And the party's over.... Sunday 24th June

After a 3.5 hour ferry ride that turned into a 5.5 hr ferry ride due to Greek "ish" time, we arrived back in Athens yesterday to a balmy temperature of 43 degrees and enjoyed our farewell dinner with our wonderful Contiki crew.

We've now had 2 'farewell' dinners.. One in Ios and one in Athens as it seems we're all quite reluctant to let the party finish! Let me tell you, it's been absolutely awesome and we were extremely fortunate to have a group of amazing, like-minded people who turn into party animals at the drop of a hat (or is that at a 'drop of ouzo'!!). Dunc has rarely seen bed before 4am every morning - and even then, Greek people ask why he's going to bed 'so early' !!! Even our fabulous tour leader, Ellen, has been out partying the whole time with the group - when does that ever happen?? (If you book a Contiki, make sure you request to be on Ellen's tour - she's an absolute treasure - the best of the best!!) There's been 'lay-backs', 'body-shots', dancing, karaoke, pool tournaments, janga (sp?) and anything else you can imagine till the wee hours of the morning - EVERY morning, without fail !!! And we've made some extra great friendships that are sure to last the long distance catch-ups.

It's such a different way of life over here... and one that we could VERY easily get used to! Shops rarely open before 11 and stay open until 2 and 3 in the morning - and there's a 4 hr siesta somewhere in the middle of that! Family life takes priority, and work just seems to work its way around everyone's social & family activities!! Food is fresh, healthy and delicious! From Gyros to nutella and banana filled crepes, life over here is just about perfect!

Today we're going to be on-line for awhile (so email us if you're still up) then enjoy the last of this magnificent sunshine as we work on our tans, one last time, by the hotel pool.

Our flight is due to leave Athens at 2pm tomorrow (11pm Brissy time) and we're expected back in Brisbane by 7.30pm Tuesday night, so I guess - unless something extraordinary occurs, this may well be our final blog entry.

Dunc doesn't know I'm writing this yet.. (hehehe) but I simply MUST say a massive THANK-YOU to him for being my hero throughout the whole 2 months we've been away. If it wasn't for Dunc, I'd surely still be back in Rome - totally unable to navigate my way around and struggling to lift my heavy luggage up and down flights of stairs!! He has been such a gentleman the whole time. Not only helping me, but all the girlies on our trip with their luggage, and escorting us all into taxi's or safely back to our rooms. I'm most certain that if he wasn't already married, he'd have had a few proposals over the last 2 weeks!! Dunc, you're the best sweetheart! xox

Thanks everyone for your comments - we've really felt like they've helped us stay connected with Aus... Just as we hope this blog has helped you all take a european adventure with us!

Enjoy the pics!! Over and out!!