Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to catch up.

So far so great.

Got to Athens in one piece with all bags and bike just fine. Our
little
hotel at the foot of the Acropolis is just right. Clean. Excellent
roof
terrace for breakfasts. Right in the midst of super little bars and
restaraunts. The city is huge: five million people; but we have
stayed in
our little area, walking to everything. I am amazed how everything
here
happens to be named after restaraunts and pizza joints in western
Canada:
you know, Parthenon, Acropolis, Rhodos!!!

Rob and I are having a very nice time together. He is a great
conversationalist: listens well as I expound on all my theories of
life
and politics; and then has a reply to everything that carries the
topics
to another level. The wine and ouzo help as well!!

Sightseeing has been cool. But, as they say, you see one 3000 year
old
ruin, you've seen em all! We are having more fun just soaking up the
culture. And we are anxious to get on the bikes and roam.

The weather is cool but clear and pleasant.

As the ferry schedules to the various islands are haphazard, and
reduced
in the winter months, we have decided to alter our route somewhat.

We are catching a night ferry to Crete tonight, will fully bike and
explore it for 8 or 9 days, then on to Rhodes for three days, then
back to
Syros for a few more, then finally to Athens. A few days after I
leave,
Rob has the good fortune of having Alison from BC join him here, and
she
will bike through part of Turkey with him. After that he will
proceed
east through the "stans" but avoid Iran.

We are eating very well; and as Rob has lived basically on cheese and
bread for the last month, he is making up for it now.

We will be doing some camping on the islands, and am looking forward
to
that.

Heard there was some snow and stuff back home.

Hope all is well with everyone.

We will stay in touch.

My best to everyone,

Ed