Some old and then some new tricks...

Hola from Espana!! Before we elaborate on how much we L-O-V-E Spain, we must tell you of our experience in ATHENA (Athens).  We arrived in Athens on Saturday and checked into our "5 star hotel". Caution: Don't EVER believe the pictures you see for Hotel Alma on the internet. They have a secret room that they photograph for the website OR they may even just go to another hotel and take some snapshots. We have to say we were in the Penthouse with our private terrace in room 808.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfkF977UhRo (please allow this to play for the remainder of the Athens portion of this blog.

As we opened the door that looks like it should be part of "The Shining", we found our beautiful accommodation for the night. This included bedbugs, a 4" TV on a shelf 2" just shy of the ceiling, cardboard towels that would cut your skin (one which was used by the previous tenant), and creepy flickering, fluorescent lights. A little bit of a downgrade from the villa and Despina's home. But we made the best of it.

It also reminded us of summer camps, which was an environment that the kitsos would like to forget. We quickly regrouped and set out for the Acropolis. Good thing we all were hungry and Bops was dying for a gyro. We stopped at a quaint little kebab shop and fueled up for the hike to the ancient Greek ruins.
The correct way to eat a gyro is seen below. It's messy and delicious... especially with a Greek beer.

At the bottom before the climb. See the enthusiasm.

Now to the Acropolis. We chose the hottest day EVER in the history of the Greeks to travel to the top of Athens. But we were determined to see this piece of history and it was worth the climb. Note: Do not climb on the ancient ruins. It does not matter if there are no signs or barriers you should just know better. And they will blow the whistle. Not that it happend or anything. Just be respectful.

Again. Enthusiasm. Excitement. The gyros are still in the tum tums. 

The next part will be a picture story of our journey up the hill/mountain to be closer to the Greek gods.
History lesson: Acropolis (Greek: Ακρόπολις) means "high city" in Greek. Alright enough history.

Maria with the most popular type of artwork in Athens. 

 But seriously, Athens is covered in graffiti EXCEPT in the metro. Its spotless. Very strange just like our visit there.

Otis and Mo just jammin away.

 We actually stopped to chat and listen to these two talented men from Congo. The only souvenirs we came back with from Greece are stones and a CD of original Congolian music by Otis and Mo. Surprised?

Just as tender. Both Maria ven aqui and the kitten.

 Wild cats are EVERYWHERE in Greece. They have actually gangs in Skiathos. They hang around the Old port waiting for the fish guts. And in Athens they are all at the fish market waiting for the same thing. Don't mess with the wild cats. They know how to survive on the streets. If they came up to us at dinner we just handed them our food. Scary and rough.

Painting of a silly Kitsos. Had to give a shout out. 

Heat stroke symptom. We gotta get Cops aqua FAST.

Well we know y'all are on the edge of your seats nervous with anticipation of whether or not we ACTUALLY made it....


Look!! THE PARTHENON!!!!

We know what you all are thinking. How are they ABOVE the Parthenon?? We were just impressed with the excellent condition that it was in. Those Greeks really know how to build sturdy structures.

When did we begin to feel stupid?? Right about the time we got to the Acropolis and saw the real deal.

Wow. We felt like a bunch of silly kitsos/burritos. Note: Burrito is a small donkey in Spanish. So, it was impressive. And a bit surreal. Sometimes when we see these wonders we feel a little like we are in Disney World. The 5000 tourist add to this feeling.

So, we made our way back to "The Plaza Hotel" and regrouped for our journey to Spain!!!


Isn't this a nice picture?

We thought so too. We also thought we would document the most EXPENSIVE water and sweet tea and fruit juice ever created!!!! It cost us 16 euros to re-hydrate after our hike down. NOT in the Kitsos budget. It really emptied the pot.



We thought we would hold off on Spain... gotta keep y'all on your toes. But here is a few hip pics.

First dinner that Maria ven aqui made us in her lovely home.

Roughing it in the new hammock on the terrace.

A view of Sant Pol de Mar. 

We are off to Barcelona in the morning to visit the Picasso museum and dine with Aina, Ana, and Maite!!

Buenas Noches,

The Three Kitsos