Well it seems some time since i've written a blog so beware, gentle reader, that this will be a long one due to the days and places i've travelled since the last blog.

So, Munich would have to rate as one of my favourite cities i've visited this trip. It's much smaller and quieter than Berlin but still a massive city and lots to do. First full day I was on another bike tour which was fantastic, bike riding in the larger spread out european cities is definitly the way to go, despite the higher price tag. Rode through the sites of Munich, the best being (in my view ) the English gardens. Huge area of just green gardens (yes I'm Aussie, so green things fasinate me, the should be brown damnit). Since there's no beach options for the people of Munich, the river that flows throgh the English gardens is the only place to relax on a towel and take a dip. We apparently rode through the nude section (Europeans are not so modest as we are!) but all I saw was a naked child, so not so scandalous as u might think.

We made a stop in the middle of the gardens at Munich's second largest beer garden and, sorry people, but I did try a beer and I JUST CAN'T DRINK IT! The fact they gave me a large when I asked for a small didn't help me at all, but with no wine or cider options i took the recommendation of the tour guide for a sweeter, milder beer, still tasted like beer to me :-(

This girl is made for wine I tell you.

Anyways, after the tour I went with Kelly, a girl I met on the tour also travelling solo, to a local pub to watch the semi final of the soccer world cup. Have watched a few games while here but doesn't hold a flame to my AFL. Germany won to claim 3rd place overall and, after being bought several drinks by friendly locals, I took my leave and headed home. A few wrong turns and many consultations with my trusty map and I made it back to my hostel safely.

Next day was a trip to Dachau, the first of the concentration camps across Nazi Germany. It was at the same time interesting, informative, horrorifing and creepy. Just when you thought you'd heard it all bout the Nazi regime and its crimes against the people, it just gets worse. But still a visit to a former concentration camp acts as a warning to future generation as our tour guide informed us. Glad I went, but no pics, some people were taking pics of gas chambers and bunkers, I dunno i really didn't feel the need.

So now my time in Munich was done and I was on my way to Venice. An old haunt of mine, I was here the last time I travelled so nothing new but still took the time to head back into town and try for some shopping. Unfortunatly getting lost in Venice was just as easy the second time as the first time and it took me an hour to find the markets I loved so much last time. A dip in the pool at the camping ground was most welcome after long days on a bus or in the town then I was off on the ferry to Athens. Here's where things got stressful.

Here I was thinking that the overnight ferry from Venice to Athens would be the easy option. Word of advice people, GET A PLANE! I only had my credit card reciept in hand from the travel agent as I had recieved no email confirmation or anything. Despite my travel agent assuring me if I turned up with my passport they would have my details, no ticket was forthcoming, so I ended up buying a new ticket, got me a private room at a under 26 rate (bless my youthful looks, the woman had my passport and could well tell my age), so I got on the ferry in the end. No working wifi, no pool and a disturbed nights sleep due to the rattling of the room from the ships engines. Regardless, I got to Patras port in good time then off to Athens on the bus.

Now I gotta say. wasn't expeciting much of Athens but the people here have been, by far, the friendliest people I've encountered through my travels in Europe. Not only do they not mind speaking English, they will help you out with all sorts of questions, do deals at the shops and always point you in the right direction. Had a good days shopping for gifts and a lovely dinner of Mousakka tonight (must try to make it at home, how hard can it be?) and now sitting down to some writing before an early night tonight and an even earlier night (5:30am eeeek) tomorrow to meet the Busabout people for my Greek Isles tour tomorrow.

Next time i write, don't be surprise if I have a tan of some sorts :-)