Good Bye Athens, Ella Dallas

  Friday was home cooking day, we made the salmon pasta dish...well minus a couple of ingrediants maybe.  John described what he would need...I confirmed it as "celery" and he said yes.  Of course the celery you buy in Greece...at least at the neighborhood market I went to...was about the size of a small tree, but I got it anyway.  Later discovered the correct translation was "Parsley", not celery....well was still good.   While the celery was huge, the 'iceberg' lettuce was small and loose, but got it anyway to make a salad.  Since there is no Ranch Dressing in Greece I made my mom's salad dressing!!!   MMMMMM, well I could almost drink it anyway.

   So that was pretty much Friday...of course still keeping up with the World Cup.

   Saturday was spent shopping around another local neighborhood...Metaxaghuria...in and out of all the stores, and found a small local restaurant for dinner.  Had Mousaka...not nearly as good as the one I learned to make from John's mom, but ok in a pinch.

\

   Sunday was reserved for the Monistriaki "market area".  That is an area close to the Acropolis and a number of other ruins close by.  There are many small streets winding around the area with small shops and vendors lining all the streets.  Of course I had to check them all out, found a neat little sidewalk cafe for a beer to cool down.  Never thought I'd say it, but was looking foward to getting back to Dallas to "cool off"!!!!   It had gotten SO hot in Athens the last few days.

   While in the market area I found another sidewalk cafe for lunch...gyro plate and cold beer.  Picked up my souvineers and headed home.  Smart car sightings abound!!!!

   Monday was the last day to get things ready to return to Dallas.  I found a little hotel close to the Metro so I would be able to make it to the airport on time.  I felt like Jimmy Stewart in "Rear Window" sitting there looking out the window.  There were 35 apartments in the buildings lining the street across the way, so I sat there looking at all the people on their balconies, eating dinner, doing laundry, hanging out their clothes, having a drink, and smoking their "hookah's"!!!   lol

   In the afternoon I went to John's parents and as usual his mother had a feast.  We had gyros, meatballs, lamb chops, pork chops, tzatseki, salad, fresh country eggs scrambled with tomatoe and peppers, and of course a selection of desserts.

   Vasso had just returned from the village with bushels of fresh fruits and vegetables.  After dinner...MORE, she made a...well they called it 'pumpkin', but it was a HUGE zuchinni (at least I thought so)...anyway, she shredded it and mixed it with feta cheese, milk, flour, and egg and it makes a huge "pie"...that was the late night snack.   UM-UM GOOD!!!!  There were fresh apricots and plums too, but I was too full to partake.

   We said our goodbyes....certainly wish I could have expressed myself better in Greek, but I think the feelings came through.  I really enjoyed my visits with John's family AND not to forget Nitsa...the lady that lives above the store.  I didn't get a chance to see her again before I left but certainly enjoyed meeting her.

  The next morning (Tuesday) I was up early to catch my train to the airport...lugging that 55 lb suitcase with me.  I headed to the metro station less than a block from where I was staying.  Of course there wasn't an escalator DOWN, only one UP (which I didn't see when I was coming UP).  Luckily I was on about the third step down and a young Greek guy said let me help you with that...boy was I glad.   Anyway, made it to the Red Line, then my connection to the Blue Line to get me to the airport.

   I guess because of my status as a "black balled" ex Air Traffic Controller, I was one of the lucky ones to be selected for "additional search".  I was taken to a small room and all but strip searched to make sure I wasn't a terrorist.  I finally passed and was allowed to board the flight.  Now the flight wasn't long in comparison with some, but at 11 hours I thought we would never get to Philly.  It was COLD and I had to cover up with the complimentary "Airline Blanket" the whole way back.  Did manage to get a little sleep in though.  I was lucky though...I had three seats to myself...this made 4 out of 4 flights I had managed to have a vacant seat next to me...hmmm, wonder why!!!

   Finally in Philly for a 2 hour layover, but the whole 2 hours was spent going through customs, security check out, security check in...security check in again.  I mean I know we need to be safe, but all this is really making flying a "need to" situation rather than a fun thing anymore.  I mean from the time I disembarked the international flight and went through customs and security I was never outside a secure corridor...looks like they could have just transferred me over...but no, two more security checks on the way to the next flight with the same airline I just got off of.

    Oh well, good news was...on a FULL flight to Dallas there were only two vacant seats...guess where, right next to me!!!  Now I was beginning to think maybe I WAS a threat...they must have my name on the "No Fly" list, or at least the "Don't Sit Next to While Flying" list!!!

   Anyway back in Dallas at 8:30 pm and on my way to pick up Lil Girl.  She was SO happy to see me, and me her.  Now maybe I'll get these bags unpacked by this weekend!!!! 

   Was a great trip, say many nice places, went to lots of fun beaches, met many nice Greek people, and left with fond memories!!!!!


Smart cars??????

Smart Nebraska supporter......

Sporty Smart........

...and Blind Smart!!!!

Athens Thursday2

   Up in the morning and off to work...oh, that's a song and nowdays I only live the first part of that, no more "off to work"!!!  BUT...morning coffee and Greek cookies on the balcony.

