Next Stop: Aegina

After one day and one night in Athens we decided it was time to trek to a new spot! We found inexpensive ferry tickets to a small island only 40 minutes away called Aegina and off we went. About 10 minutes into out ride a man in a sailors uniform came and asked us if we'd like a picture, sure we replied! Then he excitedly inquired if we'd like a picture with the captain, again, we figured, why not? He motioned for us to follow him and up into the cockpit we went! Both the captain and co-captain spoke fairly good English and after chatting for just a few minutes the captain asked Monica if she'd like to drive. She laughed as if they were joking and then he turned to me, again asking, would we like to drive? I too couldn't really tell if he was serious but I was like "sure! Why not?!" and out of his chair he rose. Within seconds I was laughing and sure enough, driving the boat. 

For the next 20 minutes or so, Monica and I took turns driving the ferry and silently thinking "only in Greece, never would this be allowed in the U.S.".

When we finally arrived to the little island we instantly fell in love with its small town charm. There were horse drawn carriages lining the side of the street and almost everyone was driving scooters. Athens had been less than we'd imagined, but this picturesque scene was just like those out of sisterhood of the traveling pants (although the homes are not lost in a sea of white but instead full of vibrant colors). 

We wandered around the adorable cobblestone streets for awhile and eventually retired to a cafe on the Main Street to watch the sun go down. 

Today, our second day on the island, however, was truly memorable as we decided we would try to blend in with the locals and rent scooters! The island is actually much bigger than we had realized and we spend the day scooting around from coast to coast, visiting monasteries, ruins, beaches and enjoying a picnic lunch of fruits and wine! I don't think we fooled anyone though, as our shiny helmets definitely gave us away as tourists (don't worry Mom, we're being safe!).

As we drove from town to town, it began to feel a bit eerie as we realized the severity of Greece's economic state; I think we may have been the only humans out there. We wonder if the deserted homes, unfinished infrastructures and lack of human life is due to the bankruptcy Greece is currently facing, or if this is simply low season, but either way, it was definitely shocking to see, for the side of the island we are staying on is bustling with activity!

Tomorrow we will be sad to leave I think, and hope to some day visit again! And on a slightly different note, Monica will be happy to tell you that I have resisted all urges to play with the many (probably over 700) stray cats that I have seen. I wanted to cuddle them all, but for fear of rabies, I did not. Ta ta for now Greece, until we meet again!