Sunday, January 2, 2011

Athens to San Marino

Jan 1 - we boarded the Superfast ferry at Patras, Greece for an overnight crossing to Ancona, Italy. The dock at Patras was crawling with illegal immigrants from Africa who try to stow away on busses and trucks making the crossing. Our bus driver caught one guy trying to crawl into the engine compartment of our bus and chased him away. Apparently if they are turned over to the police they are beaten then released. No social safety net here. As a matter of fact, the ecomomy of Greece is in such bad shape many restaurants have been forced to reduce their menus to just the basics as evidenced by the first photo.
In the afternoon of Jan 2 we arrived in San Marino, a small, independent country located within Italy. We are staying in the old town and it is an absolute delight. Santa is still around so I couldn't resist a photo op. Duty Free shopping is the order of the day with many leather and shoe shops.
We ended the day with a group dinner where I taught everyone the spoon trick.


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1 comment:

  1. Hmmm.... hearing that there are tons of leather shops, I do hope that Debra remembers her friends at home... one of whom wear size 7.5 in a shoe ;-)

    We've finally bitten the bullet and signed on so we could tell you how much fun we're having following your tour.... haven't laughed out loud like that in ages !! Wishing you more happy and safe travels !

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