We're still living life in Ethiopia!!

The development project Paul has been attached to for the last four years was scheduled to conclude September 30, 2014. SNSF (Safety Net Support Facility) is a project funded by CIDA (aka DFATD). The purpose of the project is to work closely with the Ethiopian government to help them deliver the productive safety net program more effectively. The PSNP (a huge, 2 billion dollar initiative in its 5th year) is a social safety net program designed to address the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups within society; specifically, those suffering from chronic food insecurity. This is suppose to address the scenario of starving children in Ethiopia that most people associate with this country. SNSF has met with huge success and from the time Paul arrived here in March 2013, he was being assured by CIDA, Government counterparts and other donor groups aided by World Bank, that SNSF's initiatives and successes were too important and had to continue to be implemented. This sentiment was equally shared by the amazing and talented employees of SNSF in 8 regions of Ethiopia and government officials who had benefited from capacity development workshops and seminars facilitated by Paul's strong group of Team Leaders and Specialists. It was the exemplary work of SNSF  that has given rise to the reality that there will be a SNSF Part 2. The only problem is that the next phase is still in the 'developing' stage.  The concept of  "SNSF" will be incorporated into the next PSNP,  but this will involve another bidding process and all this takes time. World Bank proposed a Bridge with the sole intension that the Bridge would allow a seamless transition from the end of SNSF to the beginning of the next Project which Agriteam has a strong chance of winning. The theory was great, the timing was not.  Agriteam, as the drivers of SNSF had to bid for the chance to run the Bridge. What should have been a slam dunk became a long and drawn out process. The end result after over 8 months of delays and excuses: Agriteam was awarded the right to continue the work that had gained them so many accolades, positive results and feedback. Oh well, it was gratifying to know that despite the bidding and proposal process, the best 'team' (Agriteam) won!

So we're still here, (Paul, Lexxie and I) living in Addis Ababa and guaranteed to be here until at least June 30, 2015. What will happen after that, given how long it took to get the Bridge approved is anyone's guess.  We're just happy for now that our living arrangements are settled, decided and it all worked out.

On an extremely happy note and in keeping with Paul's philosophy (and Daylan's too) that 'things have a way of working out', we are proud to announce the birth of Michael Baracat, born October 4, 2014. Had we gone home in September we would have missed the opportunity of welcoming Aynalem's (our housekeeper) and Baracat's first baby.  Things could not have worked out better!

Michael, AKA Mickey

Paul's a natural

14 days old and growing

Thank Goodness Lexxie is keeping an eye on things!

What I did on my summer holidays!

I arrived in Ottawa July 23, 2014 and after weeks of visiting and travelling and enjoying the company of family and friends, August 23rd marked my return.  It was a good thing that prior to my trip I drew up an itinerary which helped ensure that I was able to see and do everything I planned. It's crazy, but after being away a year there are so many family and friends you want to see and with everyone not living in Ottawa it also involved some travel. I love to travel so that was no problem at all. Gail has a nice, brand new Highlander so we were able to comfortably motor here, there and everywhere. 

I began my trip with dinner out with friends I have known since childhood. We grew up together on the same street: Mayfield in Chomedy, Laval.  Though we attended each other’s wedding back in the day, time and distance kept us apart. About 2 years ago Diane Baker Foley was very diligent in tracking me down and together with Debbie Donaldson Tylee we have rekindled a friendship that spans decades. We get together for dinner and non-stop talking. After a year in Ethiopia I had lots to share and it was so enjoyable catching up on each others lives. Diane also included two girls that were also in fellow Chomedy-ites (Janice and Donna) and with my sister too, we laughed and laughed over some pretty hilarious conversations. I swear Donna could do stand up. She was that funny.

