Last Minute Logistics

It's come to my attention that KTEL's (the national bus company) website has been down. I'm sorry about that. Check out Matt Barrett's Athens Guide for his Kifissou Bus Schedule. I can't vouch for if it being up to date, but it's a schedule and towards the bottom you can get an idea for the frequency of buses from Athens to Sparti. Now returning to Athens they are supposedly less frequent. I'll be able to confirm this once in Greece, but the latest bus leaving Sparti for Athens is at 8PM–FYI for those leaving Sunday from Sparti and then early Monday morning from Athens.

On Renting Cars from Athens Guide:

"You can rent a car, which will give you more flexibility. If you are planning to rent a car and drive from Athens to Peloponessos check out Swift Rent-a-Car . They will pick you up at the airport or your hotel and drive you to the National road and let you by-pass the notorious Athens traffic. Great prices and very nice people. See their website at www.greektravel.com/swift.

More info about hotel:
-There is a pool on the roof (so I hear, I have not ever witnessed it, but the beach is only a half hour away by bus)!
-There are no hairdryers in the rooms, so please if you need one-pack one (with a converter!)
-They have a coffee bar downstairs, where you can order up your very own frappe!
-HOTEL PHOTOS
-they organize paintball excursions!!!!

Travel + Leisure Article

In the July issue of T+L, there is an article "(Secret) Islands of Greece" written by Eleni N. Gage (granddaughter of the Eleni of the biography of the same title which was written by her father, Nicholas). The article covers three islands off the coast of the Peloponnese: Spetses, Monemvasia and Kythera (or as they spell it, Kithira). They also have a nice sidebar column on logistics: where to stay, what to eat, etc... Check it out! (see, I was right!)

*Thanks to Rebecca for the heads up on this lil gem!

It's Greek to me!

Please click on the images to see them larger (and to be able to read them).

Also check out these following sites:
Useful Greek Phrases
Greek for Tourists
TakisNet (with audio pronunciation and a "questionable language" section, hahaha)
BabelFish (good for translation)

Beaching it in Athens

For some of you who will be in Athens for a few days and would like to partake in the famous Greek beaches without getting on a ferry and heading to an island, check out "Beaches of Athens". There are great pics and info on how to get there.