Turkey and Greece

Timeline

1. 1
   FlightJan 25Adelaide, Australia27°C

   My journey begins

   With a flight from Adelaide to Doha and then onto Istanbul

   
2. 2
   FlightJan 26Doha, Qatar15°C

   4hr stopover in Doha

   And calls with my boys and the lovely Ericka

   
3. 3
   FlightJan 26Istanbul, Turkey10°C

   Arrived safe and sound

   Had an issue with my travel sim though which left me getting to the hotel on the metro without internet but I made it 😎

   
4. 4
   SightseeingJan 27Hippodrome of Constantinople, Turkey10°C

   Lots of mosques and history

   Today I walked around the historical centre to learn about the histories of Turks, Roman’s and Ottomans. Was really interesting

   
5. 5
   TourJan 28Bursa, Turkey10°C

   Day trip to Bursa started with

   A Turkish coffee and a Turkish delight factory. Not sure what Cadbury has been doing all these years; these are amazing

   
6. 6
   TourJan 28Sarıalan, Turkey7°C

   Surprising trip to the snow

   I actually didn’t realise the tour would take me to the top of Mount Olympos (not Olympus). Was amazing to be in the snow, more so because it was unexpected

   
7. 7
   TourJan 28Meydancık, Turkey10°C

   Green Mosque, nearly

   Nearly caused an international incident apparently as the guard didn’t like the way I took off my shoes?? He stood menacingly in the doorway and I decided I didn’t care much to see another mosque after all,. Was very awkward and weird after a long day on the road

   
8. 8
   TourJan 29Istanbul, Turkey10°C

   Early start for Gallipoli tour

   Exciting to check off a bucket list item 💯

   
9. 9
   TourJan 29Anzac Beach, Turkey17°C

   Anzac Cove

   
10. 10
    SightseeingJan 30Istanbul, Turkey13°C

    Meeting a friend & more city exploration

    Met up with a friend and we explored the city together. We got over to the “asian side” of Istanbul, but I will need to come back and explore more next time

    
11. 11
    FlightJan 31Istanbul, Turkey9°C

    Back in the airport

    Greece here I come!

    
12. 12
    SightseeingJan 31Athens, Greece18°C

    Athens is very different to Istanbul

    But so far I like it 😎 It feels good to be here and exploring Athens. We do have a family connection to Greece through Pop, although on this trip I didn’t have time to get to the island of his family.

    
13. 13
    SightseeingJan 31Athens, Greece18°C

    It's great to officially be in Europe

    Walking around and experiencing the history is one of my happy places and Athens is just incredible.

    
14. 14
    SightseeingJan 31Athens, Greece14°C

    Athens at night is spectacular

    The way that they light up the monuments and historical buildings is just breath taking…

    
15. 15
    SightseeingJan 31National Observatory of Athens, Greece13°C

    Athens Observatory

    I did this tour for Jaxon and his passion of astronomy and all things space but I enjoyed the tour myself. The history of astronomy was interesting to listen too and witness at this significant site in Athens.

    
16. 16
    TourFeb 1Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Greece16°C

    "Free" walking tour was great

    The guide was quite the character but it was very enjoyable but dangggg it was warm

    
17. 17
    SightseeingFeb 1Filopappou Hill, Greece18°C

    Filopappou Hill

    A lovely walk through the huge park and explore the various monuments and the spectacular 360 degree views

    
18. 18
    SightseeingFeb 2Greece9°C

    Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves

    Amazing history and views from Meteora. The “Hermits” are monks who chose to live in the caves.

    
19. 19
    OtherFeb 3Athens, Greece13°C

    A cool little spot for some work

    
20. 20
    SightseeingFeb 3Theatre of Dionysos, Greece16°C

    Acropolis was a must of course

    
21. 21
    SightseeingFeb 6Plateía Karytsi, Greece5°C

    Santorini 🙃🤨😢

    Unfortunately I was unable to get to Santorini on this trip as planned. They’ve been having hundreds of earthquakes and when thinking about still going I thought “if it was Ericka and the boys going, would I be happy?”; the answer was obviously no.

    I spent a couple of extra days in Athens instead but ended up resting with a sore throat, trying to make sure I’m feeling good for the retreat.Read more

22. 22
    SightseeingFeb 6Grave Stele of Dexileos, Greece8°C

    Ancient cemetery

    Last day in Athens so checking out some more Archaeological sites. This cemetery and museum was very cool and just in the middle of the old town area.

    
23. 23
    SightseeingFeb 6Agora Museum, Greece8°C

    Ancient Agora of Athens

    Another Archaeological site in the centre of the city. It’s amazing the history that most locals walk past without a second glance!

    
24. 24
    HotelFeb 6Artémida, Greece8°C

    One night in Artemida

    Got to the coast; but it’s cold and miserable. Picked this hotel because they have a shuttle to the airport and the trip from Athens city is stressfully far away for an early flight.

    Back to Turkey tomorrow for the retreat!

    
25. 25
    SightseeingFeb 6Church of the Pantanassa, Greece6°C

    Food of Greece

    
26. 26
    FlightFeb 7Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Greece6°C

    2 quick flights - ATH > IST > AYT

    
27. 27
    HotelFeb 7Antalya, Turkey8°C

    This place is amazing,

    I won’t be posting anything from the retreat but this hotel is beautiful

28. 28
    FlightFeb 11Doha, Qatar19°C

    One more flight

29. 29
    FlightFeb 12Mawson Lakes, Australia42°C

    Home!