Where in the world is Ashley Churchill?

So I was supposed to leave for Italy today. But that was before I ever knew about 'Carnival!'. Its pretty much the Greek Mardi Gras. So when I tried to get a ticket to Patras (where the ferry docks are), they were sold out because everyone in Athens was heading there. There apparently is a bigger one out in Patras. I had know idea. There were people walking around town in costumes earlier that day, but I assumed it was the Greek Holloween or something.

Anyway, I'll be sad to leave Athens. I really like it here. The weather has been AWESOME! The people are wonderful. And they have really cheap knockoff merchandise here. I bought 2 pairs of sunglasses for 10 euros! One was "Chanel" and the other was "Gucci". Thats cheaper than the regular sunglasses I usually get a Shoppers Drug Mart.

Today, I climbed another big ass mountain. This one had some sort of monestary on top of it. When you get to the top, you can see all of Athens. I'll post pictures some other time. I'm running out of time.

Until next time!

-Ashley

Hey everyone. Still on my crazy journey through the unknown. I haven't been eating much of the local cousine lately. I've been trying to spend my cash on sights and souvenirs instead. But since tonight is my last night here, I'm going all out at the restaurant nextdoor to my hostel. Souvlaki, Baklava, Ouzo, The works! And to answer my dear aunt's question; yes I do miss all of you guys back home.

See you in Italy!

-Ashley

I'm still in Greece. The weather here is beautiful. But its kind of odd. Most of the locals are wearing winter jackets and I'm in a tanktop. I saw the Parthanon yesterday. Its quite a sight to see. When you're at the top of the Acropolis, you can see out to the ocean. I'm kind of glad that my mother didn't end coming with me to Greece. It is VERY easy to get lost here. A compass is a must. Earlier I said that the middle east is not the place to go to when you are trying to quit smoking. Well, Greece should be avoided if you are a prude or a recovering sex addict. The ancient Greeks were quite inventive when it comes to sexual practices. I bought a calender and a pack of playing cards with various positions that they used. And they are EVERYWHERE.

Before that, I was in Egypt. Not a fan of Cairo, I must say. I've never seen poverty as bad as I have recently seen in Cairo. I spent my second day sitting by the pool at my hotel. Here I am infront of the Sphinx. I'm not that photogenic.

Cairo is encredibly bad when it comes to driving. Worse than Montreal and New York City combined. On my way to the airport to leave Cairo, the driver GOT OUT OF THE CAR in the middle of traffic to talk to someone. He just parked it in traffic with cars coming from all angles. I didn't tip him.

Bye!

-Ashley Churchill

Hey Everyone.

So I just landed in Greece yesterday. Its the third stop on my trip. It took me longer than I expected to get to a computer, so I'll cram everything that I've done so far in this posting.

Lets start from the beginning...

JORDAN

I know everyone cringed when I have said that my first stop will be in the middle east, but I've got some news for you. Jordan isn't so bad. Infact, its quite nice. There isn't much in Amman. But Perta is quite exciting. One of the main attractions is the momument, "The Treasury" Here is pic of me on camel infront of it>>>

There is a mountain there that I climbed called "The High Place of Sacrifice". This is what it looks like from the top>>>>

I tried to find exactlty how big it is online, but came up empty handed. But to give you an idea, look at the pic>>>

You can barely see them, but there is a large group of people on top of the mountain. Thats just how big it is. Going up it was tiring, but going down was TERRIFYING!!!!

I got to one point (on the decsent) where the trail ended. There was clearing about 20 feet below, covered in rocks. I'm like "Where do we go from here?" I HAD TO CLIMB ACROSS THE GIANT GAP HOLDING ON THE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN. For the record, I now have a deadly fear of heights.

One thing about the middle east and Egypt is that nearly everyone smokes. Deffinately alot more there than in Canada. Speaking of Canada, I assumed that locals would assume that I'm American. However, most people in Jordan and Egypt thought I was British! I think its because as a nation, we are just more well spoken than Americans. Just a thought.

Anyway, I'll add more later.

Ciao!

-Ashley Churchill