beach. We enjoyed the turquoise water from an armchair. Tied onto the rocks near a fish farm. The return trip brought let’s say. mmmm amusement when we walked onto a nudist beach 🏖 what a disappointment for both Shirley and me The goods on offer were ready for a trade in. The deck chairs were now full and the sun 🌞 overhead. A super morning hikeЧитать далее

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    Main Road

    14 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Cross Corfu west coast to east coast was the days plan the question to hike or bus 🚌. Being a hiking holiday on with the shoes and up with the pack. The route was suggested by a local who unfortunately thought we would get lost on the scenic walk so it was via main road that we headed to Petriti. A small fishing village on the east coast. Maybe we started a bit late but that would only be known coming home. Directions were simple walk and turn left At mama’s tavern. Once off the main road the the route down the mountain bro Petriti was filled with views across the valley. The usual homes verandas on the road were filled with people and Kalimare was my usual greeting to waves and smiles. A local farmer took some photos of us that he switched to a 1
    Sec video. The port had fishing boats and nets and we took a swim at a nearby beach the stones for sand did not agree. A look at menus and we had another gyro then started the trek home. An evening with open sandwiches and a beer 🍺 ended a great day    Читать далее

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    Lost hiking stick

    15 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Today is one of the most important days in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Dekapentavgoustos. Or the feast of the dominion of the virgin Mary and marks the falling asleep of Panagua the mother of Jesus. It’s a day of festivals and church services. We planned a walk to the traditional village of Agirades through ancient olive plantations. The start was south along the beach road then a sharp left into the hills. Another hot morning 35 plus so all the shady areas we could walk in were so rewarding. The olive trees in this area go back hundreds of years and the trunks have immense circumferences We climbed a steep narrow path some may call it a road to the top of the mountain and walked into Agirades. A tiny village with houses inter-joined. The sounds of many voices as the locals filed out of church greeted us. We got talking to some of the congregation and heard about the small village. Best description would be great for a historical film. The houses are all built on top of each other with most looking worn and ancient. The paths between were narrow and rutted and being on a mountain side steeply slanted. This is community living and the smells of festival lunches and other wafted through the streets in various pockets of aromas. The church was full with a capacity of 60. And as everyone spilled out they congregated onto the veranda of a tiny Taverna. We were directed up white stairs on a hill to another church for spectacular views. Exploring along the alleys and slinky narrow paths that ran between the whitewashed houses. We decided to leave the village when we had to sneak pass the same Taverna of people for the fourth time. The return journey was to be via Marathas, and downhill meant that Shirley speeds ahead. After a water stop Shirley sped off and I packed my backpack and horror’s of horrors my hiking stick was gone. I thought it must be at the last stop back on top of the mountain. I immediately sped back up but 15 min later deciding enough and gave up deserting my pole I set off decidedly sad to catch up Shirley. Meanwhile trouble was brewing, Shirley waited ahead then started back to find me then went on to wait again. Meeting a group of Germans she shed tears about her lost husband. When I met these Germans 15 min later I was scolded and told to move it up. I was still missing my pole but knew I was in trouble as I walked round a corner to see a very angry partner………… she was leaning on my hiking stick. We never saw Marathias.Читать далее

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    Deap breath

    16 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    The heat is quite relentless although I must admit we as Africans are a little more adapted to it. Today was our first rest day but that still meant 12000 steps. The town was empty the day after the holiday or was this another siesta. The air conditioner did some work and we had some time on the beach. Reflecting on the last few days what stood out was that there is a lot of litter really a lot, the roads are so narrow and very uneven, There are no pavements the vehicles all drive slowly and you seldom hear a hooter. 👨‍⚕️ drivers are patient. When two busses meet they pass with about 10 cm clearance and they have no dents or scratches. Parked cars put their side mirrors flat. There is a taverno every 40m. There are lots of cats 🐈‍⬛ Rubbish is all dumped at village entrances. There are no waves in the pond. People are friendly but don’t know about hitching. There are no beggars. The island of Corfu is all about tourists. It’s been a great day and back on the bicycle tomorrow 😃Читать далее

