We were very jet lagged and didn't sleep much last night. We both woke up at 2:30am and stayed awake for ~ 4 hours reading before napping through the morning. Fortunately, the Centrotel had a generous check out policy. We left around noon and caught a taxi to the fancy King George Hotel in Syntagma Square. This 5 star hotel was typically ~9 times the price of the Centrotel, but it was included in the cruise package. Our room was nice, but smaller than the Centrotel and really didn't have any advantages except the very convenient location and lovely breakfast views.
We spent the afternoon exploring in the rain that Ryan has decided he brings with him wherever he travels. We walked to Monastiraki for a delicious lunch of Greek Salad, tzatziki, pita, and souvlaki. The recipes were similar to Greek restaurants in the US, but the quality was so much better because all of the ingredients were extremely fresh.
After lunch, we visited the impressive National Archaeological Museum. The collections are extensive and the statues, particularly of Zeus, Poseidon, and Aphrodite, are impressive. Unfortunately, I was overcome with jetlag and spent much of my time on the museum benches. I'm really glad we planned this extra day on our own so that I wouldn't be in this shape once the cruise started!
After a short nap back at the hotel, we met the Corinthian group at a welcome cocktail reception. The staff is exceptional and we definitely feel like we will be in great hands. The lecturers were very down to earth and nearly all of their planned lectures sound too good to miss.
Dinner was on our own so we walked to the nearly Everest (Greek version of Quiznos with grilled sandwiches to order) for a quick bite.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.