Sir Cliff Richard

Many years ago, this is how I first saw Cliff Richard and the Shadows, but only on the movie screen.

Wasn't it just yesterday?

Having seen Cliff in person twice before, I never had any idea I would be so lucky to actually see him and the Shadows perform.

Then, all of a sudden, there was great news.......

In September we will be headed to England, to see the 50th anniversary reunion of Cliff and the Shads! We all look a little older - but the music will sound the same.

That's Bruce Welch, Hank Marvin, Cliff, and Brian Bennett. Cliff is otherwise known these days as Sir Cliff Richard.

Home

Athens airport gives you 45 min free wi-fi - but apparently you have to change many computer settings which they give detailed instructions to do. I thought I would just forget it.

I am p0sting this from home, where we arrived in the house at 9pm last night. Horrors, doesn't seem late but we were on 4:30am Greece time! Flights were good, smooth and friendly as always with British Airways. I will eventually edit, add more photos and eventually caption them - of course, they are only my photos. There will be more photos and video added for an eventual DVD - in the future. Meanwhile, planning September trip to see Clif Richard in London and contemplating where we would like to go next year!

final night in Greece

Well, we’ve paid 40 euro a night for a room and had wi-fi in Naxos and had wonderful breakfast. Imagine paying big bucks for hotel across from airport and they want you to pay for both breakfast and wi-fi! Ha! Well, wi-fi is free in the bar, but we brought our own bottle of wine from Nafplio!

We arrived arround 4pm, dropped off by bus in front of Departures. I went into airport, printed out our boarding passes for tomorrow morning, then we walked over to hotel, checked in, took our bags to our room and then went back into airport for lunch. We’ll relax for awhile, then have our wine and snack mix before walking back over to airport. No wi-fi in room, but robes and slippers and a shower big enough for 3 people -- that rains down on you from the ceiling. Satellite TV - phone in bathroom, 2 phones in bedroom - in case you are too lazy to get up and answer the one on the table by the bed. Window faces the runaway - that’s your entertainment. We are on the 6th floor - French restaurant facing the lighted runways is on the 9th floor. Entrees cost more than we paid for whole meals on the trip!! So, we will dine at the airport!

Returning to Athens for last day in Greece

We spent our last evening in Nafplio last night. Woke up this morning, first thing was to check-in on line. How territic that is! On flight to Athens and from LHR to home, we had been assigned to row 38. I moved us up to row 7 from Athens to Heathrow, and row 16 on outbound flight home. We are able to get the seats by the bulk head on the way home, so will not have seats in front of us - more legroom!!

Door open this morning, heard woman who runs place talking - she was feeding the little box turtle who lives in the garden - he had sliced apples. Right friendly little fellow, walks around and just looks at you, not at all timid.

This was really our last traditional Greek breakfast. We have to be out of here at noon. Then we will slowly walk down the steps and down the hill. Good thing about staying in hilltown is that it is an easy exit.

Coming from Athens to here took little over 2 hrs, we are unsure about time back, maybe much longer. Interesting thing about hill towns - depending on which way you are going - travel times are different. When we went into Fira on Santorini, it took 1 hr to get up the mountain into town. Leaving it took 15 min!!! It was all downhill. Leaving here we will have to go uphill - we are figuring it will b slow long ride to get the big bus up the hill! It doesn't really matter since flight is not until early tomorrow. We have nothing to do today - just finished breakfast at 10 am! Going home will be a rude awakening!

Nafplio - Day 3

Yesterday we walked around the harbor to the local beach - stone beach like in Nice, France - doesn't bother me, I acutally prefer it to the awful sand experience. Later we had dinner at a little taverna on the Square - children were playing in the Square - fun watching them - they parents could have a drink and relax while they rode their little bikes or played football (soccer). We didn't even pick our meal from the menu, the owner asked if we wanted me or fish, asked us if we liked pork and then insisted we have his special. Dinner was to die for - roasted pork, stuffed tomatoes and vine leaves. I don't think I've eaten so much at one meal since we've been here!! After returning home to our patio with a bottle of wine, the girl who runs the place gave us a plate of watermelon - had no intention of eating it until we tasted it! Fruit here has true flavor, tastes better than anything we would consider the best at home.

Both yesterday and today I visited an Italian owned gelateria - and had my favorite dark chocolate gelati. Yes, it was the true thing - best I've tasted since having it at my favorite place in Venice. I just don't like any gelati - it has to be just right!! Yesterday we sat inside to eat it and who was singing on the radio but Eros Ramazzotti!! I felt right at home!

