I've never travelled as long as I have within the past few days.
I took a train from Meteora to Thessaloniki, which was about four hours. I then took a ferry to Chios, where I am now. The ferry left at 3 in the morning and was scheduled to be 18 hours. It actually turned into 21, though, and I didn't end up getting to Chios until about 12 am.
I've been here for two days, and this island is fantastic. I spent most of yesterday in the sun (which I am dearly paying for now), and today I explored the villages in the south. They are absolutely amazing, completely different than anything I have seen before. My favorite was called Pyrgi. The buildings are decorated with intracite designs of grey and white. It's amazing. They use a technique of coating the walls with a mixture of cement and black volcanic sand, then painting over that with white lime. After that's dried they then scrape off the lime with the bent prong of a fork, which reveals the matt grey underneath. Some of the designs are geometric, some are based on animals, and still others ar floral. I've been told there's nowhere like it in all of Greece.
The second village I went to was called Mesta. The village is very much a maze - a 14th century defense mechanism, or so I am told. The streets are cobblestone and the houses stone. It was quite amazing.
And at three in the morning I am catching another ferry to Samos, where I can catch a ferry to Ikaria. This is the island I am looking forward to most of all. I'm half thinking about renting myself a vespa, because apparently public transportation is non-existant. It'll probably be too expensive. But what an expirience that would be!
I have now learned that the best thing you can do on a hot day is eat ice cream and dangle your feet off the docks, over light blue water.
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Delphi was good. The ruins were amazing, as well as the museum. But the scenery! That was what made it so amazing. I must confess that having just been Rome, Athens, and Pompeii, I'm getting a little ancient-ruined out. I probably would have enjoyed it more if it was at a different part of my trip. All the same, I did my best to enjoy it for what it was, as I won't be back here in the forseeable future.
I am currently in a town that starts with a K, but I can't remember the name of it. I'm below a place called Meteora, one of the most visited attractions in Greece. You wouldn't know it, though. There don't seem to be any tourists about.
Meteora is a place where monastaries have been built upon huge, towering rock formations. It's amazing. You must google it. Tomorrow I have a 12K walk to make it around to all the monastaries, so I'm setting out early. I'm looking forward to a day of excersize in the sizzling heat.
The six hour bus ride here was very entertaining. When I think of Greece, I don't think of the landscape that I have so far seen - I've seen mountains, rivers, rolling hills, that kind of thing. Not the little white washed villages that I thought was all Greece consisted of. It's almost similar to Canada, and is rather comforting in that way.
I feel good that I've been seeing some of the mainland of Greece. Most people just go to the islands, and they're missing out on some of the country's most fantastic scenery.
I've decided that I'm flying out of the Island of Rhodes, where I can catch a cheap flight back to Manchester. At this time of the year they don't fly to Scotland, so I'll likely have to catch another flight from Manchester to Edinburgh shortly after I get back. By cutting out some things in Greece (due to bad transportation and expensive accomodation) I think I'll be able to make it there to see Alex. I can't wait.
As exciting as being in the mainland is, I'm super excited for the islands. I'm going down from Thessaloniki to Chios, and continuing to work my way down the eastern islands from there. I won't hit all the islands, but I'll do quite a few. It'll be great, because those aren't often visited by tourists and I have heard that they have spectacular uncrowded beaches.
I've also met up with two new people, Emma and Rapheal. We managed to find a cheap three person room, which is quite perfect. Emma's leaving to go to Corfu after Meteora, and Rapheal and I will continue onto Thessaloniki together. It'll be good to have a train buddy.
So that's life until now. Hope you're all doing well, and I shall update soon.
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I've left Athens - I only spent one night there. It wasn't the best first impression of Greece. It was pretty much just a normal, busy city. The Acropolis was a big disapointment, as they're putting it through a massive restoration project. They're replacing most of the old marble with new, so that oxidation doesn't continue to wear away at it.
