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.