Jim went to beach today, I shopped a bit and sat at the harbor with my gelati. Tonight we shall have our last Greek meal - as I'm sure whatever we get tomorrow night at the hotel near the airport will not be the same quality, definitely not the same atmosphere!!! We have not had one meal inside since we left home! Every night it has been at a side walk cafe.

Nafplio - Day 2 in the Peloponnese, first day was really an evening!!

We arrived here at 7pm last night and finally after getting side tracked, we found our hotel. Up many, many stepds to a fabulous room overlooking the harbor with our own patio. Robes and slippers for us in the closet and our own sitting room as well. One has to see the photos to give it the justice it deserves. Exhauster after a long day, we were served cold water and glasses of orange juice with a few little different cakes - which were brought up to our patio. After showers and a rest, we headed out to dinner at 9:30pm. We returned to our patio with a bottle of wine.

We had breakfast in the garden - a huge buffet of goodies that we walked up many steps to get to - we selected what we wanted and the girl here carried our choice to the terrace. In a little while we will go exploring our new town, then perhaps go to the local beach for awhile. It is warmer here and so far no wind like we experienced in Naxos.

Greece 101

Wonderful people who are friendly, hospitable, helpful and great cooks! Most of them speak English, if they don’t they still understand a few words.

Fantastic fresh fruits and vegetables, calamari and octopus.
Feta cheese like you find no where else and every thing with a touch of the most wonderful virgin olive oil; some items have more than a touch!
French fries with oregano. Potatoes from Naxos in any way shape or form - the finest in the world.

Greeks have no sense of personal space, not rude, just no sense of it - here they will get up in your face to talk to you, touch you or pat you on your shoulder - but all in a nice way. If you are queuing up for something - it is every one for himself. Either you push ahead or they will walk in front of you. My kind of people, I like to push ahead. In England, I have to be good and stay in the queue.

Transportation is well organized and inexpensive whether it is by bus or ferry or car rental. Greeks drive aggressively, worst drivers are the tourists - we complained about them all the time! Crossing the street you can try to beat the Vespa’s ( guess they call them all motor bikes now) before they get you. Crossing the street is a sport much like in Italy.

Bathrooms and hygiene almost deserve their own post. Bathtub can be rare. Showers can be without a shower curtain, or tiny space with a shower curtain, or exotic with a shower type Jacuzzi. Floors in bathrooms all have drains on the islands. They are more civilized on the mainland. Water pressure and hot water, no problem. Showers are the European kind, one can’t always expend to stand under one. The last place, you could have stood under, it if you were a midget. Once out of Athens, bathrooms can be an interesting adventure.

Toilets: In some bus stations, they still have the old ones like in various parts of Italy. Holes in the ground that one squats over. I know not to venture into a train or bus station in various parts of Europe expecting to see a flushing toilet - even high up in the Alps I found one of those critters. Again, once out of Athens, there are signs above every toilet - DO NOT put any paper in toilet. There is a little can to dispose of toilet paper next to every toilet. Plumbing does not support paper. Put paper in, and flush and run - unless you want to explain to hotel or restaurant owner that you caused the problem. It’s the same in the beautiful rest rooms on the ferries. Nice, clean flushing toilets - with a sign and the little can next to the toilet.

Marble is everywhere. There is even a little village in Naxos where the streets are paved with marble. Steps and walkways and even curbs here in Nauplio are marble

No one wears little plastic gloves when they are preparing your food, picking out your fish to show you how fresh it is - or getting your meal ready. Just a little while ago I chose a cheese roll from the counter and gloveless fingers picked it up and handed it to me. People are not dropping dead in the streets either. I think we worry too much about germs. Snorkeling equipment on boats - used by others. We don’t snorkel, but others on the boat just picked up snorkel from pile and put it in their mouth. No worries.

Naxos Day 3

Today we drove through various villages, rode by or through historial sites. We were up at Mt. Zeus - nothing like driving along a rode as narrow as the car with the right side being a drop off the mountain. We returned to the beaches to have lunch of Moussaka, broad beans and wine. The way the cook the beans is wonderful - they have become my new favorite food. They are sort of cooked up with either tomatoes & zucchini and in Crete we had them with the wild artichokes - olive oil is a key ingredient in everything, as is garlic. However, one doesn’t really taste the garlic.

