Greece--Day 4

Miss K holding the potholder she created

The morning of Day four, Miss K gifted me a woven potholder that she had made. I remember making embroidered potholders when I was her age. I was tickled to be gifted one of her creations!

James and Bob went to get coffee and pastry at Dave's coffee shop. After enjoying their selections, everyone packed up as this was the last day at our Athens VRBO. We applied sunscreen for another hot day.

Hole in a tree trunk at the botanical garden. We speculated that it must
be a home for a gnome.

Then Amanda,  Miss Ada, Miss K, Miss J, James, Nicole, and I rode the subway to see the Botanical Gardens. Viewing the gardens was free. It was a beautiful maintained garden set in a natural setting. We saw plants and animals such as ducks and turtles. Miss A, K, and J enjoyed seeing the ducks and the turtles. They had fun looking for the smallest turtle. We spent the most time watching the ducks and turtles.

Decorative design element near the Parliament building--I spy nine patches

There was a playground that Miss K thought cool; sadly, it was closed. Beyond the playground was the exit. As we left the garden, Amanda noted the time was approaching the hour. On the hour, at the Parliament building, you can see the changing of the military unit guards. It was a great opportunity to watch the guards' choreography. Many times they were with their backs to each other, yet, they still performed the routine in time with each other. There was no sound other than their shoes. It was a terrific show! The link is a You Tube video of them. Unfortunately, you can't hear the clicking sounds that they make with those shoes! 

Old tiles on display in the subway

We rode the subway to return to the condo. This subway station was huge. Inside were displays of archeological information as well as preserved old tiles. I saw a lot of quilting possibilities!

Waiting in line to board the ferry (Photo N. Knott)

Then it was off to catch the ferry. Originally, the ferry ride was going to be more than four hours; but only a 20-30 minute ride to the ferry via the train. But, the ferry changed the schedule which included where the ferry departed. Now it would take us an hour via a taxi to get to the ferry. The upside was the ferry ride would be a little over three hours.

Lots of people ride the ferry (Photo N. Knott)

When we arrived at the port, we found a restaurant and settled down for lunch. We shared dishes. I thought Miss K's pasta was better than mine. I also thought it would be served warm; but, it was served cold. We overall had a good lunch. Then we took our suitcases to the departure part of the harbor and waited to board the ship.

Ready to disembark (Photo N. Knott)

Boarding was easy but, getting our ticket scanned was crazy. You would think that there would be reader similar to what is used at airports. Instead, it is one man with a hand held scanner that scans each person's ticket! How people get on and off within the 15-20 minute time limit is a feat!

Bob and Nicole waited for us with Miss Ada so we could use the ramp. Nicole's partner got our tickets scanned, and we climbed up the ramp. Amanda and family used the stairs. I liked  Bob's and my seat location. We were in the last row so we could lean back and not be in anyone's lap. We had Miss Ada for a bit. We played Elmo 123 on Bob's iPad. She developed a love for Elmo!

Miss A getting in a little rest.
That little battery operated fan provided cooling relief! (Photo N. Knott)

After four ferry stops, we arrived at our destination--Naxos. James, Amanda, and Nicole's partner went to get the rental car and groceries. Everyone else found our driver. He loaded our bags and he drove us to our new place. 

Our villa

We saw parts of the island and found ourselves soon at our place. The car went through one gate, then another. We saw the big white villa. The owners greeted us and they walked us through the place. Once the tour was over, Miss K and Miss J were eager to jump in the pool. 

The pool

We did get in a swimming session. At first, Miss Ada wasn't sure about such a big bath tub; but, she liked the experience. When she had to get out because she was shivering, she cried! Miss K and Miss J showed me how they could swim the perimeter of the pool.

The face when Mom says it is time to get out of the pool

Bob grilled steaks. James, with Miss J's assistance, made a vegetable salad with onions, tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers. Their oil and vinegar dressing was delicious.