2008: A Greek Odyssey

Beautiful Oia

2009-02-02T23:38:00.001+11:00

What a beautiful place to watch the sunset that never was.

More of the Greek national colours

GREEK MEN AT WORK

2009-01-19T13:39:00.000+11:00

Whoops !!! Did I get one of them wrong ?

CATCH OF THE DAY !

2009-01-19T13:21:00.000+11:00

From start to finish.......bagging a catch in the shallows at Mykonos.

Parga

2009-01-11T22:42:00.005+11:00

A view of Parga harbour as seen from the Venetian castle

Looking back at the lower part of town

Through the tree line

A pleasant afternoon with good company

Jackie's Bouzo

2009-01-07T22:35:00.002+11:00

Jackie [aka Helen] found her very own bouzo bar on Mykonos!

Tinos

2009-01-07T22:28:00.002+11:00

More island pics - this time the quiet serenity of Tinos.

More Kefalonia

2009-01-06T00:51:00.005+11:00

Nicko's nice comments have encouraged me - so here are more idyllic scenes from Assos and Fiscardo.

As you can tell, I really like those colourful greek buildings and cafe scenes

Cap'n Don

2009-01-05T14:27:00.003+11:00

When the carpet sellers looked like moving in, Don had a quick nationality change!

Kefalonia

2009-01-05T13:57:00.003+11:00

Finally! I have had a chance to sort through some of the Greece photos.

What a joy it was to re-live our wonderful trip for a few hours this morning...

Today it is the beautiful village of Fiscardo

TINOS

2009-01-04T10:32:00.000+11:00

Off the beaten track in Tinos.

Don's Birthday

2008-12-28T22:28:00.002+11:00

How lucky to celebrate a birthday in Greece with Icecream Cake!

Have camera, will travel ..

2008-12-22T23:13:00.004+11:00

Vicki and a seaworthy Captain Don in the background.

The rug sellers were closing in..
.. so a quick hat change was required.

Patience and persistence

2008-12-22T09:01:00.000+11:00

It was relaxing just to watch this old man near Corfu airport...... spending his day with hook and line as the planes roared overhead.

Rugs anyone?

2008-12-21T17:38:00.002+11:00

The rug sellers were hot on our trail.
They quickly despatched a van load of rugs from Fes to intercept us.
Don had a plan.. to disguise himself as a ships captain...

More Corfu airport

2008-12-21T17:12:00.001+11:00

They were coming in low ...

Corfu Airport

2008-12-21T14:17:00.000+11:00

Coming in for a landing on that very short runway at Corfu..........rather scary !!

Paxos and Antipaxos

2008-12-21T13:59:00.000+11:00

Because of the weather that day, we couldn't visit the islands (seen in the background) from Parga, but this didn't worry us or upset our friendly boat captain.

It's all in the stance

2008-12-20T22:35:00.001+11:00

The lengths that people will go to to get "the shot"

Food of Greece

2008-12-20T22:08:00.005+11:00

What a feast was had by Kathy , Jill, Chris , Vicki & Helen this was the night before we ran up Mt Olympus (yeah right) , Cosmo and his lovely wife recommended all the dishes and boy did it hit the spot and I would say they lasted 10minutes tops after they hit the table. It was good fuel for the climb.

Remember this tune?

2008-12-20T17:27:00.003+11:00

** beer, wine & ouzo on table for decorative purposes only **
** image courtesy Sharon **

More Barbara

2008-12-20T14:03:00.003+11:00

Volax, Tinos.
Thanks again Barbara!

Cats

2008-12-19T23:42:00.001+11:00

Doors

2008-12-19T23:12:00.004+11:00

Santorini

2008-12-18T22:53:00.005+11:00

Visually stunning.

A church in Oia nearing sunset

One of the famous windmills of Oia

Between Fira and Firastefani

Interesting angles

Also between Fira and Firastefani

Stunning!

The French consulate in Santorini.
Can you blame them?

Piety at Meteora

2008-12-18T18:42:00.007+11:00

No wonder the guard at the front entrance to the Meteora monastries was counting the candles continually - with pious people like these around...

