Brisbane to Athens isn't a short skip; it's a 25-hour transit. However, it's a place well worth seeing, a must for most adventurers. It has also become an exciting experience for someone who just got their first passport 10 days earlier. I met a mother and her daughter at Brisbane airport, and on each plane, they were either a seat in front or a seat behind me until we ended up in the same row on the last leg. It was great to share the ride with them, talking about our experiences and making the whole trip enjoyable, even with the layovers. The little lady was such a trooper on her first international trip, and she did it better than me. Not a single complaint from her. Well done to her! I'm sure their grandma will be pleasantly surprised when she sees them at the front door with "moo" and banana.
But that's a story for another day; after all, this one is about me, hahaha. I have made it to Athens and am currently sleeping under the Parthenon. I couldn't have picked a closer location, and at $28 AUD per night in a nice backpackers' hostel called Athens Studios, I got a good deal. Now it's time to recharge my body, get some shut-eye, and get ready to explore Greece tomorrow.
My first sight of the Parthenon under the Hadrian gate
The Acropolis of Athens, what can I say? It's a well worth hike up a mountain to see. Not only do you get to witness the grandeur of the Parthenon, but the view of Athens itself is breathtaking. Athens is a city unlike any other I've been to before. The blend of history and modernity is astonishing. However, it's important to be cautious while here as it's not the safest place. There are scammers and thieves everywhere, so be vigilant and take care of your belongings. Unfortunately, my roommate got robbed last night while walking the streets. Today, I've heard many people reporting stolen items to the police.
But on the brighter side, Athens is beautiful, and its people are gorgeous. The fashion sense here is even better, and the vibrant colors around you make you forget your worries. This place has already captivated me, and I might not want to come back home.
Now, there are two things I want to share with you about visiting Athens. First, the ticket to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon costs €20. However, there's also a multiple-site (full) ticket available for €30, which allows you to visit seven sites. Otherwise, it's €20 per site. Make sure to purchase this ticket at the entrance of the Acropolis.
The second tip, and the best one, is to skip breakfast if you want to avoid the crowds at the Acropolis. I went at 8 am when the gates opened, and I was among the first ten people to enter. Though I took my time getting up, within 20 minutes, the gates were flooded with thousands of people. So, make sure to plan accordingly to beat the rush.
Other places included in the multi full ticket are the Ancient Agora, Hadrian's Library, Kerameikos, Aristotle's School, the Olympieion, and the Roman Agora. The great thing about this ticket is that it's valid for five days, so you don't have to rush around trying to see them all in just one day, which would be quite challenging. Take your time to explore these sites and make the most out of your visit.
What can I say? Today was truly a memorable day. I purchased a drone just two months ago and I'm still learning and getting used to flying it, adjusting shutter speeds and ISO settings. However, what happened today made it all worth it. I had a unique experience and captured a view of Greece like no other. The green hill, known as Filopappou Hill or the Hill of the Muses, was the subject of my photo. I hiked to the top and let the drone soar, and the result is the best photo I've taken so far. I'm thrilled with the outcome!
Acropolis mountain | Athens
After hiking up Filopappou once again, this time for a night shot of the Parthenon, I believe I have captured all the stunning views one would desire. However, I had another adventure in store for myself. I made the decision to wake up really early, which is quite challenging for me. Why, you ask? Well, I had booked a ferry to Santorini this morning.
So, at 4 am, I forced myself out of bed, caught a train down to Piraeus port, and hopped on the Seajet. The journey takes approximately 5 and a half hours, providing me with some time to relax, take a little snooze, and edit the photo I took of the Parthenon last night. I can't wait to see the final result!
This afternoon, I'll be living it up on an island that is famous for its picturesque white buildings, captivating blue doors, and beaches with crystal-clear waters. Santorini, here I come!
Santorini, what can I say that pictures cannot fully capture? This place is absolutely breathtaking. The cliffs are adorned with white buildings, shops, hotels, and restaurants, creating a stunning sight to behold. Today, I couldn't resist taking numerous photos—I didn't even attempt to limit myself.
I decided to embark on the Fira to Oia hike, a must-do for anyone visiting Santorini. The hike takes you along the cliffs, following the rim of the caldera. Along the way, you have the opportunity to explore the charming towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira. The entire trail spans about 10 kilometers, and although they say it can be completed in 2 hours, that timeframe heavily depends on how many photos you take. In my case, it took me 6 hours to complete the 10-kilometer hike, not including the additional climbs along the cliffs. I found myself sitting on the edge of the stairs, simply watching and soaking in the magical ambiance surrounding me.
Walking this trail was truly a magical experience that exceeded my expectations.
Ifestia Festival
After immersing myself in the Ifestia Festival, a celebration dedicated to the volcanic eruption that forever transformed the landscape of Santorini in the mid-second millennium BCE, I decided to venture to another island called Ios. This place was something else—a haven of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a sense of tranquility with nobody in sight. If I were to return to Greece and seek an escape, I would undoubtedly visit Santorini again, as there's no place on earth quite like it. However, if you truly yearn to disconnect, unwind, and spend days simply being yourself, Ios is the place to go.
The locals on Ios are friendly, not constantly pushing to sell you things or rushing you away from their shop windows. Instead, they greet you with a smile when you visit their restaurants and are more than willing to bring your food and drinks all the way to your umbrella on the beach. I found a room at a beachside accommodation called Mare Monte, and surprisingly, it was more affordable than a hostel room for ten people on Santorini. This is a true getaway, a destination where you can truly unwind and find solace.
What a day it has been! Ios is truly a place worth visiting. I spent my time relaxing and embarking on a drone mission around the bay, capturing breathtaking footage and enjoying the stunning blue waters. However, as night fell, a storm arrived and caused a power outage. But that didn't deter me. I took the opportunity to create a vlog titled "A Day in Ios | Greece," hoping to entice a few of you to experience this incredible island.
Now, I find myself cruising on a ship called Dionisios Solmos. It boasts eight decks, three elevators, four cafes, and an abundance of lounge chairs, far more than one would need. I'm gazing out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, witnessing the islands pass by as we make our way back to Athens. It's going to be a long journey since we'll be stopping at nearly every island along the way—Sikinos, Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Serifos, and Kythnos. But that's what an adventure is all about; it's not just about getting from point A to point B, but rather the moments and breaths you take in between.
My new adventure in Greece took me on a 5-hour train ride, covering approximately 300 kilometers inland from Athens to a place called Meteora. Meteora is famous for its six monasteries, which were built on towering natural pillars and rounded boulders. It's fascinating to think that people have been inhabiting this area for over 23,000 years.
When exploring Meteora, you have two options: an easy way or a more challenging way. The easy way involves a 45-minute car ride that stops at all six monasteries, allowing you to have a quick glimpse of each. However, I chose the more adventurous path. I spent hours walking through the bush, veering off the beaten tracks, and truly immersing myself in the surroundings. In just two days, I covered approximately 40 kilometers, climbing and traversing through the beautiful bush-land. The experience was absolutely stunning.
I must offer a word of caution, though. It's important to have a decent level of fitness because the hills in Meteora rise up to 400 meters, and the tracks can be quite steep. While most people can manage the uphill climb, the real adventure begins when you decide to navigate the downward paths, especially if you encounter a what we call a roo trail. It adds an extra level of excitement to the journey.
Every like, comment, and sale helps this artist continue pursuing their passion for what they love. Please click or tap on the images to be redirected to the products in my stores.
