A city girl way to enjoy the wilderness in the Canadian Rockies

(A much delayed post of my mountain adventure last summer from July 18th to 25th)

The 2010 summer mountain excursion was made with a friend who had never before been to Canadian Rocky Mountains. Together we proved that if you are willing to give up on a few “luxuries” (especially if you are traveling during high tourist season) it doesn’t have to be an expensive.

She flew out from Toronto, for a week. Just like any road trip, a mountain road trip means being well equipped. This means bringing items that a person may for a week to survive in the mountains. As the planner, I had more wilderness experience then my travelling partner  and I decided to ditch the money saving idea of camping and instead optted for a more comfortable indoor “hostel stay”. Reason:  I didn’t want to be the one hitting pots and pans to scare away the bears.

The car resembled that of campers (minus tent and sleeping bags):

• Cooler (with food and beverages)
• iPod (with maps, music and email reservations); and,
• our bags of clothing.

The first stop on the road trip was Jasper for two nights. Summer is a busy time of the year so I booked all our beds in advance. We saved extra money by staying dorms instead of private rooms. We arrived quite late on our first night and had just enough time to set our things down and make our beds before it “lights out”. Hungry and tired, we shared a box of KD before going to bed in preparation of exploration the next day.

I hope the rest of you don’t get pulled into the tourist trap that we did (especially if you have access to a vehicle). Sure, you will get tempted by “tour” signs and shinny brochures. But before booking go to the information booth and double check all the details. You may be able to do it for the fraction of the cost. That’s what we did for the wilderness tour. Instead of booking one, we found out which hiking trail was around the area that the tour bus was going to take and drove out instead. So, not only did we see wildlife on the road, we enjoyed a nice scenic route around Maligne Lake. After our self guided tour we decided on a quick gondola trip up Whistlers peak for a bird’s eye view before sun down.

We weren’t so lucky with the next travel brochure that razzled and dazzled. We both wanted to visit a glacier since it is a life time experience. The tour was scheduled to leave the next day. The experience was spectacular, but it was a mistake that could have saved us each over $50 and a lot of time backtracking.

But we didn’t do our research or even bother to look at a map. The bus left Jasper early in the morning and the tour took us to Glacier and a mid-way stop to Athabasca Falls. After returning to Jasper in the afternoon we headed back in the same direction we had just been in to see the Glacier and made our way  to Banff.

Banff was our adventure stop. We spent two nights and enjoyed white water rafting and the hot springs. Banff is a lot bigger and more commercialized then Jasper seeing how it was our first time there for the both of us we took in the city including the tourist shops and restaurants. After our fun filled stop we headed down to Calgary.

The drive to Calgary was a shorter one compared to the other day hauls. On the way there we discussed our visit to Drumheller and we were both excited for the room that was booked in Calgary with air mile redemption. The hotel had a pool! As luck would have it, our rooms were pool side. When we got there we unloaded our stuff into the hotel room and visited some friends, called it an early night for our next adventure to Drumheller.

I hadn’t heard of Drumheller until I moved out west. So those of those that don’t know about it, you should Google it. It’s so much fun. It resembles a desert and there’s dinosaur stuff everywhere including the museum. There’s something to do for everyone. We hung around there for a whole day felt like a kid again looking at huge dino stuff! After feeling minuscule against the giant bones, we headed back to Calgary for the last night of our Mountain Trip before my Toronto friend was to fly back home and me back to the reality of Northern Alberta.

A new adventure on the horizon..

Mother nature has ushered in winter and I still haven't shared my late summer adventures! How horrible of me.

The two major road trips that "Yari the Yaris" carried me through included a week through the Rocky Mountains and a longer trip to visit family in our neighboring country that bear the flag of strips and stars.

Since I just got home from night shift, I'll write a little later about these trips. It'll take my mind off the next trip I'm in the middle of planning...

Taking it to a new verticle level.

Since my next big trip won't be until the fall I had to fill my sense of adventure somehow. One that wouldn't take me miles and miles away from home. My newest escapade doesn't even require a backpack; instead I will be equiping myself with a harness, rope, a few clips, special shoes etc.

