Last day in Athens

We spent the day wandering around Athens waiting for our flight. Lunch was enjoyed at an outdoor taverna with a cheesy bread thing like pizza without the sauce but lots of cheese. We also ate bread, tomatoes and dolmas. We found a Greek orthodox church and stepped inside and watched others come and go and light their candles. It was lovely.

The Spice Market in Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

We both absolutely loved Istanbul! One side of the water is Europe and the other is Asia.... this is a city where East meets West.
First stop was the blue Mosque

Chios, Nea Moni, a Greek Monastery

We visited a very old monastery, Nea Moni. Many beautiful mosaics were uncovered, and a very disturbing history.

World's largest puzzle in Ephesus

Frankfurt, Germany

we were a little nervous in the frankfurt airport and train station to say the least. Beautiful countryside. the german people are very stoic compared to the greeks.



Now we are in our room by the train station... it's ok... not airconditioned, but the window is wide open and we have a lovely fan. It's a bit warm.

Everyone is watching futbol, the world cup, and it makes the two Mel's jump everytime someone scores and everyone yells out.

fresh octopus anyone?

Lindos, Rhodes

How about this view?

The Harem in Istanbul

We tried to get in, but we were not young enough... oh well, not getting any younger

The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul Turkey

Can you believe we didn't get lost?

Musicians from the Lincoln Center-Chamber music concert

More Santorini

Very crowded, lots of people in very little space

Santorini Flowers

Knossos Palace

just for Michelle!

Santorini

Santorini

The highlight of our trip!

We arrived into the caldera of an ancient volcano, and were told there were lots of earthquakes still today. Greeeeaaat....

We walked straight up, and up, and up..... wow our calves are bigger than Arnold's.

We survived and passed on the donkey ride down and opted for the cable car (that was straight down) but fun.

We dined in a taverna overlooking the caldera (which exploded off and left the beautiful bay) and ate fresh salmon, chicken, greek salads, hummus, potatoes and fried zuchinis. And lots of wine.

Then we proceeded UP to our last concert (4 total) which was totally amazing with all 4 musicians... not sure how they did it, as we were all stuffed and tired.

It was a great ending to the trip and totally spectacular.

More pics and then on to the Plaka in Athens. So far, no reports of riots outside (they have been taking place exactly where we are right now)

On to Frankfurt tonight and speaken si duestch (soorry Karen for butchering your beautiful language).

Tomorrow, back to the good ole USA!

Love to you all... last post until we return.

Melany and Melanie

Back in Athens!

Yay! We are back in Athens... we took the local bus from the airport and navigated our way back to the center of the city, snuck back into our original hotel, and have a fast internet service. We will post a few select pics before we wander around looking for some nicknacks to lug us down.

We didn't post last night because we were just waaaay too busy partying and saying our goodbyes. We will do a separate post for yesterday, SANTORINI, a highlight.

We have to be brief so we can wander back to the airport... so much to say... and still see...

Our ship!

Wow, I can't believe I'm suddenly able to show pictures... of course these are from the first few days... would you believe I now have 1200 pics on my camera? I have a problem... yep.

A typical breakfast

The stunning Acropolis museum