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    • Auf den Spuren von Sindbad
      Day 3

      Heute geht es auf das Schiff

      October 21, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

      Auschecken aus dem Hotel und Taxifahrt zum Cruise Terminal B sind um 12 Uhr angesagt und kurze Zeit später sitzen wir im klimatisierten Zelt, das als Wartehalle zum Einchecken auf das Schiff dient. Erstmal dürfen die Diamant-Members einchecken, wir als Erstreisende mit Seabourn sind bestimmt bei den letzten....😂

      2 Stunden später muss ich ehrlicherweise sagen, das Check-in war schnell und problemlos erledigt und unsere Suite 541 auch schon bezugsfertig. Selbst die Koffer standen nach dem Mittagessen schon vor unserer Tür. Isabel, unsere Ansprechpartnerin für alles, erklärt uns die Details der Kabine und empfängt uns mit einem Kaviarhappen und einem Glas Champagner. Inzwischen sind alle Koffer ausgeräumt und um 16 Uhr beginnt der "mandatory safety drill", die obligatorische Seerettungsübung, die vor dem Auslaufen der Seabourn Encore stattfinden muss.
      Einen netten Abend verbringen wir im Hauptrestaurant mit Matthew und Kim aus Australien.      Read more

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    • Europe, England & Greece 2023
      3
      111
      Day 38

      Athens to Santorini

      July 22, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

      At last we get to go to the islands for the second week of our Insight Tour.

      We were lucky enough to visit Santorini on a day excursion from our Mediterranean cruise about 6 years ago. We promised to return and here we are.

      The bad news is we are taking the high velocity ferry that only leaves at 6:30am each day so we were up at 4:15am . Yuck.

      Last night was a nice farewell to four in our group and goodbye to our legendary driver Andreus.

      The ferry to Santorini is called World Champion. Built in Tasmania it holds some form of speed record. They even have a Formula 1 race car mid deck.

      The loading process is organized bedlam . We find ourselves on the upper deck but seated apart. The travel time is 5 hours. If we went on the standard ferries it takes twice as long.

      This port services 227 islands making it a very busy harbour. We stop at Syros, Mykonos, Naxos, Ios along our route to Santorini. The ferry service is a really quick turnaround.

      We found some seats together but didn’t realize they were first class. The area attendant was kind and let us stay which we really appreciated.

      The water is blue and the sun is shining bright and hot. The port on Santorini is called Thira. The island is the remains of what was once a volcano so all the townships are built on the brim. The buildings are therefore on steep angles and are crammed in.

      Getting off the ferry is like participating in a stampede. Our bus was close-by and the driver navigated with considerable experience up the very steep and windy road to the top.

      Our hotel is 5 ⭐️ but we were early for our rooms, so we walked to town for some supplies.

      The vegetation here is weird. They rarely get rain, but they do get regular early morning fogs, and this dampens the ground. This creates good conditions for grape vines, so all the spare land is planted with grape vines planted really low to the ground.

      Pool time in the afternoon and everyone seems tired probably due to the early start. Erin is always alert and has told us we must be ready at 8pm to walk to town for the sunset.

      Loaded with cheese, crackers and some wine we file through the crowds to an unknown patio with a most beautiful view of the island. One lovely cruise ship is about to depart.

      The sunset is just what we needed. So pretty here. Impossible to take a bad photo.

      Tonight, we attend a Greek wedding. More about that on tomorrows blog.      Read more

    • TravelerDurch den Balkan & Kaukasien
      1
      Day 91

      Boot adieu, hallo Athen

      December 11, 2019 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

      Sonntag war ein sehr aufregender Tag. Hermann, Marina und ich sind extra früh aufgestanden und losgefahren Richtung Korinth-Kanal. Über Funk wurde uns dann mitgeteilt, dass wir momentan nicht passieren können, da irgendwelche Arbeiten am Kanal getan werden müssten. Also drehten wir wieder um und verbrachten einen sonnigen Vormittag in Korinth.
      Danach brachen wir erneut auf. Diesmal klappte alles.
      Durch den Kanal zu fahren, ist schon ein besonderes Erlebnis. Allerdings ist man in einer halben Stunde durch und dafür kostet der Spaß ganz schön viel...

