Day 44 - So how was the first solo trip?

1) Planning
Yes, the planning stage sucks. Comparing prices, unable to book ferry tickets because of strange web system, checking out all types of time tables, some in foreign language etc. But it was worth it.

2) Maps
Yes, I'm a map freak. I must have map for every place I go. Even in Singapore, I would search Streetdirectory.com for the shortest route to the place I want to go. But it was in Field Studies, where we were thrown into small places without maps, did I realise that it is very much possible to survive without a map. And yes, it doesn't mean you would lose your way or waste a lot of time taking 冤枉路. Especially in chaotic Fira in Santorini - I didn't lose my way back to the bus terminal as I thought I would.

3) Confidence
I wouldn't be confident to take a solo trip if not because of Field Studies. Serious. But now, I have even more confidence in planning or taking trips

4) Talking
One thing about solo trips - it makes you talk to others more. I get to know more people, instead of mostly among your friends. I met a Swedish, Italian, Greeks, American-working-in-UK, etc. The most memorable one was this uncle at the Acropolis toilet, who despite his very limited command in English, tried to verify some mathematical expansion formulas and Socrates quotes with me. His desire to learn and his friendliness is something I will remember.

Although the attractions in Athens and Santorini is quite tourist-ified, the people are not. That is, what I think, one of the greatest charms of Greece that is most overlooked.

Day 43 - Back to Athens and end of trip

The overnight ferry finally arrives. Right on the dot, 0040H.

This ferry seems to be more suited for overnight travel. There are no cafes, no fast food restaurants, no shops. Loads of open space and berth seats, so it's not uncommon to see people sleeping on the floor in their sleeping bags, people sleeping across berth seats etc. I just settled for a nice airline-style seat and slept so soundly, that a fellow passenger had to wake me up to tell me that we've arrived at Athens.

Reached Athens at about near 6am. Since it was too early to do anything, I've planned to take a long metro train ride to the 2004 Olympics site. Reached there at about 7.30 am. Unfortunately it was cloudy and wet......

The Main olympic stadium.

Faster, Higher, Stronger?
(It aren't easy taking a jumpshot from a timed camera on a tripod)

The long walkway

By the time I was done, it was 8 am. Went to the National Archaeological Museum which has wonderful collections of sculptures from all eras. I was so overwhelmed that I've become numbed to Hellenistic sculptures. Suddenly, not going to the New Acropolis Museum doesn't seem so wasted anymore, especially when you're numbed to all these beautiful sculptures.

Made a trip to Plaka to search for a vegetarian Greek tarven mentioned in the Lonely Planet guidebook. Unfortunately, the tarven no longer exist. Headed back to Monastiriki square, as the remaining attractions that I intend to go are there.

Like this one, Hadrian's Library.

Went to a tarven to have a last proper Greek Meal. Like I said, since most Greek dishes contains beef, I had to settle for something else. Like this one lor. From top left: Fried Eggplant with Yoghurt, Pita Bread (complementary), and Greek Salad. Oh speaking about the Greek salad, I've never eaten such wonderful tomatoes and onions before.

The thing about metro stations in Athens: if they discover any archaeological remains while building the staiton, they would keep it aside as part of the station. Like this one at Monastiriki station.

Headed off to Hadrian's library, next to the old mosque (that is unfortunately, converted into a shopping area and a musuem). €2 entry fee, but if you bought the Acropolis ticket or an EU student, it's free.

Subsequently, I went on to Ancient Agora, the old market place where Socrates taught. Same entrance fee rules apply - free if you have the Acropolis ticket (valid within 1 week I think) and EU students.

There was no markings of where Socrates teach though. Perhaps he didn't had a fixed location in the Agora.

The Agora was just at the foot of the Acropolis. Ancient Athens was pretty small. Probably 3/4 of Ang Mo Kio, or from AMK Hub to the Library.

Former entrance to a theatre school.

Subsequently, I went on to the Roman Agora. When the Romans took Athens, they found that the Ancient Agora not suitable for their use. Hence they build a new one next to the ancient one.

Tower of the winds - It was used to mark out 8 cardinal direction (hence 8 faces), and to tell the time, with a water clock inside to keep track of time at night.

A old mosque at the corner of the Roman Agora.

Bread sellers outside the metro stations - a common sight throughout Athens. A big Pretzel ring cost only €0,50 and makes a good breakfast. Those with fillings, like spinach, chocolate, feta cheese will cost below €2

Preserved archaeological finds at Syntagma Metro Station.

It's as though as the station doubles up as a museum.

