Aegina, Hydra, Poros...

...and a tourist rip-off. I could have guessed from the start that what we signed up for was going to turn out this way, but the brochures and sales people make it sound great. A day trip to 3 Greek islands! A ferry boat, lunch and tours. What more could you ask for? MORE TIME! That is what.

(Myself and Jenny, my sister, on the Ferry out to the islands)

Yes, we were suckered into going on a day trip to 3 different Greek Islands, just off the Athens coast. We wanted a taste of the islands, but didnt have a whole lot of time. So, we settled on one of those typical tourists traps.

We set sail on the ferry bright and early, and headed out to sea for a couple of hours with all the other anxious, excited, doe-eyed tourists by our side.

(The Ferry)

First stop: Aegina. We were given about 2 hours to roam the island. So instead of walking on the beach with the wind blowing through my hair, my skirt flowing like I imagined (but not really), we were like cattle being herded, everyone in the same direction passing by the tacky tourists shops. We did get to venture to a clock tower and take some nice photos. Greece is full of nothing but photo opportunities.

(The Family)

Next stop: Hydra. 1 or so hour here. A quick jaunt though the small island town, and some decent shopping. But again, it was nothing to write home about. Had we been given more time, maybe, but I hate that feeling of being rushed on time. If you are late, the boat leaves without you. That is what they say anyways.

(A Greek Window)

Next stop: Poros. I actually really enjoyed this island. They took us out into the depth of island more where they gave us a guided tour. We saw the endless fields of Pistachio farms. And the interesting thing about pistachios is that they have sex! Yes, sex.

Pistachios trees are dioecious in nature, meaning that the sex of some trees is male and some female, and that both are needed for complete pollination. The female trees produce the nuts while the male produces the pollen. Hmm, that seems not too unfamiliar from human procreation. One male tree is needed for every six female trees, a fact that guys can relate to. Wind also aids in the pollination process.

(Me amid the characteristically white Greek town)

Last stop: Athens. After a long day out at sea, with sometimes turbulent waters, the hot summer sun, and the constant go-go-go mentality of the tour guides, we were back on dry land and ready to sit back and relax.

Advice for next time: Spend more time on one island, rather than 3 in one day, and less time in Athens.