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    Look for the E

    17 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    To be a Tourist is the plan today. Corfu town and the hop on off red bus starts with an early 3 klm walk to the bus stop. An hour to town and then stroll in quiet streets To us the best aroma was the many bakeries preparing their bread and pastries for the day. So tempting and the next bakery looked better than the last so much choice we kept moving on we arrived at the red busses with none. Ok so later when we go home. We went to some museums listened to commentary and caught a ferry to visit Mouse island. We Stood at the end of the airport runway as planes flew over and saw the city. Shirley in long pants was sweltering so a dress was needed . We wandered through the now crowded streets looking for clothes and a suitable purchase relieved the heat. We headed for the fish and Fresh food market. At a busy hi stall I asked for the menu to select and check prices… “NO MENU SIT.”We sat. A pitcher of beer 🍺 and juice 🥤 were accompanied by deep fried sardines and calamari with a side Greek salad and chips. Really impressed that Shirley ate whole Sardines. A horrendously high bill 💵 wrecked the budget. Nearly 3 and Time to head back to the green bus station. Still missed on the pastry 🥐.The bus station was crowded busy noisy and I bought tickets to Ageo Georgios in the south and sat to wait-at bay 4. announcement that our bay had changed was in Greek and we headed to bay 7 where the bus was already full so we would have to stand. Shirley was offered a seat and I got talking to a huge muscular man from the Congo he was a boxer who trained with Willy Lock several years ago. The trip was speeding by and then I looked out the windows. Where the xxxx in Corfu were we mountains Forrest’s and strange sights. The driver looked at my ticket . Stopped Wrong bus …. goes to Giorgio’s …. get off. We abandoned the bus now stranded in a tiny village hours away from home near to Gorgios not Georgios . Oooops We found a bus stop waited 2 hours caught the bus 🚌 changed to another while on route, arrived Corfu, waited for a bus and headed south to Georgios. We were dropped 3 klm from home at 22h00 . So my message is always look for the EЧитать далее

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    Busses

    18 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    The surface of the blue ocean is not smooth, it is agitated with splashing and movement of tiny bodies. Birds are diving and porpoises jumping, there are tuna and sharks all gouging. A huge grey shadow appears and the shape changes as the gigantic mouth opens and ingests the bait ball . The bus is already full but still more climb in as a few spill out. The busses on this island are the lifeblood and they connect every little village, resort , town and city. The island is divided in north and south of Corfu town. East to west is seldom over 8 to 12 klm. . The green busses are the long distance white serving smaller areas. It takes about one and a half hours to move 35 klm and can take 4 hours with stops to get to a destination although busses pass regularly. This day was another move to a new area from South to North of the island. The south is flatter dryer and more people the North is greener with mountains and steep drops to the ocean. The resorts and towns in the north are mainly on the coasts edge down steep ridges while the abodes in the south spill inland. The north has big expensive looking villas in exclusive small groupings. Our journey was from Agio Georgios to Kalami in the north. My pack was now filled with food and water. There are almost no streams or rivers and the tap water generally brackish so everyone drinks bottled water and the plastic remains are littered along the roads. Our trip was a bus to the terminus catch another to the north and then walk down a steep road to our new stopover . The roads are so narrow when bus meets bus there is less than 10 cm to spare you have to jump into a gap in the bushes if walking. Cars have to pull over buildings shake and it’s amazing the skill of the drivers. The conductors are gruff no nonsense no eating no drinking SIT. We get to Kalami after 4 hours and I lug my overpacked bag to a small clean apartment our home the next two nightsЧитать далее

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    White house

    19 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    We had de- bussed on the main road and I looked with trepidation at the steep 2 klm decent we were about to make into Kalami. The houses were all majestic with lots of swimming pools. A thing about swimming pools is that most of the resort pools, (there are a lot of them), on main roads, side roads and at taverno’s , (sometimes called bar pools), are open to the public. It’s just “Buy a coke and swim.’ The service road into Kalami levelled out next to a pebble beach packed with recliners and all with an inhabitant. We had walked along Durrell lane and Shirley was excited to be in the place of my family and other animals ( maybe it reminded us of home). Our room was tiny but less than 30 steps to the beach. We put away our packs, relief , and crazily went for a walk. The main road is 50 m which led us to finding the White House, the home of the Durrells. Mission accomplished. The resort town of Kalami was the best stop so far, the water crystal clear and even some fish 🐠. We had swimming goggles which were put to good use. The main beeches in Corfu are all so full, packed with rentable umbrellas and recliners, but a stiff walk over the ridge brought us to a secluded cove. The walk of 2 klm meant no one on the beach. Of course there were still the many expensive yachts and speedboats anchored off the shore. The swimming in warm and icy patches was a relief from the searing hot sun. The evening sunset at 21h30 was enjoyed with Our favourite dinner of fresh bread, olive oil, balsamic vinegar with cold meats and a Mythos beer on the veranda ended a perfect day.Читать далее

