And That's the Last Time I'm Ever Sleeping in a Casino...

Coming back to Athens, we needed a place to stay for the night. We looked at our options:

Plan A: Crash at Tim's penthouse
Plan B: Use our extra key to get back into Studio 11
Plan C: Sleep on the couches of the Mezzanine and Athens Backpackers
Plan D: Buy a room for the night

Thank goodness for contingency plans because we went all the way to Plan C! It was actually a good, warm sleep and we went off to the Acropolis the next day.

In Greek, the Acropolis literally means ""The Sacred Rock, the High City." Sitting at 150m above ground level, the Acropolis is comprised of various monuments, many of which are dedicated to none other than the Greek God of Love, Athena.

The Temple of Athena Niki

Lillie and me in front of the Erechtheion

The most popular monument in the Acropolis would be the Parthenon, a temple of Athena, built in 5th century B.C. The Partheonon was the epitomy of Doric style (as opposed to ionic which is more elaborate) and was actually utilized as a treasury building.

We had the same camera, so naturally they asked me to be in their picture!

The view from Areopagus Hill looked worthwhile, so we had to make the small climb. Too bad we were slipping and sliding the whole time causing my foot to actually get caught in the rocks! Worth the pics nonetheless!

In classical times, the Areopagus actually functioned as the highest court of the land. Myth has it that Ares was tried here by the Gods for the murder of Poseidon's son, Alirrothios.

The gorgeous view from Areopagus Hill

Julia slipping and sliding down Areopagus Hill

We then stopped by the flea market to buy my mom a doll and a shotglass for my collection from every country. I was ecstatic that shipping the doll back to the U.S. only costs 7.32euros (and that included the packaging!). We said goodbye to our hostel and headed on the long journey to Italy!

Greek public transportation is fantastic and clean. The buses are actually coaches with air conditioning and the occasional television set. Although it took us about five hours to get to Patras and my sore throat was killing me, the Superfast Ferry was beautiful! It had multiple bars, a casino, a nightclub, etc. It was definitely cruise-ship style!

Some older gentlemen tried speaking to us, but we were busy reading, planning out Italy, and working on the laptop (it was a great excuse - whew!). As I was completely face-planted onto the table, another one tried speaking to Lillie in Espagnol, but I popped right up to confusion...one of those "you had to be there moments."

We didn't want to spend the 35euros to upgrade and there were no couches; hence, we slept in the casino! It was cold...loud...no blankets...no pillows...Superfast sucks! Oh, how our thoughts changed! At that point, we were willing to pay the 70euros on the ship, but unfortunately the attendent was not working. Thus, I spent the night sleeping in the casino with some Greek ladies sleeping an inch away from my head. Oh, the sacrifices of not upgrading!

Lille and Julia...we are never sleeping in a casino ever again!

Sometimes You Need to take a Chance on Luck...

We dropped off our luggage to which we ran into everybody we had met on the island! Our shuttle was scheduled to leave at 2:30PM that day, so we figured we could squeeze in a bit of sightseeing.

12:50PM - We jump off the bus at the Red Sand Beach

1:10PM - The bus we were supposed to take, but we wanted to dip into the ocean! We took our chances in either taking the 1:30PM bus or calling a taxi.

The Red Sand Beach. Not red sand, but rather red rocks

1:40PM - The bus never shows up. We call a taxi. The number doesn't work!

1:45PMish - Lillie pushes for hitchiking. But wait! Travis from our hostel shows up on an ATV!

We tell Travis our situation and he says he can take us. So the four of us jump on the ATV made for two as we race back to the hostel! Although incredibly slow and we had to walk up hills (otherwise the ATV would stall), we made it back to the hostel at 2:07PM! Whew!

Ironically, everyone taking the transfer to the port of Thira was stuffed into our car and we hung out with John and Lucas while waiting for the ferry. Wish I were going to Ios too!

And So This is Backpacking Europe...

Today we took a Santorini day tour around Caldera, Thirassia, and Oia. After relaxing on the beach yesterday, we were excited to jump right into all that is Greece!

Sitting in the back of a van waiting for our ship!

We hiked to the top of the volcano in the amazingly boiling sun with our tour guide (who spoke seven languages). He dug into the volcano to show us the sulfur that steamed up. Crazy.

