The Athens Shuffle 2008

These are a few pictures from our previous trip to Athens....so you don't feel like you have missed out on pictures.

This amphitheatre attached to the Acropolis is the site of many famous concerts.  Including Yanni, a famous Greek composer and musician.

A tiny little table for two just at the foot of the Acropolis.

There were about 100 Red Hat Ladies on our last cruise to Athens.  Here they are riding the train that we would recommend on a trip here.

Athens, Greece Part 2

Because this is the second time we have been to Athens, we decided to have a more relaxing day hanging and soaking up the atmosphere rather than running to all the sites, which we did see on our last visit.

A view of the Acropolis from the Plaka area, while riding the train.

Athens, Greece Part 1

When we arrived in Athens it was very warm.  When we left, in the shade it was 41' C.  OMG!!!

We were melting.  

For most of the day we stayed in the shade if at all possible.

This little train travels all around the Plaka near the Acropolis. (Plaka is a shopping area and has been around for almost 2000 years).  The train runs all day.  For 5 euros you can hop on and off.

Lunching on souvlaki.  Delicious.

Santorini, Greece Part 3

After our 4 hour tour of the island and village of Oia, we had only time to walk through, (we were running out of time), the village of Fira.  It had tons of shops, cafes, etc.  We weren't ready to go!

Water tenders coming to get us and transport us to the ship.  It was a wee bit wavy.

The path of the donkeys.  Fira is at the top.

On the tender, leaving Santorini.....we will be back.

Incredible views from the top.

Straight down is the only way to go.  

Santorini, Greece Part 2

I thought these were olives, Deb says they are almonds.  They make a snack food that is almonds (or other nuts) covered with sesame seeds.  Yummo!

The door to a restaurant in Oia.

A cafe/restaurant in Fira, with a spectacular view of the sea.  And my favourite color...lime green.

We came up by bus, and then down by cable car.  It is really high...and steep.  But the views are exceptional.

Deb and I at the top on the cable car entrance in the village of Fira.

On the way down.

Santorini, Greece...OMG! Part 1

We had no idea how beautiful Santorini would be.  It doesn't look real, it is so gorgeous.

I knew it would be the beautiful white washes buildings but when you add the blue, blue water and blue domes on some buildings it is stunning.

This is a winery we toured.

 Famous church bells in Oia, a small village on Santorini.

The donkeys are used to carry people 500 plus steps up to the town center.  We did not do this.  It seems cruel to the donkeys, but also it looks scary.  Especially coming down when the donkeys only get water at the bottom!

This is the public toilettes.....really.....

In the village of Fira, they have these beautiful white cotton dresses and tops.

You know I had to buy one. I love it.  It is cool and comfortable.

Sorrento Part 3

When we arrived by ferry from Naples, we took a shuttle bus up to the center of town.  It is wise to do that....it is a long, long, way up.

But heading back to the Port for our return ride home, we walked down.  Much better than up.  Scenic, but a bit narrow.  Thank goodness we didn't meet up with a shuttle bus.

Yummy Italian treats.  

I love capturing the local people going about their daily business.  

Check out the peppers hanging above the fruit and veggie stand.  By the way...you wait for the owner to choose your selections.  We do not touch the fruit or veggies ourselves.

Everything is lemon.  Candles, soaps, etc.  Smells delicious.

Fun shots of local people and the tourists.  Each oblivious to each other.

Too funny.

Decisions...decisions...

We just don't get peppers like this.  Deb bought a huge bunch of green grapes that costs her 3 Euros.  Wow!

Making our way down to the Port.

This is a two way street?  You can see Deb hugging the side.

These bus drivers are incredible.  It is all "S" curves all the way up.  I am not sure I could do it with our little Honda Civic?

We made it in one piece to the bottom!!!

There are no rules in Italy.  At least this whole family has helmets on.

The beautiful beaches in Sorrento.  

We will definately come back and stay here.  So much to see and do with only about 8 hours here.  It is a perfect Italian town for first time travellers to get around.  Most of the local people speak English to help you out along your journey.

Bye-Bye for now.