Greasy in Greece
Well, actually, I finally showered after two days but totally still feel a little nasty.
After hitting up all the top sites in Rome (I especially liked the bone chapel due to its creepy craziness), I decided to take the long route to get to Athens. That meant a long train ride from Rome to Bari, a ferry from Bari to Patras, and a train ride from Patras to Athens. The trip was fraught with headaches, but it sure made me feel better after I met nearly a dozen other backpackers who were all doing very similar trips. In fact, at least nine of us ended up at the exact same hostel in Athens.
The ferry ride itself was probably the worst part. If anyone ever suggests taking a ferry from Bari to Patras (or really anywhere), simply say no, especially if you’re extremely cheap and don’t spring for a bunk. I instead slept on the floor of the deck the majority of the time, though in reality, the constant vibration made sleeping impossible. I also made the rather bad decision of helping drink two large bottles of ouzo. That resulted in my insides being churned for seventeen hours, which of course resulted in vomiting at least three times. That was really not at all pretty. I was definitely really nasty when I finally showed up in Athens. If I ever repeat such a trip, I’ll fly instead.
Anyway, Greece itself looks beautiful so far, and the food is spectacularly cheap. In fact, the hostel is, too, with free internet, though the place is definitely slowly falling apart. The city of Athens seems not so pretty, but I have yet to head towards the center of the city, which I’ll do today.
To the Acropolis!
Tags: athens, bari, ferry, greece, italy, patras, rome
April 25th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Hello, I came across your blog from Google while planning my trip! (which is very very similar to yours)
I will be arriving in Athens on 14th of May and heading to Italy on the 26th of May. Was initially planning to take a train but after reading your latest entry, I have decided to fly instead. (from Athens to Rome)
And yes, I was planning to squeeze Paris in for a couple of days too but alas! my schedule is too tight (have to return to Singapore on the 4th of June) so for now its just Greece and Italy. Anyway I hope you’re having a great time in Athens! stay safe!
Regards,
Daphne