Athens

 We finally arrived at Athens main bus terminal and quickly collected our luggage. What an incredible melting pot of people, noise, and fumes. Chaos ruled in this place and so quickly got our bearings and jumped on another bus heading to Athens CBD. We gathered our luggage together and held on for the ride. The bus lurched forward in fits and starts navigating the narrow laneways and busy streets. After travelling through some colourful areas we arrived in a hectic little alleyway littered with street stalls and locals. Where are we? A quick chat with the locals and we were off to catch the metro. Parting comment - Enjoy your stay in Athens the helpful man said. Off we headed knowing we were nearly there.

Arriving at the metro train station of Omonia we realised we needed cash so Drew went off to raid an ATM so we could enjoy our few days in Athens. By the time he got back Jenny and the kids had been approached by some unsavoury people wanting to know where they were staying. They quickly disappeared as Drew returned. Simone's instincts issued a warning but our confidence was high as we disappeared into the Metro station. Tickets were purchased and then we descended further to catch our train. One stop before we changed lines but what a ride it was.

Unknowing we had entered one of Athens worst crime spots. Gangs of illegal immigrants work the space between Omonia and Syntagma stations. As we boarded the train the kids and Jenny were allowed to board then 2 blokes closed over the entry. Drew being polite asked to get through before crashing through them in attempt to board as the doors began to close. With bag caught in door and a flurry of arms and legs we were able to reopen door and push through to get on. Once on things didn't improve. The guys followed Drew across cabin and just as the train pulled up tried to lift bag out of train. After a brief struggle they gave up and all departed. As you can imagine everyone was very tense. Make sure everything is still here. Oh no! Wallet with all cash, credit cards, licence etc, etc. gone. Further check, Simone's IPod gone. A mad panicked rush to the police on duty ended up with a further warning of how dangerous it is on the subway. Welcome to Athens. After a lengthy call cards were cancelled and addresses swapped. Report stolen things to police station asap and see what happens. Super nervous we headed off on one final leg to our hotel. It seemed like an eternity but after some hard work lugging cases across streets, up hills we finally fell into the foyer of our Hotel. The manager was very worried about us and helped us get organised. Free internet and some kind words saw us out for the day. We all collapsed into our beds that night completely exhausted.


Acropolis





A head count next morning assured we were all still their. Its a terrible feeling being threatened and robbed. It changes your whole perception of a place and made for some mixed feelings of our time in Athens. Drew was on a mission to file the report at Syntagma police station(guarded like Fort Knox). Seriously I would hate to know who they are fighting against as huge numbers of police armed to the teeth everywhere. I felt a little insignificant reporting my stolen items, however they were very helpful and then on to find some money. The rest of the family preferred the safety of the hotel room. The morning was frustrating as after a quick visit to the police, money(or lack of it) became a big problem. Banks were closed for weekend, next port of call Australian Embassy for assistance(closed for weekend). It appears the only people working over here are the criminals. On returning to the hotel empty handed and exhausted I pleaded to the new hotel manager which eventually agreed to help with some cash via my Dad's account. What a saga. Totally spent we regrouped, bought something to eat and prepare to leave our room.




Parthenon


It took a while to get our confidence back having to travel the metor again to see the wonderful sights of ancient Athens. Without the luggage things improved quickly. Wow! Surfacing at Monastiraki we were quickly engulfed by the sights and sounds of a busy market which was our starting point for the climg up the steep hill to the Acropolis. The weather was warm and we quickly hit the water bottles for relief. We pushed on enjoying the many interesting sights and were eventually rewarded with a glimpse of the Gates to the Acropolis. As it was getting late we decided to return to camp and plan a full days assault on the ancient attractions tomorrow.



Trekking around Acropolis





 



Parthenon(side view) 438BC





Jenny & Laura shopping in Flea market





Propylaia - cities entrance in ancient times.



Well we hit the streets running today and quickly got to where we left off. The Acropolis, Partheneon and the many other impressive buildings truly reflect the past glories of Athens. We immersed ourselves in the local markets, people and activities on offer in this amazing city and soaked up the local culture, sounds and smells that are on offer. The streets of Athens in these tourist quarters are both charming and full of interesting little souvenier shops and the people who run them. We walked all day and came home exhausted but satisfied.