   John's dad got his lights wired today, were looking for the little "up light" accent lights you can get at Home Depot at home, but none to be found in Athens, so we made our own and put them together to highlight the wall we painted.  Looks great, don't know if I have the picture yet to show, but will in a day or so.

  Ordered lunch in today...ummmm, gyros, kebobs, and chicken gyro plate.  As usual was DELICIOUS!!!!






  Afternoon was spent watching the DOW recover and napping, but in the evening we caught bus #854 and headed down to the small port in Pireaus.  This is where the small boats (well some pretty big yachts) come in as opposed to the larger ferries a couple of blocks down.

   Very nice area of Pireaus, lot's of NICE shops, Tavernas, and Cafes.  We strolled along the streets and plazas looking at people and places.  We came to another of the multi-floored supermarkets and went up and down every aisle.  I was looking for creamer (NoyNoy) for my morning coffee, but of course had to stop in the liquor section and admire the selection AND prices.

  

 A few aisles over we found one full section dedicated to olive oil....of course in Greece you put olive oil on everything...I think there is even olive oil flavored Gelato!!!
Here I was contemplating what size to buy!!!

 

  From the supermarket we stopped at the next ice cream shop to have our daily allocation of two dips of gelato in a waffle cone, then strolled on down to the dock, and down to the lower level to look at the boats.  Some pretty nice ones too...wouldn't mind living on one of these, as most of these people seem to do.  The upper level is lined with outdoor seating for coffee, dessert, beer, and dining.  The area was packed with people out for the evening.

   We walked along and turned up one of the many plazas...a tree lined walk way with only pedestrians and shops.  Once back to the main street we caught our bus (#915) for the return home.  Well if you've kept up with my blogs you know transportation is not always one of our better virtues.  We noticed as soon as 915 started toward the house that it didn't take the same street other busses had taken, but still was only a block off.

Not to worry, just as we got about a block from our street the bus takes a right turn...well we hit the button to signify we would disembarke at the next stop...little did we know that next stop was quite a ways off, and still going away from the house.

  

We finally managed to get off the bus...thankfully it was at the TOP of a hill and not at the bottom.  Here you can see how far down we had to go to get to the house.  At least we walked off the gelato.  Passed by one house that had the balcony decorated in big white bows and ribbons...assumed it was a wedding celebration...wish I had taken a picture, but didn't.

  

 Finally made it home with our bags of goodies, had a nitecap, checked out the news of the day and headed to bed.

   Did make a couple of Smart sightings....pics to show, and one Lil Girl sighting, but didn't get the picture of her!!!

Athens Wednesday2

  Another day of 'testing' the public transportation and shopping.  After my morning ritual of coffee and internet hacking I struck out for the bus at the corner and headed down to the Pireaus port area to check out the stores and 'sellers'.

  Once off the bus I went to the business side of the street and in and out of almost every store for about 6 blocks.  Then I saw an interesting cross street and wanted to check it out.

   Kinda like the Dallas Farmer's Market, only lot's of fish places and lot's of vendors selling every thing from underwear to sunglasses.  There were also a couple of 1 euro stores, just like the ones at home....everything in the store is 1 euro.

   Followed the next street back up to the main street and of course had to have a gelato.  I saw several things I wanted to take pictures of to post, but failed to take my camera with me, so all images will remain forever buried.

   I passed the Metro station on the way to Jumbo, kinda like a US Walmart.  Went in and all I saw was baby clothes.  I walked that floor completely and finally found an employee and asked if they had anything besides baby clothes....she said "yes, baby clothes right here"!!  I said "No....NO baby clothes"......OH....well she got the idea and pointed me to the access for the other floors.  I walked every floor, round and round in circles.  I had picked up a few things and was ready to leave...but how to get out.  I stopped and asked a girl stocking the store and she pointed...so I started walking that way.  I FINALLY figured out that έξοδος meant "Exit", so started following those signs and made it to checkout.

   Once out and back on the streets I decided it was time to catch the bus back...I was ready for a beer!!!!  Caught the bus fine, found my stop with no problem, and what do you know...another Gelato shop right where I got off....so had to have a single dip Tiramisu in a waffle cone.

   Made it back and headed for the balcony to have my beer and settle in for the evening.

I know Lil Girl is anxiously awaiting my return, in fact I'm sure she is already packing her bags to go home...it's just that she thinks SHE is what is supposed to go in the bag, not her things.  I did pick up a little something for her today as well!!!   ;-)

Athens Tuesday2

  Up this morning with projects in mind.  Of course that's what I like to do, transform spaces into places!!!   Not that this space needs much transformation, but just a couple of little things I thought would be fun to do.

   The end walls in the living/kitchen area were 'baby blue'...not a favorite color of mine.  Not that I live here, but...well just looked like it needed an "HGTV" makeover!!!  Here are pictures of the same spaces before and after, really not a lot of change, but just enough to get that "blue" out and a more 'agreeable' gray in.

  

Also kinda made over the patio area...well made over, new chairs and a couple of plants, but what a difference.