Want a hint? It's two words begining with an "R" and ending with a "G". That's right. Rock climbing; indoor rock climbing to be exact. I've signed up for a ten-week program to learn how to rock climb.

Today was my first day. My fear almost had me back out of it. I drove through the parking lot three times before even parking my car. Let alone even walk through the door. I felt a little intimidated by all these little sporty cars equiped with bike racks and and mountain bikes. Thought perhaps I was out of my league. But when I walked in and found the class I realised besides the few that had a bit of experience rock climing I wasn't the only one that was scared. After going over a few basics I found myself in a harness begining to scale the wall.

My first attempt wasn't too successful. I made it half way up the wall until I found my hands so sweaty and I wasn't even able to think of how to put the chalk on my hands to get a grip. The second venture up a wall was a little bit easier with easier grips was a little more successful and I made it all the way up.

Now I'll have to see how the next class goes. At the moment with just one class under my belt, I can completely understand why it is considered an addictive sport.

The Voyage Back

This posting is a little delayed as my voyage back home was one that was a little hectic and once “real life” started again, I just didn’t find the time to post it.

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Day 20 – March 17
Where was I - Plovdiv (Bulgaria) – Alexandropoulos (Greece)

The journey from Bulgaria to Greece was made by bus during the day. It was a good change. I got to see some rolling hills and mountains. On the highway some locals still rode in horse and carriage and people were plowing their land with a horse.

It was a little bit of a different ride this time because no one spoke any English. But that didn’t stop communication. The bus attendant was wonderful, although we both didn’t know each other’s native tongue we mostly communicated through hand gestures. (Thank goodness I’m French; it comes like second nature).

When we got to the Border for Bulgaria/Greece I envisioned a repeat of what had happened when I came into Turkey/Bulgaria (when the bags were searched). The attendant made sure I was the first off. My passport was looked at and stamped then I crossed the border by foot. I went to the duty free to order coffee. I felt at home even though I ordered in Greek. The simple Greek phrases I knew felt comforting.

The bus ride continued to a routine stop to what I assume is a regular stop. The store owners/workers acted as translator between the bus attendant and I to whom all we had before was our hand gestures.

Finally we got to Alexandropoulos. I bid my farewell to my new friend and went to find the hotel I booked prior in Plovdiv. Although it was maybe a 2-star, I felt like I was staying in a 5-star. After dropping off my stuff, I explored the city to get my train ticket to Athens. My high speed train was scheduled to leave early in the morning so off to bed I went so I wouldn’t miss my train.

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Day 21 – March 18
Where was I – Alexandropoulos/ Thessaloniki /Athens

When you go to Europe dear future travelers; remember they like to strike. My airline was going on strike Mar 20 I was already in a race with time to try to get out of Greece and maybe make it home on time for work.

I got up at 4:00 a.m. gathered the clothing I had hand washed around the room and went to the front desk to order a taxi. SURPRISE! Taxi’s were on strike. I grabbed my bags and ran to the bus stop hoping that I could catch a bus. After about ten minutes of waiting, a bus came. But with the stops and passengers hopping on I was three minutes late for my train. Yes, I said 3-minutes…. And there were no more high speed trains that day, no trains till afternoon I was told. This meant I wouldn’t have made my timeline for the plane. I tried to get a refund so I could try to manage to hop on a bus, but apparently they don’t believe in refunds.

I felt destitute. So I sat in the train station. Perhaps out of pity, perhaps because I was ruining the feng-shui but after about an hour of waiting an English speaking person helped me get on a train with a lay-over in Thessaloniki to Athens. Although this was going to take a little longer, it was going to still get me to Athens that day. So I jumped at the opportunity.

The train ride to Thessaloniki was a great one. I made friends with the conductor; he told me which side to sit at and pointed out scenic points. It was great because it got me to forget about how badly I needed to get to Athens.

My exploration of Thessaloniki was a short and small one because I didn’t want to stray far from the train station in fear of missing my next departure. The next train to Athens was a high speed train, by this time it was dark outside so I slept most of the way as there wasn’t much to see and I was getting anxious to get to the airport. Once I got to Athens it was around 11p.m. and I took the metro to the airport and got there around midnight with yet another delay in my journey. The ticket booth for the airline I was with was closed.

