tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32378955323444825802024-03-05T15:08:23.617-08:00Love. Eat. Travel. Repeat.Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-82575584364452391412016-10-24T05:58:00.002-07:002016-10-24T06:03:50.553-07:00It's been a while...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
8 months to be exact, since I lost the will to update this little diary due to major changes on the work front. 8 months since I suddenly lose half of my work mates, and soon to be 4 months since it was my turn to leave the work place. It has been quite an emotional roller coaster ride these few past months, but thankfully there were more highs than lows. We've had some great holidays, went to places we've been wanting to visit but never got around to, and I also got to visit friends I've not seen in a while due to continental difference. While it has been mostly fun being a fulltime 'housewife', doing not very much or whatever I want and basically just be, the time has finally come to get back to the hamster race and back to reality. With this renewed will to start writing again, hopefully I'll find time to finish my throwback posts and get on with my recent travels before #inbetweenjobs comes to an end. Hopefully... :) </div>
Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-50718104615476950452016-02-09T23:56:00.006-08:002016-02-10T20:37:38.764-08:00Backwaters of Kerala - Houseboat in Alleppey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Was it worth doing or is it just a big touristy thing?<br />
Yes and yes, especially if you just want to just unplug and do nothing but chill. Eventhough it is obviously a touristy thing, we didn't feel like it was over crowded, there were parts of the boat ride where it felt like we had the place to ourselves and we were there in January which was supposed to be the some of the best time to visit.<br />
<br />
How many nights would be enough to experience it properly?<br />
One night was enough for us since there's really not a huge amount to see and we were not planning to go for other activities like Ayurvedic massages etc. offered in nearby villages, but maybe a couple of nights for people who just want to relax, not do very much and enjoy being in that idyllic surroundings.<br />
<br />
There are so many houseboat operators online, how did we pick ours? Luckily for us, our houseboat excursion was arranged by Saj, who runs <a href="http://www.sajhome.com/" target="_blank">Saj Homestay</a> where we stayed in Fort Kochi. We opted for a simple, not fully covered/air conditioned, one bedroom houseboat because we want to be able to feel the breeze as we cruise. There's A/C in the room though, which is important otherwise it'll be too warm for a good night's sleep. It costs Rs 9000 per night on the houseboat (lunch and dinner included) and Rs 1400 for the cab ride from Saj's to Allepey.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6dRO9xe0661fUe948ohUR7kOixgJNmFJ0zKt8CTMd26ZTcepHP3_2jxHGHFE0BsywCZw85U8h1tNDTZ3RPmuamd_66q9Qr3kEXmBTKKrS-95IqDSmE09il3eXCN-FpoysAr00_0TO74/s1600/P1020342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6dRO9xe0661fUe948ohUR7kOixgJNmFJ0zKt8CTMd26ZTcepHP3_2jxHGHFE0BsywCZw85U8h1tNDTZ3RPmuamd_66q9Qr3kEXmBTKKrS-95IqDSmE09il3eXCN-FpoysAr00_0TO74/s1600/P1020342.JPG" /></a></div>Our 70 year old cab driver. Honking is a way of life in India, or at least in Kerala and this uncle has truly embraced it, honking every few seconds throughout our hour and a half journey!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ConNh9xmrGtrNeX_7QYuPcCV1SirxRPP7YJEZBX1ay1JwHq39Ak9t3K-T2Rvwe5Gryjf_-x-PIjs7BlP-aLLMnMnxrEsUO1hFDTOvRC2ev7M4FVFtDoQ3hDUHMOiMRSeSLmQENk-Nhk/s1600/P1020343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ConNh9xmrGtrNeX_7QYuPcCV1SirxRPP7YJEZBX1ay1JwHq39Ak9t3K-T2Rvwe5Gryjf_-x-PIjs7BlP-aLLMnMnxrEsUO1hFDTOvRC2ev7M4FVFtDoQ3hDUHMOiMRSeSLmQENk-Nhk/s1600/P1020343.JPG" /></a></div>Free from the honks at last.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAV3QJlp0VvrrDN-o8hdIAqYJ9z-VBorKcZ6nKsmhzY6g4q-4HCWPMEItauW8rT5cTQOEMIiR1a_fFLhsuio36o5sYAy5waovoF1tPcAp0ZBtgsC2e9AqOibZBXN7gFjGgFPX5hUkRDc0/s1600/P1020351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAV3QJlp0VvrrDN-o8hdIAqYJ9z-VBorKcZ6nKsmhzY6g4q-4HCWPMEItauW8rT5cTQOEMIiR1a_fFLhsuio36o5sYAy5waovoF1tPcAp0ZBtgsC2e9AqOibZBXN7gFjGgFPX5hUkRDc0/s1600/P1020351.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqJxEfxXd-dAZvBqcbHSK8Up-5UOXAq2-nxIdCV3u_QReaJThUA0tYHWTUj_wFXGGy3WDGNMO-y7Q0snW-D-AgALOZSSnvLrvpV1xyCaNlMaQ9ZFGHvc6OyHbabzciJvMa2ffj1y1pe8/s1600/P1020356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqJxEfxXd-dAZvBqcbHSK8Up-5UOXAq2-nxIdCV3u_QReaJThUA0tYHWTUj_wFXGGy3WDGNMO-y7Q0snW-D-AgALOZSSnvLrvpV1xyCaNlMaQ9ZFGHvc6OyHbabzciJvMa2ffj1y1pe8/s1600/P1020356.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our little houseboat, how lovely!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5xdoGTs3rwijj2dcjheCmDDblN8LqqbNTJ_55iQVVNZgYLQKeLlhbhAPwpi8YQFaHEUTTW_nb_6pj78qupYQ6iuVVD1ccVGMkYdVfPThgJgihD4iHIowgRG9kQbTpWBKddETcjGvQ1o/s1600/P1020357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5xdoGTs3rwijj2dcjheCmDDblN8LqqbNTJ_55iQVVNZgYLQKeLlhbhAPwpi8YQFaHEUTTW_nb_6pj78qupYQ6iuVVD1ccVGMkYdVfPThgJgihD4iHIowgRG9kQbTpWBKddETcjGvQ1o/s1600/P1020357.JPG" /></a></div>A tour of our casa for the night - here we have the kitchen.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J70dmMyLuZznNaAM6nMPsbmbswEOtKqpQPGH7F72RbIVgaMB4hOyJgt0wnSjoD_f1W1xUbnJ9AkOfppm0eAjJORZoAQcfnwstUtxdd_WJN5W4idfNoTAb-oLzgWpv5r12SuEcJTR-Sc/s1600/P1020578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J70dmMyLuZznNaAM6nMPsbmbswEOtKqpQPGH7F72RbIVgaMB4hOyJgt0wnSjoD_f1W1xUbnJ9AkOfppm0eAjJORZoAQcfnwstUtxdd_WJN5W4idfNoTAb-oLzgWpv5r12SuEcJTR-Sc/s1600/P1020578.JPG" /></a><br />
Our messy bedroom - I forgot to take a photo when it was nice and tidy.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbcFmn1Ah8OfKjszAnmcY_Q8ums_yVXaw4u6MoeospPpsyVUpSbO6GqNNXyRyJgl_B9ZoL_pW6kcv06uOcFuoRBw0aic0GVIU268ElXDcwS6P3KXiieWdAW9Cpgdi9baeJ_z9f3B-BhQ/s1600/P1020560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbcFmn1Ah8OfKjszAnmcY_Q8ums_yVXaw4u6MoeospPpsyVUpSbO6GqNNXyRyJgl_B9ZoL_pW6kcv06uOcFuoRBw0aic0GVIU268ElXDcwS6P3KXiieWdAW9Cpgdi9baeJ_z9f3B-BhQ/s1600/P1020560.JPG" /></a><br />
A proper bathroom with shower and toilet!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsoK3K4QtWokBcS9T4Opot5yo0e1s6ZOR-rw_cd9o4kbIzI9R6jUKZlyqod5K4nkHWCITVms4_fj_NnUisCVJ3eEmtblQaRos1kuzOdaV3fSaCLVecXiyA_iMuhwhIEjqqsKNxxPMgkE/s1600/P1020362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsoK3K4QtWokBcS9T4Opot5yo0e1s6ZOR-rw_cd9o4kbIzI9R6jUKZlyqod5K4nkHWCITVms4_fj_NnUisCVJ3eEmtblQaRos1kuzOdaV3fSaCLVecXiyA_iMuhwhIEjqqsKNxxPMgkE/s1600/P1020362.JPG" /></a></div>Getting out from our parking towards the lake/lagoon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PaUerV7sFp6oiOjwPs2jLNxuSgF1SwD4mugxp-GBnB-0QhUQiyjqudpGeVsMxDOmRsvp9KB-WTgTOFhVxHrJRADpl54NLXTFxz1pq7oVCEW4BQwtTlBe1rDFb-FHkmykL3FGrz6iq_A/s1600/P1020363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PaUerV7sFp6oiOjwPs2jLNxuSgF1SwD4mugxp-GBnB-0QhUQiyjqudpGeVsMxDOmRsvp9KB-WTgTOFhVxHrJRADpl54NLXTFxz1pq7oVCEW4BQwtTlBe1rDFb-FHkmykL3FGrz6iq_A/s1600/P1020363.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBAghZMEXFRqK7MH7kZXjZE9LE-VPxmlmavx2yMbrvKJNvqG0-4lpQ6dgWGjrirgoWFmsIQfH7SmeL5sObfKA82u5MwiUltiK7VE2fdYAMEfIS2i_jGfnZueT4l3XIoLfcTDu6SzfAXE/s1600/P1020365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBAghZMEXFRqK7MH7kZXjZE9LE-VPxmlmavx2yMbrvKJNvqG0-4lpQ6dgWGjrirgoWFmsIQfH7SmeL5sObfKA82u5MwiUltiK7VE2fdYAMEfIS2i_jGfnZueT4l3XIoLfcTDu6SzfAXE/s1600/P1020365.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywzcYSYRuT9dKl9oWR8gLPAAqMQJapuaEgIy0zrOxTMKQKhul5V_16dqav-L1sJmfLnQyJ_YxzpFppCH-Xwi5wKN2yS7hH4g-_z_Dy5WiKJdbwrcjRqHjyMS7ov44uZ0MFFD8MMZ4cpE/s1600/P1020386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywzcYSYRuT9dKl9oWR8gLPAAqMQJapuaEgIy0zrOxTMKQKhul5V_16dqav-L1sJmfLnQyJ_YxzpFppCH-Xwi5wKN2yS7hH4g-_z_Dy5WiKJdbwrcjRqHjyMS7ov44uZ0MFFD8MMZ4cpE/s1600/P1020386.JPG" /></a></div>Parked for lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfRdO4oTXaOR2cwy1xZVfXkMrmq1cGobprmtT2uoifaDv-E2koo6or8w1GQadfHOn1yqtK-HJo5casDLj1RNv5fjLYw3yhI93r3nU6zTHOv6ux42qgCqMQmdWEvDwHTekmzQHGETIgr8/s1600/P1020387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfRdO4oTXaOR2cwy1xZVfXkMrmq1cGobprmtT2uoifaDv-E2koo6or8w1GQadfHOn1yqtK-HJo5casDLj1RNv5fjLYw3yhI93r3nU6zTHOv6ux42qgCqMQmdWEvDwHTekmzQHGETIgr8/s1600/P1020387.JPG" /></a></div>A very good meal of rice, sambar, vege curry and fried fish! Keralan rice is awesome!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy4hCnjNm-mvaDjP4ecQ7C8b40BjxabIw-bqi8w9_rVztFG7pQVpoLYFusBUwg2uAPwZfiWS1hQA12K_3u_ONcGlTniMk2YWZqlLQDOOcRNLgH2ySQA93yDVBlVrhJ71Be8eXsVMfbks/s1600/P1020388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCy4hCnjNm-mvaDjP4ecQ7C8b40BjxabIw-bqi8w9_rVztFG7pQVpoLYFusBUwg2uAPwZfiWS1hQA12K_3u_ONcGlTniMk2YWZqlLQDOOcRNLgH2ySQA93yDVBlVrhJ71Be8eXsVMfbks/s1600/P1020388.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtuWoJnY1LlSpuLURXe6o_Kmv7cP-o4hJPFCGubFuK_uLf0IpNOT6MaE4IAvufWJlVA1RLyzxYm3_iNn7XkeG6Kxsd7GAKvbd8_ZzBJHlC5N_nnZyDh5qA4JJwtK12Xo-tgLRp_RwyOs/s1600/P1020390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtuWoJnY1LlSpuLURXe6o_Kmv7cP-o4hJPFCGubFuK_uLf0IpNOT6MaE4IAvufWJlVA1RLyzxYm3_iNn7XkeG6Kxsd7GAKvbd8_ZzBJHlC5N_nnZyDh5qA4JJwtK12Xo-tgLRp_RwyOs/s1600/P1020390.JPG" /></a></div>Our captain, a man of few words. He'll just turn to us occasionally and stare/smile. Can be a little bit awkward, but we soon learn to ignore him. Haha kidding. We just continue smiling back awkwardly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8W4i_-3G7iFfgBWfzovvnqdt1F9Qv2wr0IQ80IvEke3XSQcm1jntSEWkGW9ymDOVW6FWsjMtWOEFH3sBV4s_2nGVHLcXpHWVCpadyGYtT8ZKfqm2DSDcOw-ApvWuECnNkKdx-exxTOU/s1600/P1020397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8W4i_-3G7iFfgBWfzovvnqdt1F9Qv2wr0IQ80IvEke3XSQcm1jntSEWkGW9ymDOVW6FWsjMtWOEFH3sBV4s_2nGVHLcXpHWVCpadyGYtT8ZKfqm2DSDcOw-ApvWuECnNkKdx-exxTOU/s1600/P1020397.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xLdlJe6eHdbl9BHrJk49ZfbgFmhfkoZdLPr5BBoeL9v_PP9-IEqfRtQFezIjPTrB2B4QrRPgNG72lTe4OTC7v0pafE8R25RXuf82BUD7UftiOFou-6UIxSn7MUMw4nvwbg0ATrf2of0/s1600/P1020403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xLdlJe6eHdbl9BHrJk49ZfbgFmhfkoZdLPr5BBoeL9v_PP9-IEqfRtQFezIjPTrB2B4QrRPgNG72lTe4OTC7v0pafE8R25RXuf82BUD7UftiOFou-6UIxSn7MUMw4nvwbg0ATrf2of0/s1600/P1020403.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e8ns3H6KN_qTwLl12yHkwBKyGHoxdiAcueZxc7Gydh7iKismyfRLcMg0bq-R4oCc78bkDGDxZiOu1jmGM5lPvqv6M-nch7lDplP3LXb1avac_Em3SBLntGtgxFVhnHQEb_QWFgKyl8k/s1600/P1020412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e8ns3H6KN_qTwLl12yHkwBKyGHoxdiAcueZxc7Gydh7iKismyfRLcMg0bq-R4oCc78bkDGDxZiOu1jmGM5lPvqv6M-nch7lDplP3LXb1avac_Em3SBLntGtgxFVhnHQEb_QWFgKyl8k/s1600/P1020412.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqT1FtEvmnCvych0sssoBzB-AMgUMN24z7F_H_QiwZkxldr-Sq-UGH0UIRQs0nc1iUsZeu0i9D3teT0ePPmsHW5HLz9L7lvJDW65HYtWNXT3IE7Mx7zw_KBRas1bMszSaCDYxlfgiJ4OQ/s1600/P1020423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqT1FtEvmnCvych0sssoBzB-AMgUMN24z7F_H_QiwZkxldr-Sq-UGH0UIRQs0nc1iUsZeu0i9D3teT0ePPmsHW5HLz9L7lvJDW65HYtWNXT3IE7Mx7zw_KBRas1bMszSaCDYxlfgiJ4OQ/s1600/P1020423.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNs3ybXufIcoadikJFur5QmZglApNBiQ1QtBIP2kpNBTbSvE-58FDTrelHNM-oVmADyiABu_R_71xfNkGAMjurXgQrn9GlqdiKJtTiZO9G-sZD3NmwbchnlxDwn4CcfsnuETY0Jashto/s1600/P1020438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNs3ybXufIcoadikJFur5QmZglApNBiQ1QtBIP2kpNBTbSvE-58FDTrelHNM-oVmADyiABu_R_71xfNkGAMjurXgQrn9GlqdiKJtTiZO9G-sZD3NmwbchnlxDwn4CcfsnuETY0Jashto/s1600/P1020438.JPG" /></a></div>We stopped at a village to get some seafood for dinner. I don't remember whether you can get beers here, but best bring them with you before starting your boat ride. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxArukB_oB9n898YnLiQLAZT6lu7Tax821mRGMhZaHfqDdGEyjSYSWjRn6WhhQz4XzbqC-cxCui8pUBNLPCQOkqtLwfWzh4YgDxA5KghaWibsQGJqx3BefUUgYXRLvDkne_fUBBhTMg8/s1600/P1020453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxArukB_oB9n898YnLiQLAZT6lu7Tax821mRGMhZaHfqDdGEyjSYSWjRn6WhhQz4XzbqC-cxCui8pUBNLPCQOkqtLwfWzh4YgDxA5KghaWibsQGJqx3BefUUgYXRLvDkne_fUBBhTMg8/s1600/P1020453.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHjGmPBki2NdLqlsBcyQGQOMurynNr7DQins9HJENBIwvTl1pQhHmoIMLSi_mm_NPmuqhAidnwJmQsl67j1ayYAfyPR4kUL1qafBf73rL2L74yqvSsSK7PzPI6XTmoN9DPNRt1A97Sqk/s1600/P1020466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHjGmPBki2NdLqlsBcyQGQOMurynNr7DQins9HJENBIwvTl1pQhHmoIMLSi_mm_NPmuqhAidnwJmQsl67j1ayYAfyPR4kUL1qafBf73rL2L74yqvSsSK7PzPI6XTmoN9DPNRt1A97Sqk/s1600/P1020466.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6F1pechuM3HlSNUNQGkP45SWKmE37eNwzfj6oSwOxnqeZ5jnuVs1Ir6SvT0OQsGQ-1jOlf5iLMKrDwLwMPVzihmzsIITUPA2tLo95PNk36ri4KntTZnXLyzMjeDyu1H9cvvUTpWA6c3g/s1600/P1020480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6F1pechuM3HlSNUNQGkP45SWKmE37eNwzfj6oSwOxnqeZ5jnuVs1Ir6SvT0OQsGQ-1jOlf5iLMKrDwLwMPVzihmzsIITUPA2tLo95PNk36ri4KntTZnXLyzMjeDyu1H9cvvUTpWA6c3g/s1600/P1020480.JPG" /></a></div>Going back to the canals to park for the night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uzDMQcrZm76TEiOhsVRdAN_EjcRo2NYgy96YGVxYrVSVhuIq87QQy-i_coudW5J15SZOHMhSTWNtyfpoWa_HrbaZcoyEuzUa3hrBW8qRO7YsOjQlyWiARlglagHOwXsbaYqGexbM74U/s1600/P1020497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uzDMQcrZm76TEiOhsVRdAN_EjcRo2NYgy96YGVxYrVSVhuIq87QQy-i_coudW5J15SZOHMhSTWNtyfpoWa_HrbaZcoyEuzUa3hrBW8qRO7YsOjQlyWiARlglagHOwXsbaYqGexbM74U/s1600/P1020497.JPG" /></a></div>We hired a canoe to go around the smaller canals while waiting for dinner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWIH9fp7HNcD52oaaBq9dNZ4Ydlw1b87AF2MSoaPmmpwYktzrQmfbpYQR8dSnsmmMV7juFJfjApRUho0YK1KDsoru_GG0Qk7joSvDK_2M13ik5Q6YfXBKjQ0xOoChfC1x-S_m_TBSpkI/s1600/P1020503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWIH9fp7HNcD52oaaBq9dNZ4Ydlw1b87AF2MSoaPmmpwYktzrQmfbpYQR8dSnsmmMV7juFJfjApRUho0YK1KDsoru_GG0Qk7joSvDK_2M13ik5Q6YfXBKjQ0xOoChfC1x-S_m_TBSpkI/s1600/P1020503.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2N1ezXnSbF238h7g6fatctD-1Rx_L8E8XdTHSnWHKlPiqK9wxyt-J0M9ayikvn-2zCHv-4ALAMVafy1S_sYjUawjt8-bt5qGTIBPPPnrQ6t37j-Y_MIdvLpp0d72QuqBGSEBcjTOSc4/s1600/P1020521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2N1ezXnSbF238h7g6fatctD-1Rx_L8E8XdTHSnWHKlPiqK9wxyt-J0M9ayikvn-2zCHv-4ALAMVafy1S_sYjUawjt8-bt5qGTIBPPPnrQ6t37j-Y_MIdvLpp0d72QuqBGSEBcjTOSc4/s1600/P1020521.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZE0PiWSBGKJ0H03EKBsCz96BLO0olflVQKmM38bSS7Xu8QWYac5rCwO7xh2FQ0bipcSRMVrM7LOh9F3YFyGueJ9NJ49gJ4LGTkpU72NivMHdlPejaiA9Rt80CWkRLM-SF8xBqSkBBg8/s1600/P1020535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZE0PiWSBGKJ0H03EKBsCz96BLO0olflVQKmM38bSS7Xu8QWYac5rCwO7xh2FQ0bipcSRMVrM7LOh9F3YFyGueJ9NJ49gJ4LGTkpU72NivMHdlPejaiA9Rt80CWkRLM-SF8xBqSkBBg8/s1600/P1020535.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs6PSZw4xotgzxucVpGpz3fgczZzODTF6kUr35jmrwuomX22pVSlbJ01Spibl4HXT1cjfl51uDhkOooszj18vCmJfILIfwtROXW08nrsLvcNLrV78VXKNnQMRyEufd-I5srMW27-MNTc/s1600/P1020555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs6PSZw4xotgzxucVpGpz3fgczZzODTF6kUr35jmrwuomX22pVSlbJ01Spibl4HXT1cjfl51uDhkOooszj18vCmJfILIfwtROXW08nrsLvcNLrV78VXKNnQMRyEufd-I5srMW27-MNTc/s1600/P1020555.JPG" /></a></div>Chicken curry, masala prawns, sambar and vege curry. One of the best meals during this trip!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2Wd_zz6KMdfcEaHHqM635ElS4ww_ZiGR7aY27_oV01rrb5tgmpUgc1X4enZarhPiAQG01ElR7S-Z4GMMMBsnMTuGeV15HyIWMIRXYCkvWLUxJvDZ7rhn_sGjrHtS0ftVgBjtPXzQRgU/s1600/P1020564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2Wd_zz6KMdfcEaHHqM635ElS4ww_ZiGR7aY27_oV01rrb5tgmpUgc1X4enZarhPiAQG01ElR7S-Z4GMMMBsnMTuGeV15HyIWMIRXYCkvWLUxJvDZ7rhn_sGjrHtS0ftVgBjtPXzQRgU/s1600/P1020564.JPG" /></a></div>Early morning view for our room.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-A_kpxDEZQXqrJMO8NRylFbqodj6qdr-4fmol6JM20HWRD4vCQ29HZ7TBjwQArhnf5Ft01txLM2tkuunMNG6KUEr2uHBcdvdMJF2YF-QSla_895Af4ypCTMLH4fbEdSOJpEVelw8qHg/s1600/P1020565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-A_kpxDEZQXqrJMO8NRylFbqodj6qdr-4fmol6JM20HWRD4vCQ29HZ7TBjwQArhnf5Ft01txLM2tkuunMNG6KUEr2uHBcdvdMJF2YF-QSla_895Af4ypCTMLH4fbEdSOJpEVelw8qHg/s1600/P1020565.JPG" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUrmDrQJP-dmG9PSDsOV-4Dp-LXaMJDhLQ4NogJY8ypdH7w1oGGhDQD2YZ34fUtbagJVdnVk-kdTzLwy_Nhtsl0ohV3SNlZM-ewLU6RBgw8EChP7WpiPlxYPe6Lq4MawJLNq_uHLxfmA/s1600/P1020572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUrmDrQJP-dmG9PSDsOV-4Dp-LXaMJDhLQ4NogJY8ypdH7w1oGGhDQD2YZ34fUtbagJVdnVk-kdTzLwy_Nhtsl0ohV3SNlZM-ewLU6RBgw8EChP7WpiPlxYPe6Lq4MawJLNq_uHLxfmA/s1600/P1020572.JPG" /></a></div>Hubby's video:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dapTSVtVwpw?list=PLJEpAlvEq1ObByP0XzUlGN8QGvhMrN8C9" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<h1 class="yt watch-title-container" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #222222; display: table-cell; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top; width: 824px; word-wrap: break-word;"></h1></div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-33842964049608168632016-02-04T06:36:00.000-08:002016-02-10T20:38:00.389-08:00Kerala in 9 days - Fort Kochi / Cochin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 298px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 10898; mso-width-source: userset; width: 224pt;" width="298"></col> </colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td height="20" style="background-color: transparent; border-image: none; border: 0px black; height: 15pt; width: 224pt;" width="298"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kerala is very nice we were told, by friends and the money changer who has visited before - one of them (the money changer) even got a little misty eyed reminiscing about his own trips there. Good start!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We arrived at Cochin airport late at night, and our driver from the homestay was looking a little bleary eyed when we met him. We got held back going past the customs because we'd declared on our custom's form that we have more than Rs 10000 with us - which was only about RM 1500 back in Jan 15, which apparently is not allowed. Hubby and I will never forget how the customs officer shook his head in (what looked like major) disappointment asking us "Why do you do things like that? We have ATMs here for you take money. Why?". </div><br />
