Keep your glass on the napkin please
Yesterday morning was spent planning our next few trips throughout Greece. Later in the day, after a bird decided to defecate in my lunch (Did I mention I hate birds?), we walked up to one of the highest points in the city. Athens is massive in size and seems to go as far as the eye can see.
View of Athens
That evening, the man working at the hostel sent us to a quiet restaurant away from the tourist scene. Dinner started with a spicy feta appetizer followed by some juicy lamb chops. The food was spectacular; enough to where we stopped in the next day to grab a gyro before heading to Kalampaka.
As for today, well let’s just say it was truly epic. The morning started with gloomy weather, but we were determined to catch the bus and visited Sounion, a cape overlooking the Aegean Sea.
With buses leaving once every hour and taking the better part of two hours to reach the cape, we grabbed some toast and left for the bus stop. On our way, we noticed the bus start to drive by, and yet again, we found ourselves chasing another form of transportation. About six blocks later, it stops again and we manage to board while having a good laugh. Once outside Athens, mesmerizing coastal views began to emerge, which only seemed to grow in beauty as we traveled further from the city.
Aegean Sea
Ancient temple of Poseidon
Awesomeness
Beach view
The ancient Greek temple of Poseidon is the main attraction in the cape. Of course, it could be argued that the coastal views alone, coupled with multi-million euro homes sparsely populated throughout were also worth seeing.
We arrived just about ten minutes before an enormous group of high school kids destroyed the quiet ambiance. After viewing the ruins, we hiked down to the sea. After taking in some gorgeous views, we caught the next bus back and headed to the train station for Kalampaka, about 5 hours north of Athens.
While waiting on the train, Calvin, a fellow traveller from the hostel joins us. Once on board, Calvin manages to convince Scott and I to have a beer with him at the bar. Let it be known, do not remove your glass from the napkin; huge party foul in Greek Train culture. The remaining four hours were spent talking with some awesome Greek men (one of whom may or may not have been a mobster).
Train ride
Once in Kalampaka, we checked into our hotel and immediately met two Swedish girls who wanted to grab dinner with us. The five of us wandered into a small family restaurant and spent then next five hours talking and having a great time. My new favorite Greek dish is moussaka. Layered with sautéed eggplant, ground lamb and something like mashed potatoes, the dish is truly amazing.
Dinner!!!
Dinner Crew
Tomorrow we hike up to the floating monasteries; should be insane!