On top of the volcano! Woo!

The highlight of the day was swimming in the hot springs at Thirassia. We discovered (or perhaps I somehow convinced everyone) that you could give yourself a facial with the hot springs clay. I did a similar trick in Costa Rica and although I'm no mineral expert, I'm sure it works!

For lunch, we had some delicious seafood at Captain John's with our newfound Australian friends. One of the best things I love about traveling is discovering the different phrases each culture has for the same thing ("sunglasses/sunnys,""flip-flops/thongs", etc.).

Hot springs facial!

To get up to watch the sunset at Oia, we took the DONKEY RIDE! Contrary to popular belief, the donkeys are actually not too tame with their walk. They actually try to outrace each other to the top of the hill and are CRAZY. Mine raced the entire time while my foot dragged against the side of the wall. Gssh.

Lillie and her donkey at Oia. Post-crazy run.

Being girly, we did another photoshoot and met up with the boys we met on the boat who had climbed onto a random rooftop. With hundreds of people lining up to watch the sunset, Julia gave them quite a show when it took her about ten minutes just to jump over the wall!

The beautiful island of Santorini and watching the Sunset at Oia...sigh...

After getting back to the hostel, we decided to jump onto the last 11:15PM bus into the town of Fira. The Town Square has an abundence of clubs and bars that one can just hop in and out of each one.

At Murphy's, we met two girls, one Brazilian and one Spanish. Being a Monday, all the clubs and bars were basically empty, so being five young girls, we pretty much brought the party everywhere we went! We hit up The Town, The Highlander, The Tropical Bar, and the Koo Club taking pictures with every bartender and getting free entrance and drinks everywhere we went! It was hilarious!

Murphy's in Fira Town Square

We met up with the rest of the hostel at The Beach Bar at Perisses. Kiren (one of the Australians) and I waded along the rocks on the beach. I then got the brilliant idea at 4AM to go swimming!

No one else wanted to come, so I just jumped in wearing all my clothes and Kiren jumped in naked! (what?!) I yelled at Julia to not look, but the next thing I heard from her mouth was, "Oh, god! My eyes! My eyes!" Haha...

The girls and I were about to leave when I saw a figure running after us. I just yelled for everyone to run and then it hit me: I was running down the street on the beaches of the Greek Isles at 4:30AM being chased by a naked Australian...haha...now THAT'S a Eurotrip story!

Arrival to the Greek Isle of Santorini

After a delightful 5AM wake up, we took to metro to the port of Pireaus. Today would be a travel day as it takes up to eight hours to get to the beautiful island of Santorini. I grabbed the last coach seat, so Lillie and Julia got to upgrade to the first-class seatings. Too bad I slept on a bench with a body part touching each five of my bags! Gssh.

Unparalled sunset at the port of Pireaus

We had a tip to stay at Anna Perissa. 11 euros for our own private room, 8 euros to share. What a steal!

Tip: You don't need to make reservations when you reach Santorini. After coming off the ferry, there will be many hotel/hostel workers offering their places for you to stay. Don't be afraid to haggle!

The Black Sand Beach

At the beautiful Black Sand Beach, we held a mini-photoshoot and had a picnic with fruits and orange soda. We relaxed and took naps while the sun set. It was finally in this moment that it hit me that we were actually in GREECE backpacking EUROPE! Sigh...

Relaxing in paradise

We had amazing gyros with pita for dinner that night. Somehow, we ended up getting ATV rides around the island with some nice Australians! Too bad my driver was crazy and loved doing donuts all the time. Haha, good night!

Not too much of a fan of pita, but this was too good to resist!

And Let the Eurotrip Begin...

I ate my awesome spaghetti leftovers from Apollo's restaurant for breakfast. Yum!

We went on a tour of Delphi, an archaeological town which is the home of Apollo and the legendary Oracle. This was the site of the Pythian Games, the precursor to the Olympics as we know it today. Too bad our tour bus got on a bit of an accident on the way up, but it's all good!

The Center of the Universe! Legend has it that if it is touched, you will have weird dreams

We visited the museum next door and then had coffee at a local village. Usually, coffee in Greece would literally last for hours, but we had to jump right back on the bus to get back to Athens.