Took the long bus ride to the airport. Was almost AND-1 at the pick up point. The uncle at the ticket booth mentioned in Greek, which a nice old lady kindly translated to tell me that the bus will leave only at 5pm (when the schedule stated 3.30pm and 3.45pm buses as well). I almost had a shock as my flight was 7.40pm, and that it takes about 1 hr to reach the airport. Just when I was about to hail a cab, the driver for the bus came, said that this is the 3.30pm bus. Lucky me, not so for the person before me who went on the cab, huffing and puffing in anger about the apparent change in bus schedule.

THIS IS SPARTA! Well, at least that's what the maps says.

Athens airport.

Found this at the Mcdonalds in the airport. See anything familiar?

Day 42 - Around Santorini, a Physical Geographer's porn site

Woke up early to catch the sunrise at Perissa Beach, which is only 5 minutes walk away from the hostel. The room wasn't heated, and neither was the water as well. Had to boil water using the electric plate when I wanted to shower the night before. But for near €8 a night, which is less than €1 more expensive than camping out, it's a not bad deal lah.

The room.

Unfortunately, the rain from last night didn't stop till dawn. However, the clouds persisted.

At the berm. Guess why the beach is black?

Of course I was disappointed.

Cape Mesa Vuono

Mount Profitis Ilias - highest point in the island. (It's a mountain when it's only 567m? Mr Luo would like to comment that those below 600m are hills. So please do not make such mistakes when you're reading maps)

Breakfast from the trusty 24hr Bakery. Pastry with feta cheese and spinach, for €1.70. Decided to climb up Mount(sic) Profitis Illias, but there is no route up from Perissa. So thought of climbing up to Cape Mesa Vuono to take a look at Ancient Thira.

It's closed? But what the hell. Will still climb up to take a look at the view.

The workers at Ancient Thira allowed me to look around for 30 minutes. It's the ruin site that predates the Hellenistic Era. But whether it's the ruin site of a house, or market, or a temple, it still looks the same to me.

Black beach of Kamari, on the other side of the cape.

Perissa, as I was climbing down. I barely made it back to the hostel, pack, pay and wait at the bus stop before 10.30, which was the scheduled time the bus to Fira would come. Luckily, the bus was about 15 minutes late, giving me time to double check my stuff. Was tipped by the owner of the hostel to ask the driver to drop me off at the bus stop along the junction road to catch the bus to Akrotiri instead of taking it all the way to Fira and change there. Told the bus driver to Akrotiri that I'm going to red beach, which he kindly told me where to alight.

Was greeted by these beautiful red cliffs near the bus stop.

This dog barked at me at the bus stop. Soon, it followed me all the way to the red beach. I appreciate his company, but sometimes, he went around antagonising other dogs, or he would stand in the middle of the rocky paths that lead to red beach. Met his owner on the way back, and was told that this dog, Ella, likes to follow tourists. As much as I wanted to, I did not acknowledge his presence or have any physical contact with him. Why? I'll only be there for 1 hour. It's not fair to him to form any bonds.

Red Beach of Akrotiri.

2 guys were fishing there, who helped me take this photo. Thank goodness it's off season - The beauty of the beach aren't spoiled by deck chairs.

Guess what beach process I'm trying to show with this picture.

Why is the beach and the cliffs red? Mr Luo refuse to spoon feed. 5 mark question. Hint: What's the colour of rust?

Beautiful stratas.

Waiting for the bus to come.

For some reason, the bus went to several towns before it returned to Fira. Don't know why. This is Perissa beach. Back in Fira, school's over, so the bus is filled with school children. They seemed oblivious to the beautiful sights outside the bus window, while I watch in awe.

Thirasia island. Yes, I'm back at beautiful Oia once more. Just as I alighted the bus, an Indian lady asked "Excuse me, are you a Singaporean?" Turns out she's a Singaporean too, studying in France.

For some reason, 3 dogs followed us around in Oia. Same thing - they went around antagonising other dogs.

See if you can spot 2 of the 3 dogs that followed me.

I went down the cliff face where I watched the sunset earlier yesterday. Turns out it aren't a good spot. They say that the old fort is a good spot, but the sun would be partially blocked by Thirasia. Probably that will be the case in summer, when the position of the sun is different.

And the sky cleared up.

I'm very contented with this sunset.

Back in Fira. Had to wait till 2330H for the bus to the port. Walked around, but most shops are closed. Wanted to try a Cycladic-islands only dish, tomato fritters, but they don't make it until Lent. So I'm stuck with Gyros. The temperature dropped drastically - I had to wear more layers, including gloves. Spent time reading "Orientalism" that drew some awkward glance. Yes, I know they used a nude art as a cover for that book to express Said's idea of the feminisation, exoticisation and eroticisation of the "Oriental", but I aren't reading porn!

The volcano at dusk. Why do I call Santorini the porn site for physical geographers? Well, it has volcanoes, cliffs, cauldera, exposed stratas, beaches of different colour etc. So many physical landforms. I think any physical geographers who visited Santorini will be high. But of course, it is an extremely beautiful place for others.