START SPREADIN' THE NEWS - WE'RE LEAVIN' TODAY - SEE YA NYC

THIS IS A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR US BUT IT HAPPENED

Due to a little bit of bad weather and a return to the gate due to mechanical problems, changing and re-boarding another aircraft, for Atlanta to JFK, our flight was delayed over two hours, which caused us to miss our JFK to Athens flight, so - drum roll please - we missed one day/night in Athens, one night of pre-paid AIRBNB and two prepaid tours. I am now a firm believer in Travel Insurance.

But the best part? The never ending visits to Delta Customer Service to ensure our spots on today's plane to Athens, to get them to cover a hotel for one night near JFK. I must say however, the hotel was simple, clean and professionally run. Although the bed was a challenge. I mean, let's face it, when a real vagabond travels, the bed is numero uno on the list of things important. If you think Atlanta Airport is bad, and it is, JFK will make you fall in love with the constantly improving Southern Command.

To be safe, we are now at JFK four and a half hours before boarding. The shuttle was a "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" experience for sure. I have said many times - It's the journey, itself, that matters. However, I am looking forward to our arrival after nine hours of blissful air travel to the cradle (See yesterday's post). 

So here is a thought for the day for Vagabonds and Nomads of every ilk.

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money" - Susan Heller

Now that, my fellow travelers is some unblinking truth.

Gotta Go - See ya Soon

D.L.Stafford

thenomadarchitect

WE ARE HEADED EAST TO THE CRADLE OF WESTERN CIVILISATION

That's right my fellow vagabonds, this one is pretty big. First Athens - to see where it all began almost 8,000 years ago. We are very excited that we will finally see the birthplace and current life of Western Civilization through some of the greatest architectural and cultural icons of antiquity that still stand today to remind us that we didn't just show up. Around the fifth century BC in Athens was born the first known Democracy in the world.

I studied the buildings and the culture in Architecture School, so, this will be a trip of a lifetime for me and, of course, my bride of 45 years is always a willing participant when it comes to seeing places not yet visited and experienced. Her desire to go way off the beaten path informs every trip we take. And, even though Athens is one of the most visited places on the planet, we will search out the hidden places that make travel both a journey and a never ending series of unique experiences. 

After Athens we will be spending a few days on one of the most romantic islands on earth - Santorini. With ancient walls and minimalist modern places to lay our heads, we will see what brings romantics of every ilk to this unique place. When I have the time, I hope to provide posts that will delight you and get you out of the house. I have said it many times - Travel changes you in ways unexpected and makes you understand life better. It just takes some planning and a fair amount of work to put it all together, but, I think we have most of the bases covered for this venture. It will be mostly  brand new  for us, since we have never been to this part of the world before. But, in my experience, it's the real unexpected and serendipitous  that make travel such fun. 

τα λέμε σύντομα (See you soon)

D.L. Stafford

thenomadARCHITECT

P.S. To make sure that we remember the good stuff from America too, take a listen to one of America's most unique and  talented groups performing today - The Avett Brothers doing a tune that just makes you better IMHO.