We will go out early tonight, around 6pm, to do a bit of shopping for souvenirs. Then we will sit down and relax with some wine, while contemplating what we really want to eat tonight, keeping in mind we had a big lunch today.

It seems we will have wi-fi tomorrow at next hotel in Nafplio, or Nafplion or and I know there is yet another spelling and pronunciation. In the morning our ferry will take us to Piraeus which should be a sight in itself. It is the main shipping port for Athens. We will be there long enough to disembark and get a taxi to the bus station.

Eating in Greece

I thought there should be a whole post devoted to eating in Greece. There are no dead fast rules like at home. No rules at all. No matter what time you go and sit at a table - you choose your table for one, and then you can have only drink, only an appetizer, a full meal or whatever you like. Sharing is expected, you will be offered or given another plate even if you order only one appetizer with your wine or drinks. One can share appetizers, main courses - there is no such thing as having to order an entrée. As our waiter said last night “ you’re the boss”. If you want only a salad - that’s fine.

We usually have wine, sometimes at a different café or taverna than where we eat. Then we move onto choosing what we will eat, and more wine of course. When you eventually ask for the check, you are brought a little digestive, usually the local liqueur, and sometimes of a bit of something sweet to eat or most of the time a little bit of fruit salad. Always fresh fruits, little bits of chopped kiwi, strawberries, apple or whatever. If your meal cost 10 euro (like our mixed seafood grill last night), you pay for that and your wine and nothing else. Last night we did each have our own meal, but still, eating really good food can be really inexpensive.

One eats sweets or ice cream as a snack, any time of day, but NOT after a meal. It’s all very interesting!

Greek yogurt, always for breakfast and also used in making many local dishes. In the morning, one has yogurt with fresh fruit, museuli and always with honey. It’s not the runny, liquid stuff we have at home; if any one has ever experienced Fromage Blanc in France, it is similar. It is also plain, not sour and is bought in big tubs like we might get cottage cheese. It is one wonderful experience.

Honey - used for everything. Sits on the table next to the sugar. Not quite as sweet as the honey we have at home - I shall have to tell our bees about that!

Final thing I can think of - deep fried potatoes with salt and oregano!

Naxos Day 2

After breakfast, George, the owner of the hotel arranged for us to rent a car. We didn’t even have to leave the breakfast table, and our car arrived. 25 euro a day to rent a car, we did take the CDW insurance, so it is 35 euro a day. Can’t beat thatf so that you can explore the whole island. Many folks are out with scooters, or four wheelers as well as cars.

It is really incredible how remote some of the big resorts and beaches are - many are down very tiny dirt roads. Every beach seems to have it’s own little super market, a big taverna (some on the beach, some across the dirt road) - it was interesting to see them using a hose to water down the road in front of the taverna - if you were sitting at a table on the road, you wouldn’t have to worry about getting dusty! We drove through a village where the streets were about only as wide as the car - with buildings on both sides! Beautiful flowers on the roadside - and at one point a few sheep in the road.

On the beach today I found something very interesting. Years ago when we had parakeets we would always buy them a cuttlebone. Of course, I never had any idea what it was - however, they refer to squid here as Cuttlefish - and their tails are shaped like the cuttlebone. I actually found one on the beach. I don’t think it’s from the young squid (aka Calamari) that we have been eating. I actually had a whole one grilled the other day and it’s tail part was much smaller than
this cuttle bone I found.

It’s cooler that we had hoped it would be - sunny at times, then there will be a bit of clouds. Many tavernas on the beach, but a bit too windy and therefore chilly. We are considering going for a drink on the beach, will have to see what it is like when we actually go out. It’s cool out on our balcony.

Last night we had mixed grill with grilled octopus and calamari - the octopus were hanging outside and we actually saw the cook come out and get one off the rack. The shrimp were battered very lightly and deep fried but nothing deep fried here is greasy - they were baby shrimp and after you pulled off the head, you could eat shell and all!

The restaurants all have the grills where you can see what is cooking (wood burning grills) - and some of the restaurant owners have the fish outside on ice so you can choose what you like. You can even go see what is cooking - no surprises and every thing is fresh.

Tonight we returned to the same taverna as last night - due to being told about the Rabbit Stifano. We had the most delicious meal that we can remember having in a long time. The tomato sauce with little whole onions - was to die for - nothing like spaghette sauce, and the rabbit was lean and tender. It was served with baked potato - again not a baked potato that we are used to but sliced potatoes baked in the oven. We learn Naxos is famous for its pototoes and even exports them to China! We have never tasted such wonderful potatoes - they don't need butter!

