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Published: January 28th 2009
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Venice
It looked too much like a postcard NOT to post After a long and freakishly hot return ferry from Mykonos we were back to Athens. When we walked back to our hostel from earlier in the week, we were astonished to see crowds pouring out the door. Turns out it was Australia, and since Aussies owned the hostel, it was THE place to be. After a Foster's with the crew, we headed back to God's Restaurant (yes that's the real name) for more amazing good. This place is ridiculously good and I hope I get to go back someday. We had a short conversation with our roommates, a couple from Quebec and then went to bed early to get up for sunrise over the city. Unfortunately, the Aussies were quite loud and we barely slept as the "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" chant was crystal clear in our 5th floor room from the basement.
Anyways, we were up and on the hill overlooking all of Athens by 730. We were led up by two of Athens' thousands of stray dogs that literally followed us for 2 hours. I should note they aren't really 'stray'. They are fed by everyone, vaccinated by the city, and overall extremely friendly - but they have no real "home". Anyways, the views from the top of the hill were astonishing as was the Acropolis. 5,000 years of history, we spent about 2 hours there before we raced to the airport to catch our flight to Venice. Athens was the furthest across the world I've ever been, and all the talk of how loud, dirty and not worth it, is ridiculous. Truth is... You can do Athens in a day, but I'd say 3 would be best. There is just much to take in, and it really is more beautiful then people said. So far... Its my favorite spot.
Our SkyEurope flight continued to amaze us with the flight attendants / models that they have working. It was another smooth flight and after a short trip from the airport, we were walking the canals of Venice. We canceled our reservations at our crappy hostel in god knows where Venice after talking to someone in Athens about their hostel in Venice - the Venice Fish. It was a real family atmosphere (only about 10-12 people stay) in the heart of the city with free breakfast and dinner. How can you beat that?
Now Venice isn't the most beautiful, or cleanest, or best weather - but it is something you need to see. We walked the city in the evening in the rain before heading back for 830 'family dinner' at the Fish. We had a nice crew assembled - 4 American girls studying abroad in St Andrews, a 50-year old creepy Canadian dude, and random Brazilian girl and 2 Aussie buddies named Will and Dale. Venice nightlife is a little non-existent, and before the girls went out to meet the Italian dudes they met the night before, everyone thought it would be a good idea to get a bottle of wine for themselves and play Circle of Death ( a card game Mom). Now anyone who knows me knows I hate wine, so I was obviously against this but the rest of the hostel did it, and I finally gave in. 3 hours later, we pretty much knew everyone's life story, we were watching pirated movies and Top Gear (you'll remember my post about how Top Gear is my new favorite show from Mykonos) and finally heading to bed at 2:30. Again, this lifestyle is taking its tool on my body - I'm not 21 and in college anymore.
Up for breakfast at 10 - nutella and bread, the breakfast of champions and we were off to all the big sights. 5 hours of walking, one AWESOME pizza and a cup of gelato later and we were back in the hostel. We had gelato twice in Italy, and Mike is just as sold on it as I am. Its the most amazing food ever, and it cannot be replicated in the US (even if I do love Ritas).
We rushed to the train station after some shopping to get our 345 train only to be informed that the train no longer existed and there is only one train per day to Slovenia and it leaves at 9 AM and gets in at 2 AM. Ugh, bad luck. We luckily got back in the hostel and met some other nice folks from Canada and the UK.
Venice was a good change of pace and helped me beat the mid-trip slump I had (just like last trip). This trip differs so much - winter vs. Summer, Mike vs. Heather, and Eastern vs. Western - but its amazing all the same. The big difference has been between leaving a real job and busy life as opposed to graduation - job with no responsibility. I have overcome that in my mind, but ill admit I do miss the comforts of home. Just not enough to come back 😊
We are currently training to Slovenia and night trains are so shady. We will arrive at 2 AM and then sleep in for once tomorrow. 2 days in Slovenia before a midday flight to Dbrovnik which people say is the most beautiful place in Eastern Europe for the weekend. Should be a calm and beautiful next few days before the crazy/drunken sprint through Budapest, Munich, Berlin and Dublin to end the trip. Unfortunatly this late night train has probably killed my dream of snowboarding in the Alps for now, but just another reason to come back. And the trip motto continues... "Its all part of the expierience".
Oh, and Mike is yet to meet one girl yet even with a great wingman. WTF?
Ill touch base from Dbrovnik over the weekend. Till then, hope everyone is doing well, and ciao for now.
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