Thankfully he then told us to discard our old forms and fill in a new one declaring that we Do Not have more than Rs 10000 on us. Both of us kept apologizing to him, while trying hard not to burst out laughing and were very relieved when he finally let us leave with a "Please don't do that again". Yes, headmaster, we will not carry 'so much' money here again, or if we are we will declare a lesser amount than we actually have on the custom's form next time. Anyway, the amount has increased to Rs 25000 as of August 2015.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-h8lIVNk8teXfCuqjRGAkG8F80Vt9NKb9x577yxqyO-nuk0VjrOgiAYepCakfT-2XLEoUtKw4tEV1PUZ1CgL-2pSt5GBIIfoprdiYar04MIH3GEnmpqPhMcprzBzmXXSRqdR8mN6yjg/s1600/P1020215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-h8lIVNk8teXfCuqjRGAkG8F80Vt9NKb9x577yxqyO-nuk0VjrOgiAYepCakfT-2XLEoUtKw4tEV1PUZ1CgL-2pSt5GBIIfoprdiYar04MIH3GEnmpqPhMcprzBzmXXSRqdR8mN6yjg/s1600/P1020215.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNos0W3VDq-FDFfk9lG9arXyz7CqYKtDzpSY8JQf-rnpbcVFhU9CT1NQCG8WwXTi881B8iAftYP0z_9ttBQTkjBY5Bve6F9ighcwOu8S_0VaN9hPdimNhLCIqXlGCVp2tcrS01_ZVNVy8/s1600/P1020216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNos0W3VDq-FDFfk9lG9arXyz7CqYKtDzpSY8JQf-rnpbcVFhU9CT1NQCG8WwXTi881B8iAftYP0z_9ttBQTkjBY5Bve6F9ighcwOu8S_0VaN9hPdimNhLCIqXlGCVp2tcrS01_ZVNVy8/s1600/P1020216.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No, we don't want to be birdbrains. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJOjH09NZ0gTm93vXqvei5VPE1NeDBdSxCvmJbw1Xeni88YKW08gV3r2l9xH2n925Zu4v-0-cOGya0Jhdf9KfyhtiiPYa-5RY3XJYr_vsx8yaY-NUGkd8c2pBvBkT5un_y4ErKf-N14o/s1600/P1020220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJOjH09NZ0gTm93vXqvei5VPE1NeDBdSxCvmJbw1Xeni88YKW08gV3r2l9xH2n925Zu4v-0-cOGya0Jhdf9KfyhtiiPYa-5RY3XJYr_vsx8yaY-NUGkd8c2pBvBkT5un_y4ErKf-N14o/s1600/P1020220.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Breakfast balcony at Saj Homestay in Fort Kochi. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being our first trip to India, we were happy to get all the help that we can with our excursions around Kerala from Saj, the owner of the homestay. Hubby had been emailing him prior to our trip and everything was well taken care of throughout our entire trip. It was basic accommodation but was good enough and we've stayed here during the first and last few days of our trip. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFUCtSZYA28Nqcb_B0AqPudc1AGBT2Zz0gl7q82s6FE0Wa33vAJ_MieSaNqSrN2akzSwxsws8nab9LXX_BkxMGZ3VyKy7a9Vnb7bueBndvTlDLaeTHjSo-B7N6zqkYaWxapOu0lU5RO0/s1600/P1020224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFUCtSZYA28Nqcb_B0AqPudc1AGBT2Zz0gl7q82s6FE0Wa33vAJ_MieSaNqSrN2akzSwxsws8nab9LXX_BkxMGZ3VyKy7a9Vnb7bueBndvTlDLaeTHjSo-B7N6zqkYaWxapOu0lU5RO0/s1600/P1020224.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica Church.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14mhKCCmxPvdEtcDVn8x_Pu68SbdKSZu0hBY1mI0wXSJC_3bT-82rlBeK34qQTIvQJuYs0diDJ0ibHJMelLSj4kzU1fS9V-fWEJIFqoSOUEnpd40FEn8A1X21nrDIkdENbWKRXKQ3PR4/s1600/P1020226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14mhKCCmxPvdEtcDVn8x_Pu68SbdKSZu0hBY1mI0wXSJC_3bT-82rlBeK34qQTIvQJuYs0diDJ0ibHJMelLSj4kzU1fS9V-fWEJIFqoSOUEnpd40FEn8A1X21nrDIkdENbWKRXKQ3PR4/s1600/P1020226.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl7cPBznklSXwY_fJ0QTtPLbnNWmniq46a8QZ5g0LRpbqfuXrC9XglWgYPtoj4kIetn24VebXGoCaTCrlYmKzlIKWXF6CJpL06Dh8MqG7_gZ2zRaQsYI5M0IZiRtxBDxLlRWmC3XFlKM/s1600/P1020225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl7cPBznklSXwY_fJ0QTtPLbnNWmniq46a8QZ5g0LRpbqfuXrC9XglWgYPtoj4kIetn24VebXGoCaTCrlYmKzlIKWXF6CJpL06Dh8MqG7_gZ2zRaQsYI5M0IZiRtxBDxLlRWmC3XFlKM/s1600/P1020225.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUykymigIuaDKfRwz_-kwmf8uQPW6Hctes0k3j9yjNgY0ndbcaWG2kNOK5VpIMcWd8caP0xig_KFH8-xt_IrwhUoxPep-7p8ul9is5-TNfB3ZpPjHQOSaaKaXQfhHU0DojBXr5K3z6C0Q/s1600/P1020231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUykymigIuaDKfRwz_-kwmf8uQPW6Hctes0k3j9yjNgY0ndbcaWG2kNOK5VpIMcWd8caP0xig_KFH8-xt_IrwhUoxPep-7p8ul9is5-TNfB3ZpPjHQOSaaKaXQfhHU0DojBXr5K3z6C0Q/s1600/P1020231.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The lovely Princess Street up ahead - one of the oldest street Fort Kochi. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-oNuIJUtiQwNxli4Xr7AH9HwbVxukb1EzDsRPHCgB2_Iup8074SUQQabn07fRXnel_n8839Gk9P9lRTR1HUfAXPZw78uWqyO0Hgc3YHjIYCx5l1eoCaEWYoGrlq-KicrHNsiYoyirkU/s1600/P1020232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-oNuIJUtiQwNxli4Xr7AH9HwbVxukb1EzDsRPHCgB2_Iup8074SUQQabn07fRXnel_n8839Gk9P9lRTR1HUfAXPZw78uWqyO0Hgc3YHjIYCx5l1eoCaEWYoGrlq-KicrHNsiYoyirkU/s1600/P1020232.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Vasco Da Gama Church - The place where Vasco da Gama was initially buried before being moved back to Portugal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTivv0l__NqJnsnclPc_VklOD0XOi1XX2EwyN-7Dfm_4RTRulSz9m7d2JOjkZrlXPLXjAyvnozeAONrrV2iSDU6MIumNIeh0QzqBMGkPL0va44J7BhsyowAQdID-kwej_E_5xUkzg4NE/s1600/P1020235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTivv0l__NqJnsnclPc_VklOD0XOi1XX2EwyN-7Dfm_4RTRulSz9m7d2JOjkZrlXPLXjAyvnozeAONrrV2iSDU6MIumNIeh0QzqBMGkPL0va44J7BhsyowAQdID-kwej_E_5xUkzg4NE/s1600/P1020235.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_T-whtDws4whnvccS-vHlhvTMSjLt9bxWD8Mq8TMSvnjTpWQwUlF1Onk_yVOOVsHXxfsSKNLKEox54kREckleWhKWUpuW3vzUM9bnzWDHVGAslCz8f34pDaM3uIeQ03YkRmYdPFP730/s1600/P1030216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_T-whtDws4whnvccS-vHlhvTMSjLt9bxWD8Mq8TMSvnjTpWQwUlF1Onk_yVOOVsHXxfsSKNLKEox54kREckleWhKWUpuW3vzUM9bnzWDHVGAslCz8f34pDaM3uIeQ03YkRmYdPFP730/s1600/P1030216.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UNv0ICDAQNZqVECoHyULdMCcOLJUYk3Hm2Snhe5MI7zwHeIxnC0wcLzWzyfyBWv8ffVnl2UOdDxTeEqgu9UWdEVT5EVYCu8QN99c7dxg-OedrZP8N0cweZxGj67YrW2xk86vzEIB4nw/s1600/P1020240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UNv0ICDAQNZqVECoHyULdMCcOLJUYk3Hm2Snhe5MI7zwHeIxnC0wcLzWzyfyBWv8ffVnl2UOdDxTeEqgu9UWdEVT5EVYCu8QN99c7dxg-OedrZP8N0cweZxGj67YrW2xk86vzEIB4nw/s1600/P1020240.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tuk tuk lining up by the side of the Parade Ground next Vasco Da Gama church.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgu6ddGaM69gAEUJ0O1ZDojOU7pSYZupkR5rqN6WrhIEDU7yZn_y3YPdDQtD7mIJ-JAaQpEy0lp8LKtZqY7lDHQdKKbruB5NUCpwgPKTEK09krYyMxPJ7s650otcKsZS4-gRIKyaEQpg/s1600/P1020243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgu6ddGaM69gAEUJ0O1ZDojOU7pSYZupkR5rqN6WrhIEDU7yZn_y3YPdDQtD7mIJ-JAaQpEy0lp8LKtZqY7lDHQdKKbruB5NUCpwgPKTEK09krYyMxPJ7s650otcKsZS4-gRIKyaEQpg/s1600/P1020243.JPG" /></a></div>A short walk from the Parade Ground takes you to the 282 year old Dutch Cemetary.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nOh7ufJbLpNdbcWIvUM8sQbSa3hDi_EgWNcGhhCTiNHLqyORpKgEHMuGPRuxFJrfO8TsvOp-9yVrGJC87lR9XvYRKkwrR9ql8UjUBmrqWw9R4cwguh4L0Qjc3tkjxfSitb-3hVPJMM4/s1600/P1020257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nOh7ufJbLpNdbcWIvUM8sQbSa3hDi_EgWNcGhhCTiNHLqyORpKgEHMuGPRuxFJrfO8TsvOp-9yVrGJC87lR9XvYRKkwrR9ql8UjUBmrqWw9R4cwguh4L0Qjc3tkjxfSitb-3hVPJMM4/s1600/P1020257.JPG" /></a></div>Couples dating under their umbrellas on Fort Kochi beach, another short walk away from the Dutch cemetary. The great thing about Fort Kochi is that lots of things are within walking distance and the place just has a nice small town feel to it. This would also be a great place to cycle around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QKoXeVopgweFMCAaJtgGhuil7c0HITc1bHWjZPTuKI8yWw4D1YJQq4eliFtbOHc2aJSrBglvJ42jAilhS8Xc0pUd-eUKNfOrHzuDwY2178s9ClY_KJAkGEzQc31bIuM4KWbkKa_2Vc0/s1600/P1020260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QKoXeVopgweFMCAaJtgGhuil7c0HITc1bHWjZPTuKI8yWw4D1YJQq4eliFtbOHc2aJSrBglvJ42jAilhS8Xc0pUd-eUKNfOrHzuDwY2178s9ClY_KJAkGEzQc31bIuM4KWbkKa_2Vc0/s1600/P1020260.JPG" /></a></div>Finally caught sight of the famous Chinese fishing nets. I think people pay to have a go at it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGKKgVGRAelRRfvupHKiFw-Lt0LU7yfqM6u5O0YFBYOCKysm2Hvg1oeMsxdDX_CFOrlV7R6Y2vmVeKsnrPlQrm_pHM8DwsxNWrg74H_sm7fC5VlFJyeJ6QPZaT0FuIT1vQgaJNMgQ5Cw/s1600/P1020275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGKKgVGRAelRRfvupHKiFw-Lt0LU7yfqM6u5O0YFBYOCKysm2Hvg1oeMsxdDX_CFOrlV7R6Y2vmVeKsnrPlQrm_pHM8DwsxNWrg74H_sm7fC5VlFJyeJ6QPZaT0FuIT1vQgaJNMgQ5Cw/s1600/P1020275.JPG" /></a></div>Great place to see the small fishing boats coming in and the people rushing to get the best catch of the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1w3lexU5haEkaJ9Dng2Is9UsTDFRl-xkgJ-wKDMhGtKpmne05ZpwDkOUiucajgHPr54INt7jEpRgmYHh3-cD6sIjJNxVncKQpjA9aR_hcwtYoEFJwXYtS8H1CZk6Q3r285Vvg82dvFc/s1600/P1020276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1w3lexU5haEkaJ9Dng2Is9UsTDFRl-xkgJ-wKDMhGtKpmne05ZpwDkOUiucajgHPr54INt7jEpRgmYHh3-cD6sIjJNxVncKQpjA9aR_hcwtYoEFJwXYtS8H1CZk6Q3r285Vvg82dvFc/s1600/P1020276.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrgfY1bvjcjSHHgsLnnwgYW_3PXFsFhwUbLlSL4lAG_lrKlp_IToX1JFPUoO-ZzAXPpEhjxz238Fjl68s2vHrx8-VB7iq0zrtOwXg_qoVAA6VJqyAA2VFJnBqlFYzMNyJMBGUISY2tKs/s1600/P1020278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrgfY1bvjcjSHHgsLnnwgYW_3PXFsFhwUbLlSL4lAG_lrKlp_IToX1JFPUoO-ZzAXPpEhjxz238Fjl68s2vHrx8-VB7iq0zrtOwXg_qoVAA6VJqyAA2VFJnBqlFYzMNyJMBGUISY2tKs/s1600/P1020278.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGc8qrCh7Xf6bGm61V6rmzGaZNAtI6-MWZPIPuQMqkK-draRflu5ofwxcNxVwOr0rVb7ojwhxqsZYT9dyQP5li-yDitF-65T4lomcEDRbeODLmy4kHJUaP4GnP6hdErUGK7CmJ_aG1Sg/s1600/P1020319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGc8qrCh7Xf6bGm61V6rmzGaZNAtI6-MWZPIPuQMqkK-draRflu5ofwxcNxVwOr0rVb7ojwhxqsZYT9dyQP5li-yDitF-65T4lomcEDRbeODLmy4kHJUaP4GnP6hdErUGK7CmJ_aG1Sg/s1600/P1020319.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-_aQJ5XoyVwBXXLnzNS0xczylRSw_8eRTUnHwDJgB1BIdPsbAC90MXgjt9TLYFP-ZP-hsWoqaDyRAPYw9qZMAmBkNAfUgIqk0GFGTMH2_6MWKk9xPt9LzpAuLUV-0hW_YyJp2D_gWww/s1600/P1020279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-_aQJ5XoyVwBXXLnzNS0xczylRSw_8eRTUnHwDJgB1BIdPsbAC90MXgjt9TLYFP-ZP-hsWoqaDyRAPYw9qZMAmBkNAfUgIqk0GFGTMH2_6MWKk9xPt9LzpAuLUV-0hW_YyJp2D_gWww/s1600/P1020279.JPG" /></a></div>One thing to take note when in Kerala. Dry day applies to the bars, restaurants or shops in the entire state of Kerala. Although, if you're in more touristy areas like Varkala, you can still get alcohol served very discreetly, like in a corn shaped mug or something equally odd.<br />
<br />
Apparently Kerala has the highest alcohol consumption per capita. Well, I can confirm that we did not contribute to the statistics when we were there, and this was our probably least alcoholic holiday ever. <br />
Oh, speaking of booze, our driver from Fort Kochi to Allepey, who was really old and a little hard at hearing was so proud of hubby when he thought that hubby didn't want to stop to stock up on beers for our night on the houseboat. We didn't realize that he'd misheard us and kept waiting for our booze stop, but there was no stop. He just kept driving and praising hubby for being a very good man. It was only until we arrived at the houseboat and realized why hubby is a 'very good man'. And thus begin, our second dry day in Kerala.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62OYyPT4H6HdyOc8Ev4kv_9J8_VJXALJhlgGSkAq8OrrO9v4M_O8_Ieq93cq3dqbE9VlVKFQ3wau5RbqL7uxpe8R5_ytcJ04uUv_btRxS7OFfCoOleaY5tfTlvm7fxnEAPPdXOJ6iZOw/s1600/P1020280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62OYyPT4H6HdyOc8Ev4kv_9J8_VJXALJhlgGSkAq8OrrO9v4M_O8_Ieq93cq3dqbE9VlVKFQ3wau5RbqL7uxpe8R5_ytcJ04uUv_btRxS7OFfCoOleaY5tfTlvm7fxnEAPPdXOJ6iZOw/s1600/P1020280.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4eT9TmnMnxaWA5ofYAENViW_bbm1jhBZcmfJhzCIXjSWt_WGi3QgnTxFWgU5a6FYwp-iiHRcfTrfQ4MS2XyILBRaWavjikcHkYV5ra6DsDWaCd_PJA6XtNZW4ioOESHMsW5XBRg4_FQ/s1600/P1020311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4eT9TmnMnxaWA5ofYAENViW_bbm1jhBZcmfJhzCIXjSWt_WGi3QgnTxFWgU5a6FYwp-iiHRcfTrfQ4MS2XyILBRaWavjikcHkYV5ra6DsDWaCd_PJA6XtNZW4ioOESHMsW5XBRg4_FQ/s1600/P1020311.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIpYEuC37sFYv5-LlkgLlHau_MgyZjQ6VGkphJ208md4-vhTXyW_Mz7Eh2RETKugDr24tVgO9V2g5KrkyCt07QV8DXh1d7P34A1jH6EteOpRkZFDEK96hfpLT9j1-hcSCdZQQRaqxibc/s1600/P1020314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIpYEuC37sFYv5-LlkgLlHau_MgyZjQ6VGkphJ208md4-vhTXyW_Mz7Eh2RETKugDr24tVgO9V2g5KrkyCt07QV8DXh1d7P34A1jH6EteOpRkZFDEK96hfpLT9j1-hcSCdZQQRaqxibc/s1600/P1020314.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, back to Kochi. We took the ferry from Fort Kochi to Ernakulam in search for this restaurant that we saw on Rick Stein India's series. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0ufzNrVNnmcOkk90JzknOaCQX_91dfmjllCE4qtZVterdjDv3TzTLV9S8r9Av4Jnypp0OPUYdkbMXpPuuF5EaYEo_NPajWdQ21UEDIde5kFLoiLwkrTTf8Jy-21TqaE08sH9Z7qWSUg/s1600/P1020296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0ufzNrVNnmcOkk90JzknOaCQX_91dfmjllCE4qtZVterdjDv3TzTLV9S8r9Av4Jnypp0OPUYdkbMXpPuuF5EaYEo_NPajWdQ21UEDIde5kFLoiLwkrTTf8Jy-21TqaE08sH9Z7qWSUg/s1600/P1020296.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The restaurant's name is Shappu Curry, on T D Road (Behind Maharajas College). There is also a hospital nearby, so chances of having doctors or surgeons as your lunch buddies are pretty high.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH4_lwi3U-IQVJvzAXLM1zkJpbMna82wXr_p8F79kyd-jQyFRWL6cAnuZoDWye487CU0H6vhd96aulLqIj8fgjFZin7-NRXWma7gCpLH1J5V9ZxtpnDgi25EUahw91vEDNYNHwxrqdu0/s1600/P1020292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH4_lwi3U-IQVJvzAXLM1zkJpbMna82wXr_p8F79kyd-jQyFRWL6cAnuZoDWye487CU0H6vhd96aulLqIj8fgjFZin7-NRXWma7gCpLH1J5V9ZxtpnDgi25EUahw91vEDNYNHwxrqdu0/s1600/P1020292.JPG" /></a></div>The fish dish is Karameen Pollichatu. Karameen is the name of the fish and it is good! So is the chubby Kerala rice. It's unlike any rice we've ever seen or eaten before - lighter and less starchy than the normal rice.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQckxfJz-HGvmXJLpuXIxIGW5pTWmJQN5_bQqPZDozJ8Sfr7AmADJjLxQh13YgCIJDGuBiqwUQ4uKhcbR6Vn7LIS0mg7RwZpAEg75D0hQPA2HmTO6fB0sQE2sk65sDoOaz8PhuPQ1Yqz0/s1600/P1020341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQckxfJz-HGvmXJLpuXIxIGW5pTWmJQN5_bQqPZDozJ8Sfr7AmADJjLxQh13YgCIJDGuBiqwUQ4uKhcbR6Vn7LIS0mg7RwZpAEg75D0hQPA2HmTO6fB0sQE2sk65sDoOaz8PhuPQ1Yqz0/s1600/P1020341.JPG" /></a><br />
One of the temples around Ernakulam.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK4gcX-mOw6n0cJ0JO_C7u42F65EnseSUzG7d8NZTjpYfp3LQpPEQd7qw38njp2tmwA4nh2NcWWB_wlb5VxiwM4rO8-BwkBsDAvLzBCNC3rxs1b-VSgFe2VXfOD4IVhoF2LyquWOqee4/s1600/P1020321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK4gcX-mOw6n0cJ0JO_C7u42F65EnseSUzG7d8NZTjpYfp3LQpPEQd7qw38njp2tmwA4nh2NcWWB_wlb5VxiwM4rO8-BwkBsDAvLzBCNC3rxs1b-VSgFe2VXfOD4IVhoF2LyquWOqee4/s1600/P1020321.JPG" /></a></div>Rupees are a handful! Most places only accept cash.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqrLcnAIj43XBYmOboDKj8hnt0GQNWgy1OiHCxgQLDuHkMhJ4SfbkXeHTMqruNEKTsn22HO1Zr2byMqmUM2wg8-Vj7qfB35m0AHdF7hGVeF0XXWAbTFa8E64AilxVbsrtQSRAwJ5IWUo/s1600/P1020329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqrLcnAIj43XBYmOboDKj8hnt0GQNWgy1OiHCxgQLDuHkMhJ4SfbkXeHTMqruNEKTsn22HO1Zr2byMqmUM2wg8-Vj7qfB35m0AHdF7hGVeF0XXWAbTFa8E64AilxVbsrtQSRAwJ5IWUo/s1600/P1020329.JPG" /></a></div>Another Rick Stein recommendation - First Class Railway Mutton curry at the Brunton Boatyard Hotel. It was quite a splurge but unfortunately wasn't the best meal we've had in Kerala.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPEaBTXOHbvn7Sue_66W842fF78Z629XzlukLsZUN8jPCguwKDFYPpvptojEkD27oeBmf1U5XswZwZkD79KPEr3JgmL1IfT1qZG81oINyHRyyNcO1JXSF5URWEIIl9DBaPLnX95Zu2VA/s1600/P1020335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPEaBTXOHbvn7Sue_66W842fF78Z629XzlukLsZUN8jPCguwKDFYPpvptojEkD27oeBmf1U5XswZwZkD79KPEr3JgmL1IfT1qZG81oINyHRyyNcO1JXSF5URWEIIl9DBaPLnX95Zu2VA/s1600/P1020335.JPG" /></a></div>You're of course paying not just for the food but also the lovely setting and the live traditional music to accompany your meal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutruibwCn5sYCVmrxQYoyYuKCeZ0zzKTuPdXnWmVHN7eXdbZJSrHY381PpurYVSXenmjZzAwqPN4y58WKfubURCPvmXuJ6qDxeVDbfI5Q9n7YaeUJ9c6GKhTqKlkudkx0npzElp1lT8o/s1600/P1020337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutruibwCn5sYCVmrxQYoyYuKCeZ0zzKTuPdXnWmVHN7eXdbZJSrHY381PpurYVSXenmjZzAwqPN4y58WKfubURCPvmXuJ6qDxeVDbfI5Q9n7YaeUJ9c6GKhTqKlkudkx0npzElp1lT8o/s1600/P1020337.JPG" /></a></div>The hotel's lobby. Now where did we keep our 'complementary' hand towels from the Gents.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjCx1lF9m7J9r4jktLL0MPdqj8STy0Uy4acJznBBxYsOuh2ce3yj1543xa1nZYxHzxRPvua1W0711etKMILl4WtpHci31kX2LOV2xacQ3yP4PksSiL9rfj4nK08wlmL9GoQcAovmfKEs/s1600/P1020339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjCx1lF9m7J9r4jktLL0MPdqj8STy0Uy4acJznBBxYsOuh2ce3yj1543xa1nZYxHzxRPvua1W0711etKMILl4WtpHci31kX2LOV2xacQ3yP4PksSiL9rfj4nK08wlmL9GoQcAovmfKEs/s1600/P1020339.JPG" /></a></div>The best breakfast we've had on this trip was surprisingly at our homestay - Saj's Mrs makes the best Masala Dosa and Pineapple Lassi. We had more than one serving each time and they were more than happy to keep refilling our plates. