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Greece & Egypt 2003

Well, I finally did it! I made it to my dream vacation to both Greece and Egypt! Here's my story:

GREECE:

Feb. 25, 2003
It was a long trip to get there. From Toronto to Amsterdam and then to Athens. I got to see the Alps from the plane! Got my hotel and thought I’d go out to ‘paint the town red’ but jet lag caught up with me. So, I stayed in my room and watched the show called ‘The Young and the Restless’ and slept most of the day and night. The view from my room is awful! The buildings looked very dirty and in ruins (and not the ancient kind). This is supposed to be 5 star hotel but it’s very old and smells like it too.

Feb. 26, 2003
This is my first day of tours. Had 2 half day tours were scheduled. The first one (in the morning) was mainly to the Acropolis. I didn’t realize (and most Greeks don’t either) is the fact that the entire mountain is actually called the Acropolis. Then there are the four buildings on the top. The main one is the Parthenon with all the pillars. Took lots of pictures. I asked people to take a pictures of me, for me. Very nice people. Mostly Germans with no English. There was the Dionysis Theatre where Yanni performed. The museum had a lot of interesting items. We also stopped at the temple of Zeus. Nothing as spectacular as the Acropolis. The rest of the morning’s tour were just drive bys (disappointing). The afternoon tour was a 1 ½ hour drive to Sounio to see the temple of Poseidon. It was overrun with Italian teenagers. Packed like sardines! This looked quite a bit like the Parthenon and the temple of Zeus! It was a long way to go to see, basically, the same thing.

 Later that night I went to a restaurant in a quaint little area in Athens called ‘Plaka’. The cab driver that drove me there had ripped me off. The meter read 4.00 Euros and he insisted on 6. He didn’t speak any English and didn’t seem to know how to get to this restaurant. This place was on a recommendation from a tour guide who said that this restaurant was where the Greeks go to eat and see a show. The place was called ‘Geros tou Moria’. The doorman was herding people into this place. The food was excellent (but pricey). The place was packed with Greeks and I sat alone at a table next to the band on stage. I expected a show but instead saw a 3 man band. One of the band members kept making eyes at me! When I went to pay my bill, he ordered me another drink so I would stay longer. Then, when I was leaving after that drink, he looked so sad. By the way, Plaka has very narrow streets and lots of little shops. Will definitely go back there again. The cab driver home recommended another place with a better show. I hope to try it when I get back from Mykonos.

Feb. 27, 2003
OOOoooOOoo Boy! I had to wake up early. Today is my one day cruise to three islands! This is a very enjoyable and memorable day. The yacht was overrun (95%) with Japanese of all ages! It was a very cold and windy day. Spent a lot of time on the top deck soaking in the sun. Good thing I wore my winter jacket! Coffee has been extremely awful in Greece! The first island was Hydra. First impressions of it: it smells like freshly husked corn! This place, the entire island, has NO cars. They only use donkeys and horses. There is a fort and lots of souvenir shops. Found a very pushy but charming grandfather. He sold me my ring. Listed for 250 Euros, I actually got for 75. It was 18K gold. Lunch was on the yacht and got Greek dancing lessons between the islands. Next stop was Poros. Lots of white buildings with red roofs. Didn’t buy anything. Back on yacht. Ship photos available at 5 Euros each. Too expensive for cheaply made (and not good quality) pictures with scratches on them. Will have my own, thanks to some friendly Japanese! The last island was Aegina. We were in the port for two hours. Didn’t go on a pre-arranged tour of the island (mistake – should have gone but didn’t want to risk seeing the same type of ruins). Went shopping instead. But didn’t buy anything again. Went to an internet café and sent out. Back on yacht. Band played out of tune quite a bit (maybe it was their first show? I don’t know). Overall, it was a nice show. There was also a comedy bit with a man dressed as a woman. There were also Greek dancers in full costume.

 Back to Hotel. Absolutely exhausted! Noticed that cell phones rang loudly and everywhere! (more than here). Also, noticed many single women on vacation too! Met a lot of nationalities: Germans, Italian, Spanish, British, Australians, Japanese, and Americans. Phew! Talked lots! All were very nice people. Greek drivers are the most insane but extremely good drivers! They stop in the middle of the road, turn within inches of pedestrians and other cars or buildings. Once, I saw some get out of cars and start fist fighting. The rest do not show road rage at all! (they constantly use their ‘worry beads’!) Lots of small cars, mopeds and motor cycles. Greece is very Americanized. Seeing KFC’s ING Direct, McDonald’s, etc. Most Greeks know how to speak English. The university doesn’t charge tuition to students. Tour guides are very informative.

