I have arrived in Athens!

Hello to everyone,

Well, I have left Egypt and am preparing to start the next leg of my journey. I arrived in Athens early this morning and after some miscommunication, I finally arrived at my hostel. There is something about me trying to get to the Larissa station from the Airport - I got "lost" yet again. This time I followed a Greek lady but she had the instructions wrong. So we ended up taking the bus to Larissa where I had to get a taxi to the hotel (my bag is so heavy!).

I am at the Aphrodite Hostel and am enjoying just sitting around and calming down. I had hoped to run errands but it is Sunday and most places are closed. My top priority is getting my tour arrangements done. I had booked a tour of the Peloponnese with Key Tours but they cancelled the tour last week. They have managed to get me on another tour that is the same, but run through GO Tours. I guess it wouldn't be fun if everything went according to plans!

I feel like I should summarize my time in Egypt. When I first arrived in Egypt, I was overwhelmed. This culture was so different from what I am used to and I wasn't fully ready for the culture shock. But the longer I stayed and the more I saw of this country and its people, the more I became attached. Don't get me wrong - it has been difficult and stressful. The persistent chattering and hassling got to me and I got overly defensive and upset. But once I relaxed and realized that is a way of life for Egyptian men (they just want to get attention to talk), it was better.
I have been amazed and awed by what this country has to offer. There are truly amazing structures: pyramids, temples, tombs, museums filled with artefacts. Each one has been different and beautiful to see firsthand. It still gets me that an ancient civilization somehow mastered the art of construction and honouring their gods and pharaohs.
Then, there are the amazing scenes and landscapes: this contry is so varied and wonderful. I have seen the big, bustling and thriving city of Cairo and gone to witness the wonders of Sinai. I was so taken back by the beauty of Sinai and fell in love with the place. It was such a diverse and exciting part of my tour - I did so much and have formed many memories. I climbed a mountain and swam with the fishes. I found peace one morning on a beach. And I formed great friendships with those I met. Then, I went from rocky desert to a sprawling lush valley. The Nile Valley was so beautiful. It is a lifeline for the Egyptian people and necessary for life and success. The Nile Cruise was a different style of touring: it was more relaxed and less busy. But I still saw so much that at times it was overwheming. I will forever remember the party night on the Cruise boat - it felt like a true Egyptian party and everyone looked great! I had finally started to relax and enjoy my time and the people around me (I even "belly danced" or some would say I shook my butt!).
I was also forced to learn about myself and what kind of traveller I am.
Lastly, I went from lush valley to desert oasis and it was amazing. To be driving through the desert and see the landscape change before my eyes from thick vegetation to sprawling desert only to be surrounded by life and green again was beautiful. The determination and strength of those who live in the desert was inspiring. And it was avery eye-opening experience for me. I spent itme alone but also enjoyed the time I spent with the group. I have started to evaluate my past experiences and how I have let them dictatre how I live my life. I still have a long way to go but I feel like I have started on the path to self-discovery.
The last 24 days in Egypt have been amazing and so enjoyable. I have fallen in love with this country and its people - I have been challenged, welcomed, admired, protected and affected. This tour was everything I wanted and so much more!

Anyways, I have some errands to run but will post some more this evening.

Love, Lisa