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Pinewood Greece Adventure
  • Bill Bates

Pinewood Greece Adventure

A 10-day adventure by Bill Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 1, 2023
    Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Here We Go!

    June 1, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    We gathered at the airport and made it to the plane! We are about to take off. 🙂

    Don’t worry. The posts will get better. 😂

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Made it to Amsterdam

    June 2, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    We made it to Amsterdam! In fact, we are on our next flight about to take off for Athens.

    Getting through the airport was pretty easy. We did have to go through customs. They were super nice!

    We did have a bit of an adventure and were at the wrong gate for our Athens flight. No bug deal, we hustled over to the correct gate (which was about 10 min away) with plenty of time to spare. 🙂

    It was tough to sleep on our first flight. It was pretty noisy but we powered through. Moods are still good, although I expect everyone to run out of steam pretty soon. I bet there will be a lot of sleeping on the 3-hour flight to Athens. We’ll see. 😉

    Don’t worry, better pictures are coming. Travel days are tough.    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Athens, We Made It!

    June 2, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F

    We arrived in Athens! We landed in Spata and took a 40-min ish bus ride to The London Hotel in Athens. We are next to a beach.

    We were exhausted! We met our tour guide for the trip, Mariana. As we ride to the hotel, she gave us the lowdown on the trip activities. She also gave us some interesting information about some of the sights.

    We had dinner and I *almost* got everyone to look at the camera. Some are going to be a challenge!

    After dinner, we checked out the rooftop garden and got an amazing view!

    Tomorrow is a really full day visiting the Acropolis, among other places. We do get a later start, which is nice, but the rest of the time is up early and go, go, go!

    It is off to bed for us!    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Morning in Athens

    June 3, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We began our morning visiting the Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first modern Olympic games. It was originally built in 330 BC, but was restored for the first modern Olympics in 1896.

    Next, we were off to the breathtaking St. Catherine’s Orthodox Byzantine Church. Built in the 11th century, its serene aura and stunning architecture enveloped us.

    Our next stop was the historic Ancient Street of the Tripods and the The Lysikrates Choregic Monument, established in 335-334 BC. A place where the famed Acropolis towered above us and each corner seemed to whisper an ancient tale.

    After the morning filled with history and culture, we spent some leisurely time shopping, gathering unique treasures and immersing ourselves in the local vibe. Then it was on to a well-deserved break and a delicious Greek lunch!

    Note: FindPenguins limits a post to 20 pictures and one video. Our FB group has more. 🙂    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    The Acropolis of Athens

    June 3, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 88 °F

    What an exceptional day of exploration! We journeyed up to the towering Acropolis, and were blown away by the iconic symbol of Athens! It was built in the 5th century BC by Pericles. The Acropolis at Athens is both a testament to the city's architectural might and is the birthplace of democracy!

    From the lofty heights of the Acropolis, we were overwhelmed by the breathtaking panorama of Athens, extending far into the distance. We could make out the markets of Monastiraki, the silhouette of Mount Lycabettus, and even the Aegean Sea on the horizon.

    It was a very warm day, so what better way to cap off the afternoon than with some local treats? We cooled down with some refreshing frozen slushes and iced coffees, the perfect complement to the warm Athenian afternoon. The kids were VERY happy for the treats!

    This adventure is just the beginning, and we can't wait to continue discovering what this trip has in store! 🏛️

    Note: FindPenguins limits a post to 20 pictures and one video. Our FB group has more. 🙂    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Dinner and an Evening Swim

    June 3, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 73 °F

    Oh, what a day in Athens! After our inspiring visit to the Acropolis, we nestled into a charming outdoor restaurant in Plaka, also known as "The Neighborhood of the Gods." Between the picturesque cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and vibrant eateries, it's hard not to fall in love with this part of town. Dinner was wonderful and we were treated to ice cream for dessert!