Feb. 28, 2003
Today was a one day tour. Going to Delphi was the main attraction. It was a three hour tour.... a three hour tour... Very picturesque. Went through mountains. The town of Delphi is actually built on the side of the mountain. This is where the Oracle and the ‘Centre of the world’ is located. People used to come from all over to get answers from the Oracle. This would decide their fate. But, back then, there was no punctuation. This meant that one sentence could be taken both ways depending on the way it was said. Also, the Temple of Apollo is here and the Spade Stadium. I was amazed at the theatre they used to use. The acoustics were incredible! Of course, everything in Greece is made of marble. So much walking and climbing the mountain!! My shins are so sore! Two of the Japanese girls from yesterday’s cruise were also on this tour. We buddy’d around for this trip and they took pictures for me. My picture is also going to Japan! Such nice people!

 I ordered calamari and wine from room service again (it was in a light batter). I liked it better last night as ‘Pan fried Squid’ in lemon and vinegar (now THAT was yummy!). I was hurting too much to go to restaurant. The waiter was very nice. He mentioned parts of the islands that I should be visiting. The hotel staff all know me by name now. One wanted my autograph thinking that I really was the famous singer! Ha! Wish I traveled when I was younger!

Mar. 1, 2003
Today’s the day! I’m going to the town of Mykonos on the island of Mykonos. The bus (Dimitri was the bus driver and is very cute!) took me to the airport. Imagine… on most transfers, I am the only passenger on the bus going to and from the airports. I ended up in the wrong line-up. It took a ½ hour to get to the counter just to find out that I was in the wrong line! Another ½ hour later, I finally made it to the plane. We first landed in Santorini (took 40 mins) then to Mykonos (took another 20 mins). The taxi drove me to my hotel called ‘Semeli’. Even though this was only a four star hotel, it’s so much nicer and more beautiful than the one in Athens. The view is spectacular! It was overcast. I asked about places to go, see , and eat.

 So, I took a walk through the town. It only takes 15 minutes to walk across town. The streets are extremely narrow. Cars can’t drive through most of it. There are so many little shops! It’s soOoooOo cute! The place is like a maze. It was built that way so in early days the pirates wouldn’t find the villagers! It is SO easy to get lost in it. And I did so many times. Thank goodness it’s not very big so you can get your bearings. I got myself a map to help me find my way. There’s a section called ‘little Venice’ (looks like it too!). Met a guy who offered to show me around and take pictures for me, of me! He also showed me all the jewelery that he made. Everything closes from 2pm – 5pm for lunch. It was a perfect opportunity for me to take a nap and rest my knees, feet and back! OUCH! I was supposed to meet back with John to watch the sunset @6pm (and take pictures) but I over slept! I woke at 7pm and couldn’t find him. So I went shopping and went to dinner at a place called Appalausa. Mexican food while in Greece! Who’d thunk!?! Didn’t feel up to clubbing so went back to the hotel and watched movies on the tele.

Mar. 2, 2003
Had the BEST night’s sleep on this trip, ever! There was absolutely NO noise! It rained over night. Had breaky and went for a walk after doing laundry by hand. Most things were closed. Not much to do today. Had lunch at La Casa. Couldn’t find a place to cash my travelers cheques. By 2pm I went back to the hotel and watched movies. By 7:30, I went back out to get something to eat. NOT ONE SINGLE PLACE WAS OPEN!!!! Even the one the clerk told me to go to!! (at least THEY should be well informed for the tourists sake – but weren’t). I did find a store that didn’t have much. This shop was no bigger than my bathroom at home! All I could buy was a bag of chips and a bag of cookies (what a dinner!). Since I wasn’t able to cash my cheque, the only cash I had was 5 Euros! DO NOT GO TO Mykonos on a Sunday at the beginning of tourist season! Mykonos is good to visit for ½ to 1 day only and only on Saturday (cruise would be best). Also make sure to bring hard cash before you go!

