Greece

Got out of Verona and made port luckily catching the Superfast Ferry in Ancona over to Patra and then bus to Athens. Turned out my cabin mate on the ferry was a middle-aged man from San Diego, who has couch surfed part of his trip and booked some pretty interesting places in between. Some great websites out there where you can book empty apartments for a weekend, etc.

Wasn't easy, but I am used to this unorganized travel of East and Southern Europe, asking people where the hell to go next.

Got into Athens a bit earlier than expected and Tiago, my next host (a Portuguese guy on a work exchange program) Tiago meet me at Syntagma, essentially city center and the metro exit situated right across from the Parliament building. The square was bustling with protectors and demonstrators as well as police with several streets blocked off with their giant vans. There was a horde of motorcycles that drove around the square repeatedly honking and revving their engines, making as much noise as possible. Really something to see.
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Decided to camp out in McD's that was so prominently situated at the corner. As much as I hate fast food, gotta love McDonald's. It has the 3 things a person needs:

1) food
2) shelter (roof and bathroom)
3) Internet

Seriously, every is always on their smartphones or on wifi. Anyways, was also getting fed up with paying to use the restrooms, so I ordered something super cheap.

When we finally met up walked past the police barriers and onto the street with all the embassies and where the ambassadors lived from Italy, Canada, and so on. Came when the guards were changing. Got to be the most ridiculous military wear I have ever seen. The past is a funny thing.

Finally getting to his place, met his half naked and hairy Portuguese flatmates as well as a couple girls from U of F who were couch surfing there too. Chilled that night with them and some of their Greek friends who came over and was just prepping a plan for tomorrow. George, their greek friend, showed us Youtube videos he found of their boss that was recently fired. The guy was actually crazy, playing sax upside down, ghostbusting with his brother, flying planes ridiculously close to sailboats. So strange. Anyways, some great wine that night!
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Did all the ancient ruins and other sites during the day, Acropolis, etc. 

Really enjoyed the new Acropolis museum, not just because it was a break from the heat.

Met the China CSer who had taken a trip , he had come back from visiting Meteora (AMAZING monasteries on the peaks of cliffs). On that point, I am going to make note of continuing to see more of the UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout my life. Truly amazing places and sights.

Went to the Exaercia (sp?) late at night. It's where the young people hang out and you meet all sorts of people. Grabbed souvlaki in thr way which was yummy and super cheap. Like a greek burrito for simplicity's sake. 2 euros! The area looks extremely sketchy with people wearing punk attire and some homeless people, from the looks of it, but it is actually pretty safe apparently. Feels like People's Park at Cal. People playing music, discussing politics, drinking beers, smoking, all sorts of stuff. Saw the ugliest game of street ball on the worst court ever too, won't forget that.

Countless police out tonight. Not just in the city but even residential streets. Toting riot shields, submachine guns, etc.

Great time in Greece, but next time will bypass Athens and other crowded, polluted cities and go straight to the islands for a vacation on those glorious beaches.
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Greek girls... 

How do I put this, I have caught myself staring more than I ever have in any other country. Truly stunning women here. The other guys agree, Greek women are "very nice (italics)." Tiago tells me about one time he is walking on the sidewalk and spots the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. He can't help but stare but a few meters later he runs into a pole, haha.