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UR9eicivXqXl-Dvrv0aS1Xn9xj6Om3EotYMF2TTfGOVRGXp-6Yv7iyPvEypzEuXzmckQDVgcLOSUhmCjbhEudL9OSDshrfOJ5OrvKe2uPKNia55lei18Fl1QXsuqt1_f-tcaFcVF_6k/s1600/P1030124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UR9eicivXqXl-Dvrv0aS1Xn9xj6Om3EotYMF2TTfGOVRGXp-6Yv7iyPvEypzEuXzmckQDVgcLOSUhmCjbhEudL9OSDshrfOJ5OrvKe2uPKNia55lei18Fl1QXsuqt1_f-tcaFcVF_6k/s1600/P1030124.JPG" /></a></div>Got our driver to stop at the Kerala Folklore Museum on our way back to Kochi after our time away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgf6JdA8y6q18AOWxO3VvYo6mCMbWgFQlsv2RgCikTy-XRBQKdzS6KKtpDTZlZ3nTsgHsk0sIxlU_LNgF3R8VTVubUyP9q4RzkV8D6Nk9_YLIB5sNSR1PlEzCBKsBhRc0HpBpWrSSDQ4/s1600/P1030143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgf6JdA8y6q18AOWxO3VvYo6mCMbWgFQlsv2RgCikTy-XRBQKdzS6KKtpDTZlZ3nTsgHsk0sIxlU_LNgF3R8VTVubUyP9q4RzkV8D6Nk9_YLIB5sNSR1PlEzCBKsBhRc0HpBpWrSSDQ4/s1600/P1030143.JPG" /></a></div>Goldsmith at work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5WaUxFJwJ2LqkaGt6mvwto0QGlIiQuRaANZGr8I6nqmsFL9FcjvnL-D7l3TmMEmkxFjFFgUknPiJapSlQ-14nDMwRA69_Tjt4jYE5CrD49VlYUCXlsc9Z7TgJgo8Gos4Rywv_dmXL58/s1600/P1030145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5WaUxFJwJ2LqkaGt6mvwto0QGlIiQuRaANZGr8I6nqmsFL9FcjvnL-D7l3TmMEmkxFjFFgUknPiJapSlQ-14nDMwRA69_Tjt4jYE5CrD49VlYUCXlsc9Z7TgJgo8Gos4Rywv_dmXL58/s1600/P1030145.JPG" /></a></div>Spent more time just walking around Fort Kochi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9UXa3kimSH13JuKJwdK_sVkABpS0FyqayD3rEZ-yYr-hL61ggkoNMy5GIPIkuakdlRmWc5KVoAzxLv21b6mtx3a_OVODVIZzdy40XbcOJHo-QTpSbxsPj3dbL4Rl5-8vew4wbJtJBNI/s1600/P1030147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9UXa3kimSH13JuKJwdK_sVkABpS0FyqayD3rEZ-yYr-hL61ggkoNMy5GIPIkuakdlRmWc5KVoAzxLv21b6mtx3a_OVODVIZzdy40XbcOJHo-QTpSbxsPj3dbL4Rl5-8vew4wbJtJBNI/s1600/P1030147.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxaixrriY2RgYJvIOSXEVL-YZ7e72m3TzJzmdNvEmq-H2xnQb2MIQj2M_0l_LvwRcoTRnJZbnLzCz3wBSlUf8liBdEjXnbbQTUQz5v4Qle55QY6atbBBI-Hv7kfDH71eCXvTyAHNzPcE/s1600/P1030161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxaixrriY2RgYJvIOSXEVL-YZ7e72m3TzJzmdNvEmq-H2xnQb2MIQj2M_0l_LvwRcoTRnJZbnLzCz3wBSlUf8liBdEjXnbbQTUQz5v4Qle55QY6atbBBI-Hv7kfDH71eCXvTyAHNzPcE/s1600/P1030161.JPG" /></a></div>Jew Town. Got some lovely cotton napkins here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCfX4nxPUE_u0kNUXjorg3bU2VElVWeHxi_wN5oGUqJUfu5O5DEl0ungZiPDeR7rUOA7SSlvMgwpe2zcv7PMTUq-YnMx0pn6wYWxXADyh1AeiW_fmPL5bOvZpOiVQ1cH0KPXQ-iupKuY/s1600/P1030175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCfX4nxPUE_u0kNUXjorg3bU2VElVWeHxi_wN5oGUqJUfu5O5DEl0ungZiPDeR7rUOA7SSlvMgwpe2zcv7PMTUq-YnMx0pn6wYWxXADyh1AeiW_fmPL5bOvZpOiVQ1cH0KPXQ-iupKuY/s1600/P1030175.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEXTvF6j1wP7833sztoqKvtSYMg-fSQux7Ne3XtwgaJ1FQN-Krjzjm1TzgCEBoUC1adlBwxRHyHOg4jJoW_WcIhBcWqg6lD4n1MOTk7RmNoBtf4WU96HK3yaj4eICM3P_Dtvf9X3Db4Q/s1600/P1030228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEXTvF6j1wP7833sztoqKvtSYMg-fSQux7Ne3XtwgaJ1FQN-Krjzjm1TzgCEBoUC1adlBwxRHyHOg4jJoW_WcIhBcWqg6lD4n1MOTk7RmNoBtf4WU96HK3yaj4eICM3P_Dtvf9X3Db4Q/s1600/P1030228.JPG" /></a></div>Dhoby Khana Laundry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFBy94jXRQCEW2lCl0CH6NAmh_MOYE7p6oAT5wo3ngDg8rN8taVEAjdFszkZeWw243CDAaW7ZfZZLVOJRtLhYjBVo2WfQ-XCerWk1t7Y2wv-SIc_ynMu0AHPROsI_-m9QSokd_itj6lQ/s1600/P1030234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFBy94jXRQCEW2lCl0CH6NAmh_MOYE7p6oAT5wo3ngDg8rN8taVEAjdFszkZeWw243CDAaW7ZfZZLVOJRtLhYjBVo2WfQ-XCerWk1t7Y2wv-SIc_ynMu0AHPROsI_-m9QSokd_itj6lQ/s1600/P1030234.JPG" /></a></div>Dobiwalla hard at work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNby__enAwZDhyyoKBroz6ipZEMlt_B5U55eaS8cLNZ_CHrbxMdF2VOQTfylgfO-f4YI3NJOQEas6O_tjOCP1v8T4_bFVTHmddauvkWCOj6nqL-strdcS2Wmb24D8OUdf-U0KGuHDIEg/s1600/P1030245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNby__enAwZDhyyoKBroz6ipZEMlt_B5U55eaS8cLNZ_CHrbxMdF2VOQTfylgfO-f4YI3NJOQEas6O_tjOCP1v8T4_bFVTHmddauvkWCOj6nqL-strdcS2Wmb24D8OUdf-U0KGuHDIEg/s1600/P1030245.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeBVjV_gnnoAkfzbb2oN_biuXBbWhXPsvmQ9WMTD8f6obfSMFwsQijMshmhSZ1JAuHvFnC3If2_sixG-SksstcxQaUUy93HAWNLLSbE9BjOQMUVkTQorjkW9HHL5zWegjS00CHwnoBII/s1600/P1030268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeBVjV_gnnoAkfzbb2oN_biuXBbWhXPsvmQ9WMTD8f6obfSMFwsQijMshmhSZ1JAuHvFnC3If2_sixG-SksstcxQaUUy93HAWNLLSbE9BjOQMUVkTQorjkW9HHL5zWegjS00CHwnoBII/s1600/P1030268.JPG" /></a></div>Drinks by the sea at Brunton Boatyard before our flight that night. Really nice thing to do on our last afternoon in Kerala.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknhL2knD5H_M8EeywFIBE8uuC81HQjR_AK1hccGxqZ0pWVAcAUE4nqEPFMiAWkBPanObMPinKlnUP72Fyy5Lb1CagYyg8yjvpIvZxtRfJYBizL9OkXw5VYv_PkBO8Q_DqdWhj5NYKsNA/s1600/P1030281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknhL2knD5H_M8EeywFIBE8uuC81HQjR_AK1hccGxqZ0pWVAcAUE4nqEPFMiAWkBPanObMPinKlnUP72Fyy5Lb1CagYyg8yjvpIvZxtRfJYBizL9OkXw5VYv_PkBO8Q_DqdWhj5NYKsNA/s1600/P1030281.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJiHHBjYaYKQUgmI2JIcQ4rS-LhvZpQ8LiPVPVzug40Gh8kdZFxHdJi2U61-ejiozwzN3kr9qoJ0neGU7YKXODsvklftsXgivpkcm8Iexp-sDb9AqD8B2uLWIDdWFwtlza499Wd-TobE/s1600/P1030296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJiHHBjYaYKQUgmI2JIcQ4rS-LhvZpQ8LiPVPVzug40Gh8kdZFxHdJi2U61-ejiozwzN3kr9qoJ0neGU7YKXODsvklftsXgivpkcm8Iexp-sDb9AqD8B2uLWIDdWFwtlza499Wd-TobE/s1600/P1030296.JPG" /></a></div>Checking out. Thank you Saj!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcWShyphenhyphenK3qwd2eMX8tK4h-Y6dt4IbInsLWycXBSAKGb9QpOge3FjE1eDSmEWlAqDY8yHYiFdZ9W6wOTmaT3WwlgNvmGNAuPKwG_wwRQSljaIU-YcxpOOpH9X-eDRdnzGoS5XLPC9Om9xo/s1600/P1030305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcWShyphenhyphenK3qwd2eMX8tK4h-Y6dt4IbInsLWycXBSAKGb9QpOge3FjE1eDSmEWlAqDY8yHYiFdZ9W6wOTmaT3WwlgNvmGNAuPKwG_wwRQSljaIU-YcxpOOpH9X-eDRdnzGoS5XLPC9Om9xo/s1600/P1030305.JPG" /></a></div>Interesting airport chairs.<br />
<br />
We spent a total of 9 days in Kerala (individual posts on these places coming soon):<br />
4 nights in Fort Kochi<br />
1 night on a houseboat in Allepey, the Backwaters of Kerala<br />
1 night in Thekaddy/Kumily - base for people visiting Periyar National Park<br />
2 nights in Munnar<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ate: Shappu Curry - T D Road, Marine Drive, Ernakukam<br />
<br />
Stayed: <a href="http://www.sajhome.com/" target="_blank">Saj Homestay</a>, Fort Kochi - Rs 2500 per night, Pick up from airport - Rs 1100</div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-39433964999739216822016-01-31T03:31:00.001-08:002016-02-10T20:38:31.841-08:00The Point at Medan Damansara<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div>A really good meal makes you really happy, said hubby after a great meal last night, and we were very happy on our walk home after dinner! You see, we tend to eat in a lot since it's not only healthier and cheaper, but sometimes tastier! which is really disappointing especially if it's a pricey meal. Last night's dinner however, far exceeded our expectation and though it had some imperfection, it was still probably the best meal we've had since Hokkaido! </div><div></div><div><br />
Having read good reviews about The Point, we've always wanted to go try but never got around to it, until last night. It was probably the Oysters promo that did the trick, well, sort of.<br />
<br />
</div><div></div><div>*Photos courtesy of hubby... and his phone :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh2xQEQw7p2CmrOHq1x7swRDilE3K2GOA8v1IpfLgt0JxP8ViIqEXAzngarbntrnmk9olM3Gu8_UH8GAuqqFFRYcgi8e4i_UWjVgQIb09_BUQXLF3nB-GWgYQSzc_Y_GvtNWM2pz8xz0/s1600/P_20160130_194735_LL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh2xQEQw7p2CmrOHq1x7swRDilE3K2GOA8v1IpfLgt0JxP8ViIqEXAzngarbntrnmk9olM3Gu8_UH8GAuqqFFRYcgi8e4i_UWjVgQIb09_BUQXLF3nB-GWgYQSzc_Y_GvtNWM2pz8xz0/s640/P_20160130_194735_LL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Pretty good oysters for RM 5++ a piece.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNjJE7CBP2e7bOevi3z_pLan-nvSPvvTsO2LVD4MXxyTZ3GBYVN-rorzwejOodEn82xzY-vXSVaGFEI5xAogEvs2DzmirAapfOX6VjyUHHp2rti49zhLut146AypPYlNmwnIrg1eyYFg/s1600/P_20160130_194810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNjJE7CBP2e7bOevi3z_pLan-nvSPvvTsO2LVD4MXxyTZ3GBYVN-rorzwejOodEn82xzY-vXSVaGFEI5xAogEvs2DzmirAapfOX6VjyUHHp2rti49zhLut146AypPYlNmwnIrg1eyYFg/s640/P_20160130_194810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The only other lot besides us on a Saturday night. They should probably consider moving to somewhere on a street level.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAO5nKnzo5heuP0QMR1RRD3EoqArJaO4_VLf9KcQA21dl2PaboL_i_HqNMHXwXsorSewfCek_Kd0ENPXgVUufagpvUpAnkc4oeCoHoXClniCmUlgbItrR2UyP7gD-QzKX0xLqYqOD8ig/s1600/P_20160130_195956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAO5nKnzo5heuP0QMR1RRD3EoqArJaO4_VLf9KcQA21dl2PaboL_i_HqNMHXwXsorSewfCek_Kd0ENPXgVUufagpvUpAnkc4oeCoHoXClniCmUlgbItrR2UyP7gD-QzKX0xLqYqOD8ig/s640/P_20160130_195956.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Foie Gras, Blackberry Reduction, Brioche, Pistachios (RM 48) - The foie gras was cooked and seasoned to perfection! The brioche unfortunately tasted more like white toast, the black berry reduction was nice but did the Foie need it? Nope. And the pistachios would be better off the plate entirely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqokz5jNdvCkx5F2ZeD6ob5b3c7NnLzGRm7eIDoFYtmcg7j6l_kgX0lR5-0hwFrH5RPD9N1wMmUI5RA7hvKt7HtIGg6ERmdEMjkde26k0U3VMHSJI5CVS-iS9HMPE8cBvty5sXzy-miIg/s1600/P_20160130_201256_LL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqokz5jNdvCkx5F2ZeD6ob5b3c7NnLzGRm7eIDoFYtmcg7j6l_kgX0lR5-0hwFrH5RPD9N1wMmUI5RA7hvKt7HtIGg6ERmdEMjkde26k0U3VMHSJI5CVS-iS9HMPE8cBvty5sXzy-miIg/s640/P_20160130_201256_LL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Slow roasted Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Fried Quinoa, French Bean, Curry Leaf Infused Butter Sauce (RM 40) - A roast chicken is normally just a roast chicken, and despite its elaborate description, the roast chicken was just that, nice but just a roast chicken. The breast could use some seasoning unlike the thigh piece which seemed to have soaked up all the flavor in this dish. The beans were a little too al dente for my liking, but the potatoes were crispy and beautiful! The quinoa... a bit pointless really, and while the sauce was good, we could not detect any hint of curry leaf to be honest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAE2C7drLTePoR3-G4p0kh6vg5RcJHiNd9JHkZaAwG9un4G4PdBYaLmyKqxucuDE0XtSKBU1tS-5X7tBHceo27LZY7QziGbrJK80SdrbW4wjWe99kaVtxdV4x2uSLQ4bHlV1TIu7kmLg/s1600/P_20160130_201325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAE2C7drLTePoR3-G4p0kh6vg5RcJHiNd9JHkZaAwG9un4G4PdBYaLmyKqxucuDE0XtSKBU1tS-5X7tBHceo27LZY7QziGbrJK80SdrbW4wjWe99kaVtxdV4x2uSLQ4bHlV1TIu7kmLg/s640/P_20160130_201325.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Australian Miso Marinated Lamb Rack, Smoked Eggplant Puree, Capsicum Piperade, Okonomiyaki Pancake in Plum sauce (RM 55) - It was the most tender pieces of lamb we've ever had. The okonomiyaki with bonito shaving was DELICIOUS! Crispy on the outside, creamy inside, well seasoned, the smoked eggplant wonderful... in fact, every single component on the plate was perfect! Hands down The dish of the night for me!<br />
<br />
Ok, time to go cook dinner for hubby.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thepoint.com.my/" target="_blank">The Point</a> - Non Halal</div></div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-58265578210258554482016-01-26T23:50:00.000-08:002016-02-02T04:34:14.589-08:00Thaipusam at Batu Caves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A very simple introduction to Thaipusam: It is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly by the Tamil community during the fullmoon on the tenth month of the Hindu calendar. Pots of milk are offered to Lord Murugan, the god of war, to give thanks for his blessings. Some devotees also shave their heads, carry the Kavadi or pierce their bodies as a way to seek blessings from Lord Murugan.<br />
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After years of thinking about going but being put off last minute by stories about how busy it gets with more than a million visitors yearly, warnings about pick pockets etc. we were so glad that we've finally made it there this year!<br />
<br />
The best way to get there is by KTM Komuter train. It takes about half an hour from KL Sentral station, stops right beside Batu Caves and costs an affordable RM 2:60 one way. Much better than braving the horrendous traffic and not even sure where to park if we were to drive there.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhHhncwtCRW_bapsF507bSnWp6RNQ5G9gDYK4BiT5B7pQKY5Efat-_SGVHvqyU0ABjps_6eBR8E4Xp9bn64lWUksGHHyOxdDf0mf93o4ZQzjX45FppMCuXeqSbDBvu5_pm6zwzwWfNEI/s1600/P1070049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhHhncwtCRW_bapsF507bSnWp6RNQ5G9gDYK4BiT5B7pQKY5Efat-_SGVHvqyU0ABjps_6eBR8E4Xp9bn64lWUksGHHyOxdDf0mf93o4ZQzjX45FppMCuXeqSbDBvu5_pm6zwzwWfNEI/s1600/P1070049.JPG" /></a><br />
We had planned to go as early as the first available train, which we thought was at 6.54am, but we found out (not on their website ) that the Komuter trains operates round the clock the entire weekend during festival. Anyway, we got the 6.25am train and enjoyed watching the sky slowly turn bright as we approach the caves. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoajcO3wIg0NCM2xUaVoTg9NkVNaC7nIZz2Eo-VIaAYSQ1r60WJyEedvxS4qEMqgE8szgcOzNcpsGUcQM3RiMrYViwUndA4pAj8oF4eP4uDFApdCwTtf9RQ1dEyISw4KnNl8yvy1q2hA/s1600/P1060915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoajcO3wIg0NCM2xUaVoTg9NkVNaC7nIZz2Eo-VIaAYSQ1r60WJyEedvxS4qEMqgE8szgcOzNcpsGUcQM3RiMrYViwUndA4pAj8oF4eP4uDFApdCwTtf9RQ1dEyISw4KnNl8yvy1q2hA/s1600/P1060915.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZvXkdSbDA9CxEH-guTtOO2eM1UMgw37-ej9Uusha5-nN3k278DUPnYiDI6l1k1pR_TX3dgT1U66A8E-LGAwGZUM-cDTbbXvY3zVuhKaQ0O9bmYTPv857w5YHCUZ2xNNYfAFRB-jOvDE/s1600/P1060907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFef2GAkvoOMF8KdWvqL1E6EKaaLArX7NBBAYYD9tKr2CENYMP8-gsckK8x91pag42w8A1ZQNcBiocWCxL1sqD0uy-X1RtaLvAtNf1WxQ-3NzV-5Yt7J-iI9RsPKIoqotm1Ye3MAlqhpY/s1600/P1060911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
The first thing that greeted us as we got of the train was the loud music! There were rows of stalls set up selling food, clothing and even an amusement park complete with bumper cars and scary rides! While we struggled to find the connection between that and the festival itself, the kids and the young at heart probably loved those extra bits after their prayers. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZvXkdSbDA9CxEH-guTtOO2eM1UMgw37-ej9Uusha5-nN3k278DUPnYiDI6l1k1pR_TX3dgT1U66A8E-LGAwGZUM-cDTbbXvY3zVuhKaQ0O9bmYTPv857w5YHCUZ2xNNYfAFRB-jOvDE/s1600/P1060907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZvXkdSbDA9CxEH-guTtOO2eM1UMgw37-ej9Uusha5-nN3k278DUPnYiDI6l1k1pR_TX3dgT1U66A8E-LGAwGZUM-cDTbbXvY3zVuhKaQ0O9bmYTPv857w5YHCUZ2xNNYfAFRB-jOvDE/s1600/P1060907.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnA8HnJyvOIFj1_X3x_2xMejYplhIUpjmkDqQzzvube8NrTkOgWTyL8TZH5UsNB43pXjO1kuUzKv2eqSMHyLZ6z1zTb2wHXG2lat6WrkEZjw2cxKhCBI-g8NMrB1ewFJIlXaD5EYPJvg/s1600/P1060916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnA8HnJyvOIFj1_X3x_2xMejYplhIUpjmkDqQzzvube8NrTkOgWTyL8TZH5UsNB43pXjO1kuUzKv2eqSMHyLZ6z1zTb2wHXG2lat6WrkEZjw2cxKhCBI-g8NMrB1ewFJIlXaD5EYPJvg/s1600/P1060916.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZ8G6zQSeWwkJDL7t01gaffVe-LC8r_c1gyMV-P2IFQqCkV-Qr-zaVQunqWs_lzkuQY86_bF-bPWiE9lJWfRjYhadIVvUsyPUqpWcFyehC-K-rSEwNuuFwA9KgVBp5Aq2rE16M7ysaZg/s1600/P1060920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZ8G6zQSeWwkJDL7t01gaffVe-LC8r_c1gyMV-P2IFQqCkV-Qr-zaVQunqWs_lzkuQY86_bF-bPWiE9lJWfRjYhadIVvUsyPUqpWcFyehC-K-rSEwNuuFwA9KgVBp5Aq2rE16M7ysaZg/s1600/P1060920.JPG" /></a><br />
Thanks to tips from a friend, we did not go up the stairs to the temple in the cave since it was really busy and we didn't want to get into any accidents with the kavadis being carried up and down the 272 steps.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheddhxgBEGlsaZJ6JH34U0Vw7HmSuJq9C9F579vhD-7P-8e4oMp4DVKFUUzukxHiSk6f62OjQ4Kqv51OirzrFi3I51m5sP9nX2KJBfF8Vs21dmZlsAziIcRheV-L8HmvyNOuE3Dcm6qbo/s1600/P1060937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheddhxgBEGlsaZJ6JH34U0Vw7HmSuJq9C9F579vhD-7P-8e4oMp4DVKFUUzukxHiSk6f62OjQ4Kqv51OirzrFi3I51m5sP9nX2KJBfF8Vs21dmZlsAziIcRheV-L8HmvyNOuE3Dcm6qbo/s1600/P1060937.JPG" /></a><br />
Instead, we made our way out to the river across the other side of the railway track to witness devotees getting ready to have their face/body pierced and to carry their Kavadi or pots of milk offerings up to the caves. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_5SK9Dcych1E1sJXCldCqskVoZLUZS2cn5trKos9-aUDHg1s1EBglgMa0eiBdXaWQcYGt-R0FpQw1HAJs288gcshyUi3L2AH8jdhwwbJNpYCFVDGX3IelAIu5YubjYRwLXj1JMi14Vo/s1600/P1060944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_5SK9Dcych1E1sJXCldCqskVoZLUZS2cn5trKos9-aUDHg1s1EBglgMa0eiBdXaWQcYGt-R0FpQw1HAJs288gcshyUi3L2AH8jdhwwbJNpYCFVDGX3IelAIu5YubjYRwLXj1JMi14Vo/s1600/P1060944.JPG" /></a><br />