    The journey back to our hotel was a unique experience. All 46 of us managed to fit onto a city bus! It was a short ride but gave us a taste of Athenian daily life. Certainly a cultural experience!

    Even after a day with a lot of walking in the warm sun, the kids still had energy to spare, so a large group of us headed to the beach for an evening swim in the Saronic Gulf, part of the Aegean Sea.

    At 68 degrees, it was not quite as warm as the kids expected, but that didn't dampen the fun!

    By the time we got everyone settled into their rooms, they were finally ready to call it a day. Let's just say the chaperones were more than ready for some rest too! 🤣

    Here's to another day of adventures tomorrow. Goodnight from Athens, everyone!    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Lunch In The Shadow of Mt. Parnassos

    June 4, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Today, we were up early because we had a bit of a ride ahead if us. We journeyed from the busy streets of Athens to Delphi and Mt. Parnassos, a little over 3-hours away. The landscapes were adorned with Mediterranean Cyprus trees and Rush Broom, sweeping vistas and towering mountains. Every turn in the road brought a new, stunning view!

    Greece takes great pride in its high quality cotton. Our first stop was at a shop in one of the cotton areas. The rugs were amazing.

    Along the way, we drove through the gorgeous mountain town of Arachova, nestled at the foot of Mt. Parnassos. This picturesque hamlet was amazing, but sadly, the bus was too big to stop in town.

    We finally stopped at the charming Tavern Omfalos for lunch and it did not disappoint! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was wonderful!

    With our bellies full, we headed of to the reason for our drive, Delphi and the Temple of Apollo.    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Delphi and The Temple of Apollo

    June 4, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    The big ticket item today was our visit to Delphi and the Temple of Apollo and its surroundings. For hundreds of years, Delphi was the cultural and religious center of Greece and considered the center, or navel, of the world!

    Delphi was home to the most highly revered oracles of the ancient world, Pythia, priestess of Apollo, whose hight of importance was between the sixth and fourth centuries, BC.

    It was a long drive and a warm day, but it was worth it! We were amazed at the views from Mt. Parnassos, the temple ruins, and the atmosphere at Delphi. On our ride, Mariana, our guide, told us stories of Delphi and related Greek myths. We even had a lesson in reading Greek, which helped us at Delphi with some of the inscriptions.

    After making it to the Temple of Apollo, a group headed up to the top to see the stadium that hosted the Pythian festival games (similar to the ones held in Olympia). It was a long, hit climb, but worth it! Another group headed down to the bottom and the Delphi Museum.

    We all met back up and had an uneventful bus ride back to Athens for dinner. Many of us, including me, had a nice nap! 😁

    Note: FindPenguins limits a post to 20 pictures and one video. Our FB group has more. 🙂    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Ahoy! Full Seam Ahead for Mykonos!

    June 5, 2023 in Greece ⋅ 🌬 70 °F

    Now that we are in the cruise, I am behind in posting. The Internet connection is not great. 🤷🏻‍♂️

    All aboard! Today we embarked on a new chapter of our Greek adventure, swapping dry land for the waves of the Aegean Sea! We hopped onto the magnificent cruise ship, the Celestyal Olympia, in Athens, and set sail for the iconic island of Mykonos. On the ship, the kids loved having the freedom of the lunch buffet. 🙂

    As we approached Mykonos, the sight of whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and windmills dotting the landscape was breathtaking.!!! On landing, we embarked on a tour around the charming town and vibrant waterfront, immersing ourselves in the island’s culture.

    From the narrow winding streets filled with vibrant shops to the charming seaside cafes, every corner of Mykonos exuded an irresistible charm. The island's beauty, coupled with its bustling vibe, made for a perfect day of exploration.

