Mike's Odyssey to Greece - 2005
Part 1: Athens Arrival
As I was about to leave for Greece, my perception of what I expected in Greece was molded largely by my experiences in both Florida and Korea. All three places are peninsulas surrounded by lots of warm water. Thus, I expected Greece to be hot, very humid, and hazy. However, my Greek friends told me that no, Greece is actually quite dry.
When I first flew into Greece, I expected to view the beautiful blue Aegean and see the countless islands for which Greece is known. However, instead I simply saw a haze and a few peaks barely visible in the extreme haze. (For note: my view was make considerably difficult in part due to a fat dude shredding magazines in the window seat.)
As I landed and expected to be instantaneously covered in humidity and slime, I was instead met with a warm southerly breeze and an explanation for the terrible haze: a strong wind was blowing from the Sahara desert, and bringing with it many minute particles of sand from North Africa. So, I guess you could sort of say I also visited Egypt as well!
Here is a view of the hills from our apartment during the sandstorm.
Here is how the view should normally look. Quite a difference, huh?
Continue on to Part 2: Aegean Visit (or "Are you sure there's sea around here?)