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    Low hanging fruit

    20 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    We were up early on Saturday morning as we had a steep climb out of Kalami to get to the bus 🚌 stop. With full packs we knew it would be a tough walk. We were sorry to leave this pretty bay of turquoise water but Once again we were settled for a slow bus drive to our Next stop. Sidari which is at the northern edge of Corfu is a bigger town and has more tourists it even has a real Supermarket. We arrived in the middle of town and then only out found our accommodation was several klm back along the main road having passed it on the bus. We walked back to A small apartment off the beaten track but a few klm out of town. Provisions were needed so aother 4klm round walk, carrying food drink and 9kg of fresh water was on the cards. Walking in Corfu is a mixture of
    Paths backroads and main roads. On all of these routes we could
    always find a way to rustle a delicious fruit salad. Most of the properties have fruit trees vegetable gardens growing along the fences and in them. As we walked we would see majestic olive trees, (they are regularly pruned right back so that ancient trunks that have a circumference of meters support thin branches laden with olives 🫒). There are grapes hanging from vines draped over fences. Figs dangle temptingly from trees that often offer welcome shade from the hot sun. There are mulberries black berries loquats peach trees and apple trees all hanging over the paths. The prickly pears look scrumptious but not to be touched by us. In a month when all fully ripened it would be a fantastic feast of fruit. We could not resist picking the early ripe fruit when it was there. There is No doubt the fruit tastes sooooo much better when freshly picked while
    Walking and sweating in the hot Corfu sun    Читать далее

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    A quiet beech

    21 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Shirley and I agreed the main beach of Sidari and is not the best as there is a river that is not too clean emptying into the bay. We decided we were walking to a more remote location. We have discovered that an extra 800 m walk can totally change the whole feel and atmosphere of a beach or place as few here like to walk. We decided to explore the lanes and area we were in and then head to a beach further south. We walked some dusty lanes chatted to an Englishman living in Corfu, drinking an early beer 🍺 in a dusty shabeen like Tavern. We found the monastery of St John. Although locked up we could see candles alight in the church. The head of a dragon lay on the ground remnants of some huge float of far gone years . We slugged up some very steep hills, so steep it felt like my nose was scraping the ground. We stopped for ice cream in a very neat Taverno and we passed some impressive homes. . The wind was blowing hard and in a small bay there were even waves in the Med ok small waves 🌊 and two young girls swimming. A bit rocky so over another hill and we got to a beach near Roda. The wind was whipping up sand and the water was murky not the best but a cool dip relieved the hot 🥵 . A tough long uneventful trek back home ended a pretty average day for a long walkЧитать далее

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    Lost

    22 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Lost has so many meanings and even more implications. When traveling in a country where the language is strange to the ear and even stranger to read then lost might be the wrong street. When we turn down a wrong street I might say We Lost it! When I misplace my stick I lost it. When you face lost a long way from home it takes patience and adaptability, deep breaths and a cool head to avoid a blood rush and knee jerk reactions. You could lose you wits. We have faced lost so many times in all the above ways this journey and this day was no exception. Our whole adventure in Corfu is really spontaneous and what we do tomorrow depends on decisions today. We plan our life one day ahead and look for attractions and things to do and see. Our plan today was to have an easy 3 klm walk along the beach to Canel de Amour. It’s the place lovers go and if you swim through the arch together it’s wow and for ever. Just what we wanted. We left our apartment and chatting about possibilities we took a tight turn. And in 5 min and we knew we were on the wrong road and instead of retracing our steps we soldiered on. The road ended and open fields beckoned it had to be a shortcut. Left-right-straight where is the Sea 🌊. Lucky for low hanging fruit as refreshing distractions or we would have perished. The miles became hours and at last we spotted life Just over the hill. On the beach. Our bearings in order we got back on track. Rumbling bellies required a detour . We walked down the street bought lunch and In our slip slops we had now covered 6 klm . The noon sun was searing on our feet and blockout safely stored at home. At this time we should have learnt but another short cut was apparent. 30 min later deep into the hills we did the proverbial u turn Our original destination was the start of the detour. Not so funny 😆. We got to Canal De Amour and there was now little love left ❤️ most of it lost. Lucky A swim in the channel and magic clay rubbed on Shirley restored the amour of our day. Over a cold beer that evening lost in thought I realised I had at last lost my walking stick 🦯 while walking 15 klm but we had not lost loveЧитать далее

