Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). I thought I had completed all of my journal entries for this stop on my trip, but having had spent a wonderful night at the Connection Cafe in Benitses last night and then later at the hotel bar with several "Brits", I was compelled to share with you my thoughts of some of the same.  I had always thought the most rewarding aspect of traveling would be the vision of such places as the Coliseum in Rome, Westminster Abbey in London, or even the Alps in Switzerland, Italy and Austria.  But, having traveled most of this continent now, perhaps I'm a little bit wiser in that it is not such destinations that I find to be the most rewarding, but rather the people I meet along my journeys, some who become good friends with whom I will visit again and again like Auke and Teatske Ann in Holland who I will see next week on their farm in the Netherlands, or even Amanda who will so kindly drive from Edinburgh to Glasgow tonight to pick me up upon my arrival in Glasgow, while still others will become the fondest of memories. 

Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). This past week I have had the good fortune to spend a wonderful time with some of the funniest people you'd ever want to know.  It would seem that I am the only American on this small island, and the way these folks from the U.K. and Greece made me feel right at home amongst them was just fantastic.  Last night after an evening in the village drinking and playing pool, we ended up at the resort bar/pool for nightcaps.  If you've never had the privilege to share some time with folks from the U.K., you really should know how much fun they are.  I think one big difference between them and people from home is that the folks back home can certainly get together now and then and share a laugh, but these people are often times a non-stop riot.  First, I'd like to tell you about a couple from Newcastle, Chris and Deb.  I got to know them right away because of a mix-up on the hotel roster due to our last names - Hull and Hall.  From then on, we spent some wonderful times together, either sitting poolside or playing billiards in the nearby village.  They are expecting their first child soon and I must say that often during the time we spent together, I'd find myself envying them for having such a seemingly loving relationship, and more importantly, friendship.  Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). Then there were people like the "Stoner Dude" and his wife.  It seemed whenever you'd see this guy, he'd have some type of t-shirt with a marijuana leaf on it, or some other little trinket with the same.  They always seemed to have a nice word to say to me, and quite often would readily offer to buy me a drink.  Last night, having had a beer or two in town followed by a Scotch, I came back to the pool/bar at the resort only to have Chris buy me a Scotch.  Paul, the most wonderful man you'd want to meet who tends bar was locking up when I went upstairs to grab a jacket as it was getting cool.  When I came back, my glass was nearly filled to the top with Scotch.  I didn't even ask who requested Paul fill it up and then paid for it, I just smiled a wee bit and sat down for an hour or two of one laugh after another.  I can't recall how many references to "the Yank", as they affectionately called  me, were made.  I could go on and on with stories of these wonderful people, but unfortunately time is running short as I still need to go to Corfu Town and get a gift for Teatske Ann, but let me tell you about one other man who left an impression upon me.  He is a retired archeologist from Wales.  What a lovable man he is.  I had thought for a moment earlier in the trip that he didn't like me as he had approached me at the bar asking me if I knew what he thought I was.  Upon saying no, he leaned forward and while pushing his nose upwards, he said "you're stuck up!"  I thought uh-oh to myself, what did I ever do to give him that impression?  It turned out that he and his wife - lovely as well - had seen me in Corfu town earlier it the day and had honked, only to have me walk right by them. I defended myself by telling him that I had had my walkman on, but that didn't seem to matter.  It was only later that he approached me in the pool and told me I should take everything he says as a joke...

Well, that is all I can handle for the moment as far as typing goes.  But, in closing, I'm ever so grateful I have had the chance to meet these wonderful people here and am ever so anxious to meet those who are yet to come on my travels...