RECAP :: PARIS, FRANCE

Somehow we were fortunate enough to spend Valentine's Day weekend in Paris. Even though we have a few more months until we PCS, that was probably the last four day weekend we will be able to take advantage of. I have been to Paris once before and I was really wanting to give the city another try with my love by my side. We were able to do a mix of things I hadn't done before so it was still new and exciting. We had a wonderful time and I think it was one of Ross' favorite cities. Oh, and I legitimately got a stomach ache from the sheer amount of sugar I consumed from the croissants, crepes, and beignets. Totally worth it.

Now onto the details... 

• FLIGHT-- SWISS AIR :: This was our second time flying with Swiss Air.  It's definitely one of our favorite airlines now. Very friendly staff and free chocolate! :)
• TRANSPORTATION :: We took the metro the first day. On the second day we walked. To get to our hotel from the airport we took the RER/metro.
• HOTEL-- HOTEL TERMINUS LYON ::Conveniently located across the street from the Gare de Lyon station. Quiet at night despite the location. Small rooms, but that is standard. The breakfast was a bit overpriced so we ate at a nearby cafe instead. 

Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, City Streets

Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Napoleon's Tomb

RECAP :: ATHENS, GREECE

Two and a half years in. Eight countries down. And for the first time I thought about seeing if Rick Steves had any free podcasts to download. I could kick my self in the butt for not thinking about it sooner.

Athens was one of the most enjoyable trips we've gone on. All of our trips have been nothing short of amazing having the opportunity to see incredible and monumental sights. Athens was the same. But there was this added factor of just pure enjoyment. It wasn't just sightseeing. We just felt really comfortable in the city. Because of the Rick Steves audio tour we walked around at our own place. Because of our hotel location we felt so familiar with the area. We walked everywhere and enjoyed every minute of it. The weather was perfect and stayed in the mid 60s most of the weekend. Which was just heavenly after leaving behind a German October.

Now onto the details...

• FLIGHT -- SWISS AIR :: This was our first time flying with Swiss Air. We had a layover in Zurich which had to be one of the cleanest (and most expensive) airports I've ever been in. It was a very comfortable flight and the small bars of Swiss chocolate were an added bonus. 
• TRANSPORTATION :: We used our feet mostly. :) However, we did take a bus to and from the airport which was around a 40 minute commute. Our hotel was located near Syntagma Square, a main transportation hub, which made it a very easy transfer. 
• HOTEL -- PAN HOTEL :: Fantastic hotel right on the corner of Syntagma Square near the Plaka shopping area. Within walking distance of everything. I also looked forward to breakfast every morning after I was introduced to spanakopita- a delicious breakfast pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. 

Acropolis, Plaka, Stoa of Attalos, Temple of Hephaestus

Ermou Street, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Temple of Zeus