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that. It made me wonder with everything I saw exactly what was original and what was new. I left Athens without getting a very good look at anything, said goodbye to Craig, and headed up to Delphi where I am now.
I find that I'm missing Craig quite a lot. It's only been a day, but I had really gotten used to travelling with him. I think we were together for almost a week, and it was nice having someone to sightsee with. Alas, all good things must come to an end. And so I'm back on my own, which will take a bit to get used to.
I also find I'm expiriencing quite a bit of homesickness, mainly for tae kwon do and Vancouver. That was a bit unexpected. I haven't missed Vancouver for the majority of my trip, and all the sudden it hits me. I think that that's because it's getting closer for me to go home - I guess our minds mentally prepare ourselves for what is coming. Most of the time.
The drive to Delphi was fantastic. Delphi has been built on the top of a cliff which means fantastic scenery. I haven't explored the town very much yet. I'm going to go for a long walk tonight and then tomorrow see what I can see - I have a feeling I could have left tomorrow (this place is small), but I wanted to stay an extra night -I've been doing a lot of travelling within the last few days.
In Ancient times, Delphi was considered to be the center of the earth (according to the Greeks). It is said that Zeus let two doves loose and they both flew around the world in oppisite directions - when they met up, this is where they met. The crossroads that Oedipus killed his father at (where three roads meet, according to Sophocles) is here as well.
I am short on time. I've only got 18 days until I'm meant to be up in Scotland with Alex. The plan is to do some mainland and do a little bit of island hopping, and then catch a flight to Edinburough from somewhere. Next I'm off to Meteora for two nights, and then the Zagoria Villages (google them).
I've sent out another mass email, most of you should have recieved it.
Hugs to all!
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I have made it to Greece!
I've been travelling with a new mate of mine that I met in Florence named Craig. We've spent a few days together, and now we are in Athens. The fifteen hour ferry ride from Bari was a lot more fun with another person.
I have no place to sleep tonight. Craig insisted that we would be ok not booking ahead - and as a result our only option is to sleep on the roof of a hostel, or leave Athens. I think we're opting for option number two, as I have no sleeping bag (I've needed one on a few occasions, so I know to bring one for next time). Ordinarily I would be very, very worried, but I'm not alone. I know nothing is going to happen to me while he's here, and so I'm not scared.
Plus, I'm super excited - I'M IN GREECE!!! Woo!!!
I'm not sure where I'll be tomorrow, but I'll be sure to update soon. I've also sent out another mass email, so that has a little more information than this post does.
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I have made it to Naples.
I haven't done anything today except get here. All the rest of the time has been spent trying to figure out a way to get to Greece.
Why did I not think about that yet? I don't know. Now I'm stressed and worried and the thought did cross my mind just to head back to Manchester. It quickly passed, but it was there.
The problem is that I have to catch a ferry. To catch a ferry I have to get to the bus stop in Bari. I'm having problems figuring out exactly where I'll be for the 16th. It's a 15 hour overnight ferry ride (that'll be fantastic :S). I should be arriving in a place called Patra. But hostelworld doesn't book hostels for there, and I don't know where it is - I don't know how to get anywhere from Patra, and I don't know where is closest.
And all this is theoretical, as I haven't booked anything yet. So I'm freaking out a bit because I'm running out of time.
And you know how much a plane ticket back home is going to Manchester is going to cost me? A lot. And that's because ryanair doesn't fly to Greece and easyjet just isn't that cheap. Arrrg.
I hate this...
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When in Rome...Squish all the sightseeing activities you can into two days!
Rome is unlike any city Italy has to offer. It's completely different. It's extremely odd, because you'll be driving along and all the sudden see ancient ruins next to the side of the road that have been there since 500 AD or something like that. Just ridiculous.
I have done tonnes of stuff. Yesterday I went to catacombs a fair ways outside of Rome. That was really interesting - it was basically an underground cemetary four floors big, with aboug half a million graves in it. Some on the public route were still sealed, but most of them had been opened and plundered by raids. The government removed all the bones ten years ago due to tourists who would steal them as souvenirs.
