Athens/Lefkada - Day 84-85

Well I never did catch that sunset at the Temple of Poseidon but that's okay :)

I got a late start to my last full day in Athens. My host didn't have to go into work until noon-ish so I hung out around his place talking philosphy yet again. This time it was the topic of whether or not opportunity comes those to are not equipped/prepared. Honestly, I felt like everything I said in those three days were total BS but he seemed to eat it up. If he's willing to ask questions and listen to my made up answers, who am I to not participate?

Today I managed to catch the bus but it was no easy feat. Luckily most people here manage to speak some English so I was able to ask around...can't wait until I get to Albania or Bulgaria where supposedly "no one speaks English." What will I do then?? Anyway, I read online that a public bus leaves from Omonia Square, but when I got there, I couldn't find a bus or any signs. I asked at least 5 people and everyone gave me a different answer. This street, that street, a different square, no idea, etc... I finally stumbled upon a man who seemed confident and spoke with authority in his voice - he directed me to a different square. So as I was headed that way, I came across a student demonstration/protest and the police closed off several street blocks...the bus stop was conveniently located right after the barricade. No buses until after the demonstration. As a last option, I go back to the bus stop where I waited for an hour the previous day hoping the buses would just detour around the protest and go by there. I ask another woman when the bus for Sounion arrives; she didn't even blink an eye and said "1:30." It was 1:00pm. I walk about ten steps in the opposite direction before the bus drives by. Now Greek letters are a bit confusing so I wasn't 100% sure the bus said "Sounion" but I make a dash for it anyway and just barely catch it. Yea right...1:30...

Despite the overcast weather, the drive down the coast was splendid. All along the way are the blue waters of the Mediterrean and winding cliffside roads with tunnels blasted from the mountains. Reminded me a lot of traveling along the Amalfi Coast with study abroad buddies 7 years ago. The bus arrived at Sounion and there's really nothing there but the Temple of Poseidon and a restaurant/gift shop. In my minded I had planned to walk around the nonexistent town a bit and maybe hang around for the sunset, but the combination of bad weather and the fact there was no town to speak of means I headed back a lot earlier than predicted. So I ended up buying some veggies at the local market and made myself dinner.

I'm currently in Lefkada town on the island of Lefkada. The bus ride here from Athens was a little over 5 hours and again, a feast for the eyes. Certain parts of the drive made me think I was in Switzerland. I had no idea there were snow capped mountains in Greece.

My host here is a local guy named Kostas :) How much more Greek can you get? And he's so typically Greek in not only name but appearance - the ruggedly handsome fisherman type, haha. He grew up in Lefkada and went away for school and work and just recently returned to work. His parents live in the flat below him and his brother in the flat above him. Lefkada is so quaint and instantaneously likeable. There's a marina, an old fort, pedestrian streets lined with shops, and bicycles everywhere. In fact, Kostas and his friends took me on a bike tour of the town yesterday and my bum is still sore. Luckily, the place is relatively flat and bicycle seems to be a really popular form of transportation. You see people riding around with the fruits of their shopping trip in their bike baskets.

The pace is much slower here and the people friendlier...as with any smaller town compared to the capital city. Kostas and his friends really just ride around town on their bikes in the evenings and maybe hang out at a cafe drinking 1 euro espressos. I'm sure part of the reason is the economic depression and everyone is seeking cheap thrills, but something tells me they would be doing this anyway. So I do what they do. Take the bike out and ride around town, stop for an espresso and people-watch, walk into a bakery to grab a spanakopita. The only difference is I don't stop every few meters to talk to someone I know; maybe if I hang out here long enough though.

There are some well-known beaches on the other end of the island and hopefully I'll make it there in the next couple of days. It's far too cold to swim this time of year but just the scenery will do. If you're thinking of a holiday this summer...come to Lefkada!