    Note: FindPenguins limits a post to 20 pictures and one video. Our FB group has more. 🙂    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Turkey and the Asian Continent

    June 6, 2023 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Hello from a new continent! Today's journey took us to the port city of Kuşadası, marking our foray into Asia! Nestled along the Aegean Sea, Kuşadası welcomed us with its captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. That being said, the kids were more enamored by the “Genuine Fake” watches, bags and other items that were sold. 🤣

    From Kuşadası, we ventured to the ancient city of Ephesus, a remarkable site dating back to the 10th century BC. Walking through Ephesus felt like stepping back in time. Its impressive structures, many still remarkably intact, gave us a glimpse into the rich history and grandeur of ancient civilizations. We also saw the marble carving of Nike, Greek goddess of victory, that inspired the Nike company name and its iconic swoosh logo. Although the library (3rd largest at the time) and the 25,000 seat stadium were supposed to be the marquee attractions, the 2,000+ year old marble toilets may have won the day!

    Note: FindPenguins limits a post to 20 pictures and one video. Our FB group has more. 🙂    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    The Island of Patmos

    June 6, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    After waving goodbye to Kuşadası, we enjoyed a few hours aboard the Celestyal Olympia. Lunch, poolside fun, games, and some well-earned napping were on the agenda as we cruised the Aegean Sea towards our next stop, the serene Island of Patmos. Located a little over 200 miles southeast of Athens, it is yet another gorgeous seaside village.

    Patmos is famously known as the home of the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse. In Christianity, it's believed the Book of Revelation was written in the cave.

    We spent a relaxed evening in the small port village. Shopping at local boutiques, indulging in handmade ice cream, and enjoying a refreshing swim or some stone skipping made for a delightful end to our day.    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Rhodes Calls!

    June 7, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    As dawn broke, we found the Celestyal Olympia approaching the spectacular island of Rhodes.

    Our day in Rhodes began with a tour through the remnants of the Medieval era. The island, also known as the 'Island of the Knights', was a portal to the past with its cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and the Palace of the Grand Master. Exploring this grand palace gave us an incredible insight into the historical grandeur of this island. I wondered, as we walked around, what the Knights of St. John would have thought of the castle today, filled with shopping stalls and vendors.

    In the afternoon, we ventured to the ancient Lindos Acropolis. The archaeological site, perched high above the sea, was a testament to the island's rich history, with the stunning views of the Aegean Sea adding a perfect backdrop. The ancient Temple of Athena provided a beautiful contrast to the modern city below.

    It is sad there is nothing left of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Ancient Wonders of the World. We did see the site where it once stood from the deck of the ship.    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Traganou Beach Time!

    June 7, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    After an enlightening morning exploring historical sites, our afternoon was spent unwinding at the unique Traganou Beach. With its distinct rocky terrain smoothed over time by waves, wind, and sand, it offered a different kind of beach experience.

    Our guide, Mariana, shared that locals often prefer these rocky beaches over the sandy ones, a fascinating insight into Greek beach culture. As we navigated the smooth stones and dipped our toes into the clear waters, we noticed the sea was a few degrees warmer than our previous beach visit - a pleasant surprise!

    The warm, tranquil waters, combined with the rustic charm of the rocky shoreline, made for a memorable afternoon. Whether we were swimming or just soaking up the Grecian sun, this beach time offered a perfect balance to our morning of historical exploration.

    Our day of exploration and relaxation on Rhodes culminated in a delightful dinner, after which the kids got a well-deserved extra bout of free time. The night took a tuneful turn as many of them decided to take on karaoke, showcasing their hidden talents and providing plenty of laughs and cheers for the rest of us! The camaraderie and joy during the karaoke session were truly heartwarming. It was a perfect ending to our day.

    Karaoke videos in the FB group!    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Crete and King Minos

    June 8, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    As we sailed off to dreamland still thinking about karaoke and our fun night if free time, the Celestyal Olympia whisked us away on a moonlit journey across the Aegean Sea to our next destination – Crete, the largest island in Greece, steeped in myth and history.

    Upon waking, we found ourselves in the realm of the fabled labyrinth and its infamous Minotaur. The Minoan Palace, once the majestic seat of King Minos, was our first stop. As we wandered through the ancient ruins, we could almost hear echoes of the past.