Mar. 3, 2003
I woke at 7am and stayed in my room all day (except for breaky). It was a nice, warm sunny day. I had a nice relaxing time on this island with not much to do, therefore, no stress. I watched movies all day! My knees were extremely sore and I had no cash! Just travelers cheques. When it was time to leave, I was given a message (that arrived at 1:30pm – it’s now 5:45pm) It said that my taxi will arrive 1 hour later than expected. No explanation on this fax. I didn’t want to go back to my room so I stayed in the lobby and read my book. The taxi picks me up at 7 pm. According to my ticket, my flight leaves at 7:40. I’m nervous because this is cutting it very close. Once I get to the airport, I find out my flight is delayed until 8:30. We finally board at 8:45 and leave at 9pm. My seat was taken by someone else on the plane. A total stranger (passenger) takes my carry on luggage, to who knows where. The stewardess assigns me to another seat and tells me not to worry about my bag. Then, since I’m sitting by an exit, she takes my purse away and stores it in the over-head compartment. I was very upset and terrified on this flight! That wasn’t the worst of it!

Once I got back to Athens, my transfer didn’t show up! No wonder since I was already 1 ½ hours late in arriving! I waited for awhile. I talked to the info clerk and they said I should call the travel agent. I had absolutely NO money on me except for traveler’s cheques. Finally found an exchange booth. They were very nice and tried to help me but they didn’t get any answer when they called the travel agent. The info desk called the travel agent and got through finally! They said they had me scheduled for tomorrow! They also said I should take a cab to the hotel and they would reimburse me the next day. I only had 40 Euros with me and I know that these cabs don’t take VISA or traveler’s cheques. This cab driver was very nice and offered to take me to the hotel for 30 Euros. (20 Euros on the meter plus tolls and luggage –so he said). OK-by the way, my cab driver was very nice in claming me down after the upsetting episode I had at the airport. It was so nice to see familiar faces and that they all know my name! I got to my room by 11:30pm and proceeded to the roof garden restaurant. Food was good and wine is always good.

EGYPT:

Click here for my Anthropology Essay version

Mar. 4, 2003
Cloudy and raining today. My flight doesn’t leave until 9pm so I think I’m getting picked up at 7pm. I’m not sure because no one has told me anything. Had breakfast. Dropped a bowl of peaches (with a loud crash!). OOOps! Went to settle my bill. Clerk said they don’t take travelers cheques! They did 3 days ago! ARGH! This is getting very frustrating! I was told to go to the bank. It was pouring out and traffic was horrendous. I finally made it to the bank. Waited in line, then they told me that they won’t cash travelers cheques! Note to self: Don’t get travelers cheques. Too hard to cash, no one accepts, and all exchanges charge commissions from both ends!!! Finally, I found a place that cashes them. Went back to hotel and they also told me I must be out of my room by 1:30! By then, all the shops close for lunch. Well, not all! So, I decided to go shopping in Plaka. As I was storing my luggage, a rep from Meridian Tours came by, bought me whatever I wanted, sat and talked to me. Apologized for last night and reimbursed me for the taxi. He was very helpful in telling me where to eat and shop in Plaka. It was very nice of him to try to make up for last night since I was very upset. So, off I went shopping in Plaka. I took the Metro to get there. It’s so fast! What should have taken 20 minutes to walk, only took two minutes to get to my stop. Very modern and user friendly. So, I did my shopping, had a snack in a quaint café and bought a few souvenirs. Did a lot of walking. Didn’t get lost and took Metro back to Hotel. Sat me weary bones down for tea while I wait for my ride to the airport.

 Now that Greece is winding down for me, I will miss the good things here! I definitely was an adventure that I was willing to risk! Hopefully things will go smoother in Cairo! By the way: everything is made of marble. Drivers need to be real good because they are maniac drivers! They stop in the middle of the road! Pedestrians BEWARE! Motorists will hit you. Very nice people indeed! I’d like to come back next time in May or June and do the island tours. Tonight’s driver was very nice, very talkative and very helpful! Brought me and bag right tot the line and refused the tip I was giving him! I guess he was told to take real good care of me since last night’s incident.

