I arrived in Santorini along with hundreds of other tourists. We approached the island through the caldera while everyone snapped photos. This place is like a dream. Is this for real? Perched high upon the caldera rim appearing to defy gravity, or at the very least, just waiting for gravity to do its work and pull the whole town of Fira into the sea. But it stays, thankfully, for the tourists. It's hard to describe the mob scene as we departed the ferry boat. Hundreds of people rushing forwards all with packs, suitcases, roller suitcases, motorcycles. We are at the base of the cliff, dramatically announcing itself as a shear wall of volcanic rock, layered red, black, and grey. I walk into the crowd of domatia, those raptious owners of pensions who want us to stay ... read more

Yesterday, I took a 12 hour bus tour to see the Corinth Canal, ancient Mycenae, the town of Napflio and the theatre at Epidavros. This was not a tour one could DIY. There just isn't the public transportation in the area, so I signed up for this tour. Only about 15 of us in a big air conditioned coach. The guide didn't stop speaking for the entire trip, she had to tell us about everything. Ancient Mycenae dates from 1500BC, from the time of Agamemnon. We also went into the fabulous domed tomb. This part of the trip was so windy that it could take your breath away, and knock you off your feet. And very sunny. As part of this tour, we had lunch in a large restaurant, all catered for us. Traditional Greek food ... read more

It's cold and windy here in Athens, not what I expected. The flight into Athens was a comfortable BA flight complete with movie that I didn't watch and hot chicken lunch that I did eat. And this was the same price as the Easy Jet flight - no comparison. I am so jet lagged, I am not sleeping when I am supposed to and tired during the day. I am finding this trip more difficult to adjust to. Perhaps because I wasn't well rested before I left. Since it was overcast, I went to the Natrional Archeological Museum. Lots of old things. The Minoan treasures are great. And I saw the death mask of Agamemnon. Somebody check my spelling. There were so many statues from each period of ancient Greece, Archaic, Classical and Helenistic. Truly awesome ... read more

I arrived in London in one piece only to be shattered when England lost its quarter final match against Portugal. I enjoyed watching this scoreless game. But which team to support now as I like to see new teams win, but Portugal beat England. Can I really hold grudge? London is hot and humid, a good warm up for my trip. We BC teachers have a new contract, so even though England lost, I have a headache, I had a student whine and complain in the 13th hour yesterday, I am still ahead. I am staying in a new place for me, at the YHA in Kensington, a converted old mansion in Holland Park. More annenities than where I stayed on my previous visits to London in Earl's Court. Only a short visit to London this ... read more

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