 



Athens-hot and thirsty work trekking the many hills.



Changing of Guard at Tomb of the unknown soldier



After a huge day out we then prepared ourselves for our late night flight out.

Yes we just love a challenge. Our flight to London left at 10.30PM so we collected our belongings after a nice meal and set off on our next adventure. Goodbye Athens. Great memories. Leaving with mixed emotions(both good and bad). Anyway all is well that ends well and so after an interesting trip to the airport we boarded the plane and departed this great city.

Ancient Olympic stadium



Life in Athens







Bari to Patras - Ferry

We arrived in Bari after completing our West to East coast jaunt in the Puegeot.

Bari - Time to go!

It was time to say goodbye to our trusty car. It had served us well and made the trip so far very comfortable. After unloading and without our trusty steed, life all of a sudden became harder. It was now down to us to move the luggage and for the first time rely on the public transport. After 2 seperate bus trips we eventually made it to port. For the first time of the trip people seemed to be a little less helpful. Maybe it was our imagination or were suspicious eyes watching us.





 We were all excited to eventually board the ferry after a 2 hour wait, and head on our way. Trucks, people and luggage made an interesting procession all entering from the same entry point. Anyway our super fast ferry was big enough for everyone and soon we were on our way. Athens here we come!



Travelling Valentines





    


About to board ship.




Air seats on Ferry



Well sailing is certainly a nice way to travel but after 26 hours or so

 the air seats didn't seem to be quite as comfortable as when we set out.

 They look like an aircraft seat and they feel like one to. Well at least we had the lounges, cafeteria's games rooms and decks to keep us amused. The children made the most of the wi fi and staying up a bit longer didn't seem to phase them at all. Travelling through the night had its own appeal. Standing on deck with the wind blowing under a full moon was pretty nice. 

As the sun came up we had some spectacular views of the Greek coast. Special!   The water was glassy and created an awesome wake behind the boat which seemed to go on forever. Eventually we arrived a little tired but keen to take the next trek from Patras to Athens. The town of Patras is a pretty seedy little town. We had planned to catch the train but on arrival were told they were working on the track and it had been cancelled for a few days. Great. Plan B.

Find the bus terminal. Look like a tourist, pay to much and get an express bus to Athens. Some interesting looking characters eyeing us off so thought the quicker we leave the better. Allocated seats on a bus. New one on us but hey things seem to be looking up again. Very modern bus. Quick head count. Yep all on board and now heading for Athens on a 3 hr trip. Time to relax again, almost there.   



Computer Lounge



Racing towards Patras



Ships wake nearing Patras.











Pompeii



Sorrento was the perfect base to see the many sights in this region. Today however was to be our eagerly awaited visit to Pompei. This ancient Roman city epitomised the self indulgent lifestyle of the day. Materials were relatively simple but they built lavish homes and courtyards and certainly knew how to have a good time.

We enjoyed wandering the steets of this ancient city of Pompeii. It is amazing how much work they have done to uncover the ancient Roman city.

The amphitheatre and colliseum were both very impressive and were the perfect place to entertain or sacrifice your loved ones. Nothing like going out for some popcorn and watching the christians being fed to the lions. Ok. Maybe that's a bit of a stretch however they certainly had some interesting forms of entertainment.

Well like all good parties things have to come to an end. Just because the local mountain was smoking a little, their was no cause for concern. Just another wild party on the mount. However, as history tells us Mt Vesuvius was more than just a smokin' hill, it was in fact the full monty of volcanic eruptions and when it erupted on 24 August AD 79, it spewed out massive amounts of lapilli(burning fragments of pumice stone) which buryed the city and all its inhabitants.

We spent many hours exploring this ancient model of a working Roman city. The macarbes scenes of creepy body casts from some of those who perished gave us an insight into the terrible last few hours in this city. We all found it really interesting and enjoyed the day. We then explored a bit more of modern Pompei with its many stalls before returning to base.

Sorrento



View towards Sorrento, Italy

  What a great town! Full of action, lots of motor bikes, cars, trucks, cyclists in the streets with what seemed like no road rules other than "point & push"! It was great.