The charioteer, made by an unknown artist of the Severe style

After a nice long planning session at Regal Cafe and Bar (yeah, free wireless!), we headed back to our hostel to the Rooftop Bar where I was treated to one of their specialty drinks, Parthenon Passion. While everybody else walked to Psiri, a hip spot for nightlife in the city, I got a moped ride from one of the hostel workers (Olsen twin movie, much?) It was quite enjoyable, though I kept yelling "Omigosh!" the entire time!

Amazing toilet at Regal Cafe and Bar!

Moped ride on the way to Psiri

While waiting for everyone else to arrive, we had some drinks at Liquid Bar where of course, I met more people who had just finished going on their Contiki trips! We then met up with the rest of the group at Club Spirit where we danced, danced, danced!

Julia breaking it down at Spirit!

The night ended up with us sitting on a penthouse rooftop under the stars while the next door neighbors blasted traditional Greek music (again, Olsen twin movie status!) When I got back to the hostel at 4AM, I figured I would have to tip-toe around. Once I opened the door, I found Julia and Lillie hanging out with our other hostel guests! Haha, I love my roommates!

Took a one hour nap to prepare for our 5AM wake up call! And that's backpacking Europe!

Welcome to Athens!

At the Athens Airport, we learned how to say "hello" in Greek (pronounced "ya-shoo"). I usually like to learn key phrases before traveling to a country, but with the busy summer (and still being jet-lagged from Australia), I figured I could pick it up in Athens.

Only 3.50euro for the bus, we made it to Athens Backpackers, the #1 rated hostel in Athens. Centrally located near the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, it was in a great location! After getting some ice cream (it was called, "Chocolate Orgy," no joke), we headed off to Hadrian's Gate and the Temple of Zeus.

My favorite part of Athens is that you have this world of history intermixed with modern day's technology. The juxtaposition and coexistence of the old and new can just blow one's mind!

The Arch of Hadrian and Odos Adrianou Street

Built in 131 A.D., the Arch of Hadrian serves as a gateway between the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. Legend has it that the Arch separates the Old World and the New World. On one side of the gate, the inscription reads, "This is the city of Theseus" and the other side reads, "This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus." Hmm...

Julia, my traveling companion, and me with Hadrian's Gate and the Acropolis in the background

We then headed off to the Temple of Zeus! Here you will find the images of Greece you have always imagined! The Temple of Olympian Zeus, as its names implies, was dedicated to the Greek God Zeus, and was renowned as the largest temple in Greece during Roman times. Construction began in 6th century BC, but was actually not completed until 650 years later! Unfortunately, a barbarian invasion pillaged the temple and materials were used to construct other building projects around the city, but the ruins remain intact enough to provide a great visit!

The glorious Temple of Zeus!

Afterwards, Julia and I headed off to the National Gardens to which there was a live band playing at the Zappeon. We were then able to check into our hostel to which they actually upgraded us to a studio apartment! Baller status!

Dancing in the National Gardens. Although they thought I was stealing the broom, they laughed once they saw the pose!

We continued our adventure to Parliament, the Olympic Stadium, and the Government House. At the National Archeological Museum, I enjoyed the Corinthian pottery, but was not too impressed wit hthe Neolithi pottery. The Pre-historic exhibit was just too small in my opinion.

Guard in front of the Parliament Building

In front of The Olympic Stadium

Dogs like this are frequently found passed out all over Athens. It's just so hot!

The National Archaeology Musuem

Back at our awesome hostel, we headed up to the Rooftop Bar! EVERYBODY in the hostel comes here for happy hour and then heads out to a night together. It's incredibly easy to meet people and you can find many solo travelers as well. Julia and I headed off to dinner leaving Lillie a note on the whiteboard.

The magnificent view of the Acropolis from the roof of Athens Backpackers Hostel

After superb advertising (walking next to people begging them with compliments to come to your restaurant), we at Vitro, an Italian restaurant with an active host named Apollo. Lillie showed up and our travel group was complete!

Apollo LOVED us! Eat at Vitro and sign a paper to put on the wall!

Being the first night, we took a short little night tour of the city and headed back to the hostel. Let's see what adventures await us!