Corfu - The Old Fort

2008-12-15T22:25:00.006+11:00

The Old Fort in Corfu was built between the 6th and 19th centuries. It was built on a man made island and has some interesting architecture.

Outside the church of StGeorge, looking up at the lighthouse..

..and again. Get an idea of the size by the people at the front.

An old building and the belltower.

An underground walkway that leads to the top.

The belltower. Corfu town can be seen in the background.

Corfu Town as seen from the top of the fort.
Cruise ships were in for the day.

View from the top. A ferry passes by.

Shirley Valentine...what a treat!

2008-12-14T22:29:00.006+11:00

This was a fluke ,we originally were going to catch a bus in the opposite direction on the island of Mykonos ,we landed in the spot in which the movie "Shirley Valentine" was partly shot. Vicki & Chris had a swim - fully clothed!.

It has changed a bit after 19 years......no Tom Conti in sight .

Our fantastic leader Barbara

2008-12-11T21:15:00.004+11:00

The trip wouldn't have been the same without her........

Athens

2008-12-11T20:32:00.005+11:00

The Acropolis was once a showcase of colossal buildings , now in ruins, the cool gradeur of the bare marble is still breathtaking. Crowning in the Acropolis unsurpassed in grace and harmony, the Parthenon is the largest Doric temple ever completed in Greece , the only one built completely (apart from the wooden roof) of Pentelic marble.

Flowers in Greece

2008-12-11T00:19:00.003+11:00

Delos

2008-12-09T22:38:00.002+11:00

Delos is a small , rocky island, no more than 5 km long and 1.300 m. wide , for Ancient Greeks it was the most sacred place, because Apollo and Artemis , two of the most important deities of the Greek pantheon, were born there. It is situated in the heart of the Argean, in the centre of the Cyclades that form a dance circle around it "hearth of the islands" Callimachus (3rd cent BC) calls it, shrine and centre of the islands.

Streets of Mykonos

2008-12-09T22:14:00.003+11:00

It's hard to see just

how narrow these

pathways were

Corfu

2008-12-09T09:31:00.002+11:00

The boats , the bay and the bouzo ...what more do you need!

Mykonos

2008-11-27T11:16:00.000+11:00

A happy and a rather surly dummy in a Mykonos shop window.

The Theatre of Dionysos - Athens

2008-11-23T21:41:00.000+11:00

The Theatre of Dionysos on the south-eastern slope of the Acropolis....built of timber in the 6th century BC.....then re-constructed in marble and stone around 340 BC and holding 15,000 spectators. The marble thrones are an ancient version of the most expensive front stall seats at the Rod Laver Arena.

Military Guard - Parliament House - Athens

2008-11-14T11:08:00.000+11:00

Dedicated soldiers perform their ritual at the CHANGING OF THE GUARD ceremony at Parliament House.

Meteora

2008-11-13T16:49:00.001+11:00

This was one of the rare places where the photos do actually do it justice!
Perfect weather, perfect scenery and only 10 kms walk home!

Santorini

2008-11-11T12:04:00.001+11:00

Have to admit that I started at the 'picturesque' end of the trip photos!
A couple of classic 'blue and white' shots - many more to come

Mykonos

2008-11-11T10:56:00.000+11:00

Windmills on the island of Mykonos, overlooking 'Little Venice'.

Who could resist ?

2008-11-11T10:21:00.000+11:00

An introduction by Spiro to the famous Greek 'gyro pitta'.

Bangles !

2008-11-11T09:59:00.000+11:00

Bangles were 'all the go' in Greece.

Greece 2008

2008-11-07T16:44:00.004+11:00

Corfu - more pics

2008-11-06T23:11:00.000+11:00

Corfu, Garitsa bay

2008-10-09T17:12:00.003+11:00

Seen down at Garitsa bay, which is just south of Corfu town.

Kefalonia

2008-09-21T16:35:00.001+10:00

View of the famous Mirtos beach and Assos

Citadines Hongkong Ashley Hotel Kowloon

2008-08-26T22:05:00.000+10:00

Our accommodation in Hong Kong..

