We've started a new adventure. We have joined a tour run by Busabout that will see us travel through some Eastern European countries in the company of other like minded independent travellers. Travel is by bus and ferry with a guide. Our 26 lively bunch of fellow travellers come from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, UK, Scotland and South Africa.

We left behind the hookers, smog and jammed packed streets of Athens and soon our bus was heading West then North to take us to catch a ferry to the Greek island of Corfu. With regular toilet and food stops the time passed quickly and by 6pm we were on the ferry and our bus was below on the car deck.

Corfu has a fairytale setting. Flanked by two big forts (the old and the new, but both very old) it has beautiful blue- green water and an old town area of cobblestone streets looking more Italian than Greek. Moreover it is CLEAN! The streets lack the rubbish, prostitutes, and drug addicts of Athens. Our guide Damo, gave us heaps of information and on arrival at our hotel, after a quick freshen up, we all caught a bus into the historic old town for a bit of orientation, dinner and a drink. Well "a drink" turned into quite a few and suddenly it was 2.00am! We enjoyed the company of fellow travellers and getting to know everyone, that we had completely lost track of time.

The next day was a perfect sunny day about 25 degrees and Corfu turned on its charm. We had the most fabulous lunch (our last Greek meal) at a family Taverna. Our meal began with the proprietor bringing us shot glasses of Ouzo, not so welcome after our heavy night out! After lunch, we managed to find someone to give us very overdue haircuts even though it was siesta time. My cut is a bit strange but it will grow! We then wandered around the old Corfu Town which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoying the very different architecture to other parts of Greece. Like other places in Greece it seems everyone is waiting for the 1st of June (the 1st day of summer) to tick over and for the tourists to arrive. Empty restaurants and shops are everywhere and we are quite pleased the crowds are not here yet.

Back to our hotel by local bus, we worked on our blog for awhile and sorted photos then headed off to bed knowing we had a fairly big travel day ahead.

Travel Recommendation: Taverna Maska Cafe-Bar Grill in Kanoni Corfu (between starbucks and Divani Palace) Thanasis Vasilas.

Footnote: The Old Town of Corfu is UNESCO World Heritage listed.