We (Gail, Brooke, Janet and I) went to Toronto for the August long weekend and spent a glorious 5 days shopping, entertaining and enjoying the comforts Chez Palgrave. Breakfast under the gazebo or sitting poolside and later in the evening enjoying the wood burning stove while talking and sharing time with family and friends.  I was happy to see JoJo, first time since our African safari adventure, and to meet Rob, who I had first learned about when Jojo visited us in Ethiopia. In Toronto we also got to see Derrick and his boys. Wayne and Patti were in NY over the long weekend so though we briefly saw Patti on the morning we were heading home, we would only see Wayne on our next trip.

Back in Ottawa Janet and I made plans to go to Norway Bay (near Shawville) for a couple of days to visit our good friends Kathy and Gord Black.  The consummate hosts, Gord and Kathy made sure our wine glasses were kept full, the shrimp cooked to perfection, salads GF approved and snackies that kept us going into the wee hours of the morning. Kathy and Gord have a beautiful home overlooking the Ottawa River and spending time with them is always a highlight. Gord made of point, more than once, of also extending an invitation to their home in Florida (Port Charlotte) and Paul says we have to make this one of our to dos. No argument here!

Gail, Brooke and I didn't sit still long before we decided to give the Highlander a good run and drove 10 hours to Timmins. I hadn't seen Reece since she was a baby and I'd only seen pictures of Scott and Caelen's lovely home.  It was so wonderful to see Reece all grown up (all 20 months of her!!) walking, running, talking and always smiling. She's such a happy child and why not? She has parents that dote on her, an aunt, uncle and two cousins and grandparents just around the corner and of course Sushi (American bulldog!). There's an amazing lake nearby with a boardwalk and it was so enjoyable to walk there, en famille, and experience Reece's excitement over the feeding of the ducks. 

We had such a good visit! We left Timmins and went home via Toronto. We over-nighted at Derrick's home in Woodbridge. Patti and Wayne had a BBQ at their home, which is like 1 km from Derrick's, an unbelievably short distance when you consider how big Toronto is and typically how far apart everyone lives. Rob, Doris and Barrett were there as well so it was good to see everyone again. The following morning we headed back to Ottawa, BUT not before Jojo dropped off Allison. Al, too was making a trip home after a year in the UK. She flew in via Toronto and we had arranged to take her the rest of the way.  I'd seen Al in May when we met up in Greece, but seeing your first born just never gets old.  I could hardly wait for the two sisters to be re-united later that day!

My next travel was to Watertown, NY with Janet, Doris and Jan's Mum, Robin.  Doris and Barrett drove to Ottawa Friday night and Saturday morning we (Janet driving her mum's SUV) were on the road again. Watertown has become quite a tradition with Janet and me and we were happy to include Doris who over the years (our famous Shop to you Drop weekends!) has become the 3rd member of our Shop Ops Adventures. Watertown proved no different. We managed to find bargains, exclusive items to the States, consume good eats, lots of laughter and conversation and all be closing time. The drive home was lively as we had to be sure Janet stayed alert and awake. We arrived home close to 1:30 am.

While in Ottawa, I was there for Daylan's 23rd birthday. Paul of course would have loved to be there, but that will have to wait. (More on that to follow in later blogs!!) In his stead we celebrated Daylan's b'day at Gail's with a BBQ. The Girls were all there (Allison, Aleysha, Jenn and Brooke). The only missing 'girl' was Lexxie! No summer birthday would be complete without a DQ Blizzard Cake. Needless to say we were all quite satisfied!

My last night in Ottawa, Gail and I were invited to Janet and Mark's for a farewell BBQ. Kathy and Gord were also there.  I couldn't have asked for a better send off. I am so thankful for my very good friends and currently living so far away, I really value the time I have to spend with them.

It had been a hectic month of dinners out with childhood friends, travelling, shopping and visiting family and friends, quiet nights with just me and my sister, spending time with Al and Jenn, (just like old times) and even going in to the Citizen to take care of 'work' details. And yet when the day came to return to Addis I was still unable to answer this question, with any degree of certainty: "When will you be returning for good to Canada"?

My long overdue trip home and my blog!

