Athens

The view from the roof bar of our hostel. SO amazing at night when the parthenon was all lit up!
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So the journey began with not really the BEST start as 10 hours on a plane next to an EXTREMELY obese man doesn't totally allow for a lot of sleep and comfort. The Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Athens however was a VAST improvement and I had 2 seats to myself by the window. Germany looked just gorgeous (I think the trees got me..... I don't know, just a nice feel to the place) so I'm determined to add it to my trip en route to Holland in August.

Athens Backpackers Inn was my first stop and after a near death cab experience I've vowed NEVER to go that way again, particularly when the metro would have delivered me direct to the hostel front door for about one eighth the price. ANYways, the hostel was great, friendly British Bob at the desk got me settled, I had a nap then headed to the rooftop bar with the most AMAZING view direct of the Acropolis' Parthenon! Met some nice people (mostly Canadians in the hostel actually) then we went to "Orange Bar" for some huge Mythos beers. The next day me and 2 of my new friends (Toronto kids) went to the Acropolis. Very very cool. Amazing how some things have survived so much! After yet another nap (this appears to be a common trend in my trip thus far) I went on my own to the Temple of Olympian Zeus which was huge pillars and ruins in the middle of the city! I find the most interesting part of Athens is that you're walking through this urban area and BAM out of nowhere pops up some ruin or huge ancient building! Always a shock and already the photo taking is getting out of control..... The next day I did some wandering on my own and then yet another Canadian named Sean who is posted in Afganistan and I went to the parliament for changing of the gaurd and through the national gardens. A MUST SEE. The gardens are smack in the middle of the city and are absolutely stunning, we got very lost in there trying to find this cafe but it was worth it cause everywhere we turned was more statues and flowers... DAD you would have been VERY impressed!!!

Changing of the guard at the Parliament
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That night (Wednesday night I think) we had more rooftop bar times and we went dancing at some club in the Plaka of Athens. The hostel workers were great fun, all Aussies and Brits, but 90% of the people there were Canadians!! In my 8 person room we had ALL canadians one night. 5 from Brandon Manitoba in 2 different groups.... very strange. We were out until about 4 in the morning which was perhaps not the best decision ever as I needed to be AT the ferries by 7:00am........... not the best sleep ever.....