Delphi and a whole lotta sun...

First photo in Greece!

Greece. Is. Hot.
This is an understatement to be sure. I found myself wandering the streets of Athens in the blinding heat, in pants, pulling luggage, wondering where in the world my hostel is and wishing I was wearing some sun screen. This was not a great way to start as I was already missing Istanbul and wishing I had been able to stay longer. We eventually found our hostel and settled in. The hostel is right next to the Acropolis and we have a great view of it from our rooftop! (Not as great as the view in Istanbul... okay okay I'll stop comparing everything to Turkey...)
The first night we just wanted to take it easy. I found a little laundry mat to wash some clothes, and then the girls found a place to eat and did a little bit of shopping. Of course the first thing I had was spinach pie. Delicious. I apologize for the lack of picture. By the time I realized I should have taken a picture it was long gone...


Here's the menu! Greek is definitely Greek to me...

We got some good sleep last night and today we were ready to take on Greece! We took off this morning to Delphi. Delphi is about a 2.5 hour drive northwest of Athens. We went with a tour bus, which I HATE doing, but when it comes to traveling long distances like that it becomes the most convenient way to travel. Delphi was in the mountains of Greece and it was just breathtaking. The Greek countryside reminds me a lot of Colorado, which I love, but it's more European of course and there are olive trees everywhere.


Ruins at Delphi.


More Ruins.


Object mount at the Museum of Delphi... I can make that... No big deal.

Delphi was a long hike up a mountain, but the view was even better, as you can see from the pictures. The best part of the day came at lunch (3 p.m.) when we found a big oak tree to eat our eggplant, tomato, and feta sandwiches and fresh peaches underneath as it rained in the sunlight. Gorgeous... and eventually wet. :)

We made a stop at another little village in the mountains and then we were off to Athens.

View from the Cafe.

I like Greece so far. It isn't what I expect, but I think I am imaging more of a Santorini look. In fact, I met a girl today who had just spent the last two weeks in Santorini. She even extended her vacation because she loved it so much. I have a feeling I will feel much of the same...
Tomorrow: Off to the Temple of Poseidon then the beach!! (like I haven't gotten enough sun...)