The information desk told me that it was going to open at 4 a.m. so I decided there was no point in getting a hotel room since I knew I wasn’t going to get any sleep and I wanted to be one of the first in line for a flight out. So for the night I became an airport bum.

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Day 22 – March 19
Where was I –Athens (Greece) - London (England)

The airport had free internet access stations where I got into contact with an old family friend who was studying in England who told me I could stay at his place if I so happened to become stuck. I started to feel like perhaps I wasn’t destitute. Waiting till 4 a.m felt long, but when it came around I found out the booth didn’t actually open till 6 a.m…. so I waited some more.

Finally, 6 a.m. came around. The ticket booth attendant was able to get me on a flight to London. But wasn’t able to get me to Canada until the next day. I took the offer and off to London I went to visit with a friend.

Now, when I got to London I went to take the metro with directions in hand. Looking at the Metro map I was a little confused. SO I found an attendant. Trying to formulate my sentence to ask directions in Greek, I must have looked like an idiot until he finally asked me if he could help. My response “oh you speak English”.

I finally got to my friends place; luckily he had a class, so I had a nap. After which, we went to a bowling club where I got the chance to bowl. Something I haven’t done in ages!

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Day 23 – March 20
Where was I –London (England)/Vancouver & Calgary (Canada)

After a night out in London I got up to explore a bit of London with the time I had left. It was beautiful. Took pictures. Became a tourist. Ordered coffee in English. Then back to the Airport I headed to catch my flight to Vancouver where in my sleep deprived state I tried to sleep most of the way.

I got to Vancouver and rushed to meet my plane that was going to take me to Calgary (that much closer to home).

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Day 24 – March 21
Where was I –Calgary/Edmonton/home

I woke up in a fright in the hotel bed. The first time in my vacation wondering where I was and where I had to be. I felt like I was in a ferry cabin but couldn’t remember how I had gotten there. I finally got my bearings and realized I was almost home. I gathered my things, grabbed some breakfast and headed to the bus station so I could head to Edmonton.

In Edmonton a friend picked me up and we spoke of the trips we had both taken during the month I was away and finally I was home.

I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Hanging out in Bulgaria

Day 19 - March 16
Where was I - Sofia (Bulgaria)-Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
Lesson Learned - People everywhere are simply amazing and interesting.

Last night I went to bed at 9p.m.... i was so exhausted I didn't even hear the other two people that came into the domitory. I was also the last one to wake up but I made my way downstairs to the breakfast where I met a few other hostellers. One of which was an older gentleman from France. He had come to Sofia to visit but didn't know any English so since there was a language I was more then happy to help him explain to the hostel staff that he wanted a private room. Afterwards, I made my way to the bus station to catch my bus to Plovdiv.

I got to Plovdiv and got lost. Here there was alot less people that were able to speak english then in Sofia. It was trial and error as the map I had wasn't the best. Many people were sending me to the wrong direction... so it took me about two hours to finally give up and hire a cab to the old city. I wasn't even that far. It was only 2 Leva (Bulgarian Dollars). From there I had to walk about 15 minutes to the hostel. My Hostel was in the old city where cars are not allowed to drive.

Once I dropped of the back pack I was free to explore and book  my bus for Alexandropolis.

I arrived at the hostel at dark after my exploring. I met a fellow hosteller who was also from France. He was a couple of weeks in on backpacking around the world. Very interesting stories and I'm sure he will have many more.You can check him out at  www.revedhommelibre.com


The hostel worker was also interesting and very sweet. She had a didgeridoo (Australian Horn) and she told of an amazing story. I guess a bulgarian had made it, it didn't belong to anyone, instead it is passed from person to person who wanted to learn how to play it. I guess a new trend on the underground music scene. Simply incredible!


So then before bed I checked my email, and that's when I found out that my flight has been cancelled since the company I'm booked with is going on Strike... so now my travels to athens will be expedited in hopes of perhaps getting a flight home sooner... cross your fingers folks... otherwise I don't know when I can get home...


