Athens and Greek Islands, Sept 2014 |

This was the 2nd part of our European trip this year. After flying from Istanbul to Athens, we spent a few days exploring Athens, before joining an organized tour of Greece. We also met up with our friends, Brenda and Frank, for this part of the trip.

Athens was much better than we expected… lots to see and do, easy to get around in, and the people were great. Greece is the only place I can remember where the waiter brought us free rounds of Ouzo or wine, and this happened 3 times!

In Athens, we did the usual tourist things, Acropolis, etc, but we also spent time exploring the old market, which was very interesting. Lots of old junk and antiques, but very interesting to look at and photograph.

On this trip, as well as Istanbul, I’ve been trying to use my street photography passion to show these places in a unique way, through my eyes. After all, why buy 25 cent postcards, when you can use a $1000 camera! :-)))

After a few days in Athens, the tour caught up to us. This was a 2-week tour that consisted of a 3 day bus trip in the mountains of Greece, where we visited the monasteries of Meteora, and the temples at Delphi and Epidaurus. Then we flew to the the island of Crete for 3 days. Then a high speed ferry to Santorini for 3 days. Finally a high speed ferry to Mikonos for 3 days, then finally back to Athens, then the flight home. On the islands, we were on our own, except for the travelling to and from the ferries.

The islands were pretty much beach and bar type vacations, but we managed to use the public transit quite a bit to do some exploring on each island. We find that with public buses, you’re closer to the people and real life. It can be a little apprehensive at times, due to lack of the language and not knowing the area or schedules, but it’s more fun and adventurous, and of course… much cheaper!

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