I decided to get us tickets for some big sites in Athens…Acropolis etc. We went to the Acropolis at our appointed time for our skip the line ticket. Only to find out that skip the line meant skip the ticket buying line. So we got close but we made the choice not to stand in an hour and a half line in the sun. So we almost got into the Acropolis.

We went on this difficult hike to get to the top of a mountain only for Debbie to say “nope” this is too difficult. Noël was quite disappointed but agreed that it was more than we bargained for…so again we got close and almost made it to the top of the mountain.

On Friday we started off to see the Poros lighthouse. We took an alternate route which was quite challenging up a mountain. And it was not the way to go to the lighthouse. We got close. We could see the lighthouse but we couldn’t get down to it.

We wandered back down on a regular road and found the way down. But at that point we were pooped. It was a looong way down…so we decided it was close…almost. But let’s take care of ourselves. Have we mentioned how many cats there are in Greece.

At breakfast this morning, our German friends said the made it. So we will try again.

We started our day with a lovely breakfast on the rooftop of our hotel. There was a nice cloud cover and a lovely breeze. There was one other couple stay there from Germany.

After breakfast we decided to walk to the monastery. When we checked in the receptionist said we would need to take a cab to the monastery. We looked at how far it was and it was only 4 kms. So we walked. We had a cappuccino at a little cafe outside the monastery.

Unfortunately once we got to the monastery we couldn’t go in because we were not dressed properly. Long sleeves, long pants so we took a picture and headed back.

The walk going and coming was along the coast. Beautiful sites. So many beautiful flowers. The water is so clear. And the clouds were putting on a show.

When we returned we decided to do some errands. And also we wanted to find the clock tower so we started in the direction that we thought it was in. And then realized we passed it. So we tried again and once again passed it. Sigh!! We decided to go down to the bottom and walk along the pier until we found it and go straight up. And it was straight up indeed.

It was worth it though! We could see so much. On our way down we found a cute little cafe and rested with a nice drink. Then started back to the hotel and all the way we saw signs directing us to the clock tower. We were so intent on finding it we didn’t see the signs. It happens in life also, slow down and watch.

We had dinner at a really nice restaurant and it was super inexpensive. We came back to our room and fell promptly asleep.

Monday we started out on a walk around Alex’s neighborhood. Before we had gone very far Alex came and said let me take you to get a spare key and then you have a key in case no one is home. Then he said we could walk back to the house. Okay. Sounds good.

It was about 2.9 kms but because of detours it ended up being about 5 kms. Perfect. We picked up a sandwich and some snacks at the beginning of our walk. So when we got back we took a shower and ate our sandwiches before heading back into Athens.

Alex dropped us off to catch the metro. We wandered around a little and found a Mexican restaurant so decided to have a beer and some nachos. It was still early enough and we were hungry.

Wandering Athens some more we headed to meet our friends Rabbi Gene Levy and Bobby’s Levy. Such a great visit. We also got to meet the friends they were traveling with. Back to Alex’s afterwards. Nice long day.

Tuesday, we slept in a bit and then got ready and headed into Athens. This time we walked to the metro. There were some interesting sites.

But instead of stopping in Athens we decided to go all the way to the coast to Piraeus where we will catch the ferry the next day. We figured out where we needed to be and then had a nice brunch ( forgot fotos)

Then we headed back to Athens and got to see Hadrian’s Library ( Noël said, “I don’t think we will find any books”)😂 I think Wednesday may have been the hottest day. Lots of wandering finding shady spots to walk.

Then it was back to Alex’s where we washed the sweat and salt off and got ready for dinner. We had a nice dinner out with Alex at the same restaurant we ate at the other night. We were all hungry so no photos have to use the ones from previous visit. We ate the same thing. Sooooo good.

Tomorrow off to the Isle of Poros!

We found a place to hike that wasn’t something Alex knew about and he was reluctant to leave us. But we convinced him we would be fine!!

It was a little steep getting to the path through somewhat rugged terrain. Then we came to a big road. The hike was a loop so it didn’t matter which way we went. About 4kms in we had a choice to stay on the big road or climb a very steep path on rolling rocks. Noël really wanted to go on the more difficult path, of course, so I said yes.

It just about kicked my butt.

My heart rate kept getting tooo high so we had to stop and rest. But finally we made it to the big road again. There was another steep path and I said is there any other way?

We thought there was but after walking quite a ways down we realized we were on a completely different route. Noël was very disappointed that we didn’t make it all the way to the top but was kind in not blaming me. And we still saw some amazing views even could see the acropolis.

We had to figure out how to get back to Alex’s house and we did. We were drenched with sweat when we arrived. And pretty worn out from the heat.

After our shower we visited with the family (Alex, Alice, her sister, mom and nephew) before heading out to have dinner at a local restaurant.

The restaurant we went to was outstanding from the service to the food and the price. Super good!!

Then it was time to relax! Tomorrow will be another adventure!!