Western Turkey - Group Journal
Day 14 - Friday, 17 April 1998 Samos
by Geri Squires

Breakfast at Hotel Samos is the official end of the tour.

Jim and Becky learned that boats in Greece do not leave on time - and not always late, they might leave half an hour early. We all took note of their plight (they caught a later boat) and made sure to be early when we were catching a ferry to another island or to Athens.

Jim & Geri Squires learned that there is another option on the ferry boat to Athens - it's called distinguished class. However, we learned it after we were on board, and it was too late to get that comfortable service with sit-down dinner and white tablecloths. We had to make do with a sandwich from the economy section. Sleeping on the ferry boat was more difficult than sleeping on the train had been - at least the train did not have diesel fumes!

Some members of the group kept bumping into each other again on the islands, or in Athens. Something to remember when sightseeing in Athens, is that the Agora closes at 2:45 p.m.

Our trip has been intense, hectic, tiring and sometimes difficult because of the illness many experienced. But it has been jam-packed with sights and sounds and experiences that will not be forgotten. Thank you, Rick Steves, for finding Meli!