Naxos Day 1 - May 18

As I write this we sit on a the Blue Star Paros ferry. We left Santorini at 3:30pm and will arrive in Naxos town (Hora) at 5:30pm. From there we will walk to Agios Georgios where we will be staying.
There is a hot spot on the ferry, but they want 3 euro for time, and we will only be on here for 2 hrs. We are on an upper deck, covered, but outside. The hot spot is inside and quite smokey. Greeks are still very fond of their cigarettes. There are café bars on every level, at at least one small restaurant downstairs. The ferry is huge, many large trucks and cars were loaded on before they left us board.
I really doubt that we will have wi-fi access in Naxos, but I will continue to write and then add to blog when I am able.

Oia - Day 2, May 17

We arrived on The Flying Cat 4 from Irakio yesterday at the port. There we boarded a bus for about an hour ride into the town of Thira or Fira, all the same and part of the confusion about Greek names. Neither of those is actually the Greek spelling, so there is yet another name. From Thira, we got on the bus to Oia.
Closely following the directions from Old Oia Houses, we looked up at the church, followed the side street and the path until we came to the Square; then walked another 5 minutes with the sea to our left to the Lotza restaurant. It is there we got our key and followed a young man to our cave house. For the pirce of 90 euro, we have a cave house that only photos can describe. We have a veranda, tables, chairs, lounging chairs and a clothes line - oh, and the view - of the famous Caldera. Everyone has seen the photos of the white houses on the cliff above the gorgeous blue water - we are staying in one of those houses.
One climbs up steps, down steps, up more steps -- luckily we have a house higher than many others -the 9 steps down to our house are curved, no railing and it seems one could easily fall off the cliff. Lu,ckily, so far, I haven’t yet. A stroll through the small village is cobbled paths, up steps, down steps - the beauty of the place makes it worth all the trouble to get where you are going.
We have a fridge, juice, water, coffee and Mr. Coffee type pot to make coffee (my worse culinary skill. I can run an espresso machine, & even perfectly steam milk , otherwise my coffee can be scary), and we have butter, honey. The fresh bread is to had from Lotza - one must navigate up the 9 winding steps, through the gate, down the path, then up to the main path (more steps ) to get the bread. No doubt, calories do not count here.
This morning for 20 euros plus $5 for extra insurance we rented a 4-wheeler and explored the shore road with all of it’s beaches. Jim drove, I held on for dear life. No flat ground here, steep climbs and steep decent. Our helmets are here in the house with us, our 4-wheeler is parked up in the parking lot. We do not have to return it until morning. Not that we are going anywhere else, well Jim might, but I’m not having another bad hair day compliments of the helmet. The one grand thing about the 4-wheeler is that it took us all the way down the cliff to a little area called Amoundi, where we had a wonderful fresh fish grilled right there on the edge of the water. I went in with the waiter to pick out the fish, he weighed it, told me how much lunch would cost and then gave it to the man behind the counter to clean. Then it was brought outside to the cook (a guy in t-shirt and jeans) who grilled it. It was presented cut in half and was really terrific. Of course, there are pictures!! While we sitting there we saw other fish being brought fresh to the restaurants.
While we were eating, clouds came in, it became extremely windy. Wind has died down, sun is peeking out. We are unsure at this point whether we will experience one of the famous Oia sunsets or not. Last night’s wasn’t breakthing taking either--but we did see it.
Since we had such a great lunch (at around 3-4 pm), we are thinking we will just do the Greek routine of wine and snacks in a little while (it’s 7pm) and perhaps go out later for dessert, coffee and an ouzo.

Oia, Santorini - Day 1 May 16

Oh, the marvels of modern day conveience. I am sitting here on the Flying Cat 4, on my way to Santorini. Airline type seats, sitting inside - coffee bar straight ahead, big flat screen TV’s on the wall, watching contestants on Eurovision. Of course, cannot understand the commentary, but much of the music seems good. Nothing to see out the big windows next to us but blue sea. In 1 hr, 45 minutes, we shall arrive in Santorini. Upon arrival we will have to find our luggage, which is somewhere in the back of the vessel; then we will board a bus to Thira, get off, get on another bus to Oia. We have a little walk to the Lotza Restaurant where we willl pick our keys to our place. Again, feels like Vernazza where you go to restaurant to get your keys.
Oia is a small village at the end of the island where everyone comes to watch the famous sunsets. Hopefully, if we are given the right room, we may be able to experience it from our own place. If not, it will only be a short walk away. I will save this entry and then post it when the internet becomes available. So, this post is not “in real time”.

