Greece Part II - Greek Islands

This was the hightlight of the entire Greece trip. We blew 65 Euros to get on a cruise boat to 3 islands on a day trip - Poros, Hydra, Aegina - but it was well worth it. These were one of the closest islands to Athens but there were more beautiful ones farther out. If i'd ever go back again, i'd spend a month there island hopping..and swim in the clear blue seas during summer.


Woke up 5.30am in the morning. It was about 8 am when we got on the ship. One of the first views we had when the ship set sail. Keep scrolling, it only gets better.


Greece Flag


I know i look retarded, but the view in the background will make up for it





we have arrived on Poros!



Giorgis..you float my boat!





view from the clock tower


the water, like a piece of satin







The inclusive lunch on board the ship. There was also salad and appetiser, but i was too hungry to remember to take pictures =p


Dessert was saccharine sweet.


Island #2...Hydras.


Crystal clear waters.





We took the path less travelled


And found an amazing view







The whole time, we were just gushing over how great the place looked



Hanging loose at the ship's bow.



Last stop was Aegina, which was a bit of a letdown after seeing Hydra and Poros. Perhaps it was because we didn't pay for the optional tour further within Aegina to see the ancient structures. But we weren't keen on spending another 24 Euros to be ferried around on a bus. Still, it's a really photogenic place where i took some of the best pictures from the whole trip, all thanks to the timely sunset.



I was pleasantly surprised...to see girls playing soccer. Soccer babes i miss you!












I couldn't chose between these three pictures, so im putting all of them up. If u have a personal favourite, lemme know cos im really curious.







A little chapel.

Greece Part I - Athens

I had a wonderful time in Greece. Especially during the time spent visiting the Greek Islands. True enough, Athens is full of ruins. I just wished everything were still intact, im sure it would have looked so good. Here in the mediterranean part of europe, the weather was perfect at 15-18 degree celcius. Prices in Athens really ain't so cheap. An average meal costs approximately 8 euros, and a Big Mac(which is, surprisingly small) meal at Mcdonalds was a little less than 5 euros. I really liked the pitas in Greece, and also the sweets (not candies, but kinda like desserts/pastries). There was a bakery near the place we stayed which we would patronise almost everyday to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Another thing special about this trip is that i had my first official couchsurfing experience here. My couchsurfing host was Lena, who's a single mom with the most adorable 5 year-old boy i have ever seen. His name is Aggelos and he is really one special kid. On the first day when Lena took us to her place from the metro station, Aggelos picked a flower from the grass patch along the path. Then he quickly hid it behind his back and surprised her with it. How many kids in Singapore actually do that?


Halfway up Lycabettus Hill



Thesseion


One of those indulgent self portraits


On top of the world!


Theatre of Dionysos


Pathenon of the Acropolis


The Karyatides statues of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis


See the Lycabettus Hill..we conquered that!


Temple of Nike at the Acropolis




Late lunch (cum dinner) at Thanasis, a famous restaurant patronised by many locals. Everytime a table is cleared, another bunch of new customers soon take their seat. And mind you, it was 4pm when we were there. See my dish? It's the Thanasis Kebab Pita with onions, grilled tomatoes and pieces of juicy lamb meat. 7.50 Euros.


Here's how the restaurant looks if u ever visit Athens, just a few steps away from Monastaraki Metro Station. Sit on the outside if you ever come, the atmosphere is great, except that you'd get lots of kids coming up to you and soliciting for money - either by selling stuff or playing instruments.


When you're hungry and looking for something cheap. Go to a Kebab place like this.

Pita Gyros for 1.60 Euros. Nowhere near Thanasis standard, but definitely value for money in Greece.


There, my couchsurfing hosts - Lena and Aggelos. You wouldn't believe who took this picture - Aggelos!


In fact, he's so fascinated by my rotating lcd screen, he started taking a picture of himself and his friends..


and another




AND yet another!





This guy can really pose!