Arrived Athens

Hello everyone!

First of all a warm welcome back to my blog. I'm so excited to be travelling overseas again!!

My adventure started Saturday night Melbourne time. I went to Collingwood vs West Coast and then left at half time to go to the airport (only me!! Lol). Nan, pa, mum and dad came and saw me off. 

My flights were pretty good. I got a fair amount of sleep especially on the first one. Both times I had nice people next to me! My 14 hour Melbourne - Dubai I had an older couple who were going to Rome. Dubai - Athens I had an Asian man who couldn't speak much English but was friendly. My stopover in Dubai was ok. Passed the time by connecting to the wifi and walking around. Found a bit of an interesting exhibition about how Dubai has developed over the years. Made some more 'friends' at the boarding gate. Four Greek people with family in Melbourne who had been on my first flight. They were all in their 70s and George told me I'm too kind looking to travel alone! He told me I need to work on my grumpy face so people don't try and con me. Work in progress - I am naturally happy and enthusiastic ! Also talked to a guy from Sydney who was my age and going to see his girlfriend in Athens. We hung out until we boarded!

Landed in Athens. I love my photographic memory. Mum and I came here last January, I could see the layout of the airport in my head and where I had to go to get a train. Got my luggage literally the second I walked to the carousel - all went brilliantly! Usually when I fly alone something bad happens (like a snowstorm in Germany in 2010 making my 25 hour journey a 42 hour one). Today was great though! Sat with a French couple on the train and worked on my "grumpy face". Wasn't long before I had to put it into practice as a beggar got on the train. He walked off straight away - success! Thanks George! I'll have to pull that one out more often over here. 

I got off the train at Monastiraki station and found the hotel really easily. It's really nice and in a great location. Ran into a few people from my tour that starts tmro while checking in. They're from Sydney and seem nice!

Went for a walk after that. It's 30 and sunny today. When mum and I came last January it was 6 and snowing! Having been to Europe twice in winter part of me still expected it to be cool. It is definitely not!! I got very hot walking around. The photographic memory was handy once again. Walked to our old hotel without a map, and a favourite restaurant we went to. The man was still just as lovely mum, explained to him we went last year and he said "you look hot and tired, have a free water!". Told him I'll go back next week for dinner. 

I walked to Syntagma Square and saw the guards in their funny uniforms with pompom shoes (they weren't wearing them in winter!). A supervisor was feeding them cups of water and mopping their faces. I got a photo with one. Being by yourself sucks when taking photos. Mum I miss your pro photography skills and am sick already of asking people to take pics for me !!!

Walked back to the hotel via Monastiraki Square. There were "free hugs" people everywhere. Basically they just spread happiness and give hugs, we have them at home. I checked my bag was locked with all valuables inside and got a free hug - why not??

Got myself a lovely raspberry Greek yoghurt and then checked out the rooftop bar at the hotel. A beautiful view of the acropolis!! We had a tour meeting here at 6.30pm. It's a flexible tour but I've picked 2 nights each in Mykonos, Paros, Santorini and Ios. Everyone but 3 is Aussie, everyone seems really nice! I'm one of few travelling alone but I think it'll still be good because everyone seems nice. I went to dinner with 2 girls called Keira and Caitlyn from Sandringham. We ordered a Greek feast for 3. I am so full!!!

I hadn't really felt that tired until now. Now I feel absolutely disgusting. Tomorrow we set off at 5.30am for Mykonos via ferry. Excitinggggg! But I need to get some sleep. 

Warning about the blog too - in Mykonos tmro night we do a pub crawl til 5am and then the next night we go to a ministry of sound clubbing event. But I'll be posting the blog, promise!! Just might either be before we go out or the following morning. Keep checking, it'll be up!!!

Love to all

Claire

Xoxox