One of the many stalls set up for head shaving. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdJ2THYvBwrqaqSpr2KAY5QA-rGKqHeDy9Nm7q4lF5Gdr9uEA6dlr82ozEhywnuVx_XWe6Lc3P7NAybV4Y80TqVVSHjn4LxJ0W6L5chJYWmXLEKLBEKxra69TIOZNv9d3L82yzWPKo0A/s1600/P1060996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdJ2THYvBwrqaqSpr2KAY5QA-rGKqHeDy9Nm7q4lF5Gdr9uEA6dlr82ozEhywnuVx_XWe6Lc3P7NAybV4Y80TqVVSHjn4LxJ0W6L5chJYWmXLEKLBEKxra69TIOZNv9d3L82yzWPKo0A/s1600/P1060996.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcmLkTVr6SgZ_wHFqppTQMj2FjndRf5BodSZkGGvuHa6LYhqjbKLQ3zv_jOinaBT8jtDUxdyok_9kInUyNwUYk60m0Rtqd0txx3MKdqZK0I_bkdcyKNxL6K0llXMuaO4SzjrsDfgHDm4/s1600/P1060952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcmLkTVr6SgZ_wHFqppTQMj2FjndRf5BodSZkGGvuHa6LYhqjbKLQ3zv_jOinaBT8jtDUxdyok_9kInUyNwUYk60m0Rtqd0txx3MKdqZK0I_bkdcyKNxL6K0llXMuaO4SzjrsDfgHDm4/s1600/P1060952.JPG" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This guy's rope is attached to the hooks pierced on the other guy's back! Looks painful, but he's in a trance and doesn't feel the pain. One of the videos taken by hubby: <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hDf_RXI97qA" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGWxnd-5Pu0Nia-kR8bvWXVmYLJspsnxyiZtr0l0Cabdy_cwpVfLXeqfcRvq0jboKqgDJpSlW64i3YEgRQG7kxp7M-HBknkN5Kgt9Yh3YuFaI6QjYhh_LBORmGJ0oJsVFoI4BVcb8uMg/s1600/P10609671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGWxnd-5Pu0Nia-kR8bvWXVmYLJspsnxyiZtr0l0Cabdy_cwpVfLXeqfcRvq0jboKqgDJpSlW64i3YEgRQG7kxp7M-HBknkN5Kgt9Yh3YuFaI6QjYhh_LBORmGJ0oJsVFoI4BVcb8uMg/s1600/P10609671.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnKbLkImk5fGmCZHXz74MsEAjZoSbvUKP33ATj4mI84ZkVEl-2fPAiBk3nJbRHjIhZv4y1CQrdhOYZSavvbvxzafSEa4IKJfTQfVkOJxuOnJtKHaul2ZDasGqthrGxxS8-seWtLGinxo/s1600/P1070003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnKbLkImk5fGmCZHXz74MsEAjZoSbvUKP33ATj4mI84ZkVEl-2fPAiBk3nJbRHjIhZv4y1CQrdhOYZSavvbvxzafSEa4IKJfTQfVkOJxuOnJtKHaul2ZDasGqthrGxxS8-seWtLGinxo/s1600/P1070003.JPG" /></a>Really loud drums and very similar to the ones used in the cremation ceremony that we've seen in </div>Bali! The sights and sounds were so incredible, we felt as if we were in a National Geographic video.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRNm0us6iNaboUZy10v32pDzU7UCkRknmC5x6hkV7kQkFuZb15oHrPdQKhdOHSoHIcHir34MptwlW-8LXInNGUcfS1E2rl2s-l5xynXedUrGa3Nyua84eTpAYyIlEwHMCycAAFRIYPMI/s1600/P1060963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRNm0us6iNaboUZy10v32pDzU7UCkRknmC5x6hkV7kQkFuZb15oHrPdQKhdOHSoHIcHir34MptwlW-8LXInNGUcfS1E2rl2s-l5xynXedUrGa3Nyua84eTpAYyIlEwHMCycAAFRIYPMI/s1600/P1060963.JPG" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A3rgGQUoBkQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3oZQlCJqVBEn-d2S9h6OGCz4VRh2XK4mo87MC0FuzT5Vz-LKLDP3xviw5-luge4qAiDVvEMxbVRhhu362pTKcJIaaErBCT13OyTZNRkRLboFzVek03ZzhOonSbJG6Y3lPhIspo73Moc/s1600/P1060992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3oZQlCJqVBEn-d2S9h6OGCz4VRh2XK4mo87MC0FuzT5Vz-LKLDP3xviw5-luge4qAiDVvEMxbVRhhu362pTKcJIaaErBCT13OyTZNRkRLboFzVek03ZzhOonSbJG6Y3lPhIspo73Moc/s1600/P1060992.JPG" /></a></div>We could be anywhere in India!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheddhxgBEGlsaZJ6JH34U0Vw7HmSuJq9C9F579vhD-7P-8e4oMp4DVKFUUzukxHiSk6f62OjQ4Kqv51OirzrFi3I51m5sP9nX2KJBfF8Vs21dmZlsAziIcRheV-L8HmvyNOuE3Dcm6qbo/s1600/P1060937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6LcCR3Hn9QpfyApo2psgoCRLEDops-Xmkmg4WOHJNfffcBt51SyQc25LsIa7mcYKtqWpCQlYvejE7NW4quYmnabsh6mDFCwCqXv8Uj21bcGtG2-0waL7xdUfpfSuwVIcuip-t42d3FA/s1600/P1060960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRNm0us6iNaboUZy10v32pDzU7UCkRknmC5x6hkV7kQkFuZb15oHrPdQKhdOHSoHIcHir34MptwlW-8LXInNGUcfS1E2rl2s-l5xynXedUrGa3Nyua84eTpAYyIlEwHMCycAAFRIYPMI/s1600/P1060963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4HAEcoj5xwwpMIiNXXVgjOUJ6VD9T9p_Pz3D_OGZIRCvcuBhqmEQ9pVCXv9NqvfIBI5R1qCPNtIGuP_ovkPg5RuOjjsguSSvoN9_Fzl6ziCCKbWM4H4gO7buoOt0FFzw2bheK9UVlR0/s1600/P1060970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4HAEcoj5xwwpMIiNXXVgjOUJ6VD9T9p_Pz3D_OGZIRCvcuBhqmEQ9pVCXv9NqvfIBI5R1qCPNtIGuP_ovkPg5RuOjjsguSSvoN9_Fzl6ziCCKbWM4H4gO7buoOt0FFzw2bheK9UVlR0/s1600/P1060970.JPG" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V9ymLRgpFES8vXhvVkJ1cqvtClclZkmcLrpF87XGIbeiAQdtMXuwb2xDlfeAEs-WuTMZpoe7gAJFQMb-MpypBCma3eTY32l1sxjWBE7MNQlB9vQhb8yGljxO4Egu99vt3WElKgC2eb0/s1600/P1070002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V9ymLRgpFES8vXhvVkJ1cqvtClclZkmcLrpF87XGIbeiAQdtMXuwb2xDlfeAEs-WuTMZpoe7gAJFQMb-MpypBCma3eTY32l1sxjWBE7MNQlB9vQhb8yGljxO4Egu99vt3WElKgC2eb0/s1600/P1070002.JPG" /></a><br />
Preparing the Kavadi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjrYjY66XoDmi4bpxixbhrNnohjH5Ef57ib0D_dwAGEA3oEuKJDmXsZ82Bjog14DMZnENANRDcb6furn9R5iOZXHFEXfon0JW_xWZ5xKWTRpRjXdYWNoEpTGqTLt7lomJPY80NC5ITbw/s1600/P1070013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjrYjY66XoDmi4bpxixbhrNnohjH5Ef57ib0D_dwAGEA3oEuKJDmXsZ82Bjog14DMZnENANRDcb6furn9R5iOZXHFEXfon0JW_xWZ5xKWTRpRjXdYWNoEpTGqTLt7lomJPY80NC5ITbw/s1600/P1070013.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prayers before carrying the milk offering up to the caves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1IlUH5jr_7Xhh2TG6XHIqjEE8M4jb6jcB9ZcW2iqPr3_3pOnUvtvvnqOivX5tgODVONbGWNuy5zngZRWWzjiB8mhlQvsJ_1Ps0jlOQxzM9GnyUZdeKQGgrr_T4PkZVbp3NyNILxqMso/s1600/P1070022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1IlUH5jr_7Xhh2TG6XHIqjEE8M4jb6jcB9ZcW2iqPr3_3pOnUvtvvnqOivX5tgODVONbGWNuy5zngZRWWzjiB8mhlQvsJ_1Ps0jlOQxzM9GnyUZdeKQGgrr_T4PkZVbp3NyNILxqMso/s1600/P1070022.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTCF91N0HdtZ87QFEOnZYU72uKTD8nMsuZEn2jRwgQ-1RC-sHM29Lzb9hJQheKanr6vQHsjG0K7qG4z0xyMM7pPJTAhLdsPjATqWfugWkitBTatAcwtjvDKdFt549CngJQLWwtbmXNn4/s1600/P1070037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTCF91N0HdtZ87QFEOnZYU72uKTD8nMsuZEn2jRwgQ-1RC-sHM29Lzb9hJQheKanr6vQHsjG0K7qG4z0xyMM7pPJTAhLdsPjATqWfugWkitBTatAcwtjvDKdFt549CngJQLWwtbmXNn4/s1600/P1070037.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6LcCR3Hn9QpfyApo2psgoCRLEDops-Xmkmg4WOHJNfffcBt51SyQc25LsIa7mcYKtqWpCQlYvejE7NW4quYmnabsh6mDFCwCqXv8Uj21bcGtG2-0waL7xdUfpfSuwVIcuip-t42d3FA/s1600/P1060960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6LcCR3Hn9QpfyApo2psgoCRLEDops-Xmkmg4WOHJNfffcBt51SyQc25LsIa7mcYKtqWpCQlYvejE7NW4quYmnabsh6mDFCwCqXv8Uj21bcGtG2-0waL7xdUfpfSuwVIcuip-t42d3FA/s1600/P1060960.JPG" /></a></div> Spotted this.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXsoPnGwpkuuaipPQFNRNKgAco0O565Ek1WI6P2XQgSKMAInWoimkoVlCMrvG3kaaDWCoR-aICPrfIKbaPO_Ca0iWnIjHFCD6Ah2BiLmd0Gk33vu8F737QOf5GLT_bpDzeLlM2-89XLQ/s1600/P1070042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXsoPnGwpkuuaipPQFNRNKgAco0O565Ek1WI6P2XQgSKMAInWoimkoVlCMrvG3kaaDWCoR-aICPrfIKbaPO_Ca0iWnIjHFCD6Ah2BiLmd0Gk33vu8F737QOf5GLT_bpDzeLlM2-89XLQ/s1600/P1070042.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkEih9RE9ObVRCy3jtUgYzikCYCBabUvTnFG207_c5OAbuXk4fh4eQi26BqltAQCb4oku5ozL5sdNDtZvbTnuDt6dDTehTww5Qtq0IkXZ46WUIcNDYxsrllx99Ha5K_Zx4x5p1UexTfU/s1600/P1070045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkEih9RE9ObVRCy3jtUgYzikCYCBabUvTnFG207_c5OAbuXk4fh4eQi26BqltAQCb4oku5ozL5sdNDtZvbTnuDt6dDTehTww5Qtq0IkXZ46WUIcNDYxsrllx99Ha5K_Zx4x5p1UexTfU/s1600/P1070045.JPG" /></a></div><br />
If you're planning to go for next year's celebration:<br />
1. Take the train, and if you have the time, go to KL Sentral on the day before to check out the train timetable. <br />
2. Going early means getting the nice morning breeze, less crowd and getting to see the devotees preparing themselves for their march to the caves. <br />
3. The procession of the silver chariot that carries the statue of Lord Muruga to Batu Caves starts off from Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown the evening of 2 days before if you'd like to see that. <br />
4. Preparation for the kavadi carriers takes place by the river nearby, just cross the pedestrian bridge over the railway track and follow the crowd there.<br />
5. We were told to not carry bags and valuables. While we did not carry much valuables except for our cameras, we felt that it was pretty safe (early in the morning anyway) but I did put my sling bag to the front and kept an eye on it at all times. <br />
6. Take it all in with an open mind. </div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-48760004112578423192016-01-25T02:10:00.004-08:002016-01-28T01:50:45.534-08:00Santorini Day 5 - Oia / Fira / Firostefani<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It was our last day in Santorini but it feels like there's still so much to do that we could have easily spent another week or so exploring the island. Our last day was spent pretty much just chilling and wandering places for one last time, until our next visit someday, of course.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BaQoIjFTFoW-06_ON-mGt3RbiA8AaDK7_pYdoNV2ogFF3p6CvQEUU6g1edv2xbx0o6wN6StBUB4GgzF6zXkcEZ0roP7SmSYZeDfdy0G2kEg0VKyJueHk2Mo73pp12QOIthptkEhWznM/s1600/P1010592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BaQoIjFTFoW-06_ON-mGt3RbiA8AaDK7_pYdoNV2ogFF3p6CvQEUU6g1edv2xbx0o6wN6StBUB4GgzF6zXkcEZ0roP7SmSYZeDfdy0G2kEg0VKyJueHk2Mo73pp12QOIthptkEhWznM/s1600/P1010592.JPG" /></a><br />
Prewedding photography: We've seen quite a few of these during our stay. How they kept cool or not drenched in sweat while in their finest threads under the scorching sun, I would never know. My spaghetti straps are soaked within 10 minutes of walking around in that heat. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_yq3xpUwWnMCj8fuoz4NpIxqONNT-Wg4XC1JeV5zW2clY_aP9Joege43O35MdGUbSQCcfnFhaKqkfsMVRtscttoB-pYkPVfXP6yzkvhp5J3MXClMI2czy7OMWDApPGJx3zskGostr3c/s1600/P1010635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_yq3xpUwWnMCj8fuoz4NpIxqONNT-Wg4XC1JeV5zW2clY_aP9Joege43O35MdGUbSQCcfnFhaKqkfsMVRtscttoB-pYkPVfXP6yzkvhp5J3MXClMI2czy7OMWDApPGJx3zskGostr3c/s1600/P1010635.JPG" /></a><br />
We read about this restaurant named Aktaion in Firostefani being the oldest restaurant in Santorini and were looking forward to try it, but it was closed the first time we went there. So we went back again on our last day hoping to catch its opening hours. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aCxBaFyL_f_cD3q0eKhftWVoWa0PU2V1T49XEYue0ucxhoyiw4uHhjO5FUzU7gstJCsuqLWzVIL7QltmNItZJmkZ1HHPLb8zGBJBZojbXq-OkVDviCFMNLT4jFnRO9TIeziJm3XAguI/s1600/P1010632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aCxBaFyL_f_cD3q0eKhftWVoWa0PU2V1T49XEYue0ucxhoyiw4uHhjO5FUzU7gstJCsuqLWzVIL7QltmNItZJmkZ1HHPLb8zGBJBZojbXq-OkVDviCFMNLT4jFnRO9TIeziJm3XAguI/s1600/P1010632.JPG" /></a><br />
We were the 2nd last guests that afternoon, and were very glad we made it! We had The dish of the trip during that lunch - Octopus in Ouzo. We mopped up every single drop of that orange coloured sauce. It was SO good! The moussaka next to it was pretty awesome too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhxyyf15vmkK_i-xn9l1Ygw9hP7r8ryh24KGQrMcEC1SoXdopZAvNogV7JziKNn-T5mvn37L_ZBb-10fu8yNFQmI0LKMQILocYFBdbYj5cjb2I9adrGOdWfmDc7nTX-HgZheeu4TVpcE/s1600/P1010653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhxyyf15vmkK_i-xn9l1Ygw9hP7r8ryh24KGQrMcEC1SoXdopZAvNogV7JziKNn-T5mvn37L_ZBb-10fu8yNFQmI0LKMQILocYFBdbYj5cjb2I9adrGOdWfmDc7nTX-HgZheeu4TVpcE/s1600/P1010653.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After our late lunch, we manage to fit in one last gyros from Obelix before making our way back to Oia to join the crowd for a bit of sunset cheer on our last evening there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Santorini is definitely all that we've heard about and probably more! Someone commented on Tripadvisor that it is a must see if this is your first time to Greece. We couldn't agree more! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See you again Santorini! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ate: <a href="http://www.aktaionsantorini.com/index_en.html" target="_blank">Aktaion</a></div></div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-33480354783447818892016-01-25T01:40:00.002-08:002016-01-25T20:10:07.131-08:00Santorini Day 4 - Oia / Fira / Perissa Beach / Ancient Thera <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Oia can get really busy but with an early start, before 9 am I'd say, you can have the whole place almost to yourselves. That's what we did, got up really early (by vacation standards anyway) and wander around before the busloads of tourists arrive.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBo8ZZCXMnsogSrEbZOV1wutMc04EoeL7gif3lM7PhAxgT9zIjnaDFzCaQI1nxj3ChZzx6NqBE1GkxwXPiwzY8nYWi7SethyGIu6XZRoCro38tVDgxpBRY4OzTcVtZUVblJQhPDcpGRw/s1600/P1010294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBo8ZZCXMnsogSrEbZOV1wutMc04EoeL7gif3lM7PhAxgT9zIjnaDFzCaQI1nxj3ChZzx6NqBE1GkxwXPiwzY8nYWi7SethyGIu6XZRoCro38tVDgxpBRY4OzTcVtZUVblJQhPDcpGRw/s1600/P1010294.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9cn-lZvIVXknxl4g8fWqu7txE518IyOAXEN2HYD9m7RmMirbV0oj83iTT4A_KXeyaEDcIjR7lc_yU67RItVKALHVqBzSK3G7HQHdLYi-S7U0k9uPPTzbgNakI_vP3YU6SSg_cy438xY/s1600/P1010307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9cn-lZvIVXknxl4g8fWqu7txE518IyOAXEN2HYD9m7RmMirbV0oj83iTT4A_KXeyaEDcIjR7lc_yU67RItVKALHVqBzSK3G7HQHdLYi-S7U0k9uPPTzbgNakI_vP3YU6SSg_cy438xY/s1600/P1010307.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2YwdfsmWiURhGkjllUjwiudrFkda54KYwLToyenxot405f3X5te1x3LKcel1Bn_HXO524RQJ_yNgy2DX8PsSWoXlsS9YSXNDbg6SbitT3dpSYkGLF7H5XuBbEeSomRESJcNIymhB9mA/s1600/P1010324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2YwdfsmWiURhGkjllUjwiudrFkda54KYwLToyenxot405f3X5te1x3LKcel1Bn_HXO524RQJ_yNgy2DX8PsSWoXlsS9YSXNDbg6SbitT3dpSYkGLF7H5XuBbEeSomRESJcNIymhB9mA/s1600/P1010324.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Peaceful, empty streets in Oia. Lovely!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4R1iM6xUk4D6LJA5rfTMyrywVHKrs498bjVi6Tn1Afem6CQRsgfnYuQzqv6J01zZy-U756LWLZub0m1eYAQZCa5Uhrt0WfzeRAE4-RbVyuXH-w1n30UDGjlonfpOIngFk328lWevz-4/s1600/P1010329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4R1iM6xUk4D6LJA5rfTMyrywVHKrs498bjVi6Tn1Afem6CQRsgfnYuQzqv6J01zZy-U756LWLZub0m1eYAQZCa5Uhrt0WfzeRAE4-RbVyuXH-w1n30UDGjlonfpOIngFk328lWevz-4/s1600/P1010329.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1xcnITAs9t65gbRPK7mxHzJTMxlPyM2uKBDniYoEf5OVajr80WqACZXy6N69nx1RGW9sUo6_TBdPgXM7s-wq8n2-Vjw6sFHlNLE2XRhkt4-D5tC_6rvo5VLG9whi3e1Sr_xnOzcP8_c/s1600/P1010336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1xcnITAs9t65gbRPK7mxHzJTMxlPyM2uKBDniYoEf5OVajr80WqACZXy6N69nx1RGW9sUo6_TBdPgXM7s-wq8n2-Vjw6sFHlNLE2XRhkt4-D5tC_6rvo5VLG9whi3e1Sr_xnOzcP8_c/s1600/P1010336.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCbYQhJ7DzTjuMwA6NPEjlG6EaAyWOo4LCigdJiowR3oHZpg_5DOmjRH8032uf_tO7iYKBNc7Pj5ou-LxQFo5mct21qRuHCMdGi_y6FP5hpGtTNT_sZRcpltkwtfmHE_miIzG0BfJ3_k/s1600/P1010343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCbYQhJ7DzTjuMwA6NPEjlG6EaAyWOo4LCigdJiowR3oHZpg_5DOmjRH8032uf_tO7iYKBNc7Pj5ou-LxQFo5mct21qRuHCMdGi_y6FP5hpGtTNT_sZRcpltkwtfmHE_miIzG0BfJ3_k/s1600/P1010343.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3BuGUF9g_wknZK9t9sPzL7iLPzJFE8e-Njp8cYUO44_hPPnU34IxKFkhiQYd_LT8V2yYj_TDGBW146pbP_aUsOmRPRgunApN1rbuXR21GMVkjIFatG-tvSoYNsnTfh_sJD4_STBATqE/s1600/P1010361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3BuGUF9g_wknZK9t9sPzL7iLPzJFE8e-Njp8cYUO44_hPPnU34IxKFkhiQYd_LT8V2yYj_TDGBW146pbP_aUsOmRPRgunApN1rbuXR21GMVkjIFatG-tvSoYNsnTfh_sJD4_STBATqE/s1600/P1010361.JPG" /></a><br />
Hardly anyone at the sunset lookout point at this hour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0sPMcYH7yQWQ6L3g2j4SVau8d_FzFJ9IyB285IrlXNsPMpNbba45Drlzo6bQOYLDE8MveR5ahTNIoJtwvbNAia2I1AwPV9FUuMQgm6H0TvgRt1IktThTlK6MykCFJfstuYm2OtKdjto/s1600/P1010379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0sPMcYH7yQWQ6L3g2j4SVau8d_FzFJ9IyB285IrlXNsPMpNbba45Drlzo6bQOYLDE8MveR5ahTNIoJtwvbNAia2I1AwPV9FUuMQgm6H0TvgRt1IktThTlK6MykCFJfstuYm2OtKdjto/s1600/P1010379.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This old couple is celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and and their daughter has taken them to Santorini for a DIY wedding photoshoot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeK016m4wmCmH6OgYUFftVPebEqvss1NpdL1UGKHce_29MGheA6rSYi3YDu27vKUlHr87xRwfCRHhfe5yRAQVU0wffnLIA92G9vxeOjgEEOBbDeZx87c87vppxz9vyTYX2mAzeCuIjIM/s1600/P1010381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeK016m4wmCmH6OgYUFftVPebEqvss1NpdL1UGKHce_29MGheA6rSYi3YDu27vKUlHr87xRwfCRHhfe5yRAQVU0wffnLIA92G9vxeOjgEEOBbDeZx87c87vppxz9vyTYX2mAzeCuIjIM/s1600/P1010381.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_Y6kXHLyBfrcdhNaGzsVfOyRx7ms1ceeUAgx4RB32vnOLyc7nZoFRziq4tp4dC8o90BbeFSo1rIoPfDnrOq9Jono87SzvHR0lZzhy3Ei3Y-N-jqWEpvYTlUO7w6dzLQPiHM70lH4L28/s1600/P1010384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_Y6kXHLyBfrcdhNaGzsVfOyRx7ms1ceeUAgx4RB32vnOLyc7nZoFRziq4tp4dC8o90BbeFSo1rIoPfDnrOq9Jono87SzvHR0lZzhy3Ei3Y-N-jqWEpvYTlUO7w6dzLQPiHM70lH4L28/s1600/P1010384.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZorLvushHu6FZK-N8LTHKTOG7xTASKX7ybJ0P8gtibxeY3la5BVtiKIiEm_OfDIjDWc8De4PkCuScRa_CL6cuZ9TAFuSC_4s7z4KRQBc-TJYf5lk7Ly4hgv6RHfNuwiXkHKWbbwBrqCU/s1600/P1010403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZorLvushHu6FZK-N8LTHKTOG7xTASKX7ybJ0P8gtibxeY3la5BVtiKIiEm_OfDIjDWc8De4PkCuScRa_CL6cuZ9TAFuSC_4s7z4KRQBc-TJYf5lk7Ly4hgv6RHfNuwiXkHKWbbwBrqCU/s1600/P1010403.JPG" /></a><br />
We had to move out of oyr hoyse to the one upstairs for the last 2 nights. It was peak period and the other villa was pretty sweet, so it was alright. A worthy mention: Our Bulgarian porter, Vasillis, who helped us with our check in and out, and carrying our bags up and down millions of steps!<br />
If you're interested in staying here, please note that the bedroom is a loft and you need to climb up a flight of stairs to get to it. Also, I don't think the bedroom has aircon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikokAG1qWjysPQYt62Ne3i5B8IxrRUPgxNgijJToc8se76Db0Dwzto8yiS92oP3ldC2N2zzNRvKyfFCuQSx5Ma4D7yWXpaxqz6yJtpjVRIUUzlZ5Q0gZsbpZxaC8C6_n0dkge7-j1ky4k/s1600/P1010405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikokAG1qWjysPQYt62Ne3i5B8IxrRUPgxNgijJToc8se76Db0Dwzto8yiS92oP3ldC2N2zzNRvKyfFCuQSx5Ma4D7yWXpaxqz6yJtpjVRIUUzlZ5Q0gZsbpZxaC8C6_n0dkge7-j1ky4k/s1600/P1010405.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best thing about the villa was probably the balcony. We loved the hours spent out here having breakfast, evening drinks and nibbles or just enjoying the view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1xnMMdZEhkOYPUnd7QG0T1dulLhrpM4EKCU7T3G_LVFlGH78E_9AIIGeAJ-HbV09eZ7rNnquS8-eng7OPlsnNalBYeQ5xJQ_9eQIK0G3vB_In2gy5yQVXxtJK2WkBAbxL4__-brTX3A/s1600/P1010435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1xnMMdZEhkOYPUnd7QG0T1dulLhrpM4EKCU7T3G_LVFlGH78E_9AIIGeAJ-HbV09eZ7rNnquS8-eng7OPlsnNalBYeQ5xJQ_9eQIK0G3vB_In2gy5yQVXxtJK2WkBAbxL4__-brTX3A/s1600/P1010435.JPG" /></a></div>Took a bus to Fira town after moving to our new villa. I highly recommend taking buses when in Santorini. They can get really packed but they are convenient, cheap and the bus conductors are pretty entertaining!<br />