Irakilo - Day 1

This morning we boarded a bus for a 3 hr ride from Chania to Iraklio which is the capital of Crete. We arrived around 3:30pm, walked to our hotel which was close to bus station and which is also close to port. When we checked in we were given a nice surprise - our room had been upgraded to a business suite. We have one large front veranda facing the port - another enclosed one which also has a sitting area and deak, stereo system--and then there's the bedroom with king size bed, bath with a jacquzzim and the back sun porch with cushioned chaise lounges. Pretty nifty. We took a little stroll through town, bought some wine and cheese to enjoy on the veranda and then later walked up the stairs outside our room to an outside dining room.

We watched our ship come in tonight - it is actually called the Flying Cat 4 and tomorrow at 9:45am it will take us to Santonrini in 2 hr. 45 min. Then we will take bus to Thira, then another bus to Oia where we will be staying.

As I write this, sitting in big white fluffy robe, compliments of the busines suite, I am watching a big ferry pull out of it's berth and head out to sea. Our next two ferry rides will be like that, but for tomorrow it will be the Flying Cat. The above is a day time view of where I am sitting now.

Again, not sure what sort of connection will be available at next stop, but, have uploaded photos again today and will be back here when I am able to connect.

Day 3 in Chania

After another wonderful breakfast, we went to Central Market and did some shopping. Lazy day today, after shopping we came back, changed and headed out to the Glass Bottom boat to ride out to a few small islets. Well, of course, while waiting for it to be time to leave we sat in the nearby cafe and had Cappucino Freddo's. One can have their espresso any way they want.

Tomorrow after breakfast we plan to visit the maritime museum next door, and the Venetian fort, which is attached to it. After that we will walk to bus station and take a bus to Iraklio, which is 3 hrs away. We spend one night there, only for the purpose of being there early in the monring to catch the Flying Cat ferry to Fira, Santorini. The ferry leaves "early" by Greek standards; as our taxi driver said who brought us into town from Chania airport said - you would have to leave in the night -not good! This is how one rationalizes going to Iraklio for the night, because no one in their right mind would want to be there instead of Chania.

We have learned much about the Greeks. If one can use only one word to describe what Greece means it is hospitality. Every one from the start in Athens is more than helpful. A man on a motor scooter stopped when we were looking for our hotel - nothing is too much trouble for anyone to help you. They are also, as someone said to us, much like Southern Italians - LOUD. They all speak and yell - but are saying nice things. They are very polite, and probably use more please, thank you and sorry than any other people. They welcome you, they tell you have a nice day even when you turn down an invite to eat in their restaurant - whatever, no one ever seems to say a mean word.

It can get very hot here in the afternoons, siesta time is 4 hrs here. Every thing quiets down. We were told the reason Greeks eat so late is that they don't get off work until 9pm. At that time, if they go out to eat, they take the children too. Of course, little ones have had naps during the afternoon. Baby-sitters we were told - are non existant. All very interesting.

I think it's time for our cocktail hour. We will go out now for an appetizer and drink. It's 6:30 pm and much too early to eat!

Day 2 in Chania

Breakfast was a wonderful experience of sitting and looking out at the harbor while being servedf many fine local breads, local pastries, Greek yogurt & honey, boiled egg, fresh fruits (kiwi, strawberries, melon, grapes and more) and wonderful coffee. While we are sitting there, talking about our dinner last night, comparing it to Vernazza meals in the Cinqueterre - there comes a very similar song on the radio. There will probably be only one person reading this that it will have any meaning for : it was APPLAUSI by iCameleoni. Even Jim recognized it! Crete was once inhabitated by the Venetians who fought for it and won it from the Turks. There is a lot of Venetian structure and much Italian influence --but hearing Applausi was certainly unexpected. I think they must have been playing Italian oldies!!

