Will I ever make it out of Athens?

I got to Athens, expecting to see Roman ruins and gyros as soon as I stepped off the plane. I found out quickly by following the crowds that you actually need to take a train almost an hour to get into the city. I somehow keep managing to get onto trains for free. Please don't report me or ask how. I make up for it by tipping the locals.

I booked a few nights at Athen's Backpackers. My plan was to check out Athens for a day or two and then head down to the islands. I ended up staying Athens for five nights though because I was kept at the hospital. I realize now, after this whole endeavor, that I was probably being scammed. Well technically my insurance company was being scammed. I've had a persistent sore throat for weeks and weeks, it got to the point where I decided I should see a doctor, especially before I go to India in a week. I got clearance from my insurance to visit a private clinic that specializes in seeing foreigners. They took a look at me, and with much exaggerated concern told me I need to be hospitalized. I didn't know what the big deal was but went along with it, they're doctors right? Anyway, many tests, appointments, labs and days later they let me go with some over-the-counter medicine and I was totally fine. Looking back at this, 99% of it was not necessary.

After the hospital cleared me from my deathly sore throat I was feeling pretty bummed and annoyed about this wrench in my plans. I decided I would be hermit and read my book in my hostel bed all Saturday night. An Australian from my room convinced me to meet him and a few others at an Irish pub to watch the England vs. South Africa Rugby playoff game. I thought why not, I could cheer on Springboks. The pub was PACKED. Shoulder to shoulder, most people rooting for England. England was crushing South Africa, to the point where I was actually feeling bad for the Springboks. In the last ten minutes of the game South Africa turned it around and WON (they ended up winning the World Cup a week later). I could hear cheering from the other side of the pub and that's where I found my South Africans. I told them I studied abroad in Port Elizabeth, and was instantly given a Springbok beret and a beer. They were absolutely beside themselves at the Springbok's victory. Dancing on tables and singing the national anthem multiple times. This giant, wild group of South African's took me in and we celebrated until the sun came up the next day. They treated me like I was their own and I met some incredible people. South Africans have had a special place in my heart since the moment I stepped foot in that beautiful country in 2019. I have yet to see that kind of community anywhere else. Here I was in an Irish pub, in Greece having the best time with South Africans. Worlds collide.

My wasted days in the hospital and waiting for follow-ups were made up for the people I met in Athens, and it's because of these people that I couldn't get myself to leave. I hung out with an awesome group of "yachties" that work on yachts year-round and almost convinced me to join their crew. Though I don't think my experience of throwing buoys and tying ropes to little boats on the Mississippi would transfer on luxury yachts (No photos because we had that much fun together... I'll try to get better at this).

I also met an awesome group of girls. Two ladies from the Netherlands, two Germans and another teacher from Mexico. We got a traditional Greek meal together, the Moussaka was amazing, and stumbled upon a free outdoor concert. The music was a range of rage to rock and I loved every minute of it.

The rest of my time in Athens was spent walking around, exploring on my own, and collecting enough recommendations to plan my next adventure to the Greek Islands on the back of a take out bag. I spent some time at a cafe writing post cards as thank you's to friends and family who have generously helped support my trip so I can keep going and see more. I'm so grateful for this. It really goes a long way, you know who you are... THANK YOU. Keep an eye on your mail! I had to check out the Acropolis too, of course

Off to the Greek Islands next!

At the moment...

Listening to: Way it Goes Hippo Campus

Reading: Shantaram Gregory David Roberts