After that I went to the Basicillia di San Giovanni in Laterno, which was amazing. Absolutely stunning on the inside. Outside of that was a domed bapistry that was built by Constantine.
Also extremely interesting was something called the Scala Santa ("The Holy Stairs"). People used to make pilgrameges to this place because it was believed to be the holiest in the world. Somewhere around 200 AD the stairs were removed from Jerusalem and brought to Rome. They are believed to be the stairs that Jesus walked up in Pontius Pilate's palace. Because of this you are only allowed to go up them on your knees, which is very painful I might add.
I also went to the Pantheon, one of the best preserved and most recognizable buildings in Rome. The inside was beautiful, although someone had decided to have their wedding there. I can't figure out why they would want to have their wedding in a tourist attraction during high tourist time, but I suppose that they must have thought about it beforehand.
The day before I went to an extremely old castle that was where the Popes would flee when Rome was under attack. I also did a bunch of other things, including going into the Vatican and seeing the Sistine Chapel. Next to Trevi fountain, that was probably the highlight of my trip (so far). I've never seen anything like it before. The Vatican is room after room after room covered in phenominal artwork. And the Sistine Chapel - I couldn't believe that Michaelangelo had actually been up there painting the brushstrokes himself.
What did get to me, though, is the people that would take pictures in the Chapel knowing that they weren't allowed, as well as those who would removed the coverings off of their shoulders. It's about respecting the place. Even if you don't agree with it, you should have enough care for the place to simply do what you're told. I had to hold my tounge to stop myself from telling people off.
There was more - so much more - but I can't be bothered to write it all. Rome is amazing, peoples. I highly recommend it, but maybe not in peak tourist time.
Anywho, I'm done in Rome, and am off to Naples, Capris, and Pompeii. I'm hugely excited for both, actually. And then it's on to Greece!
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I've made it to Rome.
Rome is amazing. I've been around a little bit - just what I can see within walking distance. The Colosseum, a few ancient ruins, and the Trevy Fountain. It's all quite amazing.
Italy went crazy when they won the World Cup. I've never seen partying like this before. It felt like it was the end of a war - people marching in the streets singing, cheering, yelling, and waving flags. It was amazing, completely different than anything I've ever expirienced.
Tonight was ridiculous. The Italian team came back to the country tonight, down the main street of Rome, which happened to be where I was. I hopped on top of a random person's scooter so I could see. It was something else. Once again I liken it to soldiers coming back at home. People were singing and dancing, champagne was sprayed - any extreme expression of happiness you can imagine, it was happening tonight. As the bus rolled past thousands of people streamed after it, cheering and singing as they went.
As of now, I'm exhausted. I wouldn't be surprised if this entry is neither well written nor coherent. So apologies. Hope everyone's well at home, wherever home may be.
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A quick, six minute post to let you all know what's up.
Yesterday I went to Pisa and saw the Leaning Tower. I was surprised at just
how much the tower leans. It's off by over four meters. And it's odd, because the actual tower itself is straight, it's just the foundation that has shifted. Really odd.
I was going to go see Michaelangelo's David in the Accadamdia museum today, but I've not got enough time before the museum closes. There's a line up of over two hours just to get in. Instead I'll just wander around Florence some more - it helps me get to know the city, and it's free!
Today I went to mass in a magnificent cathedral called the Duomo. Interesting it was - obviously seeped in tradition. I have a few other opinions on it, but I don't have time to write them all (my internet time is almost out). I wish I could have understood what the priest was saying, it would have helped me judge it more accurately.
Anywho, I will update again in Rome!
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I am currently in Florence. My hotel is only a few places down from this internet cafe - how convinient!
I spent the day in beautiful Siena. Simply gorgeous. Tomorrow I'm heading off to Pisa which, apparently, isn't actually all that exciting. I'm not expecting much, just to see the Leaning Tower. Apparently there's a nice cathedral as well.