After breakfast we took a 10 minute walk to the beach. Of course, we used our beach towel that we had bought a couple years ago in Vernazza. It seemed the only right thing to do!! When we had enough of the sunshine, we headed back to stop at the same little cafe where we had lunch yesterday. Every thing one eats here is fresh. In fact, when you talk to someone about a good place to eat, the word fresh is mentioned several times. Greeks (well, here like to be called Cretans) do not care for anything that is not fresh.
We had dinner last night at a place we had passed by in the afternoon during our stroll along the harbor. In the afternoon the owner greeted us, showed us the menu, took us back to the kitchen area to show us the moussaka that had just out of the oven, opened the cooler to show us the frresh fish that had just arrived, showed us the local greens. They are proud of their restaurants and only want to serve the very best and the freshest of foods. We had a wonderful dinner of mixed fish grill - after a salad of the most wonderful fresh tomatoes and fresh cripsy cucumbers. Of course, every thing one eats either has olive oil on it or was cooked in it. Every menu will tell you" we use only virgin olive oil." With the fish, one gets a little pitcher of olive oil with fresh lemon juice - and is instructed to dip the fish in it. The mixed grill had probably 7-8 or more different kinds of local fish plus grilled octopus, shrimps, calamari . After the meal, the owner brought us a little dessert, and then sat a bottle of the what is referred to as a "digestive" on the table. Something similar to an ouzo or Sambucca but different. We had paid 55 euro (before tip) and paid for only our fish, the salad, a liter of wine and 2 espressos.

Tonight we will head to another restaurant that was recommended to us - we were told if they are not busy, they too take you to the kitchen so you can chose your meal. Right now, we are both on our veranda; the harbour cafe's below us are quiet - it is siesta time. Things will pick up about 6-7 for drinks or coffee - no one gets serious about dinner until 9pm or after. That includes us! We have our wine chilling and some olives and cheese - and will have our drink time right here!

Remember to check photos.....link is below in previous post. I try to upload some each day.

Chania, Crete

We arrived here in Chania about 10am....took taxi to our hotel on the harbor. This is the BIG SPLURGE hotel. Pretty fantastic.

http://home.comcast.net/~grizabella go to this link to see photos of Crete. There's wi-fi here for free, can use Mini traveler in our room, so I had time to upload some photos. I started with here today; did not back track to Athens. I'll add more if I have time, but probably won't add captions after this, too time consuming. They are not edited, so put up with the bad shots!!

It is truly gorgeous here - will have dinner tonight at cafe on the harbor.

Last day in Athens

The Acropolis: wait until you all see photos. It's beautiful and today we went up there--it's very high above the city of Athens. It was hot, it was dusty and grimy. But we did it!! Can't come to Greece without coming to Athens or going to the Acropolis - it has to be done. We have paid our homage to the ancient Greeks, time to move on.

We have been very busy, hardly a minute sitting still - unless it's in a cafe! Tonight is our last dinner in Athens, we all ready know which cafe we will go to - much later of course, because it is only 6pm!

Tomorrow we will be up and walking out of the hotel at 6:30am - take the 10 min walk to the airport bus - a hour ride. Our flight is at 9am and at 10am we will land in Chania, Crete. We splurged and have a room with a balcony, facing the harbour.

It's unknown at this time whether there will be any wi-fi access at next hotel. At least mini-T (aka Baby Dell) is light enough to drag around to a hotspot. By the way, for anyone who cares, why we were rushing through the security check points at LHR, trying desperately to make our flight to Greece - the security girl said "look at this sweet little computer!" -- I told her it was a Dell baby - and everyone got a laugh! We put our shoes back on and ran for the flight!!!!

We will be in touch when there is access.....in the islands. Head to crystal blue water and grilled octopus and squid!

Day 2 in Athens Greece

Got into our hotel around between 6-7 last night. Left home, got flight to LHR and had to be rushed through the Fast Track security lanes in two different areas at LHR so we could make our flight. British Airways never lets you down. We were at the gate for Athens a minute before boarding.

There is a 7-hr time difference between here and the states - we had thought it was 6.

Had dinner last night at little cafe in a square - walked around the corner and we could see the floodlit Acropolis up on the hill. I had spinach pie - Jim had a lamb casserole. Great!

Today we saw the changing of the guards at Parliament,walked around the Plaka, went to the Athens flea market, had a Gyro and beer for lunch (Greek beer of course) and the owner gave us each an ouzo on the house!

The changing of the guards included a marching band parade - we have a video. It was quite an experience!

We came back at hotel at 6pm, sat at the little cafe next to our hotel - Jim had iced coffee creation and I had chocolate milkshake. Neither were what you would have a home, but wonderful!