Sorrento

 The town of Sorrento in Southern Italy is a very popular holiday destination in summer. It has fantastic views and a great atmosphere.
After arriving in Sorrento we headed out on a small drive along the coast to another beautiful clifftop town called Positano. It once again had spectacular views and we enjoyed walking down through the narrorw streets to the beach. After spending the afternoon here we returned to our hotel exhausted.



Positano

 


Positano



After a good nights sleep we spent most of the day in Pompeii.

We then returned to Sorrento for a relaxing afternoon of shopping and exploring the streets of Sorrento.
  We once again enjoyed this town and will remember it for its views and traffic!


Positano





Sorrento

 



Sorrento

 





Rome



Victor Emmanuel Monument
"Wedding Cake"

Well they say all roads lead to Rome, so we were feeling confident that we would make it.
After a leisurely start through the Tuscan Hills we gathered momentum and quickly entered the outskirts of Rome. We checked in at our new home. Now to plan our attack on Italy's capital but not before a quick dip in the pool. Yes, its starting to warm up again.



The Colosseum



Colosseum by day

 After recounting the gladiator movie on our bus ride in, we approached the Colosseum with great excitement. We were not disappointed with a running battle of gladiators posing for pictures out the front.
Then we saw the line. Fortunately we were here in Spring and only had to wait a mere 30 minutes to get in. It truly is a great stadium and you can appreciate how advanced it was for its time. To see  it or perform in it in its day would have really got the adrenalin going, particuarly when you either left the fight with the praise of the mob or in a box. Certainly brings a new meaning to the saying "Winning isn't everthing. It's the only thing."
Next on the list was the Trevi fountain(Coin tossed, so we will return to Rome), shopping,  the Pantheon(Oldest and most Impressive Roman temple), shopping, famous piazza ? and market place(to many piazza's), look out for rogue pigeons and then dragged ourselves onto St Peters Basilica. By now even the shopping for the girls was hard work. Complaints of sore feet saw us take a much needed rest back at camp.

 

Guard at St Peter's Basilica



Tiber River

Today we had a much deserved sleep in. Gee that was good. Eventually we got the team revved up again to do the religious tour of rome. Vatican city here we come and no we were not dissapointed. Superb works of art, statues and architecture abound. The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world but boy it packs a punch. Highlight being the Sistine chapel which is an insane collection of frescoes on the ceiling led by Italy's pinup boy Michelangelo. Unreal! On leaving the Vatican we slipped in next door to see if the Pope was home. Didn't find him but the front door was open so had a look. St Peter's Basilica, biggest church  in the world. Yanks couldn't believe it, but yes it's true. Very well appointed with everything you could wish for in a church. Truly amazing and with position,position,position. Must be worth a bit. Finished day with walk along the Tiber River before shopping and then heading home. Night tour was on cards. Mussolini's "Victor Emmanuel monument" more commonly known as the wedding cake(pic. top) was a stand out of the tour. Home James and don't spare the horses. Leaving for Sorrento tomorrow.

Trevi Fountain

Siena



View from bedroom window




Cathedral

 Siena, a small town in the Tuscany region of Italy, is one that is full of history. Like many of the other towns it has an old part that is surrounded by a large stone wall.

We only had one night here which we spent wandering the streets & eating & drinking in the cafe/restaurants.




Typical street in Siena

 The Piazza del Campo was full of entertainment with different groups of people playing & singing to entertain the crowds.

The square is famous for it's horse race called Palio of Siena. It is a race which basically has no rules & only lasts a couple of minutes; a horse can win even if its rider has fallen off! Unfortunately we were not here to witness the event however we really enjoyed our evening.

Piazza del Campo

Florence

What a great place for shopping!


Florence



Statue of David



Florence Cathedral

We loved staying in the city of Florence where there were markets and shops everywhere - all within walking distance of our hotel.

While Drew slaved away working we did some sightseeing & what else... went shopping!

David was bigger than big as you can see in the picture. Amazing to see the detail. The cathedral was also spectacular.

We will remember Florence for David & the markets.