<br />
A colleague recommended Lucky's Souvlaki for gyros before coming here which is located on the main street in Fira - on the left in this photo. The gyros was pretty good, but we would soon discover that Obelix, somewhere inside Fira town was even better!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq8fR3OkEYqGMo6kLyqt_faMnrRjdmJOYPXmWFNDoIKSY-LP6TizjQg5RkWUWa0dUBVCVrrg2IDc4ZiQ6CvsReRTetCRcLxnr7ldlb0BXXCnOwf1Tqrc10Wq5G5SkKeeVXvs6HZcGcRI/s1600/P1010440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq8fR3OkEYqGMo6kLyqt_faMnrRjdmJOYPXmWFNDoIKSY-LP6TizjQg5RkWUWa0dUBVCVrrg2IDc4ZiQ6CvsReRTetCRcLxnr7ldlb0BXXCnOwf1Tqrc10Wq5G5SkKeeVXvs6HZcGcRI/s1600/P1010440.JPG" /></a></div>Lunch stop at Restaurant Nikolas, located in the heart of Fira.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVJdSf71vjyPpYEJgznp2SmvSmuKttQNdvhULKOsRUYsTLxGgk2Z2GPe5CuYITRIsKO4hNdOYacQCBO1LiOD1rB2B9iD3B5iYBkx2I7nCU9F28H9EuDdf9XZg0O9vMSgRzTAyAW2bOus/s1600/P1010442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVJdSf71vjyPpYEJgznp2SmvSmuKttQNdvhULKOsRUYsTLxGgk2Z2GPe5CuYITRIsKO4hNdOYacQCBO1LiOD1rB2B9iD3B5iYBkx2I7nCU9F28H9EuDdf9XZg0O9vMSgRzTAyAW2bOus/s1600/P1010442.JPG" /></a></div>Friendly staff and good food. Beers we've had so far: Mythos, Alfa, Fix Hellas... all good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC-NjILbAj4xCAkb-fQD3C980BaEoALqfWTei84nq-uC_ZG5oKrrO8SHbUClB_XZSgyUlG-OfwCqauZozZiH_uKD3Dw7kf8e9AczINmhhyphenhyphen86q1IGrWT3a97x47U5oMboaA1HgCa9xvqQ/s1600/P1010446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC-NjILbAj4xCAkb-fQD3C980BaEoALqfWTei84nq-uC_ZG5oKrrO8SHbUClB_XZSgyUlG-OfwCqauZozZiH_uKD3Dw7kf8e9AczINmhhyphenhyphen86q1IGrWT3a97x47U5oMboaA1HgCa9xvqQ/s1600/P1010446.JPG" /></a></div>Strong, garlicky, delicious! This is how I like my Tzatziki now!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAm8xEBcIo8e_1cUqknDhl9Uk4xhIaypytRWPFsNClrKP_a00zxrU8sDN3O-WhmHfvecQlwWxqskHCmU6MhQekp0p1-St907fEwY6kRuEfSpuDspFwkrQPzMc5zIQVZ7mw39wMRO3MkE/s1600/P1010456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAm8xEBcIo8e_1cUqknDhl9Uk4xhIaypytRWPFsNClrKP_a00zxrU8sDN3O-WhmHfvecQlwWxqskHCmU6MhQekp0p1-St907fEwY6kRuEfSpuDspFwkrQPzMc5zIQVZ7mw39wMRO3MkE/s1600/P1010456.JPG" /></a></div>Looking for another excursion around the island after lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17gsRLY_0FYXm07uPx0HTH0kZ9-T1KlmCM0_7UERmgDKMrVqoYCmy5qBFWGxgz5kIcbgJU6xNi3SXew1tyWI5cUH4fu9zS79aFgMeVOTP70zaFyEyIECnmZ8clQ5wYe_3f3z-xZfylgY/s1600/11665600_10152978677739205_8854486113532639738_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17gsRLY_0FYXm07uPx0HTH0kZ9-T1KlmCM0_7UERmgDKMrVqoYCmy5qBFWGxgz5kIcbgJU6xNi3SXew1tyWI5cUH4fu9zS79aFgMeVOTP70zaFyEyIECnmZ8clQ5wYe_3f3z-xZfylgY/s1600/11665600_10152978677739205_8854486113532639738_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Got the bus to Perissa beach. It is a black pebbled beach with nice cool water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNuAdvJpMVFr__qHsj5JvgXPBcZ9M9Nj-Tfj-0dmL382nKpiAEQZzdy_f_U1mh-FedADGjU-ViyA6nW1Q8vuIXE_9wGjDiKTuV9qaKJzD6bOUHSDlwJlp156RU6F95TH3HNLUTpnMDeY/s1600/P1010478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNuAdvJpMVFr__qHsj5JvgXPBcZ9M9Nj-Tfj-0dmL382nKpiAEQZzdy_f_U1mh-FedADGjU-ViyA6nW1Q8vuIXE_9wGjDiKTuV9qaKJzD6bOUHSDlwJlp156RU6F95TH3HNLUTpnMDeY/s1600/P1010478.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Located a walking distance from the beach is Ancient Thera archeological site that sits on top Mesa Vouno mountain. We only made it to halfway since the path up was very windy and flip flops were not the best footwear to climb a mountain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIO79NdUMZg-y50Ys4Z2T85frdtMLkNXyl5hhH680Q2f4SQK6vU23JEa_owc5Sq5oBDL18N1oqCbBm3Wwt4wCvzL1ULfIOrRTc2t-5C4t0vimp-D53GOH_RtSaZ6GtqSdi-O67Q7ndEg/s1600/P1010479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIO79NdUMZg-y50Ys4Z2T85frdtMLkNXyl5hhH680Q2f4SQK6vU23JEa_owc5Sq5oBDL18N1oqCbBm3Wwt4wCvzL1ULfIOrRTc2t-5C4t0vimp-D53GOH_RtSaZ6GtqSdi-O67Q7ndEg/s1600/P1010479.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0BnibPGZxVIxhlDKobP4tSD5uKPts8rTHym4sE9I1bPuB25bNcpKCips5VrcXYyGUZW7gN_9b9VpibkjUi9nS3_YdoL-FoMscG9_e-uA7yjcjMclAeFyRAqE_d-VFJgdF_c17LvVL9U/s1600/P1010481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0BnibPGZxVIxhlDKobP4tSD5uKPts8rTHym4sE9I1bPuB25bNcpKCips5VrcXYyGUZW7gN_9b9VpibkjUi9nS3_YdoL-FoMscG9_e-uA7yjcjMclAeFyRAqE_d-VFJgdF_c17LvVL9U/s1600/P1010481.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhDbhVKPcQNfb_WmOdMqaKcwyqYl4n0b4nJSZ82-iNPOwQvKUDS9Tw9utBgdd1LHaXoKjVn-WuHONbyg2igerDkf36YBpNsuZHbStTfCQBSte6vgjHnzSaRZq3zaQfh4fTPBAvDMGmAM/s1600/P1010501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhDbhVKPcQNfb_WmOdMqaKcwyqYl4n0b4nJSZ82-iNPOwQvKUDS9Tw9utBgdd1LHaXoKjVn-WuHONbyg2igerDkf36YBpNsuZHbStTfCQBSte6vgjHnzSaRZq3zaQfh4fTPBAvDMGmAM/s1600/P1010501.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO9QLYB2lp7KJbZZ92WdPhKcydceoyF7LGOZo6op2sySFKI3qD-R2nOHusrQrZxm-zCi53Ni6wQW7gT3ZE_7brW_9kKKGNSy7aLZh6BCawHbKpV1pkw-Zd4bj5crrOG_mgMxrRpesbdg/s1600/P1010514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO9QLYB2lp7KJbZZ92WdPhKcydceoyF7LGOZo6op2sySFKI3qD-R2nOHusrQrZxm-zCi53Ni6wQW7gT3ZE_7brW_9kKKGNSy7aLZh6BCawHbKpV1pkw-Zd4bj5crrOG_mgMxrRpesbdg/s1600/P1010514.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIqSPN0hxCt0PkfBkt_BCESRjgfEKpENYEyBDt-7EwMtM4fYyY2NBC9ftQkqS3NsZK18kvqDphQJkVdo_e28mwkl6UX1K8whEdSsj1r5bjn7MWaprIm-5ZwEn7M2LAyw1tvlwjZy40eU/s1600/P1010520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIqSPN0hxCt0PkfBkt_BCESRjgfEKpENYEyBDt-7EwMtM4fYyY2NBC9ftQkqS3NsZK18kvqDphQJkVdo_e28mwkl6UX1K8whEdSsj1r5bjn7MWaprIm-5ZwEn7M2LAyw1tvlwjZy40eU/s1600/P1010520.JPG" /></a><br />
Back to Fira for sunset.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoAJnd1HGbN6jZaur139gaO8d0JEh7q_N0Hu1bssFCjpOC9NNMPNoupziHSPbCvk4-pvPMVVvNis1Uvn_YTUiI92khGnGKj7m-W9auH77NoYeuWk5xQGsuX1cOrj-X04U625EUX8ZcxM/s1600/P1010528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoAJnd1HGbN6jZaur139gaO8d0JEh7q_N0Hu1bssFCjpOC9NNMPNoupziHSPbCvk4-pvPMVVvNis1Uvn_YTUiI92khGnGKj7m-W9auH77NoYeuWk5xQGsuX1cOrj-X04U625EUX8ZcxM/s1600/P1010528.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K95yyDf6CAgvTfV6YiJiwXalo84pWbZh-rw_ZtTYMpyW_LxgAVC6HUT9YuJ3r-9vIed3HFChhf0-gEMUWIt8kJsUXzu-ROxTDdk6F4PpDBrtpVKqjAclnq3DBzIKIokGSMi4-mek3SQ/s1600/P1010549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K95yyDf6CAgvTfV6YiJiwXalo84pWbZh-rw_ZtTYMpyW_LxgAVC6HUT9YuJ3r-9vIed3HFChhf0-gEMUWIt8kJsUXzu-ROxTDdk6F4PpDBrtpVKqjAclnq3DBzIKIokGSMi4-mek3SQ/s1600/P1010549.JPG" /></a><br />
Dinner time at Obelix. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZYjJEjDtBUAdW2ZSeFSOM8Lzd6HK-aiFqLnVHphpdKAaVmkwP2_-ByS97ql4RyIA9zi_2PMIpJ4d4pAEK5e1X1QVXTWcf74hK0RI5CEQp4MyAMd77MIcWrtlibdmyP7_qKJTgQfNvg0/s1600/P1010550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZYjJEjDtBUAdW2ZSeFSOM8Lzd6HK-aiFqLnVHphpdKAaVmkwP2_-ByS97ql4RyIA9zi_2PMIpJ4d4pAEK5e1X1QVXTWcf74hK0RI5CEQp4MyAMd77MIcWrtlibdmyP7_qKJTgQfNvg0/s1600/P1010550.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Really good gyros and pork on skewers! We're still dreaming of this now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
Ate: Restaurant Nikolas and Obelix in Fira<br />
Stay: <a href="https://www.santorini.com/hotels/porihouse/" target="_blank">Pori House Oia Villas</a></div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-55505153505791560052016-01-25T00:21:00.003-08:002016-01-25T20:10:21.385-08:00Santorini Day 3 - Catamaran Sunset cruise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We booked to go on a sunset cruise the day before with <a href="http://sailing-santorini.com/" target="_blank">Sunset Oia Sailing</a> at Ammoudi bay. It was our honeymoon splurge since it costs about 70 euros each at that time. I had a look at the website and it's apparently 95 euros now. Either we've got a discount then or the price has gone up hugely!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS8AlB6S0mHHVkdnXCHe1K6qwUetUDAOUwNxGRyfNubufo-EZ0JINEPhgQeEkBmwUu5-hjmmhlhMEAGSv4oGI3Z5Jx-X8YgENmXwF5Rh8KzujiguoY0aBsDr3bO2e38fX9uPay7mUR54/s1600/17717_10152978667824205_3462924718935595421_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS8AlB6S0mHHVkdnXCHe1K6qwUetUDAOUwNxGRyfNubufo-EZ0JINEPhgQeEkBmwUu5-hjmmhlhMEAGSv4oGI3Z5Jx-X8YgENmXwF5Rh8KzujiguoY0aBsDr3bO2e38fX9uPay7mUR54/s640/17717_10152978667824205_3462924718935595421_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Had ourselves a bit of lunch at Taverna Katina in Ammoudi bay before the 5 hour cruise which starts at about 2:30 pm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmQ41Bh86leCM7453_q1uwu943sHzpG4coWrXvoEN9iv-O928FMfvFlk1OZTjUGhN6yQdUyFWPGIIP0QmbeZr0Lfts2TQ2IHfbVQghNN3_-UXoJKnBys2J3PyCtnhwUemTf9AJT25Q7Y/s1600/P1010023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmQ41Bh86leCM7453_q1uwu943sHzpG4coWrXvoEN9iv-O928FMfvFlk1OZTjUGhN6yQdUyFWPGIIP0QmbeZr0Lfts2TQ2IHfbVQghNN3_-UXoJKnBys2J3PyCtnhwUemTf9AJT25Q7Y/s1600/P1010023.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I must say that Greek salad is now one of my favourite salad! The calamari was lightly battered, fried and seasoned to perfection! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0hRGk3BgEKWdX3H3ht7GjFtiv-T1VMj1FGJCZe2TDuI_3WJh_SRaEszHBoE2AOLw6bWdV9278aDObk1npdIgm8IertGKreI-7Ky8Ka0_7TOfooRmTxVhTnBcParIdDfaN2REoFFMiSc/s1600/P1010025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0hRGk3BgEKWdX3H3ht7GjFtiv-T1VMj1FGJCZe2TDuI_3WJh_SRaEszHBoE2AOLw6bWdV9278aDObk1npdIgm8IertGKreI-7Ky8Ka0_7TOfooRmTxVhTnBcParIdDfaN2REoFFMiSc/s1600/P1010025.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Grilled fish drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice emulsion. Something so simple yet so good is mind boggling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUp3Bwb2JVFkZfSHJfnOWBlFf9vg2GKhCwXNJ1JWmXXCch73oynPrQ1cFf0FnKAeY0tcpoxDE1dbKOdvHgQj1CQQ2ynXqfWg9YQDVPvcTKPaFitGGnCMma7nQClniYpZpifmk3e2QQZ0/s1600/P1010026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUp3Bwb2JVFkZfSHJfnOWBlFf9vg2GKhCwXNJ1JWmXXCch73oynPrQ1cFf0FnKAeY0tcpoxDE1dbKOdvHgQj1CQQ2ynXqfWg9YQDVPvcTKPaFitGGnCMma7nQClniYpZpifmk3e2QQZ0/s1600/P1010026.JPG" /></a></div>This baklava, which is complementary by the way, is THE BEST baklava we've ever had. Ever. <br />
Maybe we've not been exposed to that many baklavas but a good one IS a good one!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDACHUKrnYkTDA-AW6VjAlH9kf6oryfCkQ60x4pAWCatDbndYv8LJNF9XcEQdjO9YGUVit2wTnQk7aoMNihgTan8VSerU1XkwkeXG_EP4wvZhNcLJDLFtwx3bIgHZE52rnI0xnSaHyF8g/s1600/P1010041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDACHUKrnYkTDA-AW6VjAlH9kf6oryfCkQ60x4pAWCatDbndYv8LJNF9XcEQdjO9YGUVit2wTnQk7aoMNihgTan8VSerU1XkwkeXG_EP4wvZhNcLJDLFtwx3bIgHZE52rnI0xnSaHyF8g/s1600/P1010041.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right on time, our vessel awaits! Gosh I was so excited!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj22-zQirDPk5F3e2bzP0YxMVnF_nbJ5-wP9M0hwGjAQfvmxwDqXxpucBxLTzuOXuDSVkKZx7BswAaVJSBC9uyd1RspRgKRkVzZcpPSPs9Cb7Jfbxs-jY0RD9k_2Enk-J5iTCxOe39nUM/s1600/P1010064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj22-zQirDPk5F3e2bzP0YxMVnF_nbJ5-wP9M0hwGjAQfvmxwDqXxpucBxLTzuOXuDSVkKZx7BswAaVJSBC9uyd1RspRgKRkVzZcpPSPs9Cb7Jfbxs-jY0RD9k_2Enk-J5iTCxOe39nUM/s1600/P1010064.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our cruise starts off from Ammoudi bay in Oia, stopping at Nea Kameni's hot spring, followed by Red and White beach at Akrotiri and then back to Oia in time for sunset.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xSwo_87qgt91LPgDEvHwUfnsxUdz44uvfnY41IFQZHcehilZR_W1eEcv7k5ShWfM9q-JzKKncMoWykW7M8vJG8Lm9Wm6lxtq3oyoMYUf9ZtkUDZSheJdPbO97Pqd8iLW_pEsWHz9zT4/s1600/P1010067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xSwo_87qgt91LPgDEvHwUfnsxUdz44uvfnY41IFQZHcehilZR_W1eEcv7k5ShWfM9q-JzKKncMoWykW7M8vJG8Lm9Wm6lxtq3oyoMYUf9ZtkUDZSheJdPbO97Pqd8iLW_pEsWHz9zT4/s1600/P1010067.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First stop: Nea Kameni hot spring. We did not have a waterproof camera back then so this was the only photo we took there. We jumped off the catamaran and swam towards the beach where the water was warm and orange due to the high iron/sulphur content. We slathered orange mud all over our shoulders and faces for its therapeutic functions and ended up looking hilarious! One of those times I wishes I had a waterproof cam! It was probably my favourite stop of the cruise. The crew gave us a good hosedown before letting us back onto the boat to avoid getting sulphur stains all over their lovely vessel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcn7utOzpR4IUDVvyzRvnQmlxiAKdTG89J6a9Pu3hk4Crd5L21trJ2ZG9dpgWkCyT9K30XGkU-40KvqqCKml7tebXf47hsVWXwDQeFWjTHk6gD892JJlMq5NmzU5Wwr4wOInMnL-KIRQ/s1600/P1010092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcn7utOzpR4IUDVvyzRvnQmlxiAKdTG89J6a9Pu3hk4Crd5L21trJ2ZG9dpgWkCyT9K30XGkU-40KvqqCKml7tebXf47hsVWXwDQeFWjTHk6gD892JJlMq5NmzU5Wwr4wOInMnL-KIRQ/s1600/P1010092.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next stop: Red beach. Unfortunately due to some reason, which I had somehow forgotten, we were not able to stop closer to get to the beach. We still had a lot of fun jumping off the boat and swimming in the deep blue waters from where this photo was taken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_5O51RLNijD1SYcduXsdYfbWq4JvlC6iocVVEl8dW9LW3EVxdorUzkyX3uJZuOfuH6x1rsD2Z2mGDorNSUenR3Yal5bJ1MLUgsp_phwTdTOR_LDeKfn5osRPasp-cSQY9mCBKoSAXwE/s1600/P1010103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_5O51RLNijD1SYcduXsdYfbWq4JvlC6iocVVEl8dW9LW3EVxdorUzkyX3uJZuOfuH6x1rsD2Z2mGDorNSUenR3Yal5bJ1MLUgsp_phwTdTOR_LDeKfn5osRPasp-cSQY9mCBKoSAXwE/s1600/P1010103.JPG" /></a></div>Next was the White beach. Again, it wasn't a beachy stop but more jumping off boat and swimming.<br />
Our lunch being prepared while we swam to our hearts' content! No complains there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi60ggZUdMYXsJlnoFkgaIfW8TLZDIdzvzKZj7U0sMS1VEoiGPhgdoZ52jKbq_Rps8u_01PZg8WqT0fuGVjqsXVHGyi36YKUCwiySwC2I6TxPs4C0fbQoD5CdF03o5u3f_ZQTkuNyFRVQ/s1600/P1010104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi60ggZUdMYXsJlnoFkgaIfW8TLZDIdzvzKZj7U0sMS1VEoiGPhgdoZ52jKbq_Rps8u_01PZg8WqT0fuGVjqsXVHGyi36YKUCwiySwC2I6TxPs4C0fbQoD5CdF03o5u3f_ZQTkuNyFRVQ/s1600/P1010104.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhHeDtQ03RDZ_YZ25IUuS2TGE9MTzEBE3m7GXfvDEAsfxbSD-JZvygVlB3CqZc5KYSyIqxfqRKZzzxKF3c_xyqJE6yRj79Uv24E_540sRLTNbNafKIc-UeXWDixluGeOEkVckqMCfHO8/s1600/P1010109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhHeDtQ03RDZ_YZ25IUuS2TGE9MTzEBE3m7GXfvDEAsfxbSD-JZvygVlB3CqZc5KYSyIqxfqRKZzzxKF3c_xyqJE6yRj79Uv24E_540sRLTNbNafKIc-UeXWDixluGeOEkVckqMCfHO8/s1600/P1010109.JPG" /></a><br />
Lunch is served! I could do this right now. Hmm...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILcjXdl08dzs-OVmLeaZo3sFVoLbLkEcUf9xFQFmfddesJ4s6WhO-C4UJO6I1j6o1nyREzj3NVYTGWEy_VTwdM06eYD7IJOdmaFhraEQR0uwsYyGKXvb5CPk94JIaXLL3AWa3Vou4Tzw/s1600/P1010139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILcjXdl08dzs-OVmLeaZo3sFVoLbLkEcUf9xFQFmfddesJ4s6WhO-C4UJO6I1j6o1nyREzj3NVYTGWEy_VTwdM06eYD7IJOdmaFhraEQR0uwsYyGKXvb5CPk94JIaXLL3AWa3Vou4Tzw/s1600/P1010139.JPG" /></a></div>Preparing the sails for our journey back to Oia for sunset.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHD_O_v1HAH_2nqtw85F76YZobPV3Jo6w6s7_q2u5Jc4msEUBt2ll9RvHRcGSvyNsUxuI1BUeSylLuCe2THsV6HORqdFr_MYL6zl6u_A-nSleUGcKVcHqNbPXfO8ZL_j6kXa-Ut6ECWQ/s1600/P1010175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5kPT0FDjIdSKppjgts1XSfhA_AJXRWdPvEwaw5FsNH68lFsC-49MSo4CYMHvbSicnGIHGdkMAhp5l1W7lUHuyW1AmqlsC8VNZIVWxSY8R99boJaMqBxq-eDI_y47SctdieK62Ez4SkA/s1600/P1010201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5kPT0FDjIdSKppjgts1XSfhA_AJXRWdPvEwaw5FsNH68lFsC-49MSo4CYMHvbSicnGIHGdkMAhp5l1W7lUHuyW1AmqlsC8VNZIVWxSY8R99boJaMqBxq-eDI_y47SctdieK62Ez4SkA/s1600/P1010201.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6Gmbz4Rctd314lMRWRu3v2h9Sc2fDer6kFq976RiF0mn2_TPOx0ZzS-jJs487KJtZOZB0U2dokvVJDO6zfgenysalE7xG8Hjyi8tLMW8j_f4DFdz0FkuiB866szyNmsyA47lvos8_aI/s1600/11693843_10152978674179205_936881222864259427_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6Gmbz4Rctd314lMRWRu3v2h9Sc2fDer6kFq976RiF0mn2_TPOx0ZzS-jJs487KJtZOZB0U2dokvVJDO6zfgenysalE7xG8Hjyi8tLMW8j_f4DFdz0FkuiB866szyNmsyA47lvos8_aI/s640/11693843_10152978674179205_936881222864259427_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Party boat! There are cheaper alternatives for island tours/cruises. If we had a few more days there, we would probably go on one of those that don't serve food for less than 20 euros.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHIjfZ270iRmzHQqKm27XG5KPe8jUdIEdmaHF5-30XBEHnR6ojdYANbalq_qrn_Oir4RQMob5xqMaHB1zudjooOhvUe4zrZpu4Sgwc0n_zlDD5kUhOQBWt5TlZaGL-0y5w72QLm_gy6w/s1600/P1010209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHIjfZ270iRmzHQqKm27XG5KPe8jUdIEdmaHF5-30XBEHnR6ojdYANbalq_qrn_Oir4RQMob5xqMaHB1zudjooOhvUe4zrZpu4Sgwc0n_zlDD5kUhOQBWt5TlZaGL-0y5w72QLm_gy6w/s1600/P1010209.JPG" /></a><br />
Making our way back to the Ammoudi bay.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHIjfZ270iRmzHQqKm27XG5KPe8jUdIEdmaHF5-30XBEHnR6ojdYANbalq_qrn_Oir4RQMob5xqMaHB1zudjooOhvUe4zrZpu4Sgwc0n_zlDD5kUhOQBWt5TlZaGL-0y5w72QLm_gy6w/s1600/P1010209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHD_O_v1HAH_2nqtw85F76YZobPV3Jo6w6s7_q2u5Jc4msEUBt2ll9RvHRcGSvyNsUxuI1BUeSylLuCe2THsV6HORqdFr_MYL6zl6u_A-nSleUGcKVcHqNbPXfO8ZL_j6kXa-Ut6ECWQ/s1600/P1010175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHD_O_v1HAH_2nqtw85F76YZobPV3Jo6w6s7_q2u5Jc4msEUBt2ll9RvHRcGSvyNsUxuI1BUeSylLuCe2THsV6HORqdFr_MYL6zl6u_A-nSleUGcKVcHqNbPXfO8ZL_j6kXa-Ut6ECWQ/s1600/P1010175.JPG" /></a><br />