It's nearing 8pm and after awhile we'll go out to dinner. People here sit down in restaurants at 10pm!!!

Tomorrow we go to the Acropolis and will spend the day touring ruins!

It's SUMMER HOLIDAY time!!

We're all going on a summer holiday
No more working for a week or two
Fun and laughter on our summer holiday
No more worries for me or you
For a week or two

(......wait, let's get some help from Cliff...click on Summer Holiday to your right....under Great Songs---which it is, of course!!)


We're going where the sun shines brightly
We're going where the sea is blue
We've seen it in the movies
Now let's see if it's true

Everybody has a summer holiday
Doin' things they always wanted to
So we're going on a summer holiday
To make our dreams come true
For me and you.

Next entry will be while we are on the road. Stay tuned...

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Concorde Anniversary

Celebrations are taking place today to mark the 40th anniversary of the first test flight by Concorde, from Filton to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
On the 9 April 1969, the Concorde flew for 22 minutes over the Bristol Channel, then landed at the airbase. The luxury supersonic plane was retired by British Airways in 2003 because of a drop in demand for flights.

Some entertainment while waiting for Greece trip

Ringling Brothers is the place for entertainment. Such pretty well behaved kitties....and wonderful elephants, including a 3 yr old baby.

Somehow the circus seemed smaller, less animals and less entertainers than 20-25 yrs ago. I guess everyone is cutting costs. I've always been more fond of the animal acts; not too much into the high wire acts. Still, it was a well run and exciting show and enjoyed by all of us - if you are a 5 yr old like our grandson, you would have said it was awesome!

Cotton candy is now $12 and you get a big circus paper hat with it. We went for the $7 box of popcorn and all shared! And, the little guy went home with a program that came in a plastic bag which could be worn as a backpack - compliments of Grandpa.

Clowns don't look like clowns anymore - there was one with green hair and big green shoes, but pretty much they didn't seem the same either. Maybe the new clowns aren't as scary.....I personally liked the guys with orange hair and big red noses!

More preparations...

Normally, a month out from travel date I start to pack, putting everything in my bag I think I need to take; by the day I'm ready to leave, much of it has been removed and I'm ready to roll or carry my bag without too much difficulty. Packing light is a rule of the road.

This year I'm adding a new item to my "packing light" scenario. As I write this I'm waiting for it to be built and sent. The 2.2 lb Dell-mini is being added to my packing list. I'll be able to email, add to this blog, upload photos, check ferry scedules, check in on-line and I'm sure it will be my new best friend. I can even use it to charge my iPod. If only I could leave my hair dryer at home and have it dry my hair!

Itinerary for Greece 2009

And this is how it will all begin ...

May 8 Fri
Depart home 21:20 - arrive 9:35 LHR
May 9 Sat
Depart LHR 12:00 - arrive Athens 16:30
Athens

May 10 Sun
Plan to tour ruins and Athens
Athens

May 11 Mon
Sunset bus tour to Cape Sounion
Athens

May 12 Tues
Depart 9:10 ATH Arrive: 10:00 Chania in Crete
Chania

May 13 Wed
Rent car to drive to beaches, visit small villages over 3 days
Chania

May 14 Thurs
Chania

May 15 Fri
Bus from Chania (Hania) to Heraklion (Iraklion) -
Heraklion
Visit Minoan palace sites

May 16 Sat
ferry to Fira, bus to Oia where we are staying
Santorini

May 17 Sun
Rent four-wheeler to travel from beach to beach
Santorini

May 18 Mon
ferry to Naxos - rent car to travel from beach to beach
Naxos

May 19 Tues
drive from Village to village over 3 days
Naxos

May 20 Wed
Naxos

May 21 Thurs
ferry to Pireaus, taxi fo K-tel A station, bus to Nafplio – all day to get there
Nafplio

May 22 Fri
Spend 3 days touring the Peloponnese
Nafplio

May 23 Sat
Nafplio

May 24 Sun
bus to Athens – spend last night at luxury hotel at the airport
Athens airport

May 25 Mon
Depart 8:15 arrive 10:15 LHR
Depart 16:10 LHR arrive home 19:30

Preparations for Greece

Hello and welcome to my blog. This will be a method for me to let everyone know about travel plans and events without repeating myself in emails. And, you can put your comments here while you are having a look at things. Remember to save this site to your Favorites!

Coming soon .... travel itinerary for Greece!