My Layover in Greece!

It is amazing how excitement can keep you going on no sleep! I had the greatest day in Athens!

After we arrived at the Athens airport (p.s. I saw an IKEA as we were landing!), a shuttle bus took us to our hotel, where we stayed for the duration of our layover (12 hours). The route to the hotel was quite scenic…and the landscape was absolutely beautiful! I love the rolling hills and the architecture of the homes. The different can be very captivating :)

At the hotel I met two incredible people, both on their way to Israel. One was a professional makeup artist named Samir. He has travelled the world for his career, however this time he was headed home to Israel to fulfill military duties. I didn’t know that the citizens of Israel had to join the military…nor did I know that they had to continue serving their military for one month every year (until age of retirement). He is living in Toronto right now, but if he did not return to Israel this year to serve, he would not be welcomed back to his country. And, if he was allowed back, he would not be treated nicely. This was his reason for returning to Israel. Crazy. The other guy, named Mace, was an architect who specialized in turning old industrial areas into “green space”. He is currently getting a second Masters degree through MIT and working in Israel on a new design project. Like Samir, he has also travelled the world! You can imagine the conversations the three of us had over lunch!!! Oh- and lunch included retro coke bottles and delicious food on a patio overlooking the pool. On a funny side note, Mace accidentally knocked a glass plate off the table. We all started laughing because he said the act was intentional, “isn’t that what they do in Greece? Break plates and have a good time?!!” I’m not sure the kitchen staff found it as funny :)

After lunch we decided to explore, despite the jet lag we all refused to admit to! We walked down to the Mediterranean and put our feet in the water! It was irresistibly amazing and there were many tourists taking advantage of the beach. We continued to walk along the water, where we found a Starbucks (YES, IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE!) and decided it was time to sit in the shade for a while. Athens was hot!

After Starbucks, I insisted that we browse the many lovely purses being sold on the street. (Galley – you would have been in HEAVEN!). Lucky me, I didn’t even have to encourage the boys to walk with me! That may have been a first time! I ended up getting a very adorable black purse with a little bow and button :) I must also convey that this was my first bargaining experience! The initial price was reduced dramatically :)

When we got back to the hotel, everyone tried to have a sleep and only one of us was successful! That person was certainly not me. I spent the time watching the Olympics (super cool…especially in a place where the Olympics has been!) and trying to use my long distance calling cards to call home. FRUSTRATION! The calling cards would not work and neither would the Internet. All I wanted to do was have a quick chat with my favourite people (you know who you are!). Oh well, dinner was soon after!

Before the shuttle came to pick everyone up for the airport, I met two teachers that will be working at the same school as me! They are sisters….and they are AMAZING! Both of them are older than I am and have had lots of travel experience! I am so lucky sometimes!

My time spent in Athens was exciting, but short! There is so much to discover in Greece and I definitely sense an upcoming……….VACATION! (I am seeking travel companions.) Egypt is in the perfect location for travelling! Ladies and gentlemen, GO CENTRAL! :)