Tomorrow I'm off to Alexandropolis. There is no hostel there that I was able to find so I'm staying at a hotel...

Day in Sofia with new made friends

Day 18 - March 15
Where was I - Sofia (Bulgaria)
Lesson Learned - A calm day can be a nice day.

We got in a little late to Sofia today because we had about a 2hr wait at the Turkish/Bulgarian border. Apparently they decided to go through the bus (something they don't usually do). We all had to open our bags for the border police to ensure that we weren't bringing anything in that we weren't suppose to?

By the time we got to Sofia my new made friend rushed off to class as I slowly walked my way to find the hostel. After finding my hostel I explored the city by foot, took pictures. And looked like a tourist.

Now I know I've mentioned in a previous post that it was cold in Istanbul. It's colder here in Sofia. In fact there is snow on the ground. So almost broke down and bought a pair of jeans (thinking that they are a lot thinker then the summer pants I have on hand). But I've decided against it. All I've been able to find are skinny jeans. Not that I have anything against skinny jeans but that would just mean a whole wardrobe change (like the need of buying high boots). So I'll just have to deal with it until I get home I guess.

But I've decided that my next backpacking journey will include a pair of jeans. I don't care what all the guidebooks and websites say. I miss my jeans.

Later in the afternoon I received a call and I had my own private local tour guides who took me around the city and out for dinner. It was indeed a wonderful night.

Tomorrow I'm off to Plovdiv (Bulgaria). I'm going to stay at the Hikers Backpackers Hostel recommended to me by my Spanish roommate in Istanbul.

Istanbul by day... bus trip by night to Sofia.

Day 17 - March 14
Where was I - Istanbul (Turkey)
Lesson Learned -Something scary doesn't have to remain scary.

I got up early this morning and went to the Turkish bath. Figured why not... well I have to say about that over the internet is that it is an experience...Afterward it was a decent time for people... and I said my just-in-case-goodbyes to my roommates prior to leaving with the Spanish boys for a trek around the city.

Me and my three body guards did a huge walk around visited street bazaars, mosques, palaces etc. Followed by a ferry to see the castles that we didn't get to see by foot and saw the bridge from Europe to Asia. Then dinner and back to the hostel.

I must say, it's cold on mainland. I went from being 20-28 degrees in the islands to about 7-10 degrees in Istanbul. I have to admit I'm not totally prepared... just layers, layers, layers.

After dinner I took a Taxi to the bus station as I had totally not read the time that I was suppose to catch my shuttle bus. I got to the bus station with only ten minutes to spare before leaving. Upon getting on my bus I started to read my Bulgaria guide I got in Istanbul by my roomate..

The girl sitting next to me saw what I was reading and spoke English and asked me if I was going to Sofia. Of course this opened up conversation and we talked. She is from Turkey but studying medicine in Bulgaria. We  exchanged numbers so she could show me the city tomorrow after her classes.
  

Treck along to Istanbul....

Day 15/16 - March 12/13
Where was I - Marmarıs (Turkey) - Istanbul (Turkey)
Lesson Learned -Istanbul can be a little scary as a solo gal...

First of all you got to picture the owner of the hostel offered to give me a ride on his moped to the bus station for my bus. So here I am with my backpack, daybag and foodbag. I felt like I was doing some sort of balancing act. I can't even imagine what he felt like driving through the traffic with stuff like that on his moped...


Anyhow, we got to the bust station on time and no issues.The bus was a Mercedes-Benz. Sounds Posh right? Well it was. Individual televisions for everyone, plus if you wanted to listen to music you had control as to what you watch. It was great. Until we reached our first pick-up/drop-off, where the bus stalled and wouldn't start. So the driver and two other bus workers tinkered with it until it began to work. No word of a lie, we must of gotten maybe ten minutes down the highway it stalled again.By this point, my Gravel kicks in and I pass out. But they must have been tinkering for about 2-hours by the time I woke up by someone talking in Turkish. Everyone began picking up their belongings and I started to do the same. Turns out another bus was on its way to save the day. Hurray! So our trip from then on continued with basicly nothing wrong.

