Today, we went our separate ways to enjoy Athens in our own unique ways...

Pete and Karen went on a 30 km bike trip to the Coastal area of Athens. The 15 km down hill to the sea, was the easy part. The 15 km on the way back...almost all uphill, not so much! We were thoroughly entertained by the New York family that shared the bike trip with us...husband Russell, wife "Babs" (we can't recall her real name, but we're calling her Babs as she looked like Barbara Streisand!), Russell's 2 kids and Bab's 2 kids. Imagine Babs for a second; big floppy straw hat, designer clothes and perfectly groomed and manicured riding a bike in a leisurely manner. Babs and her daughter fell way behind several times, and we had to stop to wait for them. (Karen was very thankful for the extra stops on the way back up the hill). At one point, Babs and her daughter got lost, and Alex (the tour guide) had to ride back and search for them. Russell was frequently in trouble for riding too fast and not paying attention to Babs. After the bike ride, we stopped at the Olympic Stadium, built in 1896. Due to Karen's rubbery legs from the 15 k uphill, we didn't run the track!! lol! Overall, it was an entertaining day, and we were happy we got to see the Mediterranean Sea for the first time and be part of this interesting group of people!

Jim and Kelley spent a leisurely morning. Kelley recharged her batteries with a good night sleep! They left for the open air market and bought fresh veggies, tried some new olives, and bought some large green ones they hoped Karen would like! However, the olives were lost somewhere in the journey, so Karen is still searching for olives she might actually like! They really enjoyed the fresh fish market and meeting a vendor selling live snails (see last photo). Following a gin and tonic at the condo, they set out again for wandering the shops and taking in the sights and sounds of Athens. An embroidery shop was too enticing and the first purchase of the trip was made! A beautiful blue and while table runner that was made in Athens, will adorn Jim and Kelley's new home! A beautiful afternoon was spent strolling the streets and wandering through the shops of Athens.

All was well, when the 4 of us met up at the right time and place and enjoyed a carafe of Rosé wine together! (Final Photo) We're really proud of ourselves for being able to navigate the streets of Athens so successfully!

We're just about to head out for dinner (5th photo added in later)...but want to leave you with our thoughts for the day:

Pete says, "It's a great day to be in Athens!"
Jim says, "I love Athens!...it's not that dirty!"
Kelley says, "Happy to have wandered through the fish and meat markets. So interesting to see freshly skinned lamb and live snails!"
Karen says, "I am thankful for my great hubby and kids...and am so happy not to be Babs and Russell! ps: I have not eaten any olives today....yet!"