  

 And...found the perfect table cloth to compliment the kitchen.  So that was the day for me, doing things I like to do...gotta work on that 'sunroom' when I get home.

  

Saw the UPS truck today!!!   Started to flag him down and see if he spoke english and see what was going on!!!   ;-)

   Was a little "sore" after the painting...couldn't have been that, wasn't that much to paint, but took some imported Aleeve, and all was fine.  Spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, and early to bed.

   Will report on Wednesdays activities tomorrow!!!!

Monday2 in Athens

  Today it was time to catch a bus (#54) to downtown Athens and do some looking around and shopping.  First stop was Hondo's, which is a huge department store, kinda like Macy's in NYC.  Was 9 floors of shopping, coffee shop, book stores, etc.  Of course it seemed like the prices were more in line with Nieman Marcus in Dallas, but still enjoyed looking.

   Also got a view of the Acropolis through the maze of TV antennas on top of the buildings.  Didn't buy a thing at Hondo's, so caught another bus and headed out for another section...around the government buildings...Parliment Building to be more exact.  While in that area we went to a large book store to get a better Greek/English book.  This one is a dictionary...but still doesn't tell you how to pronounce the words in Greek...Oh well, think the next time I take a trip abroad I'm going to take one of the language courses...see if that helps.

   After our trip downtown we stopped at "Goody's" to have and "American Hamburger"...well it was close, but nothing to compare to Whattaburger.

  We headed back home and shortly after we arrived John's parents arrived and we headed out to the "Home Depot" of Athens.   Wanted to pick up some paint to repaint a couple of walls, some picture frames, s-hooks, and other minor odds and ends.   From there it was to another similar store...but the stuff for bathrooms and kitchens really caught my attention.  I didn't have the camera with me or would show you, but some really great looking bathrooms...nice tile, different equipment, etc.  There was one glass wall with water circulating inside that I would have taken home if I'd had a way.

  Got home finally...a cold beer, and a little spanokopita for night time snack and that took care of Monday.  Stay tuned for the transformation of the "Blue" walls tomorrow.

   Oh, and lest I forget "Smart Car" sightings on the walk to the bus...there were MORE but only paused for these.

Weekend in Athens

   Weekend started off with coffee as usual and planning to spend the weekend at John's parents.  After packing the essentials in a back pack we headed out to catch a bus for the port, from there we hopped a train to Omonia Square in downtown Athens.  From there we caught bus 54 that took us to our destination.

   Once we arrived Vasso had prepared baked fish, minced squash patties, and salad for dinner.  We had a nice dinner and visited for the evening with John translating, watching Greek Idol and Greek Dancing with the stars.

  Sunday morning started with coffee (english for me, Greek for them) then I went to the shop with John's dad to pick up the English to Greek translation book.  While there we stopped across the street to have a cup of coffee, but the Greek church next door was SO loud we couldn't visit, so we had our coffee and headed back to the house.  John's mom had started first thing in the morning preparing the afternoon meal which would be homemade Mousaka, Rabbit, potatoes and salad.  I watched closely so I can prepare the mousaka at home.

  Then we headed out for Sunday afternoon sightseeing.  We went about 50 miles southeast of Athens where there was a tall ships regatta going on with ships and boats from all over the world.  We visited the large ships from many of the nations but of course my favorite was the Russian ship.  I couldn't remember the phase for "Hello" in Russian, but I was able to 'sign' my way through my meetings.  I of course had to have a picture taken with on of the Russian Sailors, since Russia has been an interest to me since the days of Atom Bomb drills in elementary school.

 After visiting the ships we stopped for a Gelato and picked up a "Sun" for John's balcony, then headed down the road to Sounion, site of Athena's temple and home of Posidon...Greek God of the Sea.  Took many pictures there and heard the story where the son was off fighting the Phonecians and his crew was told to fly a white flag on their return if successful, and a black flag if he was killed.  Well they forgot and the black flag was flying so the father jumped off the cliffs and killed himself thinking his son had been killed.

   Couldn't help but notice a reminder of my "Lil Girl" as we were walking around the grounds...of course she isn't NEAR as cute and sure she couldn't be quite as sweet as MY Lil Girl, but still took the picture cause she reminded me of her!!!!

  We headed back to Athens...me in a car with three Greeks...for some reason Greeks always seem to all talk at the same time, of course I couldn't understand any of it anyway, but enjoyed the scenery on the way back...all the beaches and high end homes on the southern edge of Athens.

   Once home it was time for the Mousaka (um-um-good) and the rabbit...which I hadn't had since my Grandpa Headley brought one to the house for Thanksgiving one time...of course Mom cooked it.   John would have nothing to do with the Rabbit cause it reminded him of Lil Girl...so ONLY Mousaka for him.

 Later in the evening there was dessert, TV, visiting, then time for bed.   Well before bed, John's mom made some homemade "Cheese Pies",  initially I said I was too full to eat anymore, but once they came out and I saw them and got a smell....I think I had three!!!  UMMM, so simple but so good.

   There were several Smart sightings...I decided to get an interesting view of one....

   Oh, and while at the Regatta there were several boats for sale.  I think I found one I liked and that would fit my budget!!!!!