I got to Istanbul around 11h00'ish. where I took the Metro to the Hostel I had booked. Of course I had some help along the way from the Police that are standing almost everywhere within the subway.I got to my hostel checked in for two days, headed to by my bus ticket for the next destination and explore.

With a ticket bought and set to leave in two days I went to explore. I knew I wasnt all that far from the blue Mosque so off i went. In the middle of the square-

Me:  (standing trying to decide which building was the blue mosque)
Man: "Hello, are you looking for something"
Me: "Yes, the Blue Mosque"
Man: "Oh it's right there" (points to the blue mosque)
Me: "Thank you"
Man: "Where are you from?"
Me: "Canada"
Man: "Wow, that's far"
Me: "Yes"
Man: "Have you heard of the Turkish bath"
Me: "Yes, I've booked one already"
Man: "Oh, which one"
Me: "I don't remember which one"
Man : "You shouldnt have booked it in advance"
Me: "well I booked it through my hotel since they offer a discount for their patrons"
Man: "Did you know they have turkish baths shared by men and woman"
Me: "Really."
Man: "Ya, do you want to go with me?"
Me: "No, but I have to go to the Blue mosque" (And I continued to walk....)

So Along I went and visited the blue mosque, eye of sofia, the Basilica Cistern etc.... All along the way typical store and restaurant front personel were -

"Hey aussie Lady come talk to me"
or
"Aussie girl come make my life dream a reality" ... etc

(Why they thought I was an Aussie, I have no idea.)

But that's along the moment I started to walk towards where I bought my bus ticket to change the ticket to leave the night of March 14 and changed the hostel booking for a one-night stay.

I hung around the hostel for a bit, started to get hungry and saw an American guy that was sharing my room and asked him if he wanted to go out to eat (there was no way I was going on there alone). He agreed and met me in the lobby with our other roommate who was from Spain and we wandered Isbanbul by night. What a difference it was to walk the street with two men then walking it alone!

We got back to the hostel and they were getting ready to meet up with some people. I decided to stay in as I kind of had enough of the Istanbul shenanigans for one day. So they went out and I sat in the Hostel commune room having a coffee and I met three Spanish guys (who work in Germany). We talked, played chess and they convinced me to go for a walk in the streets at night then invited me with them then next day to tour the city the next day with them. I accepted.

The exploratıon of Marmarıs...

Day 15 - March 12

Where was I - Marmarıs (Turkey)
Lesson Learned - People and theır frıendlıness just never stop to amaze me
 
Although I am faırly ındependant ıt made me a lıttle sad knowıng that my Canadıan frıends and are were partıng ways today as they contınue further ınto the land they call Turkey. But that dıdnt stop me from exploration.
 
I started walkıng wıth no partıcular mıssıon except knowıng that I wanted to see the castle by the port. So I began walkıng through the market towards the general area. Streets here aren't as of a Labyrinth style as some of the Greek ısland towns but I just couldn't seem to fınd the entrance. So fınally I asked an older gentleman that was sıttıng outsıde hıs door wıth two other people. They ınformed me the castle was closed until 13h00 so they brought me tea and we spoke. It's funny how even though we have a language barrier, we were able to sıt and talk and laugh.
 
After this one of the men older who owns a souvenir shop opened up hıs doors to hıs shop just for me to look and he asked for a kıss on the cheek. So I dıd (ıts the European thing to do) and he moved hıs head... sneaky old men... lol
 
But ıt was tıme for me to contınue my exploring. So I dıd so. A restaurant attendant saw me and told me to sıt for tea and talk to hım about where I was from... So I dıd.We talked and while I was there the table next to me was a couple who I started to talk to. We talked about Turkey and they told me of all the places I should vısıt but unfortunately I just don't have the tıme during this trıp and they were wıllıng to take me to theır town for a vısıt. But tıcket bought to Istanbul and with a limited schedule to head back to Athens I had to decline. 
 
Durıng our conversation I had mentioned how ıt wasn't faır that the Amerıcans just have to pay a 15euro levy for a vısa while Canadıans have to pay 45 euros. And it's not. So just a heads up to all Canadians going there... lol.
 