We can see our villa from the boat!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ef3c_rnFrP3ufmC9Y-ww6UaicCOqZhzAs3slWEDcQXV4m_qfrSgUmpbq5vJyGPO1Z8K0hL9Jo1c07fqbFRM6_m_VakJV_SGPGjwTCCsksbHNR2o2WB33XxPfBJh8EKTr1ainR7IMpuo/s1600/10501756_10152978674299205_1223262112945656787_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ef3c_rnFrP3ufmC9Y-ww6UaicCOqZhzAs3slWEDcQXV4m_qfrSgUmpbq5vJyGPO1Z8K0hL9Jo1c07fqbFRM6_m_VakJV_SGPGjwTCCsksbHNR2o2WB33XxPfBJh8EKTr1ainR7IMpuo/s400/10501756_10152978674299205_1223262112945656787_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another day well spent on the island of the gods! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ate: Taverna Katina, Ammoudi<br />
Sailed: <a href="http://sailing-santorini.com/itineraries/ocean-voyager-74-sunset-tour/" target="_blank">Sunset Oia Sailing Itinerary</a></div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-70616820344765416882016-01-20T23:45:00.000-08:002016-01-30T17:15:31.864-08:00Santorini Day 2 - Hiking in Santorini Oia to Fira<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Some notes from our hike from Oia to Fira:<br />
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1. The trail is about 11km long and takes about 3 hours depending on your speed, and it is Gorgeous!<br />
We both agree that Santorini was probably the most beautiful place that we've ever been to!<br />
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2. Wear proper shoes instead of flip flops like we did. We thought it was going to be a leisurely walk in the park kind of trail. We soon learn that it wasn't! There are certain stretches of the trail where the roads are steep, or gravelly or is a tiny path with loose rocks and big drops down the cliffs. <br />
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3. It was probably easier doing the trail from Fira to Oia - less uphill climbs, but we were staying in Oia and back to 1. we did not expect it to be anywhere as tough. <br />
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4. Do the Oz thing and <span class="_Tgc">Slip-Slop-Slap! We were there in August so it was scorching hot! While I did not exactly Slipped on a shirt (was working on my honeymoon tan haha) I made sure I Slopped on my SPF 35 and Slapped on a wide brimmed hat for protection, which is not something I do very often - I have this notion that I don't need as much SPF because I am Asian and is used to the sun... it was probably just laziness. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">5. Bring enough water! There is a small cantina probably a couple of hours into the hike before you reach what seems like proper civilization (after being on the rustic trail for a bit) which is Imerovigli. </span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc">6. There are donkey caldera tours if you prefer not to hike, but those things look scary especially on narrow paths. </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHonnTmGNwq1ECFor5ZWHeyrlxubG20D_POYjaKtLgP4ZaGSDQoKDzjomjogKQal-ytqndRVMBNJz19o8M2TrHTCLebst6uHkuaU0I5KR7ETkOfOsDituubiipDSkdHGAJYIjxa2QX9c/s1600/P1000761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHonnTmGNwq1ECFor5ZWHeyrlxubG20D_POYjaKtLgP4ZaGSDQoKDzjomjogKQal-ytqndRVMBNJz19o8M2TrHTCLebst6uHkuaU0I5KR7ETkOfOsDituubiipDSkdHGAJYIjxa2QX9c/s1600/P1000761.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We passed some locals on their way back after church; the men on their donkeys and the ladies with bouquets of herbs. </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRF0XVjjsJFMNKFNVH3lweM9aSQb8gNucGjcSbk0HGXR2c0asawadQjPpao2olYdhZoPXM-okqKGKHpSP7pJSSeWBMlFsva_tfBAyI-MM-QwrM4oqp9jieK3ghxMDJfgCNgpiJ39s6js/s1600/P1000762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRF0XVjjsJFMNKFNVH3lweM9aSQb8gNucGjcSbk0HGXR2c0asawadQjPpao2olYdhZoPXM-okqKGKHpSP7pJSSeWBMlFsva_tfBAyI-MM-QwrM4oqp9jieK3ghxMDJfgCNgpiJ39s6js/s1600/P1000762.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7suajwF4wcxneebrRAqsLBRlTZqUzoADh73ik7ZQUv84-Xig1SQWzQm_WKxv3vD5oBaZLu1Rk_c19TpFJsFxUrfpmd9yHWeuwxUFRWm6lVZ0T_cbCx11zPLDtFoV2xGM-Csl3PoMyrk/s1600/P1000765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7suajwF4wcxneebrRAqsLBRlTZqUzoADh73ik7ZQUv84-Xig1SQWzQm_WKxv3vD5oBaZLu1Rk_c19TpFJsFxUrfpmd9yHWeuwxUFRWm6lVZ0T_cbCx11zPLDtFoV2xGM-Csl3PoMyrk/s1600/P1000765.JPG" /></a><br />
View of the opposite side from Oia.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6imWlrim-PYwbMfXVlrInfMg3bWGJqs8UTzDaTheg1VCQhPQRCGm6GcQ4Fs7P9099qr2CPKJ_Odw4Lte_A6YjNwYkJhdw5IPbrlax-Xt60rdpskGhevoaYGc38JGnn7Tuq2Tdk776q7U/s1600/P1000766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6imWlrim-PYwbMfXVlrInfMg3bWGJqs8UTzDaTheg1VCQhPQRCGm6GcQ4Fs7P9099qr2CPKJ_Odw4Lte_A6YjNwYkJhdw5IPbrlax-Xt60rdpskGhevoaYGc38JGnn7Tuq2Tdk776q7U/s1600/P1000766.JPG" /></a></div> Oia from up here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qtxK7gA5WsG2Hq02XdLFL8bUDEAsm2_n0AbifuKModQOhyphenhyphenneGL_nnMultGe1zo526KZNlYcN721T2gt8hCh6mvIbaa0tQH6F4XsfLgpwNLdpLkqUubUXdD4-yj9-ithghhL-EDHCQu8/s1600/P1000767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qtxK7gA5WsG2Hq02XdLFL8bUDEAsm2_n0AbifuKModQOhyphenhyphenneGL_nnMultGe1zo526KZNlYcN721T2gt8hCh6mvIbaa0tQH6F4XsfLgpwNLdpLkqUubUXdD4-yj9-ithghhL-EDHCQu8/s1600/P1000767.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The caldera.</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXwZh2L6VScksLbfq_oitzoUaNrU7F_w_uizWAgNspxMQ1TW2sntYqeeRZe2Zwno4R7LDknAwUljy0mll7j4wfA6Ch8HT_DGl1vPKdH70aH0kvXI0eLw_-LG2hKXRTc0qAW5IKoG9V1g/s1600/P1000768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXwZh2L6VScksLbfq_oitzoUaNrU7F_w_uizWAgNspxMQ1TW2sntYqeeRZe2Zwno4R7LDknAwUljy0mll7j4wfA6Ch8HT_DGl1vPKdH70aH0kvXI0eLw_-LG2hKXRTc0qAW5IKoG9V1g/s1600/P1000768.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5ZsWcrsiP5AVG87N7p6VLDokN3l2CT4YmaW4IBITA_sVql7QVfHpUoQljJSP05YzJ2zMl3DnMYe-2R_i3QBfBD0kLTZNqwXPf1yAGb9AjhcrXmfmdivQsJTQCk5FN6a-juYpSP2hT7c/s1600/P1000773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5ZsWcrsiP5AVG87N7p6VLDokN3l2CT4YmaW4IBITA_sVql7QVfHpUoQljJSP05YzJ2zMl3DnMYe-2R_i3QBfBD0kLTZNqwXPf1yAGb9AjhcrXmfmdivQsJTQCk5FN6a-juYpSP2hT7c/s1600/P1000773.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINDDgaYTFJF2KsaZwLrd6p4aB1OJz8NdVg1bVtiQZpCqicW9K7cVyG14B6EQ8PW19atSbeH_-40RP3AWq4hRlWRYmUCucVBkD4hF3R7JXd7IFlvCDYDuyUeJa2QFSI_Y6L6r5VKjup7g/s1600/P1000774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINDDgaYTFJF2KsaZwLrd6p4aB1OJz8NdVg1bVtiQZpCqicW9K7cVyG14B6EQ8PW19atSbeH_-40RP3AWq4hRlWRYmUCucVBkD4hF3R7JXd7IFlvCDYDuyUeJa2QFSI_Y6L6r5VKjup7g/s1600/P1000774.JPG" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNU8qwg1VgtroFO-njP_eEKMZXZ0DROwBEwGnLOpes9vuSygF9JuaQEUPO7OZ5afK4pg_b3Xaj3CjJONup9HnqjNAPgPpgNNDuwWbWIHWOE0N-AFva12O47CmjI317mmzWUWNOndecJo/s1600/P1000790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNU8qwg1VgtroFO-njP_eEKMZXZ0DROwBEwGnLOpes9vuSygF9JuaQEUPO7OZ5afK4pg_b3Xaj3CjJONup9HnqjNAPgPpgNNDuwWbWIHWOE0N-AFva12O47CmjI317mmzWUWNOndecJo/s1600/P1000790.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqqJI9eHp1CppEZJwfc5a2E8vht05l_Ws6ftooRl_6EcOG5RGUrs3Ef0OXVdCFNl5taWYSePogbshlA056v0UxroM0XH1IP3bf0ALUnuM8zs08ZsgMP3tx69KPsb8bfsLI_xa_Q-dxeg/s1600/P1000798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqqJI9eHp1CppEZJwfc5a2E8vht05l_Ws6ftooRl_6EcOG5RGUrs3Ef0OXVdCFNl5taWYSePogbshlA056v0UxroM0XH1IP3bf0ALUnuM8zs08ZsgMP3tx69KPsb8bfsLI_xa_Q-dxeg/s1600/P1000798.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGV4uSX95_z7EPaMzlqYVFrtYK4L2RmjpC5CCKkOUoA67cOOESsq9MPm1KxLAiRaSlMbY4G9T8SVXDJpRjtulEbU4M0lmyH5Z4RyXhNgyIORqnrVRqtfbKEM1lRZnrP-YUahvB_4Ovg7s/s1600/P1000811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGV4uSX95_z7EPaMzlqYVFrtYK4L2RmjpC5CCKkOUoA67cOOESsq9MPm1KxLAiRaSlMbY4G9T8SVXDJpRjtulEbU4M0lmyH5Z4RyXhNgyIORqnrVRqtfbKEM1lRZnrP-YUahvB_4Ovg7s/s1600/P1000811.JPG" /></a><br />
Beautiful village of Firostefani. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqqJI9eHp1CppEZJwfc5a2E8vht05l_Ws6ftooRl_6EcOG5RGUrs3Ef0OXVdCFNl5taWYSePogbshlA056v0UxroM0XH1IP3bf0ALUnuM8zs08ZsgMP3tx69KPsb8bfsLI_xa_Q-dxeg/s1600/P1000798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgjEw1fWbu78Sd-JD_StJkpTOGNsnWmxOvWkteke6ucE47-7p5bPBEhKL_VGGx3_X3zPHC1P-T6Km7RjeOXsk_Nne-SdcLZ4vqJxKL4yPuEM_m-lxbtlUVhY-ruXOkMGHB5XR9GSkn7g/s1600/P1000822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgjEw1fWbu78Sd-JD_StJkpTOGNsnWmxOvWkteke6ucE47-7p5bPBEhKL_VGGx3_X3zPHC1P-T6Km7RjeOXsk_Nne-SdcLZ4vqJxKL4yPuEM_m-lxbtlUVhY-ruXOkMGHB5XR9GSkn7g/s1600/P1000822.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzkyg3Qliel-UsbuNMTr1E_uALgJIhosEJt-u6rImPfDRDHkUDhQIY7N3_WBeI_OiYC4E0eDYG9QtkxOQN8XQ8to1nhJt9SsxIb9j9Pgati6rJrdUsoBADvn62uA6R_CsZ2bgw27CcZQ/s1600/P1000824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzkyg3Qliel-UsbuNMTr1E_uALgJIhosEJt-u6rImPfDRDHkUDhQIY7N3_WBeI_OiYC4E0eDYG9QtkxOQN8XQ8to1nhJt9SsxIb9j9Pgati6rJrdUsoBADvn62uA6R_CsZ2bgw27CcZQ/s1600/P1000824.JPG" /></a><br />
A well deserved break!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOg8mbqzDcOouHs_9xJPqgFJyuDgSd0HaNKC8g_cX7CedIU_zdwfnObDmUDmpCScuSWQkW-xFsLsVwzk6aunFMzUqaiKL9gYSnfkkQzF3b-m0BiQNAMh3SSiTiVB-8VnHWeDt9DOKWGc/s1600/P1000828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOg8mbqzDcOouHs_9xJPqgFJyuDgSd0HaNKC8g_cX7CedIU_zdwfnObDmUDmpCScuSWQkW-xFsLsVwzk6aunFMzUqaiKL9gYSnfkkQzF3b-m0BiQNAMh3SSiTiVB-8VnHWeDt9DOKWGc/s1600/P1000828.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPrMX2iHA1T5hvNHoEr7mQdhxdwWf1IdNgdiXaLRE2x137a06WLUDyg1FyUH0K-OOvSiuR3ge_lNURvUHFhZ-iKnkAfgeODkdgGOG-rZXPaO-IS8GoAP5gjOTDodlbjuVCqTOMGuOHNQ/s1600/P1000829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPrMX2iHA1T5hvNHoEr7mQdhxdwWf1IdNgdiXaLRE2x137a06WLUDyg1FyUH0K-OOvSiuR3ge_lNURvUHFhZ-iKnkAfgeODkdgGOG-rZXPaO-IS8GoAP5gjOTDodlbjuVCqTOMGuOHNQ/s1600/P1000829.JPG" /></a><br />
We're almost there Fira!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Tf1DaJKS5DQg6sRN17TnlfBQ5jOK1f4kIeQfo4HPPQE74ab58VQUeQZ7aatyevB-DA0ngwWCGONcERwqWEPEvHfuVmNAfcjM-Mn6-O2IFXq8e_UGsWHF9a4Z0dL4ReNr2iU0uYHnmLY/s1600/P1000830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Tf1DaJKS5DQg6sRN17TnlfBQ5jOK1f4kIeQfo4HPPQE74ab58VQUeQZ7aatyevB-DA0ngwWCGONcERwqWEPEvHfuVmNAfcjM-Mn6-O2IFXq8e_UGsWHF9a4Z0dL4ReNr2iU0uYHnmLY/s1600/P1000830.JPG" /></a></div> Cable car that takes you from Fira to the Old Port. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdRUqygmNc_SXqVspVk7nfhRGWz4uNghpbPkUajPnrsTEpjbguexyLTc_oud1wxAiMihu_poM5P_v1XeoscHajZ09zl8an6BGlxtbiOFXOzc9ROgv9m2NVoH_Dh2XABkmTScI0slgS8E/s1600/P1000836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdRUqygmNc_SXqVspVk7nfhRGWz4uNghpbPkUajPnrsTEpjbguexyLTc_oud1wxAiMihu_poM5P_v1XeoscHajZ09zl8an6BGlxtbiOFXOzc9ROgv9m2NVoH_Dh2XABkmTScI0slgS8E/s1600/P1000836.JPG" /></a><br />
Good advice!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzUV4XhQKZstfIkmaENWV1FA3mqxXBL_9wc2zP0PYO_sgyJVsnIi9d7NtKzr18YYbOcU2bibiIOU-dYE_ByaxTkjwqDHtQ6_nLWLGh0pAwuAREOaJpeB4UjydL51Ghlcq_HwVo-ZEgG4/s1600/P1000842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzUV4XhQKZstfIkmaENWV1FA3mqxXBL_9wc2zP0PYO_sgyJVsnIi9d7NtKzr18YYbOcU2bibiIOU-dYE_ByaxTkjwqDHtQ6_nLWLGh0pAwuAREOaJpeB4UjydL51Ghlcq_HwVo-ZEgG4/s1600/P1000842.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-duB-G4Ymvpl19yEIKIlXyR39x3YBVwX11G8Z48-kByFKArIktm1e3a97zTzKm4pVYapY0r_8Lf2xH_tqkX_fleVT4pJHbEwPlx8_9NkB-ZVCe_qUkV3SRiCax64pGWaS8JJJLk0MSU/s1600/P1000845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-duB-G4Ymvpl19yEIKIlXyR39x3YBVwX11G8Z48-kByFKArIktm1e3a97zTzKm4pVYapY0r_8Lf2xH_tqkX_fleVT4pJHbEwPlx8_9NkB-ZVCe_qUkV3SRiCax64pGWaS8JJJLk0MSU/s1600/P1000845.JPG" /></a><br />
We had a wander around Fira, and somehow decided to take a bus to Pyrgos, the highest point of Santorini.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG1M2xLDcteYAfe8gaqe3_NFhpeG2nv-9zel-KH7hRG3Iet4CKlZi9cBK2NXWHGVEGtx-RjnXuayBTtjhCPzqxGArwMa6Po6cDZ9DfBdalrLKsc2FRvBV03y5gUAO4_wrh-X7petTetU/s1600/P1000861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG1M2xLDcteYAfe8gaqe3_NFhpeG2nv-9zel-KH7hRG3Iet4CKlZi9cBK2NXWHGVEGtx-RjnXuayBTtjhCPzqxGArwMa6Po6cDZ9DfBdalrLKsc2FRvBV03y5gUAO4_wrh-X7petTetU/s1600/P1000861.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGZq3BJeK2L67-TimQkESrPLDyqJOnaH4ywBgUCt0_bLyWkYBinlAnOrBXTgL0r-OKg_YkSO5c4Hm11LeuHPAnOByTgpK_4rPc3Hz6mkMXsLnvEif76vdz2H9LbbdBVo_yylkhJjbwLk/s1600/P1000863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGZq3BJeK2L67-TimQkESrPLDyqJOnaH4ywBgUCt0_bLyWkYBinlAnOrBXTgL0r-OKg_YkSO5c4Hm11LeuHPAnOByTgpK_4rPc3Hz6mkMXsLnvEif76vdz2H9LbbdBVo_yylkhJjbwLk/s1600/P1000863.JPG" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHptxK6lVqJielsWKD4zgBmw9_5vZOMcmkwoLTQoi0CzMZgFaFT8kAg5q0Sf_FNPmjIIErJPmKz-shj9FDqEfmbT9qfekP_GT_Of__vHFUs100BAL85zP0s-aArpmcv6SQ8FerVhE780/s1600/P1000867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHptxK6lVqJielsWKD4zgBmw9_5vZOMcmkwoLTQoi0CzMZgFaFT8kAg5q0Sf_FNPmjIIErJPmKz-shj9FDqEfmbT9qfekP_GT_Of__vHFUs100BAL85zP0s-aArpmcv6SQ8FerVhE780/s1600/P1000867.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxVbYz6nL2y5LinGOFukPpoogfz29Q6SJCiWuhFTJcxpbDvOLAk5xzeFkm0EPpDDb8sGz0MA5H3gDR_z17MfYwiq8PVmxr8-e4UFNn3kAregr8H-WnCZzC6Tqc7X5Wym2cnQ9yEkg3ic/s1600/P1000872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxVbYz6nL2y5LinGOFukPpoogfz29Q6SJCiWuhFTJcxpbDvOLAk5xzeFkm0EPpDDb8sGz0MA5H3gDR_z17MfYwiq8PVmxr8-e4UFNn3kAregr8H-WnCZzC6Tqc7X5Wym2cnQ9yEkg3ic/s1600/P1000872.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQUQ12jIWzXk3rbhdhEJKsHofrAH7kEnsYEUE-YrxtcCmV-WR86kJ-0iN_H5bIz83k16E1XBbKKWrGv2aA2vFMOl7fttQ4f9471-4x41SCK2D8Jpjjb227D-g6_-WDu9Z12llnmW01es/s1600/P1000876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQUQ12jIWzXk3rbhdhEJKsHofrAH7kEnsYEUE-YrxtcCmV-WR86kJ-0iN_H5bIz83k16E1XBbKKWrGv2aA2vFMOl7fttQ4f9471-4x41SCK2D8Jpjjb227D-g6_-WDu9Z12llnmW01es/s1600/P1000876.JPG" /></a><br />
Waiting for the bus back to Oia at Fira's main bus station.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo6ZtXxMBewMHYs4pgcRoLNfwTQnoXMQSfT4cHYvLjd4nvhbG7QoEUlL4PdQdXduW7ePo0ghyphenhyphenHCI7xg9UkxNOn06JorkgBQOxh1FstwJXuslHkJcpGTUONbVNNJBxAljKRyWonBt_apM/s1600/P1000948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo6ZtXxMBewMHYs4pgcRoLNfwTQnoXMQSfT4cHYvLjd4nvhbG7QoEUlL4PdQdXduW7ePo0ghyphenhyphenHCI7xg9UkxNOn06JorkgBQOxh1FstwJXuslHkJcpGTUONbVNNJBxAljKRyWonBt_apM/s1600/P1000948.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Home sweet home after another awesome day in sunny Santorini - our little villa, second teracotta coloured house on the right.</div></div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-48890828299131769212016-01-18T21:23:00.000-08:002016-02-02T04:37:47.308-08:00Santorini Day 1 - Oia / Amoudi Bay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As much as we have enjoyed Athens, we could not wait to see Santorini! <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The flight from Athens to Santorini takes about 45 minutes, flying over scenic views of the Greek islands. <br />
We chose to stay in Oia since it was (apparently) the prettiest village in Santorini. <br />
We were not disappointed by its beauty, but it can get really busy at certain times, and after 6 days of endless step climbing from our cliff side villa to anywhere(!), we were more than ready to get back to flat lands... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVL3YpxkcW95arFaCV7xnlbKbDaPT2g83Y_Cf-ISKByl8myA9_n7CPmz2z2INxCH4cVTt7dtsI5-NNOJWj86FdCB3g_msBBik6oHVQDYrTxxklLIZLwdOBonj9BAJ5Rs16KpvdrScP9Y/s1600/WP_20140731_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVL3YpxkcW95arFaCV7xnlbKbDaPT2g83Y_Cf-ISKByl8myA9_n7CPmz2z2INxCH4cVTt7dtsI5-NNOJWj86FdCB3g_msBBik6oHVQDYrTxxklLIZLwdOBonj9BAJ5Rs16KpvdrScP9Y/s1600/WP_20140731_010.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQGi1LE_dtx0kVTcyCq8xmPzVKaTdt0NEh8U7tzDxvx8QCmbFO52RmIuPo64m8LMqiONNGuIXYnsCwLmQiwOQeOgrV1jU7iGl-1_75XAr-dkE_jhNQ_FFmwuFdVaZT6XWIkjSR0CMTqk/s1600/P1000569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQGi1LE_dtx0kVTcyCq8xmPzVKaTdt0NEh8U7tzDxvx8QCmbFO52RmIuPo64m8LMqiONNGuIXYnsCwLmQiwOQeOgrV1jU7iGl-1_75XAr-dkE_jhNQ_FFmwuFdVaZT6XWIkjSR0CMTqk/s1600/P1000569.JPG" /></a><br />
