Yabanaki fun

Yabanaki is a private beach in Varkiza about 3o minutes from Dafni metro station to the south east of Athens. It is the perfect escape for people who don't have the ability to get away to an island during the summer and it is reasonably priced during the week. The entrance fee is 6 euro and the lounge chairs are free during the week but cost 9 euro durning the weekends. For those of you who don't have the chance to go to an island this year,it's perfect. You feel as if you are somewhere else. The sandy beaches and crystal clear waters(can't be sure it's clean though). Just sipping on a cold beverage like a freddo coffee while listening to music is a great way to relax after a hectic day in the office.
I really enjoy going there as I've made some friends whom I see almost daily, I get the chance to take a swim and read my book in peace. It usually gets rather crowded after 5pm but quite nice during the day especially at around 10-12. But don't forget your sunblock as the sun is usually very strong at that time and you can easily get sunburnt.
Have a great summer everyone!!!

A little personal quiz

How old are you?
Late 30's
How many musical instruments can you play?
I used to play the violin but haven't touched it in over 20 years.
How many countries have you lived in?
Just 2. Greece and Canada.
How many schools have you attended?
Seven - 2 primary, 3 secondary, 1 college & 1 university.
How many boyfriends/girlfriends have you had?
Three boyfriends and two who I would have kissed but where never my boyfriends.
How many years since you last played on a swing?
A very long time ago. I must have been 11 or 12.
How many bones have you broken?
I've broken my arm and fractured my ankle. I've had multiple cuts and bruises as well. A bit wild as a child.
How many siblings do you have?
None.
How many home's have you had?
Five.
How many people have you kisses?
At least five but I was a big kisser as a kid.
How many languages do you speak?
English,Greek some French but I can curse in Italian.
How many times have you been in love?
Twice but had my heart broken both times. Infatuation is another story. I've got a crush on two guys at the moment but neither is really interested:-(

Is Paros the new Mykonos?

One topic or conversation in Greece is:Where are you going this summer? What I fuond interesting is that most of my friends and acquiantances said Paros. I've been to this island three times and it is beautiful. Paros is situated in the Cyclades island. It is an island full of natural beauty,picturesque villages,hospitable people and fantastic nightlife. There many things to do on Paros apart from swimming. There are a few historical sites as well as a lovely Byzantine church which is built over the ruins of an ancient temple. The taverns are full of fresh and tasty food especially for those of you who enjoy fresh fish,you'll definitely love Paros. The island is full of lovely cafes and bars as well like the one below. Captain Iannis in Piso Livadi has a breath-taking view of the marina and is especially beautiful at sunset. The cafe/bar is lively and fun at night as well. The owner is a Greek-Canadian woman who is friendly and with a great sense of humour.Paros is the ideal island for those of you who want to party and for those of you who want to relax and enjoy the summer. All you have to do is find the right place for you. Hey, maybe I'll go for a weekend too.

The Greek Museum

Last week I met up with a freind visiting from Torontoand we went to the Archaeological Museum on Patision.I was happily surprised as many changes have occurred. There were new exhibits including one on Ancient Egypt. I really enjoyed it(more thatn my friend I think). I can't wait for the new Acropolis museum to open in September-October.

The artwork and artifacts from Santorini is exceptional. I'd love to visit the museum there as well to see what else they have found from the cities which had been buried in lava during the volcanic explosion.

It's a real shame that we don't promote our cultural heritage more. I mean I only found out about Delos island between Tino and Myconos a few years ago and was in awe at the magnificent artifacts taht can be seen there. It's an entire island full of artifacts from different eras and civilisations. It is definitely a "must see"for those of you who are interested in history.

Beautiful Edinburgh

The final leg of my journey was Edinburgh. It is such a magical city. If it weren't for all the tourist you'd feel as if you were in a city during the 18th century. The walk up the Royal Mile to the castle was fantastic. The streets were filled with street performers,tourist shops and men in kilts:-) From on top of the castle,you have a breath-taking view of the city. I only wish I had had more time to explore the closes while I was there. Maybe next time

The castle is amazing. You can see the dungeons were prisoners were held and the conditions in which they lived. You can see the Crowned Jewels which are exquisitely detailed. We were quite lucky because we were there to watch the firing of the canon.

We were lucky enough to meet William Wallace as well. For those of you who have seen Braveheart you'll know who I mean. This guy was very informative and sweet. He even showed us what a Scotsman has under his kilt. Oh you dirty little minds:-) Not that. He showed us his tattoo of the Scottish symbol.

Lovely London

The second leg of my trip was to London. I stayed with two of my dearest friends whom I thank very much for more than their hospitality.I had a wonderful time taking in all the sights and lifestyle of London.On the first day we went up on the London Eye which was a real treat as it was a beautiful,clear day.Plus we did a little shoppping on Oxford Street.(You've got to love the sales in London. I know all Greek people do)The next day I went to the British museum. I've been there before but it always blows my mind at what you can see there. Artifacts from all over the world under one roof. It is something that anyone living or visiting London should see. I could have spent hours walking through the exhibitions.

On the next say I went to Madame Tussaud's wax museum . I know it's a bit touristy and not authentic English but well worth it. It is amazing how lifelike some of the figures seem. I won't go it to detail what most people where doing but it wasn't very nice(Oh Brad where have you been all my life??:-)But the best experiences in London were afternoon tea and going to see Mama Mia. I just loved sitting in a posh hotel atrium sipping delicious tea and eating scumptious sandwiches and scones. Yummy.As for Mama Mia, it was amazing and unforgettable. You knows, maybe I'll get the chance to see it again soon:-)London is a wonderful city with so much to do,see,experience and taste. It is somewhere that everyone so visit at least once in their lives. Plus ther is so much renovating and construction going on for the 2012 Olympics that it will be a totally different city in a few years and worh re-vsiting.

The first leg of my trip this summer was Paris. I had always been a bir worried about visiting France as I had heard horror stories of the French being rude and obnoxious to people who didn't speak their language which was the furthest from the truth. I was happily surprised that the French are very nice and accomodating people. My French is abysmal but even a few words are appreciated. Everyone from the waiters to the shop assistants to simple people on the street were friendly and made an effort to help me out. As for the city?Well what can I say,I could easily live there for a year and not experience all that Paris has to offer. The sights were beautiful, the museums exceptional,the food delicious and the weather, as you can see, amazing. Two things I wasn't crazy about was the Metro as it was very confusing and dirty and the tiny hotel rooms.Even though everyone who has seem where we stayed has said that it was quite large for Paris standards.I will definitely be visiting Paris in the near future and hopefully other parts of France as well as I believe there is so much to experience and see as well as taste:-)

Mama Mia

I recently returned from an awesome vacation to London where I had the opportunity to do some fantastic things one of which was go to a play. Not any play mind you but Mama Mia. I have to admit I was a bit sceptical about going as the tickets were quite expensive but after watching this play I would easily give that kind of money again and then some. The actors were brilliant. Their voices clean and melodic,their performances exceptional to say the least. I can't believe they did all that running around and dancing while singing. It was an amazing experience being there. At first a few of the audience sang along(including my friend Eleni and myself)but by the end the entire audience were on their feet clapping and singing along. Great fun. If any of you are in London or anywhere else where the play is on, you should definitely not miss the chance to experience the great songs of ABBA and a wonderful performance.I even bought the CD and am driving my neighbours crazy playing it and singing along:-)