Citadines Hongkong Ashley hotel Kowloon

Address : 18 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong KongHotel Location : CityArea : Tsim Sha Tsui

From 278 AUD (incl. taxes & service charges)

Citadines Hongkong Ashley hotel Kowloon Overview

The Ashley Apartments Hotel in Hong Kong is one of the most popular hotels here. This hotel has been opened in 2003. From the very inception of this hotel, it has been winning over the hearts of the visitors. Be it a business trip or a holiday in Hong Kong with your family, the Ashley Apartments Hotel will certainly appease you. Favorably located in the midst of Hong Kong in the center of Tsim Sha Tsui, the Ashley Apartments Hotel serves the needs of various types of visitors. The Ashley Apartments Hotel in Hong Kong houses twenty-one floors. This magnificent hotel is situated adjacent to the celebrated commercial building shopping malls and entertainment center. The strategic location of this hotel makes its easier for the visitors to travel to any part of Hong Kong. Staying in this contemporary and trendy hotel is a real pleasure. From the moment you enter the hotel you will be taken care of by the hotel staffs. Your every small necessity will be looked after by them. From business need to personal pleasures, you will never be disappointed here. The guest rooms are designed in a very stylish and coeval way. The rooms excogitate their passion for fashion, quality and ease. With just two apartments each floor, the visitors can relish more confidentiality when they stay at these apartments. The main aim of the hotel staffs is to provide comfort and luxury to the visitors in a relaxing environment. The warmth and hospitality extended in the Ashley Apartments Hotel in Hong Kong will give you a feel of home away from home. Like all three star hotels the Ashley Apartments Hotel in Hong Kong cater a number of amenities and facilities to the visitors like internet access, safety box, security camera and many others.

Syntagma (Constitution) Square Athens

2008-08-16T08:55:00.004+10:00

Every hour, the Changing of the Guard ceremony, performed by Greek army troops wearing the traditional Evzones uniform is conducted in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the area between the Square and Parliament.

"The construction work undertaken on the city's metro system during the 1990s brought an unprecedented number of archaeological finds to light. Some of these finds can be seen at the metro station on Syntagma Square. The exhibits include ancient grave stones, an aqueduct from the 5th century BC, pottery, a 2,000-year old beehive and a mosaic from the 5th century AD."

Hotel Odysseon - Kalambaka (Meteora)

2008-08-16T08:19:00.013+10:00

".. hotel’s unique location facilitates easy and rapid access to the centre of Kalampaka (7 mins on foot), the village of Kastraki (10 mins on foot), and other regional monuments and taverns with superb local cuisine. Our hotel is a 10-minute-walk from the town’s bus and train stations."

LOCATION INFORMATION
Hotel Odysseon is build on the foothills of a green hill, just on the exit of Kalambaka town leading towards the picturesque Kastraki village, which is only 5 minutes walk from the Odysseon Hotel. The hotel is flanked on its side and at the back by the unique Meteora rock formations. The natural sandstone rock towers of Meteora were first used to build the first monastery atop one of the rock formations back in the 10th century. Since then 23 more monasteries were build atop these rock formations. Meteora is a unique place in the world and it is not to be missed on your travels to Greece. Hotel Odysseon is ideal for visiting these monasteries as out of 24 of them 6 are no longer than 20 minutes walk from the hotel.

NEARBY SIGHTSEEING
The location of HOTEL ODYSSEON in KALAMBAKA offers many opportunities for sightseeing. Apart of course from Meteora and the monasteries, right next door to the hotel is the Museum of Modern Art, further and just 3 kilometers away is the village of Theopetra with its neolithic caves and the bridge of Sarakina. Further afield Metsovo and Lake Plastiras are each around 1 hours drive away.