After, on Monday, I'm heading to Rome. I'm excited, but more worried than anything else. I've tried to book a place to stay, but it takes them a while to get back to you so you can find out if they've actually got room. I'm scared I'll have to stay in random hostel far out of town.
I've booked what seems to be a lovely hostel in Naples. I'm really only going there to get to Pompeii, which isn't really a place that you want to stay over night in. I'm looking forward to Pompeii more than any other place. My dorm is an eight person mixed dorm, though - I'm not sure what that'll be like. At twenty euros a night I don't think I can complain.
I've been spending a lot of time with Kevin, a bloke that I met from Boston a couple nights ago at this cafe. We hit it off and went out for a glass of wine that night, and met up and hung around in Siena. Tomorrow we're having breakfast before I leave for Pisa and he goes back to Boston.
He's the only person that I've met that has worse luck than me. The airport lost his luggage and still haven't found it, six days later. So he's had to buy all new clothes. That is one thing that hasn't happened to me, and I seriously hope it never does.
After a week, I'm starting to crave random foods. Kraft Dinner and Vietnamese mainly, but with some chocolate thrown in here and there. Alas, I end up settling for water the majority of the time.
I have no clever way to end this. I'm sleep deprived and not thinking straight. There was a loud thunderstorm that woke me up at six in the morning, which lasted until about eight.
So this is the end of this post.
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In fair Verona, where we lay our scene...Verona is gorgeous. Not any more or less gorgeous than Venice, but gorgeous in a different way. The two cities are completely different.
Yesterday I visited Juliet's balcony, which was kind of cool. I don't entirely understand how it could be hers, though, as Juliet never actually existed. But there's a lot more to be seen today.
Yesterday's arrival was stressful. A lot less people speak english here than in Venice, so when I got lost I had a whole bunch of people pointing me in different directions because they couldn't understand my problem. I ended up wandering around with my huge backpack for well over an hour. But that's ok, you do what you've got to do, right?
I'm losing weight, as I thought I would. Walking all day and having a steady diet of banana and peanut butter sandwhiches will do that do you. I've also had a few pizzas (which are amazing). So far I haven't had any ice cream, mainly because the heat seems to have killed my apetite for sweet things. I'll have some in Florence.
I leave for Florence tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that finding the hotel will be easier than this one. This one was halfway up the mountain.
Now get this - the Canadians I've been talking to can hear a British accent on me. That is weird.
The Spice Girls just came on the radio. I can't believe that I still remember all the words. 'Twas a time in life that we need not dwell upon...
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I am alive, I am well, I am in Venice.
I cant find the apostrophe button, though, so youll have to bear with me. These crazy Italian keyboards.
My trip started off with a bit of a shaky start. Due to reasons out of my control I missed my flight. It was the only one that day, and so I the entire day and night to spend in Liverpool. After a bit of sulking I decided that to head into the city center and have some fun.
So I explored a bunch of Liverpool. It really is a nice city. The weather was beautiful, and I took lots of pictures.
Sleeping in the airport wasnt too bad either. A lovely person from Czechoslovakia approached me and asked me if I wanted to use his sleeping bag (I looked very cold). So with his sleeping bag I actually had a decent nights sleep. Probably about six or seven hours.
And then at six thirty in the morning it was off to Venice...
Venice is amazing. Plain and simple. I constantly feel like im in a storeybook. Im in the pictures on the page.
The unfortunate thing is that Im not able to load my pictures onto a disc. I was sold something but my SD card doesnt fit into it. Im not sure what Im going to do about that.
Finding my way around has been surprisingly easy. To get to my hotel all I have to do is take a ferry along the Grande Canale and get off at a certain stop. Its literally right there. My room is small, but really nice. The view is like nothing Ive seen. The window opens directly onto the Canale; Im so close that I can see the faces of the people going by on the boats. And I was served breakfast in bed this morning.
I leave tomorrow for Verona. Suddenly it all doesnt seem so impossible. All I need is a map and directions and away I go...
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