I began this blog the day before flying home, July 25th, so I owe it to myself and my readers to finish it before my next trip!  Here goes:

Well it's been a year so it's time for a visit home.  When I came to Ethiopia it was a lot cheaper to book a return trip ticket. Since then, the possibility of a visit home has been ever so tempting.  The only stipulation was that the ticket needed to be used before July 27, 2014. Well I'm booked to leave tomorrow evening, July 21 at 10:40 pm.  By 10:30 am, July 22/14 I should be in Ottawa.  Paul will not be accompanying me as he is busy, busy writing two proposals. That's the only down side of what should be a wonderful trip.

My return trip home proceeded with minimal disruption by Ethiopian standards.  Paul took me to the airport and as if entering the Addis Airport doesn't have enough rules and regulations, they've added a new one. To enter the airport you must go through a metal detector and your luggage goes through a scanner. Typically if you want to enter the airport, but are not flying you need to buy a ticket at booths outside the airport which either have long, riduculous lines or are just not open.  We've never needed the tickets on those occasions when one of us aren't travelling because our Canadian Embassy Residency cards usually do the trick.  Of course this time due to Ethiopia's ever changing rules, Paul wasn't allowed to accompany me to check in.  Annoying!  Fortunately the lines were relatively short so I was able to check my two bags in pretty good time and then proceed to Immigration. There are so many steps to follow before actually reaching your gate. They all involve taking off your shoes, coat, belt,  being subjected to yet another metal detector,  having your carry on scanned and showing your boarding pass and passport. It's a miracle that you don't lose something because by time you reach the gate area, you have to do it all again. Then when you finally reach the gate you have to line up, again, at the gate reception desk to then show your boarding pass and passport. I mean seriously people, how did you think I would have reached this far had I NOT gone through the tedious and repeitive airport procedures to this point? And if anyone has ever had the pleasure of being in an Ethiopian line, you'll understand that 'line up protocol' is severely lacking. No wonder drivers never stay in their lanes. If there's an 'opening' take it. Buttinskis rule!  But I'm getting off topic, back to boarding! Just when you think you can safely put away your boarding pass and passport they announce that we're boarding and you have to show it, Again!  In Ethiopia you are advised to be at the airport 3 hours before your flight. The first time I was told that I just laughed, seriously! After a year of travelling and frequently using the Addis Airport, I just 'groan'.

The flight home with Ethiopian Air was long, but they treat you very well. So well in fact that they feel it's their obligation to wake you to offer you more food.  The flight took off at 10:50 pm so why in the next 30 minutes would I require a full dinner? All in all it's not all that bad as at least eating or stirring your food around passes the time. The wine isn't half bad. I use it to help induce sleep! Seriously.  I arrived in Toronto right on time at 7:30 AM the following morning.  I was flying on Ethiopian Air's Dreamliner 787. It is a really confortable plane considering the length of time the flight takes. It also holds a lot of passengers and the flight was full. Customs went pretty smoothly though I was prepared to answer how I, Katherine Gabel, Mad Shopper, had nothing to declare after a year in Ethiopia. Have you been there? Fortunately the Custom's Officer wasn't aware of my Shop Ops tendencies and I breezed through.  I rushed to the baggage claim as I began to suspect by 9:10 AM connecting flight to Ottawa might be in jeopardy,  Alas, why did I rush over to the baggage carousel only to watch the luggage of every other passenger circle around and around. By time I retrieved my bags it was @ 8:10 and I was feeling optimistic about making my Ottawa connection. Oh yeah, that was until I reached the connecting flight's conveyor belt.  I was about to place my luggage on the belt when I was asked where I was flying from. Addis Ababa, I replied, Oh, says the A/C attendant, your luggage will have to be re-scanned because of where you are flying from. I asked if this was a new procedure since this didn't happen when I had flown in April.  No she says, but they don't scan 'properly' in Addis and the scanners for connecting luggage isn't sophisticated enough so you'll have to take your luggage up to the 3rd floor for check in and scanning. ARE you kidding me?  Well needless to say WHO am I to argue with that kind of logic? But seriously, have you been to an Ethiopian Airport? Scanning is what they do and alot of it!! Anyways my 9:10 am flight was lost and the A/C attendent graciously booked me on the 10:10 am flight, charged me $75 for a flight change fee and $20 A/C charge for my second bag. I had been in Canada less than 30 minutes, had spent @ $100, but the good news was, I was able to use my Visa, a card that has little or no use in the cash driven Ethiopia!