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    Stripes

    23 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    The temperature had eased a little into the lower 30’s and our time in Corfu winding down. We had heard of Afionas where land juts into the Mediterranean dividing the water east and west. Great for swimming and views and we had some unfinished business with Agio Georgious nearby. Early up and a walk to the bus stop where we found that there were no connecting buses directly to the west coast. We would have go through the central Corfu exchange 36 klm away. Over a tiny R60 cup of coffee at a local bakery we found that Taxis were not available and hiring a 4-wheeler bike not reasonable at R1200 for the day. The bus arrived so decision made we headed south to the terminus to catch a bus north to our planned destination. As is the way the bus stops and starts through narrow roads and it takes 2 hours. The overwhelming impression as you drive through the many villages is of an older generation clinging to a previous life, buildings locked in time,while the Younger people have moved on. A three hour layover was spent walking in Corfu, people watching and shopping, we did visit a small stall, that squeezed fresh oranges, twice. The bus trip to Gergious was through the olive trees forests past abandoned buildings and up windy roads. Agio Georgious is a very pretty bay with one side being the peninsula that is Afionas. It was hot and the sand burnt our feet so We dived in to swim in the clear cool water. We planned to walk home in the late afternoon about 16 klm but only when it got cooler. The walk started with a climb up to Afionas. A small village with beautiful views cobbled paths and smart looking stores selling olive oil, sweet Greek seeets and wood carvings. As usual there were lots of Taverna’ s. Our walk home was very bumpy up and down, we passed many small holdings and villages and saw more abandoned buildings. The country side had olive and fruit trees and folded into small homesteads with old buildings. We explored a deserted half built house, it had frayed curtains still hanging and all the appearance of the planned grandeur the builder seemed to have wanted but now lying unfinished. Our walk took several hours and when we got home footsore as we had covered 25 klm our longest day so our stripes earned.Читать далее

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    Stipes 2

    23 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    The extra photos of stripes and our long trek

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    Last Fling

    24 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Today is the last day of our Corfu walk but not the adventure. 220 klm behind us so a sleep-in was planned . Browsing over the map in the morning I spotted a peninsula we had missed Cape Drastsis. It had a ring to it and it was only 6 klm away. The day was cooler it was still early so on with the boots 🥾 The walk was through Sadari then up a long climbing road past some Tavernas and pool bars to the top of the mountain. The view of Cape Drastis was spectacular. It offered a steep decent on dusty white and grey clay roads to some small coves Towering white cliffs framed the turquoise water. There were inlets and half caves eroded by the sea into the cliffs. In places the whole side of the mountains had washed down into the water making multi-coloured islands. We put on goggles and swam around the area again almost no sea life. No fishes or rock life at all just blue water with excellent visibility. There were no crowds or beach recliners or umbrellas the long hard walk ensured only a few brave souls sitting on the clay slopes. One lonely stall was selling trips on a boat back to town and we decided to avoid the steep climb back up the mountain and spoil ourselves What a super surprise as we got some amazing views of the coast and the towering white and grey cliffs with a hair cut of forest trees on top. The boat dropped us and we strolled down the beach and across the bay. A last swim where we met Costa who in 2 minutes names about 10 grand eating places in Athens and we headed back to our apartment to pack .Читать далее

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    Corfu town.

    25 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    The long bus trip …… time not distance to get us close to the airport for tomorrow’s flight. No walking other than 2 klm to the bus stop then another 3 klm to our apartment. What luck , we were only to book in at 18h00, but when we got there at 13h00 we were put into a studio by the hostess who did not know one word of English. The host arrived later welcomed us and we settled into a really cozy room. Hot and sweaty means a cold shower and cloths strewn all over. A knock at the door 🚪 it was our host to tell us we were in the wrong room…… we must move quickly quickly and Hasty packing was done as the original tenants were waiting for their room. We plonked ourselves and our luggage on the veranda but our host was very apologetic said only check in at 6. But brought us a beer 🍺 then offered a free lift to the airport the next morning. Wow what a super man who had survived cancer. He escaped ( I think from his wife) each day to tend chickens on his small holding. He told us of his two big resident snakes that he fed milk and they in turn ate the rats. They did not mind him working there he said. We went for a last swim and had dinner at the end of the runway watching planes land and leave . Tomorrow Athens and a different journey in a city awaitsЧитать далее

