Paulette

So all the worrying about the Lufthansa strike was pretty much for nothing.  The planes left pretty close to their scheduled departure times.   The trip from Frankfurt to Athens was a little tense for a bit.  The time to embark passed and there was no plane on the tarmac.  Eventually they bused us around the airport, past the cargo planes onto the runway at the back and we boarded from there.  The one good thing is that it was close to the runway so no taxiing to get going!  Once in the air all was normal (except for the really, really big woman sitting next to me).

I met up with Carla in the airport in Athens.  What a relief to finally be here!  We hopped into a taxi and blabbled non-stop all the way to the hotel.  She did very well at Rescue 2008.  She won 2 golds, 3 silvers & 1 bronze medal.  Way to go Carla! 

We quickly changed into our swimsuits and headed to the pool area.  We grabbed our 1st vacation drink - Mai Tai and celebrated.  The pool water was warm.  The air temperature just perfect.  The pool area is done in tile and marble.  It is all so beautiful.

Tonight we are heading out for a dinner tour of Athens.  That should be amazing. 

So far it’s been easy enough.  Most people here speak English.  Certainly at both airports there are English signs and all the personnel speak English.  Everyone has been very friendly.  I asked the bartender at the pool today if it is customary to tip in Greece.  He said it was.  I asked how much - 10%-15% and he replied 8%-10%.  Nice of him to be honest about what they expect. 

I’m still happy that I did carry-on only.  I’ll probably check the luggage in on the way home but at least I had no worries about the ground crew getting behind.

I haven’t slept since I left.  I’ve lost track of Ottawa time already (helps that I didn’t bring any timepieces with me).  I’m hungry for dinner and it’s dinner time here so I think the jet lag missed me.  I’m sure it will find me on the way home.