We managed to tear ourselves away from the ease and tranquility of Naxos Island and took a ferry and train to Athens. The ferry was a five hour trip, and it was a nice sunny day, so we played cards outside on the covered deck of the ship with fellow travellers that we originally met in Naxos! We spent two days sight-seeing around the ancient ruins of Athens, then flew to Milan, where we are currently staying with friends from our home town (Saugerties, New York).

Athens was a fun stop on our way to Italy. We walked around the Acropolis and the old Agoras (markets). We stayed in the heart of the Plaka neighborhood, just north-east of the Acropolis.

Then we flew to Milano, where we were met by our old friends Dean and Andrea, from our home town of Saugerties. They and their two girls, Karinsa and Leanne, have been living in a suburb of Milan for the past three years, while Dean is on assignment with his company.

The family took us to Bellagio, a cute town on the shore of Lake Como, outside of Milan. We ate pizza, pasta and gelato and walked around the very picturesque town. The mountains were shy because of the overcast weather, but the day was great nonetheless.

The city of Milan has been a lot of eye candy. We spent the day looking for Rick Steves guidebooks (found them!), viewing the Duomo and window shopping at some of the most expensive clothing shops in Italy.

We can't wait for our next Italy stop....Il bel paese! (The beautiful country)