We're gonna go to Greece.

[t walgamuth]

The mrs booked flights and car rental last night. I don't know that much about Greece so any suggestions are welcome.

We're going in October (I think).

[Jorn]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

The mrs booked flights and car rental last night. I don't know that much about Greece so any suggestions are welcome.

We're going in October (I think).

Just avoid Athens, it's a **** hole. The rest of the country is stunning.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by Jorn

Just avoid Athens, it's a **** hole. The rest of the country is stunning.

Could you be more specific, please?

When were you there?

[Jorn]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Could you be more specific, please?

When were you there?

It's years ago, I went there but I hated the place then and I doubt it did get any better now, it has an almost third world country feel. Even my Greek friend who comes from Athens and is like every Greek a chauvinist will tell you the same thing.

But don't let it scare you, the country side is beautiful and you will have a great time. It's a different world.

[Mölyapina]

Hail a W123 taxi!

[Jorn]

Originally Posted by Jooseppi Luna

Hail a W123 taxi!

I remember a lot of Renault's as Taxi cabs.

[rocky raccoon]

21 years ago.

I love Greece. Start in Athens regardless of what anyone says. It is the original seat of civilization. To visit Greece and not visit the Acropolis (high city) is criminal. The Agora (marketplace) in Athens is also worth a visit.

We flew to Chania, Crete to establish temporary residence for marriage. The small hotel we stayed in would not let us do anything on our own when they found out what we were up to. They took great care of us and on our wedding day, they left the manager in charge and the entire staff came to the wedding, I mean front desk, cooks and chambermaids. They then took us to dinner and drinks and dancing afterward. We still stay in touch with them around Christmas.

We later took a hydrofoil to Santorini, the alleged site of Atlantis and spent 4 days in a postcard of a hotel overlooking the sea. If you have the time and money, I recommend visiting a few islands. Each one is very different from the others.

Greeks love Americans unless something has recently changed. The food is old timey Mediterranean, that is to say superb fresh seafood, at least to my taste. The only downside is the septic plumbing. If you are finicky, you will not like not being able to flush your toilet paper. This is true anywhere in Greece. It will definitely clog. They provide a can adjacent to the commodes in which to place your soiled paper. The chambermaids empty and clean it. Gross, but it is the Greek way. If my wife can take it, anyone should be able to.

I envy your trip. You will love it.

[elchivito]

Originally Posted by rocky raccoon

The only downside is the septic plumbing. If you are finicky, you will not like not being able to flush your toilet paper. This is true anywhere in Greece. It will definitely clog. They provide a can adjacent to the commodes in which to place your soiled paper. The chambermaids empty and clean it. Gross, but it is the Greek way. If my wife can take it, anyone should be able to.

Shoot that's no big deal. We do that here at the ranch. It's done in homes throughout Mexico and C. America too. Environmentally pretty sound. Reduces solids in the septic tank.

On topic Tom, why Greece? Did you hit it on a map with a dart or something?

[jt20]

I agree. Have to go to Athens regardless of prevailing opinions. Its an important part of the visit - gotta pay your dues, ya know? Most of it, to an American, will seem desperate, but there are key notes, critical keynotes.


Santorini

Mikonos- depending on time of year.

Have fun!!

2002

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

The mrs booked flights and car rental last night. I don't know that much about Greece so any suggestions are welcome.

We're going in October (I think).

Tom,

Have a wonderful trip and go to www.travel.state.gov to get info you will need.

I can also send you info off line but I would need a separate e-mail address.
Thanks!

[lorainfurniture]

There are a couple of things you must consider when going to Greece. How much time do you have? Visiting the acropolis is great, and worth the stop. Athens is a big city like many others, and you should treat it as such. A day or 2 there would be likely enough. (It's enough for me!). The agorá is not what it used to be and is just massive, 5 square block gift shop.

There is so much to see my mind can't even keep up. I've been there more than 20 times, usually for 40-90 days at a time, and I have not even scratched the surface.

October is grape harvesting season, so that will be pretty neat to see. I recommend going to a smaller town, and maybe a village to see the true heart of Greece. Don't be afraid to wander of the beaten path, practically everyone speaks English.

Email me if you have any questions. I plan on going sometime this year as well, depending on how things work out with our newborn! Maybe we will meet up!

Most important: it is greek law that you get a receipt for EVERY purchase. Period. Even for 50 cents. This is to prevent crooks from overcharging you. This is the most important thing that nobody ever tells tourists. If someone does not give you a receipt, waive down a cop. The vendor will get fined, and if he tried to pull a fast one, he'll get arrested.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by elchivito

Shoot that's no big deal. We do that here at the ranch. It's done in homes throughout Mexico and C. America too. Environmentally pretty sound. Reduces solids in the septic tank.

On topic Tom, why Greece? Did you hit it on a map with a dart or something?

Probably the movie Mamma Mia!

I've always wanted to visit it too.

Other places I'd love to go. UK, Macchu Piccu, Germany (again), Egypt and Petra (if they ever get safe again).

Then if it weren't so expensive...Japan, Austrailia, New Zealand.

[suginami]

My mom's family originated from Lesbos Island in the Aegean sea, town of Plomari.

Google it. It's a beautiful place to visit. Aristotle lived there for a time.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

There are a couple of things you must consider when going to Greece. How much time do you have? Visiting the acropolis is great, and worth the stop. Athens is a big city like many others, and you should treat it as such. A day or 2 there would be likely enough. (It's enough for me!). The agorá is not what it used to be and is just massive, 5 square block gift shop.

There is so much to see my mind can't even keep up. I've been there more than 20 times, usually for 40-90 days at a time, and I have not even scratched the surface.

October is grape harvesting season, so that will be pretty neat to see. I recommend going to a smaller town, and maybe a village to see the true heart of Greece. Don't be afraid to wander of the beaten path, practically everyone speaks English.

Email me if you have any questions. I plan on going sometime this year as well, depending on how things work out with our newborn! Maybe we will meet up!

Most important: it is greek law that you get a receipt for EVERY purchase. Period. Even for 50 cents. This is to prevent crooks from overcharging you. This is the most important thing that nobody ever tells tourists. If someone does not give you a receipt, waive down a cop. The vendor will get fined, and if he tried to pull a fast one, he'll get arrested.

Thanks very much! I discovered we are actually going in September. Its good to know lots of folks speak English. We will get off the beaten path. That's why to get a car. We'll prolly get reservations for a couple or three nights in Athens then go free lance catching hotels as we can. We'll get one of those guide books with cheap hotels listed etc.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by suginami

My mom's family originated from Lesbos Island in the Aegean sea, town of Plomari.

Google it. It's a beautiful place to visit. Aristotle lived there for a time.

Ok. Sounds good!