    Our guide, shared intriguing details about the island's history. We learned that although there was an actual King Minos, 'Minos' eventually became a title used by all rulers of Crete - an interesting nugget of historical trivia.

    As the morning gave way to afternoon, we ventured from the ancient Minoan Palace into the heart of modern Crete. We had free time to have local snacks and explore shops filled with crafts and souvenirs.

    Back on the Celestyal Olympia, we had a few hours to have lunch, have fun on the ship, or, as I did, nap in a deck chair watching the waves roll by on our way to our next destination!    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Santorini

    June 8, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    From Crete, we set sail while relaxing aboard the Celestyal Olympia, our next destination being the iconic island of Santorini. As we approached, I couldn't help but be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of the island, possibly one of the most stunning places I've ever visited.

    Our voyage took us past the caldera of an active volcano that last erupted over 3,600 years ago in 1620 BC, dramatically reshaping the island and creating the stunning, sheer cliffs we see today. Despite a series of volcanic earthquakes in 1950, the island remains a remarkable testament to nature's power and resilience.

    As we sailed in, the sight of whitewashed houses perched precariously on the cliff tops against the blue Aegean was breathtaking, their pristine whiteness contrasting starkly against the deep blue sea, giving an illusion of snow-capped mountains.

    Santorini is famed for its unique black sand beaches, a result of its volcanic history. While we didn't visit any of these beaches, we could see them from afar, a stark contrast to the brilliant white of the cliff-side buildings.

    From the port, we journeyed by tour bus to the town of Oia, situated on the island's northern tip. Known for its charming shops, exquisite restaurants, and spectacular views of cliff houses and blue-domed buildings. It was an experience we will never forget!

    Note: FindPenguins limits a post to 20 pictures and one video. Our FB group has more. 🙂    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    The Temple of Poseidon

    June 9, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    As our unforgettable time aboard the Celestyal Olympia drew to a close, we set sail from the stunning island of Santorini, heading for the port of Lavrion. Despite the adventures behind us and the fatigue setting in, we were ready for more. Not a lot more, but a little wouldn’t hurt. 😉

    Our next stop was Sounio, where we were to visit the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Erected in the middle of the 5th century BC, this ancient structure stands proudly on a hilltop, overlooking the bay and commanding awe-inspiring views of the Aegean Sea.

    Even after days filled with exploration and sightseeing, the sight of the Temple of Poseidon, silhouetted against the sea impressed us. It was a reminder of the rich history and mythology of this beautiful country.    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Last Event: Tavern Kalokerinos

    June 9, 2023 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    After our awe-inspiring visit to the Temple of Poseidon, we hopped back onto our private coach, leaving the beautiful Sounio behind, and made our way back to the city of Athens. We checked back into the Hotel London, our home away from home, before heading out to the Athenian shops one last time.

    With our final shopping spree complete, we into a had lunch in the heart of the city. Our afternoon was spent back at the hotel, where we had a few hours to rest and pack. We're scheduled to leave for the airport at the unearthly hour of 2:30am!!!

    Before that, though, there was one final Greek experience awaiting us - a dinner show at the Tavern Kalokerinos in Athens. The night was filled with traditional Greek dancing, local cuisine, and fun. A few of the kids even joined in the fun, busting their moves on the dance floor as the audience cheered!

    It was a perfect wrap to our Greek adventure - steeped in history, enriched by culture, and chock full of unforgettable experiences. As we prepare for our journey home, we take with us memories that will last a lifetime. Opa!    Read more

  • Bill BatesPinewood Greece AdventureBill Bates

    Made it to Amsterdam

    June 10, 2023 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    We made it to Amsterdam! We are about to take off for an on time arrival in San Francisco!

    WiFi did not work on the flight out, hopefully it works on this flight. 🙂

    Trip end
    June 10, 2023
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