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    Athena

    26 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    It was up at 6 and goodbye Corfu our walk across the island was completed, now for a chance to experience some Greek mythology in Athens. The incongruities of rules were waiting at the airport. We checked in and I was told to take my backpack to the oversize counter ( and pay) needless to say I ignored this and walked to the security check carefully removing the flight tags in order to carry on. I was stopped and told to unpack : a small jar of honey a gift tin of olive oil, bottle of water ,some sun block and two jars of Shirley’s makeup cream were deemed unsafe and confiscated but my leatherman knife was ok. Crazy. The metro trip from Athens airport to city centre was 55 min and cost 13 euro we then bought a 5 day all transport ticket for another 8 each at last a rand bargain. Our apartment in central Athens is spacious and central and having a washing machine (with powder ) meant a real clean for our 3 sets of clothing. Scott and Fran arrived and a visit to Lycabettus hill was planned. Lycabettus hill came to be when Athena a Greek god who was helping build Athens, dropped a rock and it landed outside Old Athens. The two gods Poseidon and Athena were competing to be chosen as the god of choice by the people. Athena offered a olive branch and Poseidon a bowl of water and Athena was chosen hence the name Athens. The hill is the highest point in Athens with a 360 degree view of the city and is favourite for sunsets. Couples often climb the steps to propose as the sun hits the horizon. The spectacular sight of Athens from the top is breathtaking. There is a small chapel ( and a very expensive restaurant) at the top the chapel is dedicated to Agio Georgious., the saint whom the two towns we visited in Corfu were named after. There are many steps up and many steps down. Halfway down sitting on a low wall watching the orange ball of the sun sink, accompanied by an Athens feral cat was a great place to share a bottle of red wine.Читать далее

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    Recovered

    27 августа 2022 г., Объединенные Арабские Эмираты ⋅ ☀️ 39 °C

    We noticed quickly that there are no skyscrapers in Athens in fact there are no really high buildings over 4 or 5 story’s. I found the reason was all about the Parthenon 🏛 you weren’t allowed to block the view of this iconic Athenian masterpiece. A trip to Athens is a trip back in history and of course it’s all about visiting the Parthenon and so Many other archeological sites. In fact the whole of Athens is one large archeological site and almost any new building work uncovers ancient artefacts that lie under the layers of mud that the ancient city is buried under. Scott had done his homework and we had pre-bought tickets and a historical commentary of each location. These two things make a difference as we missed ticked queues and had great information. We were up early and buying a Coffee walked to the entrance of the Parthenon. We were first there but 15 Minutes later while waiting for the gates to open, the first tour bus arrived dropping its cargo of people. There were many more busses were lining up and Within 30 min of us entering there were long queues and a crush of humanity. The commentary on our phones was invaluable and the stories and history of each feature were brought alive. The whole story of Athens and Greece, it’s gods, it’s wars, it’s grandeur and it’s tragedies is compelling and is like something out of the imaginations that created Starwars, Avalon and other fantastic mystic tales. The site of the birth of democracy the amazing statues and carvings of teachers, like Socrates, Plato Aristotle and Alexander the Great. There are stories of Architects of temples , stone masons artists and sculptors so much history. The old and new mixed together makes Athens so enthralling and it’s history of destruction and rebuilding shows in both excavations and in the present Architecture. The buildings of the city are all white and the windows framed in blue as if the eyes of the structure. Everything and everywhere seems to be marble all originating from mount Pentelicus which provided the marble for the Acropolis. Make no mistake it’s not easy to be sight seeing in an ancient city, it’s almost overwhelming and you definitely get your steps in for the day. We explored the Parthenon for over two hours until a very hot sun and the crush of the crowds packed like sardines in a smouldering cauldron drove us too head for other The Museum. Our early start seemed to keep
    Is ahead of the bulk of the crowds. You really need a virtual or real guide to enjoy and appreciate the museum. The overwhelming message is there are gods for everything war peace air wind gods of gods Demi gods. The actions of the gods could be ruthless, terrible, cruel like cutting up children and feeding them to their fathers and then also loving,supportive, and godly avoiding war. The Museum was impressive and is a stunning design. Glass floors mean you can see the excavations from on top as well as walking next to them ( uncomfortable for ladies in skirts when people look up maybe a job for Solasafe) there are hundreds of revived artefacts but at the same time this is quite repetitive with half revived broken statues cracked and eroded petroglyphs the main items on display. It’s information overload Part one of a long day was done Lunch time approaches now for the food tour    Читать далее

