Blogs from Attica, Greece, Europe - page 6

Though I really enjoy visiting supermarkets in foreign countries, there are benefits to visiting domestic supermarkets as well. But the point is, do not overlook the supermarket for a worthwhile adventure while on the road. Over the years, we have discovered some really interesting gift items and experiences. One of my first visits in a foreign country was in London back in the 70s. I found the "Wagon Wheel" brand on boxes of produce. The Sorensen family were near and dear to our family since they managed my Grandmother's farm in Sanger when my family was sent to a WW2 Relocation Camp in Gila, Arizona. Sadly, I think the brand is gone, but the Sorensen's live on! Often times, I see our Kingsburg based Sun Maid brand of raisins in places all over the world, like ... read more

Issy passed on yesterday’s tour of the Acropolis, which was understandable given it involved a lot of walking in the heat. I know she’s not into temples but I’m still determined that we not leave Athens without her seeing its biggest attraction. I thought we got here early but there’s still a long queue for tickets. We make our way up the lower slopes past the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Next stop is the human traffic jam that’s the narrow main entrance to the top. I didn’t think it was possible to get more crowded than it was yesterday, but I think it just might be. Issy didn’t seem too keen on coming here when we started our climb, and this pile up of humanity’s turned her right off. We make ... read more

Most of us who are foodies know these things. But Food Travelist has listed them, just in case you did not get the memo. Who sent the memo? The ghost of Tony Bourdain, or Julia Child? Mr. Bizarre Foods, Andrew Zimmern? Beat Bobby Flay? Look for the lines Yes, the longest line usually means the best food. Or get there earlier tomorrow? Ask waiters and cabbies Just beware, they could be on the "payroll" of a restaurant. I always talk to the hotel people, and I shall reveal a secret, which you may find rather sensitive. I always ask a person of color for a local spot. Go for lunch Generally, it is cheaper than dinner. And the portions are more manageable. Lunch may also offer a "fixed price" menu as well. The Michaelin starred places ... read more

We’re up at the crack of dawn. Today we’ve got a long day of travelling, first from Gozo via the ferry back to Malta, and from there to Rome and then Athens where we’ll be spending the night at the airport. It’s been ridiculously hot here the last few days and this morning feels as oppressive as ever. We put our bathers and towels out on the balcony to dry when we got back from the beach yesterday. I’m not sure why we bothered; it’s so humid that they‘re still soaked this morning. It was almost impossible to cool down at the beach yesterday. It was only just cool enough to be refreshing in the water, and the sand was so hot that we had to sprint back to the shade of our umbrellas to stop ... read more

And so begins the long journey home…our last day on the islands before we headed to Athens. Unfortunately the weather gods didn’t quite get the memo that we would like the cooling breezes to continue. Our day started with a quick morning tea and coffee before we offloaded our bags. A bit of retail therapy and some strolling in the town (and ice cream) before a long lazy gyros lunch and a randomly illogical bus trip to the airport. There began a Masterclass in chaos and inefficiency before we were loaded onto the plane and headed for Athens. Some excellent cookies mildly softened the blow. Easy transfer to our apartment, right in the middle of retail paradise before we dumped our things and headed to the authentically named Zorbas for dinner. A nice relaxed start to ... read more