BLAKE

Day 1

We departed perth at 10pm without any delays. The flight was 11hrs to Doha where we had a 2.5hour layover. This was just enough time for Louise to buy her first souvenir of the trip, a scarf, bit expensive for my liking. Scott got stung buying a coffee ($9.60). We landed in Athens at approx. 12pm local time.

All our bags made it without issue but Scotts kite surfing bag was last one out.

The airport Metro took about 45mins. We got off at Syntagama station, right in middle of Athens.

We proceeded to get our key for the apartment from anotherr hotel which went smoothly but finding the apartment was another story. It was meant to be a 5 min walk. We were given a map and instructions to find the apartment. Finding the location on the map way easy, if only the map had been correct. There were a few buildings that looked like ours so we tried the key but no luck. Eventually the key fit the right lock. All in all it took us and extra 20-30mins which in 35 degree heat after flying for the past 20hrs was not ideal.

We all showered to cool off before heading around the corner for some well earned lunch. Athens Beer (the restaurant) called to us. All the meals were really tasty. A great way to start our Greek cuisine experience. The highlight meal was Louise's cheese platter to share. It was supposed to be cold cuts and cheese.. they had run out of cold cuts. Purely cheese and more cheese. It had 4 different types and was so big we had to take some home which was later used for breakfast sandwiches.

We wandered around checking the streets out for a couple hrs before heading out to Anglais Cocktail Rooftop Bar, that had only just opened the day prior to our arrival overlooking Acropolis for drinks. All the other rooftop bars were packed. This one being new and unheard of was dead quiet. Perfect for us! The awesome view and cold cocktails was the only way to spend our first night in Greece.

On the way home we picked up Gyros before retiring to bed after a long couple days.

Day 2

Scott and I went on a hop on/hop off bus that went around the city. The first stop was the Parthenon. The line for tickets was long with about a 20 min wait to purchase. Once we made it through the line we walked up to the Parthenon which sits on top of a hill with great 360 degree views. We looked around for about 45mins. Next stop: Markets. The meat section was the most interesting with butchers cutting the meat in front of you as you order. We passed several other monuments and listened to the audio headset along the day. Once we had a good look around we got off at a stop near an international sports bar. This was to watch the Dockers v Gold Coast game whilst having lunch.

Louise and Lauren met us there after a morning of shopping.

Once the game finished we walked through the Plaka stopping off at the souvenir shops along the way. We eventually made our way back to the accomodation were we chilled out listening to music whilst drinking the complimentary wine from our accomodation. Any wine is good but free wine is better.

Louise and Lauren were keen for traditional Moussaka for dinner. It is like an eggplant shepherds pie. The restaurant we went to had glass holes in the floor where you could see parts of ancient ruins.

Gelato before returning to our accom as we had an early start the next morning. Off to Paros on the ferry!