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    Food

    27 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Saturday morning of history and gods is behind us . We are all ready for the food tour . The early start and long walk in the homes of gods and kings has left us HANGRY.,……. The Greek food of Athens has many ways of increasing the activity of our saliva glands. The amazing conflicting aromas are all over and in every street. The economy of Greece seems totally dependent on the tourists that frequent the Tavernas, Bars and Restaurants and buy tickets to see broken weather worn rocks of the long dead. So good food is important and essential. There are streets for shops selling spices, prepared meats and artifices, clothing There are meat and fish markets . Coffee shops everywhere. The bakeries have bread cake croissants ice cream. You can get a beer or a coke on every corner. We started at a coffee shop making traditional Greek coffee roasting the strong syrup in hot sand. I learnt by unpleasant mistake that bottom of the cup must be avoided as the grounds are like mud. The butcher was like a shop in a colourful movie, displaying Salami’s handing from the ceiling and displays of cold meats of every description. Sitting in a cozy 5 table sampling nook at the back of the shop we ordered a platter with cold local beer. Sadly we had to go out into the noon 🌞 far to soon. The market was streets products from fresh fruit to fish. The butchers section, with the owners using cleavers on cutting blocks and whole animals hanging in the windows is not recommended for Vegetarians and the fresh vegetable and fruit section alive with colour and greenery would turn a carnivores tummy. There were trays of Octopus, Squid, prawns and all types of fish on ice. The quantities are huge and variety almost to much for choosing. The plan was lunch at a special place that chooses the best in the market and then prepared it but we were tasting at every different store and there was no space left for lunch. Home for a late afternoon siesta was now the priority. After a shower a trip to the docks and then a takeaway Gyro for dinner ended a huge dayЧитать далее

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    Comrades

    28 августа 2022 г., Греция ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Today at 5h30 the 98th Comrades marathon got underway. Still in Athens Shirley had a bit of FOMO but we did have a full itinerary ahead of us. The early start was a short 2 klm walk to the ancient Olympic stadium where the plan was to run 🏃‍♂️ on the track. The stadium is so impressive in exceptional condition and completely made out of marble. The stadium is huge and holds 80000 spectators. The bends at the two ends are shorter meaning the straights are a lot longer giving an oblong look to the perfect track. we had fun running and standing on the podium. The museum of the Olympic stadium was not fully open when we arrived. The impressive main auditorium, accessed up a tunnel carved into the rock, has private rooms leading off it, each dedicated to each 4 year games event. The story of the distance of the marathon was interesting, it was Originally 40 klm long and the distance decided by the distance run by the Greek soldier in 490bc. Pheidippides ran in full armour from Marathon to Athens to tell of the Greek victory over the Persians and then dropped dead from exhaustion. At the 1908 games in London the Queen wanted the start to be at Windsor Castle, which added the extra distance to make the race 42.195 klm. Shirley stood at the top of the podium. Great start to the day, we had a coffee and headed to the free 3 hour guided tour. The guides name was Stefan a French man exported from Paris to Athens as he puts it. The walk was filled with excellent commentary and information from this lively little man, What a great way to explore a city Changing of the guards was precisely executed but it’s the background info that really makes it memorable. The Guards are all doing their national service. Being a ceremonial guard is a one year stint and it’s considered very prestigious. The guards stand absolutely still like a human statue for 1 hour at a time. They may not move a muscle and stare straight ahead, if the guard wants to make a report they stamp their rifle and the commander then approached,stands in front and asks questions. The guard answers by blinking 1 is yes 2 is no and 3 is I don’t know. The 8 klm guided walk covered so many sights and went by quickly. 🤨 midday heat and a short rest was followed by wine and beers on an iconic hill, Areopagus, watching the sun set and the Parthenon lighting up. Our first home made meal of the weekend was a toasted sandwich and then falling into bed .Читать далее

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