Mar. 5, 2003
WOW, Man! I’m in Egypt! This is definitely a cool place. Watching the city lights while flying over it was amazing! With 17 million people (yes, you heard it right) the city is alive and shops are open until 2am now (4am in the summer)! This is MY kind of town!! Hehehe! Drivers are the same as in Athens… insane! The hotel Zoser is a beautiful place. So far it is the nicest 5 star hotel I’ve been to. Breakfast at the hotel is also the best on my trip! Everyone is on time for me here! I was introduced to my Private Guide! Wow! Do I ever feel special! No bus this time. Instead I was personally driven by my guide. Her name is Passant. She took many pictures of me at all the places we went to. It was a very windy day… sand blowing in my face and I couldn’t see. I had worn shorts, thinking it would be a nice warm day. Unfortunately, it was cool (I should have brought a light jacket) and overcast skies. Seen the great Pyramids (went inside one of them – not too thrilling – the other was closed), the Sphinx (made of solid rock), the Boat (was buried and dismantled and was thought to be used by the dead King and the diety Ra as they sailed the river in the afterlife – I think…). Oh, by the way, I had a camel ride near the pyramids with a different guide. Took lots more pictures! He took me for twice the ride. My first guide was getting worried for me since I was taking so long. Aw, how sweet…

 Went to Sakara, seen the enormous statue of Ramsee. It was said that his statues were to make him always look young and strong. Seen the city of the dead (one ancient and one modern), some small bazaars, and an art gallery where they showed me how they made Papyrus paper. My guide was very nice, talkative, easy to get along with and very informative. She took me to a nice Egyptian restaurant for lunch (at 3pm). We finished touring by 5pm.

 Once in my hotel, a clerk was being very helpful by fetching me information about money exchange. He came to my room four times with information! I was so tired and only wanted to bathe and nap. I did just that. Once up, I decided to go for a walk about the hotel. I visited many shops. Very nice people here! Bought some very nice Lotus perfume. Got some Egyptian tea while shopping. I also called Hany’s mom and made arrangement to go there for dinner tomorrow night. By the way… there are absolutely NO Americans here and very few Canadians. This is largely due to the conflict currently between the U.S. and IRAQ. People are simply too afraid to come. I have noticed that there are a lot of Germans around here. Some of the locals are starting to boycott the American fast food chains. Between my guide, the news, and the book I’m now reading (Whirlwind by James Clavell), I’m learning much more about this country than the books or net  that I’ve checked! Eg. The Muslims’ Holy Koran is the equivalent (or has many similarities) to our bible). Women were forced to NOT wear the veil in 1919.

Mar. 6, 2003
I woke early again and had a nice breaky buffet. People here are extremely nice, warm, and helpful. Passant is picking me up at 9am. Its hot here, about 24 degrees in the day. This is a good time to go since it’s not too hot! I needed to go to a bank to get a cash advance to pay for this tour. I’ve had nothing but problems when dealing with money. Every time I tried to get cash, everything and everyone would tell me that there’s not enough funds or they simply couldn’t do it!!!! ARGH!! At least the bank was able to cash my travelers’ cheques. Now I hade some play money. Passant took me to the Cairo museum. WOW! It definitely is much BIGGER than I expected. Definitely would want to do this again – next time I come to Egypt! I got to see the stuff that was in King Tut’s tomb. Passant was an excellent guide and was explaining everything to me! This is wonderful! I love having a private guide! I also got to see actual mummies!!! I felt like I was someone famous or like a movie star! So many people (mostly young people) kept asking me for my name and where I came from. Some even wanted to have their picture taken of me! I feel like I’m leaving a piece of me behind in Cairo. Between here and in Athens, I feel like I’m wearing a blazing billboard saying I only speak English! People would automatically speak English to me. Not French, not Spanish, not German. Just English. Wow! They must really know how to spot ‘em! After the museum, Passant took me to see the Citadel Mosque. It also was massive. I was really getting interested in their religion. Note to self: Get an English copy of the Toran. Had to take my shoes off to walk inside. After, we took lots of pictures. Went for lunch. Made a terrible mistake with the hot sauce! Ouch! Way too much in my food that I couldn’t eat it. Now the fun really begins! I went to the Cairo Bazaar! I was in heaven! This is a bargainer’s heaven! Got to play the game and have fun doing this too! Got tons of bargains! Of course, as expected. Here’s were I bought my ring and Cartouche. A Cartouche is your name in hieroglyphics. Mine is in gold and on a very unique chain. I was very impressed. By the way… the Bazaar was built in the 1400’s A.D. it’s massive and has so much character! Passant had driven me back to my hotel. Didn’t have much time but I really had to fix my Visa situation. The banks wee closing in 15 minutes! I had to make an international call to Visa and got the matter cleared up instantly! I went to a cash machine and got the money to pay for the tour. Phew!!

