Embassy and Consulate B.S.
Trip Start
Sep 07, 2006
1
20
66
Trip End
Sep 29, 2008
Athens, Greece
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
36 HOURS
The total journey time from Rome to Athens was 36 hours and was pretty brutal. The 16 hours on the ferry turned out to be not so bad as we were allowed to sit inside in airplane style seats. Since it is off season there weren't a lot of people on the ferry, mainly Greek truckers who put their cargo trucks on...yes and there were a lot of them, we didn't have to sit outside in the freezing cold for the entire journey. After the ferry we found the train to take us to Athens. There were only two cars, the seats were super close together and the conductor beeped the horn the ENTIRE four hours to Athens. Still not sure why, maybe to get the thousands of wild dogs that are running around off the tracks? Made it to hostel by 6pm and pretty much showered and went straight to bed.
ATHENS
In the three days we have been here we haven't really seen a lot. Went to the Acropolis which was breathtaking and worth the journey to get here. We also saw the Temple of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, both amazing. Athens at night is gorgeous with the Acropolis overlooking the city and very bright. We have a great view from the roof of our hostel. Will do more sightseeing as soon as I figure out India.
EMBASSY AND CONSULATES
Yesterday I attempted to get my Visa for India with a guy I met from Australia who is heading to India in about two weeks, but we pretty much failed miserably. After being shuffled around I finally learned that only Greek citizens are given visas in Athens. Shit. The Aussie left today and flew to Rome because we do know they will give us the Visas at the Indian Embassy there. I don't want to go back to Rome, so today I spent the majority of the morning in line at the U.S. Embassy hoping for some insight and help, they suggested I fly back to the U.S. to get it. Damn.
Currently I am looking for flights to Milan, cheap carriers don't fly out of Athens, where I will then have to take the train back to Rome. I am also getting ready to call the Indian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey to see if they will issue me the visa there. I am not really expecting much from the Embassy in Turkey, apparently they usually don't even answer the phone. What a process...
Who knows, my next entry might be from Rome, but I am determined to get to India.
Lots of love to everyone.
Oh and the best part about today, I just found 20 euros on the ground!!!
