Greece Day Two

Today, we're supposed to have the first program of the agenda.

As usual, I went down to the hotel restaurant and as always, I headed to the table in the corner of the resto which served: Mushrooms, omelet, and potatoes. Why I chose that? It's because those things I could eat. The rest? mmmm nope.

Then I moved to another table for the sweet rice pudding and cocktail. All set and breakfast began. To let you know, this menu is my daily menu for the rest of my stay at Amalia Hotel.

Then, all of us walked to HAU for the program until we finished at 6.00pm. Why did it take too long? It's because we had too long breaks. Never mind, though. Some of us had planned to have dinner at Stephanie's fave restaurant called "Meatropoles 3". We all agreed to be at the lobby at 7.30 pm.

And dinner time came. Will has already waited at the hotel lobby. He looked so tired and hungry. So we waited the rest of the group to come down. Once all complete, we headed down Meatropoles.



We ordered my kinds of menu. Stephanie and Miroslava ordered "Seasonal Greens" (which looks yummy). Unfortunately, the test was not in my tongue, and not to theirs.

Overall, the dinner was great. We chatted and shared our cultures. Feeling full, we went back to the hotel and before we went to our room, we moved up to the 7th floor. This is the best spot at Amalia Hotel. I cannot tell why, but surely is the most unforgettable place for the group.

Acropolis from the 7th floor

Then, today's adventure was over.

It's Time To Be Serious

Here is the serious part....

On Monday, as scheduled, we have to take the test. It's held at Hellenic American Union (HAU) where our whole programs will take place. The program agenda was actually at 9.30 but it was changed it into 1.00 pm.

While waiting, I tried to explore a small part of Athens: The National Garden, which is exactly in front of the hotel. Despite a light rain, I went inside and took some pictures. I didn't want to go further because it was so quiet and I am afraid if something happened to me. Well, since the rain was getting heavier and heavier, I ran back to the hotel lobby, and waited for the rest of the group to show up.





Finally, at 12.30, we all gathered at the hotel lobby, but since we didn't know each other yet, we just sat separately, the committee came and introduced herself. Then, everybody greeted each other. It was raining, even it started in the morning. So, we all went to HAU by car. The place was quite near, it's about 20 minutes walk (as they told us) but it seemed that the place was too far as the car which took us there had to pass some small alleys.

Finally we arrived at HAU, and we went up to the 4th floor. Entering the room, some officers were there and we directly sat on the provided space. We introduced each other, and that was the first time I really know the participants, where they are from, what school they teach, as well as what other activities they have. In short, the introduction session was done and the next agenda was: LUNCH.

I was so surprised that the restaurant was on top of the building and the view was amazingly beautiful. The windows overlooked the great Acropolis. And when we had to take the food, I was shocked that none of the food is I am familiar with. It's okay for me, as long as it doesn't kill me.



The program ended at around 5 and we were taken back to the hotel by car (again)

Well, it's tiring yet fun as I knew my new colleagues.

Visiting Greece = Visiting Acropolis

The story continues....

On the day of my arrival, I went directly to Acropolis with Bu Tati. The weather was so nice despite the cold wind. The sun shone so brightly and the street was still quiet. Bu Tati told me that on Sundays, most stores close and people tend to stay in their houses.

Well, we start by walking down Ermou street. This is one of the most historical streets in Athens. On its left and right, I could see some stores displaying some world class products. This street is also used for a fashion show. The unique thing is that the street is made of stone, exactly like the one in ancient time.

We went down until we reached what they call as Monastiraki Square. This is the place where people gather; young people, musician, sellers, culinary "experts". But this morning, I found it empty because it's still too early. I went to an ancient mosque which has been transformed into a ceramic museum. I went inside and I still see the trace of Islamic culture. The "mimbar" is still there, the sentence of Laa Illahaillallah is also still there, but the whole room is used as the ceramic display.

I moved on to the ruins net to the mosque. It was a library but because of war, it has been destroyed. From these places, I could see Acropolis on top of a hill.

We continued the journey by walking down small street (I'd rather call it as alley) which led us to the place known as Palka Market. This is the place where people sell souvenirs. Quite interesting knowing those souvenir, but I didn't buy as I wanted to go to Acropolis right away. I could buy them later.

Then, my feet finally stepped on the downhill of Acropolis where I had to stop at Acropolis Museum. It won't take too long for me there as I continued the journey to Acropolis.

We reached one part of historical building known as The Theater. This is like a huge stadium as I could see the pillars and the gates were big enough.


After taking some photos, we moved on and we reach a small hill on the left. From the hill (Mars Hill), I could see some parts of Athens, including the place where Socrates and other ancient philosophers gathered, known as the Symposium.

Going down the hill we continued to Acropolis which took us about 5 minutes walk. Climbing up the hill didn't make me tired, yet it made me more enthusiastic. Finally, we reached what they called as Parthenon, the gate of Acropolis. Passing Parthenon, we came to The Temple of Athena, and in front of Athena temple is the gorgeous Acropolis. I thought, two weeks ago, I knew Acropolis from the internet, and at this moment, I stood right in front of it. Really dreams come true.

Well, that's all the journey for today. I'll post more interesting story next time.

The European Journey Begins

Finally, miracle happened. The Embassy of Greece granted my visa exactly 2 days before my departure, March 3.

I knew for sure that my journey won't be short. Prior to leaving, I made some preparations and packing. I contacted ibu Hartati, someone whom I knew from one of student parents. She gave me very helpful and important information, even before I applied for the visa.

I departed from Jogja at 12.00 dropped by my wife and arrived at Soetta Airport at 13.00. I had to wait until the check in counter opened at 16.00. Everything went well until I went on board SQ 963 to Changi Singapore. The journey was great with great meal. Stopping at Changi, I had to move to Terminal 3 to the gate where SQ 392 will take me to Athens. On the way to the terminal, I met Bu Lis, an officer from Bank Indonesia who will have a meeting in Frankfurt. We had a chat but must separate as we had different destination.

Then, the gate open and the long journey began. This might be one of the best flights I have ever had. The flight attendants served us nicely with nice and world class meals. Excelente, said my tongue. In short, I arrived at Athens airport after one and half hour stop at Istanbul Turkey.

Bu Tati has waited for me at the meeting point and immediately took me to the Amalia hotel by bus. On the way to the hotel we shared everything as this was the first time we met directly. Arriving at the hotel, I got the key directly so I can put all my luggage at room 414, a medium single room with view overlooking Acropolis. I had to recharge my cellphone for a while because Bu Tati has bought me a Vodafone card. Shortly after that, we went directly to Acropolis on foot because it's so close.