So my day wıll contınue to be exploring..and I wıll taking my 15hr bus to Istanbul tonıght at 21h00. My papa bear would be proud as I have even bought some wool and knıttıng needles to help waste tıme on the bus.
 
I wısh I had perhaps dedicated many more days to Turkey... It ıs just so beautıful! I guess that ıs a trıp for another tıme.....

To Marmarıs par mer...

Day 14 - March 11
Where was I - Rhodes (Island of Rhodes) & Marmarıs (Turkey)
Lesson Learned - Be sure to keep Rakkı ın moderation.


I woke up wıth a slight headache this mornıng. I think I wıll blame ıt on the Rakkı I drank last nıght. I met a nıce Greek man on the ısland who nıcely ıntroduced me to some of hıs frıends and took me to a club to experience the Greek nıghtlıfe. Its not much dıfferent then a typical club except ı dıdnt understand most of the songs :p

After I took my shower and Tylenol I was good to go. I wondered a lıttle bıt more around the old cıty: got to an ınternet cafe to book my next accommodations ın Marmarıs (Turkey). Because Sea bound I was again.

I took my two gravel and passed out once I was on the boat. Thıs trıp was brutal. I was expectıng a 45mın ferry rıde on a sımılar cruise shıp that I have been taking up tıll now... but ıt wasn't ıt turned out to be a 3hr rıde on a tıny lıttle boat. But be proud of me, I dıdnt get sıck.

Once we got to the boarder crossıng we had to present our passports for a Vısa, everywhere I had read said ıt was about 15 euros. Turns out ıt was 45 for Canadıans but 15 for Amerıcans!! CRAZY. After customs we found our hostel ın Marmarıs and ate some dınner and walked about.

Our walk found us to a lıttle pub we decided to partıcıpate ın an ımpromtu game of Trıvıa wıth a crowd of English people. We dıdnt wın. But alas we were at least half the age of the rest of the partıcıpants, wıth half the experience and we dıd get OVER half the points :)

Tonıght I leave for Istanbul. I decided to maxımıse my tıme I'm taking the overnight bus. It leaves at 9pm tonıght and wıll get there at 10 am.... thus ıt saves me a nıght of accommodation.

Rhodes, a walk through history.

Day 13 - March 10
Where was I -  Rhodos (Island of Rhodes)
Lesson Learned - The Unexpected can be beautiful

Today, I did a lot of walking around the old medieval city of Rhodes. It's simply incredible. I visited the castle of the Knights, walked around the city in a Moat, visited the gates of St.Paul, ect.... Simply put with one word, "WOW".  It felt like a walk through the past.

Of course, throughout my  walks I found a laundromat! Finally! I was so excited. It was a little pricey as they didn't have the "do-your-own-wash" kind. It cost 5-euros for the wash and dry of my one load of laundry but I don't think I've ever been so excited to have clean clothes. My vast amount of underwear and socks back home seems like a luxury.

I'm on day 13 and I think I've visited 7 islands (Syros, Tinos, Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes). I never really planned on coming to Rhodes but as it's winter time here and the ferries don't operate as frequent as in the summer so Rhodes was my way to mainland. My ferry for Marmaris (Turkey) leaves tomorrow at 14h00.

Once in Turkey, I begin my journey back to Athens on land as my flight leaves Mar 21 back home. This means I leave the ferry trips and turn them in for buses and trains. After a night in Marmaris I plan to go to Istanbul for a night or two, thereafter, onwards to either Thessaloniki or maybe a night in a city in Bulgaria. We shall see...

Onto Rhodes...

Day 12 - March 9
Where was I - Hereklion (Island of Crete ) & Rhodos (Island of Rhodes)
Lesson Learned - With the help of gravel, I may have a chance to become a sea person again :)

The ferry was scheduled to leave at 5:40 a.m. this morning. Everyone that knows me, knows that I hate waking up in the morning. But I managed to wake up early and on time. I got up excited for some clean clothes... unfortunately I didn't take into account for the humidity of the Aegean sea, my clothes weren't dry. Oh well I packed them into some zip-lock bags in hopes of finding a laundry mat in Rhodos once I got  there. But this meant I had to put on some wet socks.
 
