Dear Belgium

Mon Cherie, 

It is with deep sadness that I need to tell you something.  We are leaving you. I know, I know you have been noting but wonderful to us.  We have so many great memories that you will always be thought of if not daily till I'm old and gray.  

Your mood of constant cold, gray and wetness I have learned to accept as a part of being with you.  Your laid back attitude, combined with your grand beauty will never be matched to anything else I will ever know.  

I have so much enjoyed visiting with your friend Paris, please say Au revoir for me if I don't get to see her before we go.  

Merci, Merci Merci for everything and I hope to see you again in my life time. 

Love, 

Jill, Joe and Foxy

Athens day 1

Our trip started out rocky after almost being taken off our flight in Brussels due to the fact that there was 1 to many pets in the cabin of our flight. Yes that right the people sitting in front of us had a cat. After much debating in Dutch they had decided to let both of the pets stay on the plane. As both Joe and I could breath a little easier after that situation. (You know Joe was thinking that damn dog)
Then our plane from Amsterdam to Athens was encountering major head winds that made our flight a 1 ½ late. My schedule for Friday was getting totally thrown off. We hit the ground running and never slowed down the whole trip.
After checking in to our hotel (St. George Lycabettus) which was at up a little on the mountain Lycabettus.

View from our hotel balcony-score I just booked the hotel because they allowed dogs

We were staying a little ways up the first mountain in the distance. Take from the acropolis.

We headed down to Monastiraki Square for light dinner of Souvlaki at Thanassis. Which was wonderful. Then we walked to the central Market they were almost all closed up and checked out the fresh fish and fresh meats. Close by was Krinos where we had dessert.

My souvlaki sandwich 

Loukoumades - doughnut like things with hot honey drizzled on them

Being completely satisfied with our first Greek meal we walked to Syntagmatos/Parliament to see the Greek guards.

Joe took about 5 photos of the guards this night and they all are amazing photos good job honey

Next stop Lycabettus Mountain. Well we got there and a German couple was waiting to go up to the top and some how the German guy made a deal with the taxi driver to take all of up to the top. It all happened so fast that my head was spinning. Just another story for my blog I thought as we all piled in the taxi (Foxy too)
We took the funicular down and called it a night because tomorrow was another adventure for us.

The Funicular

view from the top-Acropolis in the distance

This photo is from the central market fish area-it is a shark head laying on the ground. Because it was the end of the day there was blood and fish slim all over the ground. Highly suggest getting there earlier so you don't have to walk through it.  I also hope they didn't catch the shark just for the fin for soup!  That is not right never eat shark fin soup! 

fires

I'm adding this to the blog - due to the fact when i lived in Chicago one night I was awoke by people yelling and ringing my door bell. Thinking it was drunks I ingorned it till they kept it up and I looked out my window to see huge flames. It was one of the scariest things I have ever been thorough. I grabbed my two guinea pigs (yes guinea pigs don't laugh) and left wearing just my boxers and tank top. There were neighbors with our garden hoses spraying the door so we would get out and on the house till the fire department could get there. Another neighbor gave me some sock and the other tenants clothes. I don't wish a fire on anyone it is terrible.

Damage to the house - My windows were cracked, and my air conditioner was melted from the heat. It was started by some guys going around lincoln park area started decks garages and other structures on fire so the fire department had a busy night that night.

Fun Friday

We went to Athens for 5 days this week (photo taken Saturday) - check back next week for the photos and stories from our big fat Greek adventure. 

What?

Belgium news that you probably did not hear.

OVERIJSE - Up to 44 kilos (97 pounds) of gold were stolen on Friday afternoon when an individual attacked one of the local ING bank's customer who was checking the content of his safe in the vault room. The thief passed a hood over the customer's face who was gagged and tied. The thief apparently got away unseen as the bank's cameras were not in operation. (Source:xpats.com)

Yeah I just need to go to the bank and check on my 97 pounds of gold!!!

Are you American?

Everyone always says how can you tell Americans in Europe.  This photo should answer that question.  It was taken in Paris in September when I was participating in a walking tour.  There were more white tennis shoes huddled around but I believe they figured out what I was doing and walked away. 

pink bike

Not sure what this means but it was Hot Pink and on the road.  

Lights, Action, Water

They are still putting the finishing touched on Place Flagey.  The new tram stop is almost done then it will be 100% finished. (hopefully by december) 

Fun Friday

I have my our street in Prague!