So I delayed my re-union with my sister Gail and my daughter Jennifer by 1 hour, but thanks to the beauty of phone texting they weren't too inconvenienced.

It was an amazing feeling coming down the escalator and seeing my sister standing there (crying) and my daughter holding a sign that read "Ma! Where's the meatloaf?"   I had arrived!

Spending Time in Ethiopia

It's almost a year since I boarded a plane to come to Addis Ababa. I find it hard to believe how quickly time has passed. I recall Paul being some what anxious that I would come to Ethiopia and be bored or unhappy. To that sentiment I respond, "Who had time to be either"? I have enjoyed the past year and lived my experience abroad to the fullest.  I have kept myself active and engaged and it should come as no surprise to those who have kept up with my blog: busy!

I was only in Addis a couple of weeks when Paul forwarded me an email advertising for a English tutor.  I called the number and arranged to meet Elisabetta and her 4 year old daughter Anna. That meeting was the start of an almost 1 year tutoring gig with the brightest, most precocious child I could have imagined. What an opportunity to bring words to life through conversations, games, stories, coloring, and creative fun that can only stem from the imaginations of a  four year old and a young at heart 50 something. Anna and I enjoyed our time together and along the way I do believe her English improved.  Anna and her mum, Elisabetta will soon be moving to Geneva. Elisabetta will be working for the UN and Anna, I have little doubt, will be adding French to her language repertoire.  I will miss her, but will continue to relish the memories of the past year.

Munchkin Memories

M&Ms with Anna 

My Little Munchkin

Future Talents was another teaching opportunity that came my way during my first month in Ethiopia.While
still in Ottawa I established a teaching contact in Ethiopia when I noticed ESL teaching references on the Facebook page of 'What's Happening in Addis.' I forwarded my resume and promised to get in touch once I was settled. My contact then put me in contact with an administrator at the school Future Talents.  They were looking for an native English speaking teacher for pre-school, and 4 year old kindergarden.  Wow! Just like that I was in the position to be fully employed. The timing wasn't right as I wasn't ready to devote full time hours to such a structured and demanding teaching environment.  I was still learning the city, I didn't have my driver's license as yet and I didn't want to rule out travelling by being tied down to full time employment.  I declined the teaching offer and decided to remain with only tutoring Anna. I never once regretted my decision. In fact, in early May Future Talents called me again to ask if I was still interested in working with them. Who knows what the future holds, but it certainly is nice to have options.

So aside from tutoring Anna what else did I do to occupy my time? Well for all my loyal blog followers, you will have read that I have done a fair amount of travelling.  I've accompanied Paul to many parts of Ethiopia including Bahar Dar, Debre Libanos, Entoto Mountains, Dire Dawa, Jijiga, Sodo and Lake Langano.  I still hope to head North to witness evidence of  Ethiopia's rich  history in Aksum, Mekele and Lalibela, but that will have to wait, for now. I visited Allison in the UK and spent three wonderful weeks with Allison and Kat exploring the sights. Paul and I went on a four day weekend to shop for Christmas decorations amid the sights and splendour of Paris. An African safari in Tanzania with our children,Wayne and Jojo rounded out 2013. In May we took a 2 week vacation to Greece. An amazing opportunity to catch up with family and friends.  In two weeks time I will be travelling home to Ottawa for a 4 week visit.