One of the lovely streets in Oia. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzir7FH64UxvMfIb5zc4qbkx0oOLblv5YUj6Q48vApp0Fg3yjbdGG89ORu0-ivlDJRQZ0ghr_V-UT9gzfqqBydAmyuLWgdn6MA1To5D_MIrRk_DZE-RWT0BioBNWwPLMlwnYJFBxOR6-o/s1600/P1000571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzir7FH64UxvMfIb5zc4qbkx0oOLblv5YUj6Q48vApp0Fg3yjbdGG89ORu0-ivlDJRQZ0ghr_V-UT9gzfqqBydAmyuLWgdn6MA1To5D_MIrRk_DZE-RWT0BioBNWwPLMlwnYJFBxOR6-o/s1600/P1000571.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Long walk down to Amoudi Bay - 300 steps! A definite must see when you are in Oia. Go for the lovely fish tavernas that lines the bay, swim in the crystal clear water and for the bravehearts, cliff jumping!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzAeg8BFfLLo5uEMg3hFulbZb_Exae701fo4oOUCoqwSaZ_ta03xXVk6BNGW-mRa5mhDCV8HhNTKn96wXrlFM7Nus1v8O605tx0_9Rj6YsA0DEkkoZwPwbBcVkRPkjvaQx-tGQtRDxyQ/s1600/P1000583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzAeg8BFfLLo5uEMg3hFulbZb_Exae701fo4oOUCoqwSaZ_ta03xXVk6BNGW-mRa5mhDCV8HhNTKn96wXrlFM7Nus1v8O605tx0_9Rj6YsA0DEkkoZwPwbBcVkRPkjvaQx-tGQtRDxyQ/s1600/P1000583.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">View on the way down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBLYXwRsNnd8u66Tg5exRQA9mC-RQunU3xXx01lXTjJULI681uQ5Dq6sZA_1pwJ2fQhE9Nrjn9ZUq4n3CVRogDBH3AKFlxIrLuH2PAdikcxON8psqTaLo7yLPgU5dt0QstvlKGekEco8/s1600/P1000585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBLYXwRsNnd8u66Tg5exRQA9mC-RQunU3xXx01lXTjJULI681uQ5Dq6sZA_1pwJ2fQhE9Nrjn9ZUq4n3CVRogDBH3AKFlxIrLuH2PAdikcxON8psqTaLo7yLPgU5dt0QstvlKGekEco8/s1600/P1000585.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwEGHVRTKeu4jxPMqcUmvfeQ7gW5dIByhnlmYBe9SD54m8Hg5XzQ2UgNA51ufXnDhDWj-N2Ihp1yUlPaEn757PPaW3SdFZIL8MQ-VNg7bCaXvnXizfVAYRO4RikyXhM-9XtHQEh6zdPE/s1600/P1000592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwEGHVRTKeu4jxPMqcUmvfeQ7gW5dIByhnlmYBe9SD54m8Hg5XzQ2UgNA51ufXnDhDWj-N2Ihp1yUlPaEn757PPaW3SdFZIL8MQ-VNg7bCaXvnXizfVAYRO4RikyXhM-9XtHQEh6zdPE/s1600/P1000592.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Transportation down (and up!) if the steps are too much for you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2F602jUdaHOZLAs5kBD57XmLzCf9M0dI0WBtIZdUz5MqozzBv2mVcQEsGS8oA_c114efA2FA8-_FTNO2dlbhxvSmUpeIueJfk5NhLhZ10c-RjkjIPzwFkPf5a8SloMi3mm9z9RNXgL4/s1600/P1010014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2F602jUdaHOZLAs5kBD57XmLzCf9M0dI0WBtIZdUz5MqozzBv2mVcQEsGS8oA_c114efA2FA8-_FTNO2dlbhxvSmUpeIueJfk5NhLhZ10c-RjkjIPzwFkPf5a8SloMi3mm9z9RNXgL4/s1600/P1010014.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh yea, watch out for donkey poop along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF9l_X6CBz20k5ToVS6iYIlNbodBZTFM0YnG5qYFuWgCHwCDOFY_dsLgs3FJc9ynffwCVqcXcXs_WicdRFyz3Pp4Db-JoQxcTHOhpIuIKgNxTGkSnTGOigsKbihN7drUXxdnKkge1qtc/s1600/P1000624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF9l_X6CBz20k5ToVS6iYIlNbodBZTFM0YnG5qYFuWgCHwCDOFY_dsLgs3FJc9ynffwCVqcXcXs_WicdRFyz3Pp4Db-JoQxcTHOhpIuIKgNxTGkSnTGOigsKbihN7drUXxdnKkge1qtc/s1600/P1000624.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amoudi Bay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScxaVbw5H36-WPmEUSiJxvdHA1nt6dSiDthzLMQ9BhBXFOoXeB59CZbgvSjGvgvEvNNb_GmdlbTksX_lJNpjwG8E7UmQwxnsx-gv11vJOUXfqkP3-SENtSJnZXaz4qkQiGzq6snyMa38/s1600/P1000596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScxaVbw5H36-WPmEUSiJxvdHA1nt6dSiDthzLMQ9BhBXFOoXeB59CZbgvSjGvgvEvNNb_GmdlbTksX_lJNpjwG8E7UmQwxnsx-gv11vJOUXfqkP3-SENtSJnZXaz4qkQiGzq6snyMa38/s1600/P1000596.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were really excited to try one of these.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2F602jUdaHOZLAs5kBD57XmLzCf9M0dI0WBtIZdUz5MqozzBv2mVcQEsGS8oA_c114efA2FA8-_FTNO2dlbhxvSmUpeIueJfk5NhLhZ10c-RjkjIPzwFkPf5a8SloMi3mm9z9RNXgL4/s1600/P1010014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKJbd8GAo0t_hW6HjKw5ij3gwx3h9Cph87LoW356mV-ZjsxhYhlCKfkk0-yDw8EBMAJUlBGrjEOFg4atDuyZ5zRpyupDsiFHmgPI8JmvAFseIyWZ8n6tAvP2bBlxZBfOOWE-iB3TWL_8/s1600/P1000602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKJbd8GAo0t_hW6HjKw5ij3gwx3h9Cph87LoW356mV-ZjsxhYhlCKfkk0-yDw8EBMAJUlBGrjEOFg4atDuyZ5zRpyupDsiFHmgPI8JmvAFseIyWZ8n6tAvP2bBlxZBfOOWE-iB3TWL_8/s1600/P1000602.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can't ask for a better setting for lunch. We started with grilled halloumi on tomatoes and greek salad... yum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oZbLf5BdzuNZpDfOeEINFlc3TjchDUxwLJS1kmgLzSx8tGrhX1KsTyk7l7mTseZ9JzUVHaKr4FVDagcVQINtod2DAdSRrmNVrxeOPDSa7sGWWHGJDwUHIamJuxldsnMUNLjwSgSqW9E/s1600/P1000603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oZbLf5BdzuNZpDfOeEINFlc3TjchDUxwLJS1kmgLzSx8tGrhX1KsTyk7l7mTseZ9JzUVHaKr4FVDagcVQINtod2DAdSRrmNVrxeOPDSa7sGWWHGJDwUHIamJuxldsnMUNLjwSgSqW9E/s1600/P1000603.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Followed by grilled octopus sprinkled with oregano and olive oil which was...ok. Seeing the octopus on the drying line was more exciting than actually eating them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_kYsPgmLy4DgJdhhjPF-eRJJdey2N1beT3vL1d4zR_axb6Lt6AZz1uuoskdYdixx7-sb-FgQ7KHtaB13Ri2eorw4_S6jP61PgIhmasE15LrVZKUO4lnPbv62lF3Fc85jzkO91YF3KQw/s1600/P1000604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_kYsPgmLy4DgJdhhjPF-eRJJdey2N1beT3vL1d4zR_axb6Lt6AZz1uuoskdYdixx7-sb-FgQ7KHtaB13Ri2eorw4_S6jP61PgIhmasE15LrVZKUO4lnPbv62lF3Fc85jzkO91YF3KQw/s1600/P1000604.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And for dessert, Loukoumades - Greek Donuts with honey, walnuts and ice cream. Yum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rvmQLroaSq7qwJn2OfC5ekCrfYIEs083-M-_LzLCjT9wFud668Z8O65bE3MYQRWjAoyV8lTv6JpHf0kY2WNvYwr6zz4tyd92I4CIy2iZKHzDjayYxqfZNW4K2h49k08ztjY3Tv4A1TM/s1600/P1000627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rvmQLroaSq7qwJn2OfC5ekCrfYIEs083-M-_LzLCjT9wFud668Z8O65bE3MYQRWjAoyV8lTv6JpHf0kY2WNvYwr6zz4tyd92I4CIy2iZKHzDjayYxqfZNW4K2h49k08ztjY3Tv4A1TM/s1600/P1000627.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF9l_X6CBz20k5ToVS6iYIlNbodBZTFM0YnG5qYFuWgCHwCDOFY_dsLgs3FJc9ynffwCVqcXcXs_WicdRFyz3Pp4Db-JoQxcTHOhpIuIKgNxTGkSnTGOigsKbihN7drUXxdnKkge1qtc/s1600/P1000624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Short walk on the other side of the bay led us to this lovely swimming spot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuRV_aSCK7vJ4_p7pALUL5YIvDkfs2hNVH0htcGNLiqyafGWn9DJG_QoPBLeDqEEQ1j6DtZJfkxtAvvpnAOiBKS5MVtxPO6cpGXdbAfwDmjzUHMGhKjZu7BHyZUrBgyV7WMVvfDIFp3A/s1600/P1000644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuRV_aSCK7vJ4_p7pALUL5YIvDkfs2hNVH0htcGNLiqyafGWn9DJG_QoPBLeDqEEQ1j6DtZJfkxtAvvpnAOiBKS5MVtxPO6cpGXdbAfwDmjzUHMGhKjZu7BHyZUrBgyV7WMVvfDIFp3A/s1600/P1000644.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We stood up there for quite a while to summon the courage to jump. In the end, only hubby did it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFRdkbEkHIVTOsoHvyWoOFR70RefK94lb0xULTFOwW5SPnkETbY-FEHILWLssV6usAbcy6lZTlq6KnbY3xF9pdCKhST7-zDKUXPqbHFUyRBL9qpZs2oq3Hh_U2o8HVDoggbDE53sRep4/s1600/P1000658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHMMqpNGmLKidiff7aG0FxThzChXWKgufhX9EASFGlNyLGnnQlM2X5L-BTOgnuzKYLb-lA0kjV1o3MK0pJ8Jue_F5hdfDKhTA4x7nuqgDgiGQ02ZdOa4qvLj92ulzuiSyUWPPp9MPpGQ/s1600/P1000663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHMMqpNGmLKidiff7aG0FxThzChXWKgufhX9EASFGlNyLGnnQlM2X5L-BTOgnuzKYLb-lA0kjV1o3MK0pJ8Jue_F5hdfDKhTA4x7nuqgDgiGQ02ZdOa4qvLj92ulzuiSyUWPPp9MPpGQ/s1600/P1000663.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A little snack of fried Saganaki cheese after our swim. Good stuff! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFRdkbEkHIVTOsoHvyWoOFR70RefK94lb0xULTFOwW5SPnkETbY-FEHILWLssV6usAbcy6lZTlq6KnbY3xF9pdCKhST7-zDKUXPqbHFUyRBL9qpZs2oq3Hh_U2o8HVDoggbDE53sRep4/s1600/P1000658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFRdkbEkHIVTOsoHvyWoOFR70RefK94lb0xULTFOwW5SPnkETbY-FEHILWLssV6usAbcy6lZTlq6KnbY3xF9pdCKhST7-zDKUXPqbHFUyRBL9qpZs2oq3Hh_U2o8HVDoggbDE53sRep4/s1600/P1000658.JPG" /></a></div>Love their table cloth/liner with Santorini map on it. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWTSHeCrcLxntTAh_THHZIIGOvVcfVDJpapxlKJj_addB9f9HtcTIg4e5Fs6VcKOJzI4RYtJivLyxNDt1qrNPOU1JiXWEiqUL4_a3iIae4C8R8rA9GBzeE7PIraCSMOENM5SkLaTREeM/s1600/P1000699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWTSHeCrcLxntTAh_THHZIIGOvVcfVDJpapxlKJj_addB9f9HtcTIg4e5Fs6VcKOJzI4RYtJivLyxNDt1qrNPOU1JiXWEiqUL4_a3iIae4C8R8rA9GBzeE7PIraCSMOENM5SkLaTREeM/s1600/P1000699.JPG" /></a><br />
Sunset (almost) collision - view from our villa. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWJ0OCjAVtLMQeiwhOc5bLnzF-QrD91J3iUCAbE0DxkpyvdT2a6Ta7e3kuiAA1tii-jVaNVheWyno0RhIsyk5bUjctXU1IGMSrwrjCny4_9OpHaWsAiGl-MivxrWxCcIRyCmiza0fpOw/s1600/P1000706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWJ0OCjAVtLMQeiwhOc5bLnzF-QrD91J3iUCAbE0DxkpyvdT2a6Ta7e3kuiAA1tii-jVaNVheWyno0RhIsyk5bUjctXU1IGMSrwrjCny4_9OpHaWsAiGl-MivxrWxCcIRyCmiza0fpOw/s1600/P1000706.JPG" /></a></div>It is said that Oia has the most beautiful sunset in the world. Well, it was beautiful but the sunset that we've enjoyed in Langkawi was pretty spectacular as well, so... <br />
Anyways... the sunset view point gets really busy every evening, so get there a little before sunset to get a good spot to enjoy it. Also, for some reason, people clap their hands as the sun goes down. Join in the fun I say!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1BazsnqKOCe25lLAF4nWjlnOkwLAN77pm-KzwYnPDKsjPIGr1OEycUSKJGMI2gZj-4FzcPswf-mkG4rfo3jEnRdCgRtCc5W7PL8IwDXq1RZ8LJOCjsbKgzunwL8-UDX-jqSQIcl0A18/s1600/P1000711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1BazsnqKOCe25lLAF4nWjlnOkwLAN77pm-KzwYnPDKsjPIGr1OEycUSKJGMI2gZj-4FzcPswf-mkG4rfo3jEnRdCgRtCc5W7PL8IwDXq1RZ8LJOCjsbKgzunwL8-UDX-jqSQIcl0A18/s1600/P1000711.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">View of the walk down to Amoudi Bay at night. I personally won't recommend doing the night walk. Taxis are available if you plan to have dinner there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z93OwZ0ViSZL-Wkbs1O5-4HRKU6PDqdXejIo8B15FZBNuN1iFqJF4Dg3tt_8OSZJ_Do_5VHNFoGesk2P8MF1VNTPRUgtUkgD4Kz_Tu45hFAtmstlPfEjmKY-qNxJFyv-i9Jaag2yJaU/s1600/P1000722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z93OwZ0ViSZL-Wkbs1O5-4HRKU6PDqdXejIo8B15FZBNuN1iFqJF4Dg3tt_8OSZJ_Do_5VHNFoGesk2P8MF1VNTPRUgtUkgD4Kz_Tu45hFAtmstlPfEjmKY-qNxJFyv-i9Jaag2yJaU/s1600/P1000722.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-image: none;">Taverna Blue - dinner place recommended by our helpful porter. Pretty good. </div><div class="kno-ecr-pt kno-fb-ctx" data-ved="0ahUKEwi88uPQj7XKAhUBoJQKHZKwBFIQ3B0IkAEoADAR"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdSlTrqjwxvKbgmwvh6y98kF55znzNqCBqnSWlZJMXguVF9rs6Po3YdBivk6CQoJdmUwt1V2o1juWWgXnaJ-ylCMsq-Ww-rh8HX54lIq29tiiy0zLK7hBfAHMijGu1mSiuDafnamElKo/s1600/P1000720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdSlTrqjwxvKbgmwvh6y98kF55znzNqCBqnSWlZJMXguVF9rs6Po3YdBivk6CQoJdmUwt1V2o1juWWgXnaJ-ylCMsq-Ww-rh8HX54lIq29tiiy0zLK7hBfAHMijGu1mSiuDafnamElKo/s1600/P1000720.JPG" /></a><br />
We had Loukaniko - grilled sausages, Domatokeftedes - tomato fritters and the saucy one was eggplant saganaki, I think. </div><div class="kno-ecr-pt kno-fb-ctx" data-ved="0ahUKEwi88uPQj7XKAhUBoJQKHZKwBFIQ3B0IkAEoADAR"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aNk2u_h9U9D7N1BqgBEYzcbX0SiNXzC3NRE_rbUtbr6UQVmSntzH_DEYnHaG25JD37CEsa5TQDz9IEiiMMWbtJv41tOqI3APKoHEh2QRhOjmnEUtWK9_4t6qkg6DCajbfFrwMV_aKvo/s1600/P1000723.JPG" /></div><div class="kno-ecr-pt kno-fb-ctx" data-ved="0ahUKEwi88uPQj7XKAhUBoJQKHZKwBFIQ3B0IkAEoADAR">Santorini at night...just as gorgeous!<br />
<br />
Stayed: <a href="http://www.santorini.com/hotels/porihouse/"><span style="color: #1a0dab;">Santorini Villas Pori House Oia Santorini Greece</span></a><br />
Ate: Ammoudi Fish Tavern, Taverna Katina - Ammoudi</div></div><!-- nuffnang --><br />
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</div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-1071211345524083302016-01-11T21:05:00.001-08:002016-01-25T20:11:40.983-08:00Athens Day 3 - The Acropolis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Started our day early with the intention to beat the crowd at the Acropolis (Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHCsdi910OlExAhvoCivx_L4dqSOH9LmhbDe0LP_uR-nkpbuF8jjubNizO3q2p5fRdzj-iw3VcOo2nm2BKvsWCIB7oz3ctuzeBgYHVHzJ3WtF5405SVI8gJAtKf-NbHMtW-lD1nd8A_8/s1600/P1000278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHCsdi910OlExAhvoCivx_L4dqSOH9LmhbDe0LP_uR-nkpbuF8jjubNizO3q2p5fRdzj-iw3VcOo2nm2BKvsWCIB7oz3ctuzeBgYHVHzJ3WtF5405SVI8gJAtKf-NbHMtW-lD1nd8A_8/s1600/P1000278.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the archaeological sites that we passed along the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0nJmiPD03gfG9lp-4XJnWLUt5lj8kCmDjiUTDgeAf7cI9LlYSw_nbNxGf3s9F4F6bxSlvOa21oFk0iANvCx_1hjDzj36sYU5xk7cHQpAID1BkpxSyc8mH1IHC7NsJmRceeyucQB3IKM/s1600/P1000408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi6easw4Gv49YxZ6Vs6YaEbR6m_7cFmyYu2zhBrFTSCnEu9KJ39YqON_ENtZA1Ph9m31I676pzusuL1s-3KL0v-KMQxFKDvUxyx7NXXqy5V38cRNF2DBPkggQGV6jsfYh3eQ6dYgE5TM/s1600/P1000279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi6easw4Gv49YxZ6Vs6YaEbR6m_7cFmyYu2zhBrFTSCnEu9KJ39YqON_ENtZA1Ph9m31I676pzusuL1s-3KL0v-KMQxFKDvUxyx7NXXqy5V38cRNF2DBPkggQGV6jsfYh3eQ6dYgE5TM/s1600/P1000279.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0nJmiPD03gfG9lp-4XJnWLUt5lj8kCmDjiUTDgeAf7cI9LlYSw_nbNxGf3s9F4F6bxSlvOa21oFk0iANvCx_1hjDzj36sYU5xk7cHQpAID1BkpxSyc8mH1IHC7NsJmRceeyucQB3IKM/s1600/P1000408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0nJmiPD03gfG9lp-4XJnWLUt5lj8kCmDjiUTDgeAf7cI9LlYSw_nbNxGf3s9F4F6bxSlvOa21oFk0iANvCx_1hjDzj36sYU5xk7cHQpAID1BkpxSyc8mH1IHC7NsJmRceeyucQB3IKM/s1600/P1000408.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Great views of the city from the Acropolis. On the right, the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus - the patch of flat area, and above it behind the hill, the Olympic Stadium.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0nJmiPD03gfG9lp-4XJnWLUt5lj8kCmDjiUTDgeAf7cI9LlYSw_nbNxGf3s9F4F6bxSlvOa21oFk0iANvCx_1hjDzj36sYU5xk7cHQpAID1BkpxSyc8mH1IHC7NsJmRceeyucQB3IKM/s1600/P1000408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOrRHoV6LACcSHitEho0XDtQTEnX72vtWd7ouEwTx7sHLOY_Cn8VMVjz84HqMBBpNWx1ecRwzk1sRWjsN7OT8hYYOQj037DwhTsN69eUmvWh3Coby6SvrgxUof3dR57zy_irM2jc8SUU/s1600/WP_20140730_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOrRHoV6LACcSHitEho0XDtQTEnX72vtWd7ouEwTx7sHLOY_Cn8VMVjz84HqMBBpNWx1ecRwzk1sRWjsN7OT8hYYOQj037DwhTsN69eUmvWh3Coby6SvrgxUof3dR57zy_irM2jc8SUU/s1600/WP_20140730_010.jpg" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvneA-9Dg_7tRpdg0Mul9fRyDG0T_1ag7bHBujRkktrL1-lTYtW6hEBsmv1hEsaPa9wZQ19Ucwez_-7-Arqp2g2bhFNiGS7GqSbJD9jcUdo9AFgP5dRfymzToLOFUWTi5jz-gSZ4ZDp_Y/s1600/P1000310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvneA-9Dg_7tRpdg0Mul9fRyDG0T_1ag7bHBujRkktrL1-lTYtW6hEBsmv1hEsaPa9wZQ19Ucwez_-7-Arqp2g2bhFNiGS7GqSbJD9jcUdo9AFgP5dRfymzToLOFUWTi5jz-gSZ4ZDp_Y/s1600/P1000310.JPG" /></a><br />
We were not the only ones starting early that day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmRa5homNXv0seTBr6m9t7bGEl2hWrU1MFQrRD0ppvkTkoHVOtex75b91tyloAbWzOrNt6oByccThehsxNIZXenfEFzVPpzSlQk-C5ltU3ghcDpONlmNK9WOfEWpH7hwTayqZhsbQDK0/s1600/P1000338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmRa5homNXv0seTBr6m9t7bGEl2hWrU1MFQrRD0ppvkTkoHVOtex75b91tyloAbWzOrNt6oByccThehsxNIZXenfEFzVPpzSlQk-C5ltU3ghcDpONlmNK9WOfEWpH7hwTayqZhsbQDK0/s1600/P1000338.JPG" /></a></div>But still early enough to feel like we had the place to ourselves...for 10 minutes, maybe. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyL0S1AnW7-3dJmn2mZK8-n7BLvqabhP4CfYaHjWLGBRSr7o_n4GkCBzCQDhUbMpnPfMqHO4_z9tw1MpNyqtjSLCH7mouG31ISpEYPanq4OFiQVP4GL0QSvM6GNeQQzfKIXhJiRBs2Esc/s1600/P1000374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyL0S1AnW7-3dJmn2mZK8-n7BLvqabhP4CfYaHjWLGBRSr7o_n4GkCBzCQDhUbMpnPfMqHO4_z9tw1MpNyqtjSLCH7mouG31ISpEYPanq4OFiQVP4GL0QSvM6GNeQQzfKIXhJiRBs2Esc/s1600/P1000374.JPG" /></a><br />
The Parthenon: We finally meet! Too bad about the scaffolding. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHS757rdpARQhNeApCk3JAroJGFknn6JudaP0ahLlh2ZKl5sEBI69zJrh5bL0ZJpKtfeBZDUkAptUfhFIvnWlu6TYk2vsMORN0fi7vsqrBlEh6Sh-LUz9kCW3ToM6Bo8VdQTJXPadTyU/s1600/WP_20140730_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHS757rdpARQhNeApCk3JAroJGFknn6JudaP0ahLlh2ZKl5sEBI69zJrh5bL0ZJpKtfeBZDUkAptUfhFIvnWlu6TYk2vsMORN0fi7vsqrBlEh6Sh-LUz9kCW3ToM6Bo8VdQTJXPadTyU/s1600/WP_20140730_013.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Erecthion, where the goddess Athena defeated Poseidon and had the city named after her. Girl power yeah! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHS757rdpARQhNeApCk3JAroJGFknn6JudaP0ahLlh2ZKl5sEBI69zJrh5bL0ZJpKtfeBZDUkAptUfhFIvnWlu6TYk2vsMORN0fi7vsqrBlEh6Sh-LUz9kCW3ToM6Bo8VdQTJXPadTyU/s1600/WP_20140730_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj17W6azaWwXs69NvnGJeYakhiCDJtLsClqXfFlxErA6aJ4X8j1CbDsmJdZF2165rB0oZYGmHJMa3vNlAPfqyruTeEuxQ3bPmfdzTOKOBQv8HTRtZ9fTDch3ghNJLD1BG_k7N-IrASDcg/s1600/P1000404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj17W6azaWwXs69NvnGJeYakhiCDJtLsClqXfFlxErA6aJ4X8j1CbDsmJdZF2165rB0oZYGmHJMa3vNlAPfqyruTeEuxQ3bPmfdzTOKOBQv8HTRtZ9fTDch3ghNJLD1BG_k7N-IrASDcg/s1600/P1000404.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88O6lFu6RX_pSRQ0iuNRLh1pbRxzSWVZKRkPhh0nnCkYoxHBI8OJxMj5T2Vz4OP2Ur3dqHgRQJ_tVrD-3qUN5aBIdyuTUpMV2CR4PAXlpnV4HFUbb4HqgVskn2cQkOj7HZH_4N7qX4sM/s1600/P1000495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88O6lFu6RX_pSRQ0iuNRLh1pbRxzSWVZKRkPhh0nnCkYoxHBI8OJxMj5T2Vz4OP2Ur3dqHgRQJ_tVrD-3qUN5aBIdyuTUpMV2CR4PAXlpnV4HFUbb4HqgVskn2cQkOj7HZH_4N7qX4sM/s1600/P1000495.JPG" /></a><br />
After a few (very warm hours) at the Acropolis, we made our way back down to the streets of Athens in search of Pies! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfexfArzs5mOK7_eLGgMVzoa99iSBuzbzaftqTI_W_aazbEuWYA_fOX0Jvrci_1pmHb6FNvNCPmgmJ18CkkT9UHZqGQgteIgM-tL68J3KXPkMw1jA9bxPRr0NhlRqaNhwYhwiTaFT-LUM/s1600/P1000496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfexfArzs5mOK7_eLGgMVzoa99iSBuzbzaftqTI_W_aazbEuWYA_fOX0Jvrci_1pmHb6FNvNCPmgmJ18CkkT9UHZqGQgteIgM-tL68J3KXPkMw1jA9bxPRr0NhlRqaNhwYhwiTaFT-LUM/s1600/P1000496.JPG" /></a><br />
From our research the recommended pie shop was Ariston on Voulis Street not far from Syntagma Square. The pies from Ariston were just OK, leaving me quite disappointed, being a huge pie fan and all. But thank goodness we stumbled upon this little bakery not far from the street with the hanging lamp shades. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfexfArzs5mOK7_eLGgMVzoa99iSBuzbzaftqTI_W_aazbEuWYA_fOX0Jvrci_1pmHb6FNvNCPmgmJ18CkkT9UHZqGQgteIgM-tL68J3KXPkMw1jA9bxPRr0NhlRqaNhwYhwiTaFT-LUM/s1600/P1000496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9nvPqStSVgJgYuSKwjIuuB11KplbwtaLC_71PrsCOhXdLQfDeG0GKfLGnBgumTP8RuBI1HIOLXeBrYaCEhsVuO1MFI01rK4Z29ghFTWXR6UsHp59UIBzyHOvbpmKCDNMTPZxNGLEu-A/s1600/P1000497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9nvPqStSVgJgYuSKwjIuuB11KplbwtaLC_71PrsCOhXdLQfDeG0GKfLGnBgumTP8RuBI1HIOLXeBrYaCEhsVuO1MFI01rK4Z29ghFTWXR6UsHp59UIBzyHOvbpmKCDNMTPZxNGLEu-A/s1600/P1000497.JPG" /></a><br />