 Driving in Cairo is very dangerous. Walking is a death wish! There are no traffic lights in the city (except only one that I’ve seen in all of two days!)! There are no lines on the road. It should be only three lanes wide but five cars go weaving in and out. I swear there should be more accidents in the city. I saw another fight with two drivers that stopped on the road. I can’t believe how much security there is in Cairo. Everywhere you go, there are metal detectors and tourist police with machine guns!

 Now it’s time to go to Hany’s family’s house. I took a taxi. This one didn’t speak any English. I showed him the piece of paper I had with their address on it. The hotel warned me not to pay more than 20 LEs (this includes a very generous tip). The driver confirmed this. On our way there, the driver tried very hard to make conversation with me but neither of us could understand the other. He did manage to understand that I’m not married. He then stopped the cab in the middle of the road! My heart was racing. I was getting scared! Thanks goodness there wasn’t any traffic on the street else I’d get hit! I knew we weren’t at the place I was to be! The driver then indicated that he wanted me to sit in the front with him! This way he could see me better for conversation. He even sang to me. It was really sweet. Again he tried to talk but we couldn’t understand much. What I did mange to understand was that he was telling me that I am beautiful. I think… it was all well and fun! He continued to make passes at me until we reached my destination. He then tried to get me to pay 30 LEs. I managed to stand my ground and say NO! He wanted to stay to give me my return ride back to the hotel but I had to decline. He looked sad when he left. Boy, did my ego get boosted! I wasn’t sure if I was really in the right place. Some man guided me in. I was really taking risks tonight!

 Finally! I WAS at the right place. I was welcomed in right away! Hany’s family are all very nice. They made me feel very comfortable and just like one of the family. There were so many people there! He definitely has a big family! Thank goodness they all could speak English. Their house was huge! Seems like Hany’s not the only one taking his MBA! His older brother, Sherif had graduated, and two brothers-in-law are also taking the program but in the U.S. His mom had cooked for two days to produce this fabulous feast!! So many different kinds of food. I even ate their delicacy – pigeon! It was tasty! I had too much food put on my plate! I definitely couldn’t finish everything! Hany’s cousin Randa drew a picture for me. She’s so sweet! She wrote my name as Dyan. Then there were a lot of  different desserts. I tasted everything but that’s it! I loved Hany’s sister, Sarah’s, cheesecake! I’m now bursting at the seams! Then his Uncle began playing Egyptian music. He was very good at it. Now I was getting very tired. So much food and so much talking takes its toll on me! Sheriff (Hany’s older brother) was nice enough to drive me back to the hotel at 11:15pm. Apparently, they all stay up partying till 3am! And they don’t drink alcohol! Amazing! Hany’s mom, Nagwa, was very happy that I gave her the Canadian Maple Syrup. Sherif was amazed with my story about Michel’s surprise birthday party. There are NO singing telegrams in Cairo! He just may start doing it! They were all so very nice to me! Once back at the hotel, I went directly to the shops before they closed. I had made a ‘friend for life’ with Ramy in one of the stores. We exchanged email addresses, etc. He’s so excited to be my friend. He wants to practice his English! This is good since I don’t know ANY Arabic! I’ve had the best few days of my entire trip, here in Cairo! I definitely have to come back! Well, my ride picks me up at 1 am tonight. No sleep for me tonight! Next time I take a big trip… not so much Greece and lots more of Cairo! This is such a cool place!

Mar. 7, 2003
I had a six hour wait in the Amsterdam airport! I did some shopping there too. After all… I AM in Holland! I’m still quite full from last night’s dinner. The flight from Cairo to Amsterdam was five hours and a one hour time difference. There’s a six hour difference between Amsterdam and Toronto. (and that’s going backwards in time!) So this means that in Amsterdam it can be 12 noon and in Toronto it would be 6 am. The weirdest part was seeing the sun stay out the whole time on the plane. Even though it was 11 pm in Cairo, the sun was still shining bright as ever!

 IT’S ONE THING TO HEAR ABOUT THESE PLACES….

            IT’S YET ANOTHER TO ACTUALLY EXPERIENCE IT…

I've loved this trip so much that I'm already making plans to go there again!