In between travelling, tutoring and blogging I have enjoyed the simple pleasure of reading. When you're working life gets so busy, that there doesn't seem to be enough time to just sit back and read. I've enjoyed my Kobo immensely. The availability of online ebooks (free, as well as purchased ones) has afforded me endless hours of enjoyment.  One of my fondest memories of home was going to the cottage at Hay Lake where all of us would sit on the dock and indulge in our love for reading.  Now I have the time to indulge whenever I please.

During my time in Ethiopia I've also gained a greater appreciation and understanding of Paul's work. Paul has included me in his work by inviting me to accompany him on business trips and involving me in the editing of work documents. I love editing, probably as much as I love reading.  I just switch genres from fiction to a real-life appreciation of the incredible work SNSF (Safety Net Support Facility) is doing and accomplishing in Ethiopia. Whether I am editing manuals or real-life success stories, I feel I am helping bring clarity to the role SNSF plays in changing the lives of the disadvantaged in Ethiopia.

But even though I'm not technically 'working', I really look forward to late afternoon on a Friday. Nothing rivals the beginning of the weekend, regardless of your employment status. For me it marks the beginning of time off for Paul and our weekend together. Woot! A typical weekend includes groceries, running errands, attending Bazaars, shopping, playing tennis or golf and eating out. We've dined out with friends and hosted some get togethers of our own. While I enjoy all my time, I love the exclusivity of weekends. It's all about me and Paul and whatever comes our way.  Ooops, gotta go, Paul's home and the weekend has begun!

Our Big Greek Adventure

Greece was an opportunity to meet up with family and friends and we could not of chosen a more idyllic and memorable location.

View of the Acropolis from our hotel in Athens!

Parthenon adds the Greek touch to this photo of my fellow travellers and me

The idea of a Greek vacation was formed well over a year ago over a glass or two of wine between my best friend Janet and I.  Must say the idea grew inversely proportionally to the level of our wine bottle(s).  At the time, being only a few months shy of my departure to Ethiopia, we were looking for ideas on how to keep in touch during my year plus absence. My blog, (set up by Alice; a close friend of Janet and Cathy) has become my communication lifeline, connecting me to family and friends. Skype, email and more recently Whatsapp have all contributed to helping me cope with living 7500 miles from home. Social media is all well and good, but it just can’t replace real live ‘contact’ and we both decided we needed more. Also, Janet was a bit leery of her ‘proficiency’ in the social media world despite the fact that she is referred to as the ‘Whiz’.   So we decided on a ‘road trip’! Our regular road trips were about to take on new heights!  It was a no-brainer that we needed to discuss our plans with Doris. Doris, Janet and I have enjoyed many shopping road trips, so this proposed trip was now just a question of geography. Rob and Barrett agreed to come, and as well, Janet’s sister Cathy was on board. Paul took no convincing, so there you had it. Our party of 7 began planning our Big Greek Adventure.

Paul has often commented that ‘planning’ a trip is half the fun. It builds excitement and anticipation and it allows everyone to have a say in the outcome. The ladies (Janet, Doris, Cathy and me) took the challenge of planning a trip via email, and from a distance of 7500 miles and 2 time zones. Despite the obvious challenges, we worked well together. The emails would just fly back and forth as we ironed out details from what to see and where to stay to what to wear and what to pack.

The day finally arrived.  Janet and Cathy flew out of Ottawa May 17th via London and arrived in Athens May 18 @ 6:30 pm. Rob, Doris and Barrett left Toronto May 17th connecting in Zurich and arrived in Athens, May 18th @ 1:30 pm. Paul and I left Addis Ababa May 18th, connecting in Cairo and being that we were the closest,  we were the first to arrive at 12:30 pm. We had arranged for an airport shuttle to meet us. Service was excellent and we were all appreciative of the worry-free 30 minute ride to our hotel.  Janet and Cathy took the later shuttle, but by 8 pm (I think, seeing as there were a few rum and cokes consumed by then!) we were all settled on the rooftop of our Athens Centre Square Hotel.  It gave us a stunning view of the Acropolis, which just sits there in all its famous glory amid the chaos of Athens.