Really good pies!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55DEyE3cQAceFO1o8-QHyNa3p1ZfMkhZPjnnw3YCNiGGYlQ-lxcd6OUe2G7DzC2VmQzf5ygOY-IF1AZfsI8LBzcumQgzrTF9iXBTaYS9S-Yyanx0UCD9e5E0u4fKrUex6hrLPznok3ro/s1600/P1000501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55DEyE3cQAceFO1o8-QHyNa3p1ZfMkhZPjnnw3YCNiGGYlQ-lxcd6OUe2G7DzC2VmQzf5ygOY-IF1AZfsI8LBzcumQgzrTF9iXBTaYS9S-Yyanx0UCD9e5E0u4fKrUex6hrLPznok3ro/s1600/P1000501.JPG" /></a></div>Hubby approves! Really. Good. Spanakopita!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyhsTOX-eaR4geDVB5faX6YjWzdbaq9cTKVLrbVgLxmezY85zkBBJTeWwLE2Vh3lbFmT832a8UlXi2qwrzKRvC2Bowsb4FZ8e5LlPb544mV7YABYbjYJnRVvgge6osACzGVuBJMiEi24/s1600/P1000523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyhsTOX-eaR4geDVB5faX6YjWzdbaq9cTKVLrbVgLxmezY85zkBBJTeWwLE2Vh3lbFmT832a8UlXi2qwrzKRvC2Bowsb4FZ8e5LlPb544mV7YABYbjYJnRVvgge6osACzGVuBJMiEi24/s1600/P1000523.JPG" /></a>Time to leave Athens for Santorini after 3 wonderful days in the city! Maybe we'll be back one day... or maybe we won't, but we sure had a great time here! </div></div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-58605753772720480492016-01-10T23:59:00.000-08:002016-01-25T16:44:31.560-08:00Athens Day 2 - Monastiraki / Plaka / Piraeus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Since this is a throwback post (to 2014 actually!), I thought I'll just share the highlights to sum up the rest of our time in Athens. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvEWkAW6GDkeYmwRtVFmmEBorDdLnDQYfjl3iFHNIBs7qiHqbQPv9j_OTCXpd15f6Rf6Q8OLZnEYwAeLUFZ3QQkpDDhZjJ2uLJkSE34E3xovLval0kjUlixFKV9xsZNMfLe9PX5MAy-g/s1600/P1000101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvEWkAW6GDkeYmwRtVFmmEBorDdLnDQYfjl3iFHNIBs7qiHqbQPv9j_OTCXpd15f6Rf6Q8OLZnEYwAeLUFZ3QQkpDDhZjJ2uLJkSE34E3xovLval0kjUlixFKV9xsZNMfLe9PX5MAy-g/s1600/P1000101.JPG" /></a><br />
Street food: Vendor selling a popular local breakfast snack called <strong>Koulouri</strong> - a plain, circular bread topped with sesame seeds. It's a bit like pretzel but a tad dry for me. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG5N40qWpuypevlGv-AsGsERx3WXZyA8cGJkhJPTqXCJqHJ_11P7_8XB2MnJNNR98RvQhzioCX8jZTCOYcqxpJLq9VllH3XUydevDzAlQ1cDbqDJsy8ItX4VVic8kOfRqrQavBmPs_hc/s1600/P1000104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG5N40qWpuypevlGv-AsGsERx3WXZyA8cGJkhJPTqXCJqHJ_11P7_8XB2MnJNNR98RvQhzioCX8jZTCOYcqxpJLq9VllH3XUydevDzAlQ1cDbqDJsy8ItX4VVic8kOfRqrQavBmPs_hc/s1600/P1000104.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Monastiraki Square:</strong> Famous for its flea market on one side and on the other side greek tavernas serving good gyros and souvlaki. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I70G1RTEoNI6toy19cWn_lWw80iqLbZhoPIuHQTLHdb8MxNNPGHxGk4UTfFylU8WQhf6hnn3aFnsqC8Tzi6BQOwrTCHf0Tukl6oAXne1dp3M8H-J6z6X5PEP0ifn2gL-jJ2EdkSCljg/s1600/P1000166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3I70G1RTEoNI6toy19cWn_lWw80iqLbZhoPIuHQTLHdb8MxNNPGHxGk4UTfFylU8WQhf6hnn3aFnsqC8Tzi6BQOwrTCHf0Tukl6oAXne1dp3M8H-J6z6X5PEP0ifn2gL-jJ2EdkSCljg/s1600/P1000166.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C9zC6OSDJZPl7ffcXgrVgLzu97mytrVkKv0H7BNagBW82fbB5n1nwuEVBzf7Ie3QKwFN9MtlOWkjCOSQZfjBxZD2pWlOL5G6kFVhGWxH7XQsHLN022eQ-uvKK1HCj9BDROE9D38-hYE/s1600/P1000167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C9zC6OSDJZPl7ffcXgrVgLzu97mytrVkKv0H7BNagBW82fbB5n1nwuEVBzf7Ie3QKwFN9MtlOWkjCOSQZfjBxZD2pWlOL5G6kFVhGWxH7XQsHLN022eQ-uvKK1HCj9BDROE9D38-hYE/s640/P1000167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the streets inside Athens Flea Market.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTjT2Rcp4V85U38FyWjQwsdZi8AR91vyDZu0-yJ3qYSURqikwJtWeZznt5_WriQ2SjreYQPUJjWd4HCzf15peBmFADdSkfRwIZlkH4cEzXzHzmtwSsAVV7A3gmqd4p31ktzkbcBGmpgY/s1600/P1000161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTjT2Rcp4V85U38FyWjQwsdZi8AR91vyDZu0-yJ3qYSURqikwJtWeZznt5_WriQ2SjreYQPUJjWd4HCzf15peBmFADdSkfRwIZlkH4cEzXzHzmtwSsAVV7A3gmqd4p31ktzkbcBGmpgY/s1600/P1000161.JPG" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The gyros that we bought from a restaurant named <span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Bairaktaris </span>was so good that we decided to be greedy and ordered a platter each for our last lunch there. Big mistake. The meat served on the platter were dry and lack the whatever it was that they put in a wrap. So, stick to the wrap. You won't go wrong with that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYxl_O4L0dpHBXJWv0yWG4EPxL3mArAJVN-ijGWwpSvn-Y09-tavxP3QVmlX7-Gt55L-Noi1bbEGfbS73_Gdt02HWkeIsgcsOHPEAyNjIDPUhFXJpEncs-YROaHeC0CzxwIXWl-qzXvw/s1600/P1000123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYxl_O4L0dpHBXJWv0yWG4EPxL3mArAJVN-ijGWwpSvn-Y09-tavxP3QVmlX7-Gt55L-Noi1bbEGfbS73_Gdt02HWkeIsgcsOHPEAyNjIDPUhFXJpEncs-YROaHeC0CzxwIXWl-qzXvw/s1600/P1000123.JPG" /></a></div><strong>Syntagma Square:</strong> Located a few blocks from Monastiraki. We made our way there just before 11am to watch the changing of the guards, which takes place daily and it's definitely worth doing - check out their shoes! You can stand next to the guards for photos, but mind your distance unless you want to be screamed at... oh wait, was that Athens or Riga...hmm...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4UJygrlqu3J6d8YtRbB67j8GGZ-4CwKjdR16E0oeZpbEtrYEWmUz2E6JSguN_SxahHvkMwrha10BqdQ5QJYXO1eojLBomPSKuF57lPKvLLgHrgXcJY7_WVd1gEYxzDvbKNSP4C71XHM/s1600/P1000120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4UJygrlqu3J6d8YtRbB67j8GGZ-4CwKjdR16E0oeZpbEtrYEWmUz2E6JSguN_SxahHvkMwrha10BqdQ5QJYXO1eojLBomPSKuF57lPKvLLgHrgXcJY7_WVd1gEYxzDvbKNSP4C71XHM/s1600/P1000120.JPG" /></a></div>Sweaty guards in heavy uniforms on a very warm day. Urgh. Poor guys. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3C_IOCYrR9yU1nP4iLOk1wxKp_1TaxmYEfbmdsrHgKNN32XgydPZfLe2RtbOdapxHn_aDJ617dFJsJw7mkFvRLjvBfeS83K0f41jibKOdIV_kDB_AxWI8p_6pxCluKMnyJrYwyRCJZ8/s1600/P1000182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3C_IOCYrR9yU1nP4iLOk1wxKp_1TaxmYEfbmdsrHgKNN32XgydPZfLe2RtbOdapxHn_aDJ617dFJsJw7mkFvRLjvBfeS83K0f41jibKOdIV_kDB_AxWI8p_6pxCluKMnyJrYwyRCJZ8/s1600/P1000182.JPG" /></a><br />
<strong>Plaka</strong>: A lovely area also within walking distance from Monastiraki, has lots of nice little shops selling souvenirs, herbs and spices, olive oil, table linens, clothing etc.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oAPKhf8nKNf7lCsevbAyYByeDBg8wGU9sjEkFhjiU6H4LokEcCjw_H30Pw7elEqjDWnB4HxOv42wgG7dUnR3CMdmxQyZWukaKaz4zleYqjxvAO_hi6o1wgGho_FjTqTXkxlVF-DboGo/s1600/P1000194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oAPKhf8nKNf7lCsevbAyYByeDBg8wGU9sjEkFhjiU6H4LokEcCjw_H30Pw7elEqjDWnB4HxOv42wgG7dUnR3CMdmxQyZWukaKaz4zleYqjxvAO_hi6o1wgGho_FjTqTXkxlVF-DboGo/s1600/P1000194.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hadrian's gate: Just steps from Plaka.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF9hsyD8SLLphfuEMbopw2tbd4gNzPlSzV-_PIkXCQKjdA0D5w6qoVR09uFkwQvndianFD1EpXUkyh7rskwjOdQXxzYdPN3iHIqNTo9A2R3Yy0v0GEip5wFIESnmZ04GhXP52Bx9HmE8/s1600/P1000142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF9hsyD8SLLphfuEMbopw2tbd4gNzPlSzV-_PIkXCQKjdA0D5w6qoVR09uFkwQvndianFD1EpXUkyh7rskwjOdQXxzYdPN3iHIqNTo9A2R3Yy0v0GEip5wFIESnmZ04GhXP52Bx9HmE8/s1600/P1000142.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Athens Central Market.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs3ZEcexBy_0p1E-0G23Nui7J6Nrx-lOdVMFuPOlC396Yo7JxZgOvMFy8y7-XS7WWe_ZaNArTiCkEFNVMVfpOgWk1ptD-7B38RFJdJXkiOD27BehXBIEOOLjo1-NoQllS6Do56CdUIHE/s1600/P1000151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs3ZEcexBy_0p1E-0G23Nui7J6Nrx-lOdVMFuPOlC396Yo7JxZgOvMFy8y7-XS7WWe_ZaNArTiCkEFNVMVfpOgWk1ptD-7B38RFJdJXkiOD27BehXBIEOOLjo1-NoQllS6Do56CdUIHE/s1600/P1000151.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some not very happy bunnies here... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxuMbX3yOztJ-j1HQZCcWToUX-jhBwhtBMCRaBHzSry9FwAPj__LMuLXlIrVqN2ouTfRIwbeCIlz-GPLI_FFOWZbmvORBU-ouI1Hh1Vwqmb6WVcXrjOgOCcQXsaKZA1v3GZndK4pyLYc/s1600/WP_20140729_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxuMbX3yOztJ-j1HQZCcWToUX-jhBwhtBMCRaBHzSry9FwAPj__LMuLXlIrVqN2ouTfRIwbeCIlz-GPLI_FFOWZbmvORBU-ouI1Hh1Vwqmb6WVcXrjOgOCcQXsaKZA1v3GZndK4pyLYc/s1600/WP_20140729_010.jpg" /></a></div>Greek coffee just outside the market with complimentary Turkish/Greek delight. The coffee itself was sludgy but worth trying, just look at the cool pot it comes in. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC2kKjJeVH05ek873q86OQxV2aMik64wHZ6NVj5GCVgaT3QvQ6De9UnKGX9xuUniTvLupKj0oHbWYxoXZalZaeep_ZCixyjTN_cQNnIp1yQUJ3PcRYxrVJxXsRQS-DfUkLgyPuSFEpFg/s1600/P1000228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC2kKjJeVH05ek873q86OQxV2aMik64wHZ6NVj5GCVgaT3QvQ6De9UnKGX9xuUniTvLupKj0oHbWYxoXZalZaeep_ZCixyjTN_cQNnIp1yQUJ3PcRYxrVJxXsRQS-DfUkLgyPuSFEpFg/s1600/P1000228.JPG" /></a></div> <strong>Piraeus</strong>: We took the train from Monastiraki Metro to Piraeus to visit some of the places there<br />
that Hubby's been to a long time ago. Train takes about 20 minutes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCHhsEcxow7U2ZKLjFiejahx4QzMfsZW9hGXPL8mhHtRwjnDlp9Ex4mmHwXkjGjE4HRpI1OQN_Zlq3tUrwFRWAA4ulD98X6Srz5sQulM7Riutd3c67J7uuVjBCWxvqelPDuGpTm2xuDo/s1600/P1000229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCHhsEcxow7U2ZKLjFiejahx4QzMfsZW9hGXPL8mhHtRwjnDlp9Ex4mmHwXkjGjE4HRpI1OQN_Zlq3tUrwFRWAA4ulD98X6Srz5sQulM7Riutd3c67J7uuVjBCWxvqelPDuGpTm2xuDo/s1600/P1000229.JPG" /></a></div><strong>Port of Piraeus</strong>: You can get the ferry to the Greek islands here.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cpCLCTfGlhqyBTuzMkMCeMlmgshs_g17OzOhqgcrS0I0O9I9KxWIqMSdXW3-obqnxslhECEMzZOiZ1hppbeIFj4OQufcDA-81scOFBw4NmZZKuPUnDHaZRm4XqBgMsPd6bjkSFQ4KhQ/s1600/P1000238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cpCLCTfGlhqyBTuzMkMCeMlmgshs_g17OzOhqgcrS0I0O9I9KxWIqMSdXW3-obqnxslhECEMzZOiZ1hppbeIFj4OQufcDA-81scOFBw4NmZZKuPUnDHaZRm4XqBgMsPd6bjkSFQ4KhQ/s1600/P1000238.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Marina Zeas in <strong>Pasalimani</strong>, Piraeus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVBKuRqJxUHk68-xGC2ErO3W2agD1VwwVgaCoSDsO7ty2QAwvdxw-c2qWAsKbrDXcpO1AKTF41k2CgRXc16yrIM2MBLiCT63wXAvzDyolAzmKQYqnwpLJGQ7hZmYCHO0Uy6rdJjY9MyA/s1600/P1000243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVBKuRqJxUHk68-xGC2ErO3W2agD1VwwVgaCoSDsO7ty2QAwvdxw-c2qWAsKbrDXcpO1AKTF41k2CgRXc16yrIM2MBLiCT63wXAvzDyolAzmKQYqnwpLJGQ7hZmYCHO0Uy6rdJjY9MyA/s1600/P1000243.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Piraiki</strong>: The other side of Pasalimani. Pretty Greek tavernas and funky restaurants line both sides of the street. Great place for sunset and seafood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zLEObCD6DCN9DpSeU6W1KgVYLOV5tE4F5I-KPwj0kEDSYTpy_uY7Af3EcjKYtwg1t873nqpMVpGc_dtGv4UlAsfCmT3tERDyK52NgPcWK3l5vWFA7CHIsL4sStoPpgv8aDUrSXEmw64/s1600/P1000249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zLEObCD6DCN9DpSeU6W1KgVYLOV5tE4F5I-KPwj0kEDSYTpy_uY7Af3EcjKYtwg1t873nqpMVpGc_dtGv4UlAsfCmT3tERDyK52NgPcWK3l5vWFA7CHIsL4sStoPpgv8aDUrSXEmw64/s1600/P1000249.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> My first Greek salad. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ0FwuW_e_oPasa2DzgdDIzMlNg_76Hu83krZscAq9ahGKoFfoqEjC58pHZRk1pZh2bjrDKUa3_hqBVhm_3KDnA8dtfWQ2RRsga2avchfM8_qy67n3-lqaaAgeqVV9TV0cIlrHCZnAZo/s1600/P1000250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJ0FwuW_e_oPasa2DzgdDIzMlNg_76Hu83krZscAq9ahGKoFfoqEjC58pHZRk1pZh2bjrDKUa3_hqBVhm_3KDnA8dtfWQ2RRsga2avchfM8_qy67n3-lqaaAgeqVV9TV0cIlrHCZnAZo/s1600/P1000250.JPG" /></a></div>Fried whitebait and Prawn Saganaki. Both good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y6J3OWHDOVlqgozabpxpHvfN4hnubzb9i612vvtx4Ur2Dm6hkzcon46_NNUakyWYWrHU4C94eWsRffB5x6siY7HAUuED6VdBCNXgVGwDXA7pFC4kN97oEv1hzXxSnV1sZslq_cyBxHI/s1600/P1000257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y6J3OWHDOVlqgozabpxpHvfN4hnubzb9i612vvtx4Ur2Dm6hkzcon46_NNUakyWYWrHU4C94eWsRffB5x6siY7HAUuED6VdBCNXgVGwDXA7pFC4kN97oEv1hzXxSnV1sZslq_cyBxHI/s1600/P1000257.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo3wMd2ThDkt7Q0Z8chD6fx4qXzOhFkrRq66q8dzC1hVvOlBBDYdUlSy6sntDcum406K97lxpSrDoAuXUeao-cDKs0VokvdEb6Me_GNiDHdRqzwXxHtrmg5GRzs0DEJ86IhmYomHQG9c/s1600/P1000261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo3wMd2ThDkt7Q0Z8chD6fx4qXzOhFkrRq66q8dzC1hVvOlBBDYdUlSy6sntDcum406K97lxpSrDoAuXUeao-cDKs0VokvdEb6Me_GNiDHdRqzwXxHtrmg5GRzs0DEJ86IhmYomHQG9c/s1600/P1000261.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well fed and happy, we took the train back to Monastiraki, and then to Psiri for a night cap to a very enjoyable day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xNFuUilSYReV6XwxHggvJ4oJaPfHQGV9ZEcaVSDA7KN3PQxOSk-s5LkDg9kUCtb_jj4zMaANo0eESlTHPW-BSPls1iCse8iym5OwM5FfaN0x4vuhssFlG2pH2moGE7gWL7UU0eMv1mk/s1600/P1000266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xNFuUilSYReV6XwxHggvJ4oJaPfHQGV9ZEcaVSDA7KN3PQxOSk-s5LkDg9kUCtb_jj4zMaANo0eESlTHPW-BSPls1iCse8iym5OwM5FfaN0x4vuhssFlG2pH2moGE7gWL7UU0eMv1mk/s1600/P1000266.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monastiraki square at night, and right at the back is the Acropolis all lit up from here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ate:<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong> Bairaktaris</strong></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Where: West side of Monastiraki Square, Athens</span></div></div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3237895532344482580.post-86626812661339795742016-01-04T23:52:00.002-08:002016-01-25T16:33:51.249-08:00Athens Day 1 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have no idea what to expect when we decided to go to Greece for our honeymoon except for Santorini - which is meant to be beautiful and is apparently a really popular destination for pre-wedding photography - which is a really popular thing to do (in Asia) when you're getting married. Not for us though. We're too cool for that. Haha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu-0whf3Wn0fMRPgna4QQD0Ngzm2spYm1eCvSUvkVR5a1SgDN3AoT-_ZY2kBaGY-1_UPbKJp4dtrlbm422WFhvuSOEaJCuGrnqBygAucGbHKC48guuoXQ7-FdTzbPUeAXxPI59DXP_Wc/s1600/P1000051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu-0whf3Wn0fMRPgna4QQD0Ngzm2spYm1eCvSUvkVR5a1SgDN3AoT-_ZY2kBaGY-1_UPbKJp4dtrlbm422WFhvuSOEaJCuGrnqBygAucGbHKC48guuoXQ7-FdTzbPUeAXxPI59DXP_Wc/s1600/P1000051.JPG" /></a></div>We flew with Aegean Airlines into Athens from London, and got the metro from the airport straight to Monastiraki in the old town of Athens. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasOg_-L_GVFwllIvbQHwfG1iltZ6QnQEBpTLoeZZF8T7ldiTxM6GdxcM1mq8WJGLckBQs_NLmAjXOaZ2AP0U_NmYWdaH_1_oEZjMP9ubSL5AYuovlGudxoFmmxceIHBVw3zSsQNAZ7q8/s1600/P1000062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasOg_-L_GVFwllIvbQHwfG1iltZ6QnQEBpTLoeZZF8T7ldiTxM6GdxcM1mq8WJGLckBQs_NLmAjXOaZ2AP0U_NmYWdaH_1_oEZjMP9ubSL5AYuovlGudxoFmmxceIHBVw3zSsQNAZ7q8/s1600/P1000062.JPG" /></a></div>It was dark by the time we reached our hotel, but we managed to get our first glimpse of the Acropolis from the hotel's rooftop bar. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiZWCVl9kViqsVTDByVoUrli7cLWVWIbQ87yClWhRHcfBOE8pKgIcJpIezq-eV4CrJEsmjEIs1uBFDDj1WH3JmOoC4pkX1sEOoaYBMsbA6DlmPdLGV2jFdyT4jOK2kR4Wr_TLDBDz-0s/s1600/P1000053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiZWCVl9kViqsVTDByVoUrli7cLWVWIbQ87yClWhRHcfBOE8pKgIcJpIezq-eV4CrJEsmjEIs1uBFDDj1WH3JmOoC4pkX1sEOoaYBMsbA6DlmPdLGV2jFdyT4jOK2kR4Wr_TLDBDz-0s/s1600/P1000053.JPG" /></a><br />
A delicious and potent(!) welcome drink, Mastika or Mastiha - a liqueur seasoned with <em><strong><span style="color: #6a6a6a;">mastic</span></strong></em>, a resin gathered from the <em><strong><span style="color: #6a6a6a;">mastic</span></strong></em> tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. Thanks Wikipedia. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZXCgMBtQ2mifDAN9aPABMil7iOM2YTWG-vtwlOjzadvZBmXwkVBlNJIX8mycZwFok41yZ14zpqRyAoiPQqhK01P1Ep-zcS9ogNSzA5h0C0fjmnGWSsNwQIdQZ-gXfXQSkVV_3oCKrWw/s1600/P1000065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZXCgMBtQ2mifDAN9aPABMil7iOM2YTWG-vtwlOjzadvZBmXwkVBlNJIX8mycZwFok41yZ14zpqRyAoiPQqhK01P1Ep-zcS9ogNSzA5h0C0fjmnGWSsNwQIdQZ-gXfXQSkVV_3oCKrWw/s1600/P1000065.JPG" /></a><br />
We headed out to Psiri for dinner, just a short walk from the hotel after dropping off our bags and downing a couple of mastika (yum!). Psiri is really nice at night with its bars, live music tavernas and restaurants that open till late night. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxaNQoLRqgDvs0gke3kap9cLXMLCewNfWR7rRMqzd_IHucVXkhS2ybLgoMaBQ5JezaF2aScftszICiv2uZ6YjbreN2-bYThDRMpiHio0InnwZqDMJsC3QqkJSJCdoFyv6xv4XH5nukko/s1600/P1000271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxaNQoLRqgDvs0gke3kap9cLXMLCewNfWR7rRMqzd_IHucVXkhS2ybLgoMaBQ5JezaF2aScftszICiv2uZ6YjbreN2-bYThDRMpiHio0InnwZqDMJsC3QqkJSJCdoFyv6xv4XH5nukko/s1600/P1000271.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFDDAgKgm5CUat4H1-vDXiGErc9YpcPxKd3Wunz61G-yESCTWxfZ48ilEr1HXgYZxzS9OJzyEr0_VO_i1Q0uCw2EU5DTfYzIZf3KXth6QnLTWTbU7UdO-1nTgtukz5iIqoRvh3AMnsKo/s1600/P1000273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFDDAgKgm5CUat4H1-vDXiGErc9YpcPxKd3Wunz61G-yESCTWxfZ48ilEr1HXgYZxzS9OJzyEr0_VO_i1Q0uCw2EU5DTfYzIZf3KXth6QnLTWTbU7UdO-1nTgtukz5iIqoRvh3AMnsKo/s1600/P1000273.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsxFmRt5iam2-IFVL7F0P8QOszBw2AzTa_ohzbuQ6_XHy47JkUoSOPHSz-rZg3HuEDHecSQArzOz0adocnMNilWATsKQG_jjqtgw-aX-8txcM2-xz6e81xRZA9lC_1gUfIhtWsNT-bgQ/s1600/P1000074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsxFmRt5iam2-IFVL7F0P8QOszBw2AzTa_ohzbuQ6_XHy47JkUoSOPHSz-rZg3HuEDHecSQArzOz0adocnMNilWATsKQG_jjqtgw-aX-8txcM2-xz6e81xRZA9lC_1gUfIhtWsNT-bgQ/s1600/P1000074.JPG" /></a><br />
Hubby enjoying his first Mythos beer. The hummus looking dish is called Taramasalata - a fish roe salad made with salted and cured roe of the cod or carp mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, and a starchy base of bread or potatoes, or sometimes almonds. It is an acquired taste and I have not acquired it yet.<br />
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Thankfully the rest of the meal was good and the complimentary semolina cake was a sweet end to a lovely evening! Definitely a good start to a great holiday!<br />
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Stayed: <a href="http://www.attaloshotel.com/"><span style="color: #1a0dab;">Attalos Hotel Athens - Hotel</span></a><br />
Ate: Taverna Oreo Pentelli, Psiri</div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07848745833025954946noreply@blogger.com0