Visiting the Meteora Monastries

2008-08-13T20:30:00.001+10:00

There are six Meteora monasteries, each open to visits at slightly different hours and days. To see them all in a day, start early to take in Ayiou Nikolaou, Varlaam and Megalou Meteorou before 1pm, leaving the afternoon for Roussanou, Ayias Triadhos and Ayiou Stefanou.
The road from Kastraki to Ayiou Stefanou is just under 10km long, often narrow and dangerous with speeding cars; if you're on foot, we recommend you follow the hiking directions given below to spare you the tarmac as much as possible - by using the trails and dirt tracks available you can avoid most of the asphalt. Ayiou Stefanou is in a cul-de-sac for both drivers and hikers; the through road signposted Kalambaka just before Ayias Triadhos is a highly indirect 5km. In season there are a number of daily buses (most reliably at about 9am and 1pm) from Kalambaka up the road as far as Megalou Meteorou/Varlaam; even taken just part of the way they will give you the necessary head start to make a hiking day manageable. Hitching is also pretty straightforward.
You may want a local map , especially if you intend to leave the beaten track. A lot of dross is sold in Kalambaka, but the only two products worth having are sold at the newsagent on the upper platia. The Panoramic Map with Geology (co-produced by Karto Atelier, Switzerland and Trekking Hellas; ?4.50) is aerial-view art format, but fairly accurate and good enough to follow the main routes. Andonis Kaloyirou's Greek-only text booklet, with topographic map in back (Road Editions, ?11.80) is superior, and many will find the map alone worth the investment.
Before setting out it is worth buying food and drink to last the day; there are only a couple of drinks/fruit stands on the circuit, by Varlaam and Megalou Meteorou. And finally, don't forget to carry money with you: each monastery levies an admission charge - currently ?1.50, with students half price except at Ayias Triadhos.
For visits to all the monasteries, dress code is strict. For women this means wearing a skirt - not trousers; for men, long trousers. Both sexes must cover their shoulders. Skirts or simple wraps are often lent to female visitors, but it's best not to count on this. Finally, it's worth noting that photography and videoing are strictly forbidden in all of the monasteries.

Finishing point hotel - Istanbul

2008-07-29T21:47:00.002+10:00

Hatay Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci

Hatay Hotel Istanbul is located in the charming and historic old region of Istanbul Sirkeci. The old region of Istanbul offers guests a host of attractions including the wonderful historic architecture of the city... Istanbul Hatay Hotel offers a unique experience to the guests. It is in the center of the Sirkeci Hotel Istanbul, within walking distance of most of the major Istanbul sites.
Located at the heart of Istanbul's historical peninsula once was named as; "Byzantium", Nova Rome", Constantinople", "Konstantinopolis", "Dersaadet" and "Istanbul" and with views to within just a few minutes walk to two of the most magnificent masterpieces of world architecture, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Sirkeci Hotel Hatay and Istanbul Antioch Hotel offers a unique experience to the guests. It is in the center of the Sultanahmet, within walking distance of most of the major sites such as Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Square, Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar..

Hotel Apollo. Athens

2008-05-26T17:04:00.002+10:00

The Apollo hotel warmly welcomes guests in the heart of Athens, just steps away from Karaiskaki square and only a 2-minute walk from Metaxourgio underground station. The hotel is situated within walking distance of the National Museum and the district of Plaka, where you can find the Acropolis as well as lots of fine restaurants, bars and lively night spots. Hotel features include attractive accommodations combined with comfortably sized public areas, such as a nice bar & restaurant, and a roof garden with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. Being so centrally located will enable you to move easily around the city, and enjoy all the fabulous sites & sounds that Athens has to offer.

Your rooms;
The hotel offers welcoming single, double, twin and triple guest rooms, graciously appointed with all amenities and comforts which the modern traveller has come to expect. Each room features a private bathroom, with either shower or bathtub, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, direct dial phone, Internet plug, individually controlled air conditioning, heating, mini fridge, electronic mini safe, writing desk and balcony. Baby cots, iron and ironing board are available upon request and free of charge. You can ask for a non-smoking room.

Inclusions;
· Air conditioning
· Colour TV
· Cot available upon request
· Direct dial phone
· Electronic safe
· Hairdryer in room
· Heating
· Individually controlled air conditioning
· Internet plug
· Iron and ironing board available on request
· Mini fridge
· Non-smoking rooms available upon request
· Radio
· Room terrace
· Rooms with view available upon request
· Safe
· Satellite TV
· Telephone
· Wireless Internet connection
· Writing desk

Hotel Bretagne, Corfu

2008-05-25T20:43:00.008+10:00

Description:

This is the starting point hotel - as you can see
it looks very good and is very handy
to everything - only 800mtrs from the airport.

