Yassus Greece...

My apologies for not writing about Greece sooner. Our laptop has been sick, and is only just now back together. I hope the delay does not dampen your vicarious enjoyment of a wonderful time.

A fifteen hour day got us into central Athens close to bedtime. We had ‘fun’ navigating from the metro station to our hotel and were VERY lucky to stumble across some helpful English tourists and another kiwi couple. I thought I had found a wicked hotel all on my little own, but was saddened to discover it is actually in the Lonely Planet. So much for a unique travel experience…

Looking up to find the hotel sign, I got my first view of the Acropolis lit up on the hill at the end of our street. That was pretty special, and motivated a pretty damn quick finding of room and dumping of gear before we headed back out for an evening adventure.

Adopting a manner of over-excited strolling, we bypassed a few gorgeously lit public squares, obviously ancient ruins and enticing tavernas to find ourselves eating at the last restaurant before the Acropolis park begins. Mastering some fairly simple Greek (with help from people at the neighbouring tables), we ordered fresh fried fish, stuffed vine leaves, baba ganoush and some Greek beer with which to toast our safe arrival and general good fortune. Telios!

It was a pleasant escapade, and my first impressions of Greece were very positive. The mild climate was wonderful, the language has a similar accent to Italian (although an IMPOSSIBLE alphabet) and the people are uber-friendly. Sliding into a crisp and deliciously cool bed, I was certain this was going to be a lovely stay…