Athens is a big city and clearly their financial woes have had an impact. The city appears shabby and the abundance of graffiti does little to improve our first impressions. The people are amazing and so friendly and accommodating.  Considering the fact that their economy is suffering, I never found people to be pushy or trying to sell, sell, sell. There are lots of shopping opportunities as you wander through Monastiraki and Plaka. Restaurants were everywhere and the food was wonderful. We had pre-booked a Hop On, Hop Off tour for the next day. This was a wonderful and convenient way to see all the hot spots that Athens has to offer. The Acropolis and the Parthenon lived up to all the hype. A must see for any Athens visit.

Steps leading into the Acropolis

What, no? They're only now building the Parthenon?

The Parthenon

View from Acropolis of Hadrian's Arch and Temple of Zeus

We're in the Theatre of Dionysus, but nothing was playing!

Acropolis Groupie

Acropolis at night. View from the roof top bar of our hotel.

But let’s face it, going to Greece means going to the Islands!  We took a ferry from Pireaus, early May 20th, to Santorini.  The ferry ride was long (5 hrs +). Piraeus is the main port outside of Athens so the ferry left pretty much on time. Unfortunately, we learned that ferries lose time with each subsequent stop on route to your destination. I’m always fearful of getting seasick, but I have to say the ride was pretty smooth. The Gravol I took, however, made the trip appear faster as I slept most of it.

Santorini is absolutely stunning!  The view we had from our hotel balcony gave us an amazing view of the caldera that formed from numerous volcano eruptions in the last 3600 years. We sailed from the Old Port of Fira to the island of Nea Kameni where the volcano of Santorini is located. It was a good hike, but at the top we could see the active crater and walk along its rim.  Crazy, but you can still see rising steam, but as our Guide reassured us, "activity is very closely monitored"! Phew! Next we went the island Palia Kameni and we were allowed to jump off the boat and swim in the hot springs created thousands of years ago by the underwater power of the volcano. Yeah there appeared to be a clear age demographic that divided who swam and who chose to enjoy the sights! The boat tour continued to another island (Thirasia) where we enjoyed a nice lunch at one of the many tavernas that line the area. After lunch, we sailed up the coast to Oia (pronounced EeeeA).  We (Rob, Doris, Paul and I) had arranged to meet Janet, Cathy and Barrett in Oia so this was the end of our tour. They let you off at the bottom and then you have a choice of walking or taking donkeys. Yup, we took the donkeys!  They know their way and require no instruction from you. Just hold on and be careful on the narrow, winding journey up that your legs don't rub against the rock walls.  It was fun, except they don't go ALL the way up.  You still have to do some walking and by this time it was hot and we were out of water. First thing we did when we reached the top was find a place to purchase a bottle of water. Oia is a beautiful. It has the typical, winding, narrow streets and white and blue Cycladic architecture that just screams: Greece!  It's also a bit more upscale..............nicer stores (Doris and I couldn't help noticing. Come on!) and restaurants. We ate at one such restaurant, which gave us a stunning view of the famous Santorini sunset. Janet, Cathy and Barrett met us at the restaurant as these intrepid hikers had decided to walk the 3 hr Santorini Crater Rim walk.  Hmmm, Paul, Doris, Rob and I chose to enjoy a glass of white wine or two while enjoying the view.

We stayed 3 1/2 days in Santorini and it was just wonderful. Our island tour of the southern side of Santorini was extremely memorable.  We were so impressed with the town at the southern tip called Akrotiri. This is an excavation site that is known as the Greek Pompeii. Archaeologists have only uncovered 3% of the remains of a volcano eruption that occurred around 1627 BCE. It's just such an incredible feeling to walk through this site and imagine (through the findings) what life was like. They have uncovered frescoes and many objects and artworks. It was even more meaningful when we visited the Archaeological Museum in Athens to see the Akrotiri display. 