All packed and ready to go I walked over to the Port to catch my ferry. My fingers were crossed because if this ferry was canceled today the next ferry out wouldn't be until Saturday. Luckily the coast police told me that it was leaving just going to be leaving late at around 7a.m....
 
The eleven-hour ferry was pretty uneventful. I pretty much put myself in a Gravel induced sleep and I didn't get sea sick. Once we got to Rhodos it was dark so three of us, Scott, Christine and I were in search of the hostel in the old-city. Turns out it was closed. So then we went in search of hotels. After some shady shops we finding found a little Pension house ran by a little old lady who would rent us two rooms for $40 euros a night. Seeing how our ferry for Marmaris, Turkey leaves on Thursday (March 10) this was perfect... there's always good at the end of the road...

Leaving Rethymno...

Day 11 - March 8
Where was I - Rethymno  & Heraklion  (Island of Crete)
Lesson Learned - I really can't stand watching and listening to someone puke on a bus.

Today was the second night I stayed at the Rethmno Youth Hostel (Highly recommended to anyone that goes to Crete). The Sahara wind was blowing. It was a little odd because I'd look at the sky and expect snow or rain and cold. But it was 24 degrees and the wind was just blowing dust. Later in the afternoon I took the bus to Hekelion where I looked up a budget hotel.

The bus ride was but an hour but there was a poor girl that was sitting in front of me that just lead over the isle and projectile vomit a few times. Now normallyl I don't have too much of a weak stomach, but man in the heat of the bus and the smell of the oniony & garlicy smell and the motion of it going up and down the isle... not too good for my stomach as we are going up, down and around the mountains. But don't worry, I didn't puke. I was strong... I thought of happy things like flowers, sunshine (actually i rubbed hand sanitizer on my hands a few times and smelt that).


When I got to Hekelion I was actually a little excited because I fugured having a private bath would mean that I could wash a few items by hand in the sink and dry....

My fingers were crossed for the ferry to leave for Rhodos the next day at 5:40a.m. (with not too many waves).

Irish pub

Day 10 - March 7
Where was I - Rethymno (Island of Crete)
Lesson Learned - A day to relax is okay.

Yesterday on the bus I met some fellow Canadians who were staying at the same hostel. It was nice to meet somepeople from back home as it seems I've met more Americans then Canadians. In the evening we went in search of a recommended Irish Pub. We wondered the labrynth type streets asked for some directions, until we were in front of a little bar type situation where the owner came outside, we asked him if he was an Irish pub. He said yes. So we went in. He gave us Raki, we ordered wine and beer. After awhile we looked around and asked if he really was an Irish Pub because it had no resemblance to an Irish pub whatsoever. He laughed and shook his head no and brought us some food and introduced us to his friends.

After we were finished our wine we started to walk towards our hostel. What did we find around the corner? The Irish pub. We walked in and realised it was nowhere near as fun or cheap as the other "Irish Pub" that we discovered.

Today is Sunday, with this in mind alot of things are closed. So a little exploration to a Vanetian Castle was in order. Nothing too big, just a day to chillax and relax on a nice island with good people.

Ferry trials...

Day 9 - March 6
Where was I - Island Santorini/Rethymno & Heraklion (Island of Crete)
Lesson Learned - I would make a very bad sea captain

This morning Math and I split ways as he had to return to normal life and I have more of an adventure to continue. My ferry left at 9:30 a.m. to go to Crete. Up until now I have done much travelling by sea in the past nine-days and have been impressed thus far with my ability to handle the sea.

I didn't know that it had been a calm sea up until now until today on a rough sea. I had the hardest time even standing straight. I tried ridding in the ships cafeteria but had to go below deck for most of the trip where I... just was. There was several times that the ship workers came up to me to ask me if I was okay. Apparently I was green. Luckly the three hour boat ride did not lead to any spuwing of chunks.Needless to say I was quite happy to finish the ferry ride.

Upon exiting the port, I found the bus station to go from Heraklion to Rethymno where I had booked a few nights in a hostel there. The ride through the mountains was heavenly... olive trees/grape, goats, sheep, ocean...