Lost in Venice with a taste of Turkish Delight and Souvlaki

[TomVexille]

Last night we walked to dinner around 9.15pm and the streets were packed. We hear a real mix of nationalities. We pass by an authentic Chinese restaurant and I think MrP was a little tempted but walked a little further to Daphne's restaurant. This was a typical family owned Greek restaurant which was so friendly. Wine, beer, meatballs and souvlaki. Perfect.

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Looks delicious

 

[love_the_life]

That pizza looks very large….and filling!

 

[Pushka]

After the lovely beach day the other day our last day here was spent walking the ridge towards Oia. Steepish in parts the views just stunning.

The thing that gets me the most about Santorini is it's geological age. Three hundred years ago this Island did not exist:



In geological "think" that is a second ago.

Much of Santorini was destroyed in an earthquake in 1956.

When a volcano erupted here in centuries BC it created a huge Tsunami that arrived into Crete 35 minutes later which was when the Minoan civilisation was wiped out.

There are 2 significant active volcanoes here that are closely monitored.

Views from our walk yesterday.

 

[Pushka]

A late lunch which was appetiser size. We were really hot by then.



Our last night we ended up having takeaway! The best gyros (yiros) with wine followed up by gelato. The guy making the gyros was impressive in his speed. He gets a lot of practice.

This morning we packed as we are taking a five hour ferry to Athens. It's the fast boat. The seas are mirror calm.

Next instalment - Acropolis now.

 

[Dougo]

I soooo want to go to Santorini !!

 

[Pushka]

We've arrived in Athens. Staying in Plaka Hotel with this view from the room



And enjoying pre dinner drinks on the rooftop bar.



Of course there are 10 people up here. All Australian. They are off to Santorini tomorrow.

For some reason we received these in our room.

 

[Pushka]

The ferry we took from Santorini was not Mama Mia style.

Around 1600 passengers with assigned seats for the five hour trip. It was nice just to sit back and relax. A jungle of suitcases at the Santorini wharf and same at Athens but it was quite well organised.

 

[Tooner]

Thanks Puska. I'm loving every minute of this TR. Santorini certainly sounds like it is worth a visit. The view from your rooftop bar certainly beats the view I had in Paris!

 

[Pushka]

Sunset over Athens.





And the Parthenon

 

[lmere12]

When I flew leaving ATH for JTR I ran into 4 friends from my small home town going on the same flight, small world !! Would love to go back after seeing your TR

 

[Pushka]

Thanks Puska. I'm loving every minute of this TR. Santorini certainly sounds like it is worth a visit. The view from your rooftop bar certainly beats the view I had in Paris!

All in the angle Tooner. Don't look right.



Beautiful.

 

[Dougo]

You hit the jackpot with your hotels ... well done !

 

[ellen10]

Santorini is definitely on the list!
Love your view in Athens. Last time I was there it was never below 40C.

 

[TomVexille]

for some reason we received these in our room.

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TKWYA!

Great view as well

 

[Pushka]

I think I bombed with the Istanbul Hotel. The room was fabulous. Beautiful. But the location in Taksim Square was really wrong. We should have stayed near Sultanahmet. Taksim Square was just rather weird. Lots of men just hanging around. We didn't feel comfortable with walking around at night even though we were a couple. On the other hand the carpet and Bosphorous cruise routers were in full force around Sultanahmet.

Doing a hoho bus today. We are lucky the temps are around 30C

Last night walked into the Mall area. Very busy indeed.

Can't post photos from the room as it's too slow. Will find a better spot later.

 

[Magpie10]

Thanks Puska for taking the time out of your holiday to continue to make us jealous. Loving your photos and review. Top tip re Istanbul hotel.

 

[Pushka]

Some photos when I get to the upstairs bar of the Acropolis and other sights. Very hot today.

Sadly our HoHo bus ended badly. The double decker bus hit a pedestrian. The bang was awful as there was just a bang and thud. No metal sounds so we knew it wasn't a car. Then we could see the awful looks of people walking in the street. An ambulance arrived very quickly. The woman maybe in her late twenties was maybe a tourist as her relatives arrived with suitcases shortly after. She was moving her head so hopefully not too serious. The bus's window was smashed and bumper dented. The bus wasn't going anywhere so we all exited.

 

[Pushka]

Some photos of last night.





Do they have these in the Eastern states? They look excellent.
I saw them in Santorini and thought it said ChillIbox.



And branded recycling bins

 

[Pushka]

Today's photos.

The Acropolis - Parthenon and various temples.



This would be an amazing place for someone like Placido Domingo and such ilk.





Lots of restoration happening. Most of it to repair other botched restorations.

 

[Pushka]

Another Hadrian's Gate. He sure got around.



Parliament House. Will try catch a changing of the Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier tomorrow.



The original and restored Olympic stadium.