Distances: Centre: 1,5 km. Airport: 800 m.
Port: 2 km.
Sea: 400 m. Mon Repos Beach: 900 m.
Super Market: 500 m. Pharmacy: 400 m.
Bus station: 100 m.

Bretagne, a charming C' class heated and air-conditioned hotel,
built in local style in a quiet area between Corfu town and
Corfu airport near the renowned Garitsa bay.
The hotel, offers very good service and family atmosphere to their
guests. Close at hand, is Mon-Repos Beach set in magnificent gardens
and the beach with many facilities including snack bar and changing sheds.

Facilities:

24-hour reception, snack bar, automatic telephone operator, money exchange,
safety deposit boxes, lounge with satellite TV, music, private parking,
central heating, air-condition.

Room Facilities:

43 nicely furnished, heated and air-conditioned rooms,
with direct dial telephone, TV, private shower/WC, balcony.

Trip meet and greet weekend

2008-05-04T18:00:00.003+10:00

We have set the date for the weekend of July 25 and 26. It will a combined meet and greet night with the reunion of the 2007 Morocco group on Friday July 25 at a Moroccan restaurant [TBA]. On Saturday morning we plan to visit Monsalvat in Eltham, [see pics]

after lunch we will travel to Williamstown where there are bay cruises, Scienceworks, cute shops and streets to wander. Saturday July 26 the members of the Greece/Turkey trip will dine at a Greek restaurant in Williamstown [TBA].
As many of us belong to all the groups, it seemed like a good idea to hold it all on the same weekend.
Helen is even going to make the trip from Brisbane for the weekend!! [We have been waiting to secure some cheaper airfares]
Everyone is most welcome and encouraged to join in all the activities for the weekend. Feel free to bring any family/friends along as well to share the fun and trip talk.
It would be great if you could let me know ASAP your numbers what bits you will be attending so we can make bookings.

Map of Greece and more Meteora pictures

2008-04-29T16:41:00.001+10:00

Mt Olympus notes

2008-04-29T16:36:00.002+10:00

Found these notes on a website somewhere recently....Sounds like the one to do, especially as the writer indicates it isn't difficult and can be done in a day.

Climbing Mount Olympus is not that difficult. I've done this twice so far and plan to do it again in two months, when weather permits. It is estimated that 10,000 people climb Mount Olympus each year. The European E4 hiking path also crosses the Olympus national park. It will take you two relaxed days, although you can do it in just one, if you depart early in the morning. Your starting point will be Litohoro in Pieria county (northern Greece), which is the busiest and safest route. You can get there by bus (www.ktel.org), train (www.ose.gr) or car (use the A2 highway connecting Athens to Thessaloniki). You will need to stay in a hotel there, as you want to get up early in the morning for your hike. Get a taxi to Prionia site, which is the furthest point accessible by car. From there you start climbing the well marked path to Zolotas (or Spilios Agapitos, or A) refuge (altitude 2,100 m., capacity 100 persons, tel. +30.23520.81800 or 81329). It will take you about 2.5 h. From that point, you will take the path to Mytikas (the highest peak), which will take you to the summit through Skala passage (another 2 h). Once to the top, you can enjoy spectacular views and sign the visitor's book located in the cabinet under the metal flag. On your way back you may use the same route or return through the Musses plateau path. All paths are clearly marked, so you will not have any orientation problems. Furthermore, it will most probably be crowded up there, so you may ask anybody for assistance, if needed. When you get back to Prionia, depending on the time of the day, you may return to Litohoro either by a taxi or car, or you can walk the continuation of the E4 path through the Enipeas valley. This is the most beautiful part of the entire hike and is highly recommended. Walking the Prionia-Litohoro path involves crossing an amazing forest and visiting the deserted St. Dionysius monastery and caves used as chapels. It will take you another 4 h.

All in all, climbing Mount Olympus is a great experience and is highly recommended.

Mount Olympus hikers read on

2008-04-29T14:10:00.003+10:00

Meteora

2008-04-29T14:06:00.004+10:00

From the Rough Guides book titled "Make the most of your time on earth." Text on page enlarged below ...