      Um 22 Uhr erreichten wir Athen. Zwischendurch ist die Bordtoilette kaputt gegangen. Es war ein turbulenter Tag. Nun hieß es Abschied nehmen. Ich hatte zwei wundervolle Wochen auf dem Boot. Wir haben Ausflüge unternommen, Tränen gelacht, sehr viel gegessen und das Meer und Tiere beobachtet. Und das alles mit 2 Menschen, die ich vorher gar nicht kannte. 2 Wochen 24/7 aufeinander und die Stimmung war immer gut. Eine weitere tolle Erfahrung. ♥️

      In Athen genoss ich einen sonnigen Tag, wanderte den Lykabettos Hügel hinauf und schlenderte durch die Stadt. Den zweiten Tag besuchte ich eine Freundin, die seit kurzem einen griechischen Freund hat und nach Athen gezogen ist.      Read more

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    • TravelerCamino Frances
      Day 75

      To a Grecian Isle

      November 25, 2022 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

      Because I finished my Camino early, I have a few extra days to spend in Greece. I've decided to head to the Greek island of Hydra. It's not too far from Athens, a 2 hour fast hydrofoil trip away.

      Arriving by metro train at the Port of Piraeus, I was reminded that I was close to the famous Greek Islands. I realised half the tourists I'd been wandering around Athens with had arrived here on gigantic cruise ships for their one day Athens stop.

      There were boats and ferries in every direction and it took me a good while to figure out where mine was, even though it wasn't far from the train station. The signage seemed more aimed a cars approaching ferries to the islands than passengers walking.

      I'd come to the port with plenty of time to spare as I like to give myself breathing space when I have no idea how to get around. Once I knew where to catch my boat, I strolled around the port town. It's a very industrial place with a large shopping precinct. I guess many people from all over the Greek Isles would come here to shop on the mainland. There's an Ikea and numerous other shops of every kind. I am enjoying the Christmas decorations popping up all over Europe this time of year as well. I think I'm bringing the Christmas spirit home with me this year.

      I finally boarded my boat and head off across the harbour as the sun set. I stopped briefly at the island of Poros, which I couldn't see in the dark, before pulling into the harbour at Hydra just in time for dinner.

      My accommodation was just a five minute walk away in a traditional Greek island white-washed building. After getting my keys and dumping my bag, I headed back to the foreshore and found a meal of chicken souvlaki that proved be my favourite meal of the whole trip.      Read more

    • Octoberopolis
      1
      Day 9

      Ask the Oracle

      September 30, 2022 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

      Today we explored Apollo's side of Delphi and the Museum. We had another George to guide us today so we didn't have to make stuff up. He also helped us to stay ahead of the barbarians that would later arrive in their twelve wheel chariots on whirlwind day trips from Athens. We liked George.Read more

    • TravelerColombo Express
      1
      Day 20

      Ein langer Abend

      October 13, 2022 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

      Während wir heute am frühen Morgen an einigen schönen Griechischen Inseln vorbei gefahren sind, haben wir ein U- Boot gesichtet. 😳🧐
      Nun sind wir in Piräus und haben bereits Proviant, Wasser und Ersatzteile an Bord bekommen. Ebenso haben wir 450 Metrische Tonnen Schiffsdiesel gebunkert.
      Die Sludgeabgabe steht noch bevor.
      Es dauert wohl noch etwas bis Feierabend ist. 😵‍💫🥱      Read more

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    • TravelerCorfu hiking
      Day 23

      Comrades

      August 28, 2022 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 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 .Read more

    • TravelerCorfu hiking
      Day 21

      Athena

      August 26, 2022 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 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.Read more

    • TravelerCorfu hiking
      1
      Day 22

      Food

      August 27, 2022 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 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 dayRead more

    • DB Family Europe Grand Tour 22
      Day 35

      Athens Running Tour

      May 30, 2022 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

      Ran 6.2 km this morning with a guide and a couple from Latvia. We ran around the Acropolis, to the Olympic stadium and through the national gardens. Our guide was actually a very good marathon runner. He ran the classic Athens Marathon in 2 hours 30 minutes. - SeanRead more

    You might also know this place by the following names:

    Athens, Athen, Atenas, أثينا, ܐܬܝܢܐ, Afina, Атэны, Атина, Aten, Atina, Atenes, Athény, Аѳины, Αθήνα, Ateno, Ateena, آتن, Athènes, Atene, An Aithin, Atenas - Αθήνα, Ἀθῆναι, Atena, אתונה, Athén, Աթենք, ATH, Kota Athena, Athina, Aþena, アテネ, ათენი, 아테네, Athenae, Atėnai, Atēnas, अथेन्स, Athene, Ateny, Афины, Ateni, Atény, ஏதென்ஸ், เอเธนส์, Lungsod ng Athína, ئافېنا, Афіни, 雅典

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