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Today we took off early in the morning to visit the Meteora. We were there around noon, after a 5 hour drive. Granted, it is a little bit off the road, but it is a must-see. The rock formation is just intriguing, and the view from the monasteries is breathtaking.

Surprisingly, on the way there, my aunt got a ticket for overtaking a car that sudfdenly hit the breaks using the shoulder lane, something very common in Greece. Greece is europe’s champion when it comes to traffic fatalities, and traffic offences are really common. The mumerous memorials erected on the side of the roads are a testament to this. I guess now they are doing something about it, as police were very present on the road with their radar gun. I r3eally don;t thing that’s going to stop them from going at twice (or more) the speed limit, riding motorcycles without helmets, overtaking when it’s not permitted and downright dangerous or otherwise attempting dangerous manoeuvres.

However, we had to cut our trip short, due to my aunt’s car burning oil, and lots of it. We are thus thinking of forgetting about all this and taking a Flying Dolphin (hydrofoils that whisk people to the islands quickly) to Spetses tomorrow.

We just came back from the village (Paradisia) in the Peloponese, where we spent a good week. We went to Kalamata several times to swim and tan. The water is nice, clean and warm, and the sun is hot enough to get a couple of sunburns. Yesterday we wenr to Kalo Nero for a swim and Zaharo to get some
fresh fruit from my cousin’s place. We picked up a few oranges, lemons and apricots from their garden, and they were very yummy.

It’s a really hot, sunny day here in Athens. It must be about 35°C over here right now. The beach near my aunt’s place (Loutra Alimou) must be packed right now. I don’t know if I am hearing this right, but in Montreal it’s been raining all week, and it froze over last night? Ah well, I am really glad I am here!

Tomorrow we will be taking off to northern Greece, to visit the Meteora, which are monasteries hanging on small cliffs right in the middle of a plane. Then we’ll go to Ianenna and Vikos Valley.

Well well well… Why have I not been blogging lately? Because I am enjoying myslef and to hell with you guys! Hehe, I know that wasn’t too nice, but I like to rub it in from time to time. To tell the truth, I have been writing bits and pieces here and there, but never completing them. Anyway, I will attempt to summarize, if you care to read more.

So, it’s just been over two weeks that I am in Greece. The weather has improved quite a bit since I arrived. It doesn’t really matter though, as I got to spend some good times with friends and relatives over here.

The Antikethira Mechanism

Last week I spent some time in Athens, and visited the Athens National Archaeological museum again, searching for the replica of the Antikethyra Mechanism. This is one of the must-see museums in Athens. You will find lots of statues, pots, figures from the early Greek civilizations. Take the time to look through all the “less obvious” rooms. There is some great stuff in there.

The Antikethyra mechanism is a device that predicted the position of known planets, which was used to tell the time, thus, it’s some sort of a clock built by the ancient Greeks. You will fond the replica in a dark room, perhaps on the 5th or 6th room you visit.Be careful though, it’s easy to miss and guided tours don’t go there.

Other Athens highlights

There’s not really much else to write home about this time, as I deeply explored Athens last year. A new shopping venue has opened a few blocks away from the olympic installations, It’s called the mall, and there’s lots of stores in there, from clothing, electronics, books, etc. There’s even a food court featuring a Hooters at the very top. It’s quite worth a visit. Take Metro line 1 towards Kiffisia and stop at Nerantziotissa. Walk backwards and up the stairs to the other side of the tracks. Looking back, you will see the olympic installations. Continue on that path to get to the Mall.

The Beack

These last few days the weather was great to head to the beach to get my tan . The sun is quite hot nowadays, and the water is warm enough if you can get past the initial shiver. Stupid me I forgot to pick up sunscreen on the way and, you guessed it, got sunburned. Lesson learned. Wear sunscreen!

What Now?

Monday I will be going to my dad’s village with my aunt, and then we will be going to northern Greece, and possibly even Zakinthos. So, that would mean I’d be out of reach for 2 weeks