Thursday, April 20, 2006

Amazing Greece

So the Greece trip is finally over, and what a trip it was! From the amazing ancient ruins of the Acropolis to the dramatic cliffs of Santorini island, the great sunny weather throughout and the mouth-watering Greek cuisine.. I can't believe it's all over!

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First stop: Athens.

The main attraction was of course the Acropolis. It really is a great sight to see such ruins still standing in the middle of the city. It was a shame that we can't get closer though, as there were barricades around the sites. Also there were lots of contruction going on, so that took away some of the beauty of the place.


The Parthenon.



The Acropolis @ night.

The other main attraction in Athens is the Flea Market. It kinda reminded me of the shops in KL and Hong Kong. Love the atmosphere!



The Flea Market.

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Next stop: Nafplio.

This is a lovely coastal town. We went to the little Bourtzi Castle in the middle of the harbour and climbed 999 steps the top of the Palamidi Fortress. The views from there were simply breathtaking!



Nafplio - view from Palamidi Castle.


Nafplio - the harbour town.

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Third stop: Santorini.

I've heard a lot about Santorini and the island did not disappoint. It was probably my favourite stop of the trip. This submerged caldera was the epicentre of probably the biggest volcanic eruption in recorded history. Together with the white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches of its towns, it was truly a beautiful sight.



Setting off to the volcano islet of Nea Kameni.


On the volcano islet of Nea Kameni.


The village of Oia

On the second day here, we missed the earliest bus and it was the weekend so the schedule was very infrequent. We decided to rent 2 cars instead and that was such a blessing in disguise! It was so much easier to get around, and we actually managed to cover the whole island, and then some, in less than half a day! It saved us a lot of time, and it was great to get to drive again.. although I had some trouble remembering how to drive manual haha.



View of the caldera from the south of the island.


Atop the look-out in Oia.


Oia, Santorini.


Sunset @ Oia, Santorini.

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Last stop: Naxos.

This was a fitting final stop as the island has this calm and relaxed feeling about it. On arrival, we were greeted with a row of restaurants along the coast of the main town, where the smell of grilled octopus filled the air, hmm.... it was heavenly! We had seafood for dinner in one of the recommended restaurants called Irinis and the it was excellente! We tried everything from grilled octopus and squid, fresh fried calamari to mussels saganaki. Yummy!



Sunset @ The Temple of Apollo.


Naxos town @ night.


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Last but not least, thanks to my great travel-mates, I had a really wonderful time =).





Sunday, April 09, 2006

Off To Greece!

*Phew* Holidays couldn't have come sooner!, although it's only for 2 weeks. Am zooming off to Greece tomorrow.. can't wait to get away from this cold and gloomy weather!


I've just realised that this has been the one of the longest 'terms' I've had in more than 3 years. Cambridge terms have always been 8 weeks of term time followed by 6 weeks of holidays. And in the last term, lectures last for typically 4 weeks or even less! So that's basically around 20 weeks of 'term' in ONE year!

So far this year I've already had 26 weeks of 'term' and it's ot even Easter yet. I really do miss those long-ass holidays, although when I come to think of it I don't know what I did to fill up all those time haha.

Alright I'm off for some sun and sea! =D