Did a bit of hiking near our beach rental. Found a new beach where we were riding the swells from a passing ferry. Tried a new cafe for dinner. Our stuffed tomato was incredibly flavorful, and we had the local beer, a very good pilsner.
E∧AØONHƵI, ∑∅Ƞváƿi & XANIA
Travel day. Misty rain on the way to the train. Easy access to CDG airport, but mass chaos on arrival. Aegean Airlines is a discount airlines in that they hit you with high fees for baggage, yet alcoholic drinks are free on the plane??? Rachael met me at the gate in Athens and we had an uneventful taxi ride into the city. Our hotel was nice, but “dated” and turns out to be on the edge of a sketchy neighborhood. Saturday afternoon everything was closed, and in general the place had a depressed atmosphere. Looking forward to the sights tomorrow.
Bill headed home today, and I will be meeting Rachael in Athens Saturday, so I have two days to get in trouble in Paris. Found a couple of geocaches while exploring the Marie Curie University, Roman amphitheater ruins at Les Arènes de Lutèce, and the maze at Jardin des Plantes. Stopped at Bières Cultes, a specialty shop and met brewmaster Dorothée. She kindly provided a free sample of her newest creation, a tropical lager, and a map of where to find artisanale bière in Paris.
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What a relief to get rid of the rental car. Dealing with heavy traffic, impatient natives, one way streets and construction was not always pleasant. The car was inexpensive, but gas and tolls really added up. Even so, for two or more people, renting was cost effective and allowed us to see places off the public transportation routes.
Visited the Abbey where Belgium’s (arguably) most famous beer is brewed
