Spaghetti to Souvlaki

---

Hi all!,
Well we made it to Belluno in the north of Italy and finally off loaded the didgeridoo to Riccardo. Had a great time there, Tati and Riccardo were not only great hosts but also great tour guides. managed to get stuck in the lift here which was pretty funny, but was eventually rescued by the repair man. Visited Kalebs old school which was a tad embarressing to start with as we were taken to each class and introduced to not only the teachers, but also the students - was fun really. We visited some of the people that were involved in Kalebs stay and had many laughs. Not so funny was the 23 hour journey that got us from Belluno to Athens which was a combination of long train, sea ferry and bus rides.
Arriving in the evening, we were deposited in the heart of old Athens - no accomadation booked of course so still had that to do. Met up with a shopkeeper on a corner who bought us a couple of beers and made us feel really welcome. We eventually ended up at a small travel agency who found us a place to stay - right next to the Acropolis which was kind of neat. Spent the next day on foot looking at all there was to see in Athens, including a hilarious guard movement in front of the Presidential Palace. We also organised our Greek Island hopping adventure. After another 8 hours on a ferry we ended up on the island of Santorini for a 3 day stop over. So, when in Greece, do as the Greeks, and we hired ourselves a scooter. We drove that thing up hills, down hills, on the side of cliffs, through towns and even along a donkey path. Had an absolute ball. Sore arses but smiling faces😊
Our last evening here was of course spent in another Irish Pub (Might be able to write a book about Irish Pubs when we get back!) Anyway we didn't get totally smashed, but we were a bit doughy next morning. Off to the port we went to catch our next big ferry to the island of Naxos. Only a 3.5hr trip, smooth trip all the way. Day 1 we went to a cultural concert in an old castle. We were able to sample the local booze, listen to local music on local instuments as well as watch traditional dancing. Day 2 in Naxos we this time hired a small convertable car to cruise the island to view it's archeological treasures, fishing villiages, (small home distillary of the local jungle juice) and of course MORE mountain roads and cliff edges.
More to come on Naxos once we have the piccies, but will keep you hanging there for the moment. For those who have returned comments, we appreciate it as it lets us know you are receiving the blogs ok. Happy Birthday to Daniel and Lyn and anyone else who has had a birthday. More pics for you Nat, less chat this time!

---

Photos

Gigneys meet Trullas
This is us with Kalebs host family in Italy. Tati and Riccardo were great, and on this occassion we were up in the mountains near Nonnas place.

Guards in Athens
These guys did a great rendition of a Greek bootscoot. It was impressive even though it was very amusing.

Hells Angels of Santorini
You have all heard the expression "Numbnuts" well that's a full days riding a scooter - heaps of fun and laughs though - and our first experience at driving on the "righthand side of the road"

Naxos gateway
This gateway was erected using the remains from an old Greek temple for Apollo. It's pretty impressive as you sail into the harbour, and makes for a good vantage point to watch the sun set in the evenings.

Comments

[anonymous]

Hi Guys. Thanks for the update. Good to see you are sticking to your plan! Are you accumulating as much gear as your are distributing?? | - Steven

[anonymous]

Great to see your photos with the blogs as you travel around. Keep having a good time! - Lyn - Lyn

[anonymous]

Vi Invidio!...Kaleb può tradurre. Un bacio
- Tatiana