Greetings from Greece!

Arrived safely in Greece yesterday!

Before we even left Paris, we had some bad luck on Friday the 13th.  We had the wrong ticket for the RER train so we had to pay 25 euros each. Dumb, but that's life!  We had no other problems at the airport luckiy, and boarded the train by bus! We took off later than we were supposed to, but still got to Athens pretty much on time. They served lots of food on the plane; fish, pasta, bread, cheese, salad..and they kept bringing out more drinks as well. Overall, it was good!

We got off the wrong stop for our hotel on the bus since they don't announce the stops and we couldn't tell on the map too well.  We were close though, so our cab was very cheap and we arrived at a beautiful hotel!  Natassa's lovely parents left us tons of Greek treats in our room. So sweet!

After getting settled in the hotel, we wanted to head to Athens for dinner.  We waited at the bus stop FOREVER!  I was getting nervous that it would never come, but the schedule just might be different for the Easter weekend.  Finally it came and we were happy!  Driving into town, people were gathered at each church holding candles. It really was something to see. Beautiful!

We found a place at the Plaka for dinner.  Greek salad, chicken gyro and wine!  What a great first night!  We walked to a few shops and bought little rings.  In the one store, the lady came running in after us because she wasn't there...a bit after we asked to see the rings she mentioned that she hopes she doesn't smell as she was holding up a cigarette tray.  Then, she proceeded to say that she has been drinking ouzo all day.  We were cracking up!  We headed back to the hotel room and unfortunately couldn't get the air to work.  I tried opening the window and only one of the doors opened to a huge metal bar type thing.  Finally, I started messing around with it and figured out we have a HUGE balcony!  Beautiful :)

Today we woke up pretty early to head over to the Acropolis.  The bus came super quick!  We had to run to catch it!  We walked over to the Acropolis a back way that was pretty quick and easy.  If you ask me how we walked there, we have no idea.  We don't even have a real map!  We asked a shop owner where the Acropolis entrance was and he told us in English luckily.  He then asked what part of the States we were from and when I said NJ, he told me he used to live down the shore there!  What a small world.  His family still lives in Freehold.  Just like mine! :)

Admission was FREE for everyone at the Acropolis today due to the Easter holiday! Woot! It is a beautiful day, so we had a very nice walk!  I was even sweating!  Good thing we will be on the beach in two days!  After our visit, we headed to Monastiraki to a restaurant called Thanassis.  It is famous for the Greek souvlaki.  And yes, it was the best ever!  Thanks to Natassa for the recommendation!!

Shortly, Natassa's cousin is meeting us at the hotel to show us around Piraeus.  We should have a good afternoon!

Will write when I can!