Its great to be back in Europe, first time since we left in August 2023. I knew how much I liked Europe but I didn’t KNOW how much I liked it, and how comfortable it was. After 17 months in Asia, we did take some things for granted, like cheap everything—and warmth. I knew it would be cold here—in the 50s F./ 10 C., but I kind of (fortunately) forgot what it was like! Coming out of the Athens airport at 9:30 this morning was bracing, especially with the wind, but the day turned very nice with warmer temps and beautiful clouds. Even so, I’m a bit worried I’ll freeze my tuchas off on the bike until the weather warms up over the next few weeks.

We took the metro from the airport to downtown Athens to rendezvous with a friend where Kat will stay for a few days while I pick up our steed in Romania. We exited the metro station and I paused out on the street and said to Kat, “Check that out.”

Even after this, our third time back here, it still gives me pause. There is nothing (for me) that compares to the history of Western Civilization like we find in Italy and Greece. The vibe of the city—and in fact MOST European cities—is so cool, so chill, and unlike anything in Asia, and even in the Balkans. Sitting in the street having a cappuccino (a GOOD one finally!), watching the motorcycles by pass continually, and it’s great to be back in the land of Big Bikes, and not just piddly little scooters. Mind you, I LIKE those little scooters, but this feels more like “home.” The air quality is also so different, even aside from the coolness factor, and it’s nice to be able to read signs and menus, and listen to people talk on the street and understand what they’re saying. After all that time in Asia, I was totally used to being the “odd man out.”

So today was Day One of our almost 90 days in Schengen, and by the end of August we’ll head back to Albania. Not quite Greece, not quite like Europe, but comfortable none the less.