Can't get tired of this view! Janet and Paul look good too!

Sunset in Santorini

Janet figures out the beauty of a panoramic Santorini view.

Santorini Sunset!

Our hotel restaurant

Quick bite and then off to explore Fira.

Highest point of Santorini

View from monastery of Profitis Ilias

Lunch break during Island tour.

Excavation site. Pics don't do it justice. Simply amazing!

Fresco restored at Archaeological Museum, Athens

Frescoes recovered from Akrotiri

Akrotiri treasures

Sights during our Island tour

Taking the slow ride up to Oia

Oia Town Square

Winding streets of Oia

Relaxing in Oia and reading my favourite author, Brooke Alexander                                        

We left Santorini by ferry (which was late arriving!!) on route to Naxos. It was only a short hop (1 hour) to yet another Greek paradise.  We stayed in Naxos for 6 days and rented a Villa at Plaka Beach.  The setting here was idyllic.  It was a short walk to the beach and the beach just stretched for miles.  The Aegean water color is a turquoise-blue and it's crystal clear. Another wonderful thing about travelling to Greece in May is avoiding the crowds and heat of High Season.  We lucked out with all our travel and accommodations.  I arranged for this Naxos Villa through Home Away and Athena (our hostess) was absolutely wonderful and her property was everything we had hoped it would be. Athena arranged car (s) rental for us and met us at the ferry to escort us to our Villa, show us the grocery, butcher, and provided suggestions of places to see and where to eat. Having the cars was an added bonus cuz with Rob and Paul behind the wheels, we proceeded to do our own Island tour.  Old Naxos town was equally interesting as we strolled through the winding streets. It's a port town and has a most impressive entrance: Apollo's Temple.

Naxos was a nice pace after the hectic first week of our vacation. We also got a nice feel for authentic Greece whether driving through the crazy, winding mountain roads, walking in Naxos town, climbing up to see Apollo's Temple, relaxing on the deck or at the beach. It was just wonderful to be able to kick back in such a magnificent setting with family and friends. I was sad to see it end.

Apollo's Temple as you enter Naxos

Streets of Old Naxos Town

Old, but so beautiful!

Let's just say we live here.

Cathy, "Getting tired of all the stairs"?

No idea what Janet is holding, but the Naxos scenery looks wonderful

Countryside of Naxos

Hanging out on someone's front porch!

Plaka Beach, Naxos

Guess what ALL the ladies are doing?

Villa Dimitra, Naxos

Villa Dimitra, Naxos

Janet! No one's home! Seriously!

We opted to fly from Naxos back to Athens. It was a question of a 45 minute plane ride or a 5 hour ferry. Yeah, I know: no brainer! Athens the second time around hadn't changed much, except that in the space of 2 weeks the volume of tourists had definitely increased. More confirmation that we had chosen an ideal time to visit Greece.
Allison and her roommate Kat met us in Athens for the last two days of  our vacations. They were both on a break from teaching and had spent the first part of their vacation in Zathynkos (also known as Zante). I was of course overjoyed that they had left their island paradise to spend time with us. Paul, Barrett and I took Al and Kat to the Acropolis and other spots in Athens we had enjoyed earlier,  It was great to see their reactions to Athens rich history. We also enjoyed walking through the markets, shopping, eating ice cream and yummy Greek food and copious amounts of wine, But that's another blog.

Greek Goddesses fit right into Athens

Enjoying their time in Zathynkos

Selfie Time

Al's last day in Zante

Al, Kat and me at the Acropolis

Soaking it all in at the Temple of Zeus

Vacations are wonderful and this ONE ranks among one of my favourites. Paul and I are so appreciative and thankful for our family and friends. Living so far away makes every opportunity to get together, regardless of the location, extra special. We want to thank ALL our travel companions for a wonderful trip. If I had one criticism about the whole experience it would be that it went by way too fast. That being said perhaps it's time to start planning another one?  Love you all!

Miss YOU!