Day 9
Kamryn and Mariah, Jacksonville, FL (JJVA)

Today we got up and packed what was left to pack and we had a nice breakfast.  We headed to the bus and loaded up for our 2 km ride (about 4 min) to the docks.  We all got to the docks to catch the speed ferry to Athens.  We loaded into a space that was long and thin, we had our group there first, then all of a sudden about 50 + more people came and WHOA we were packed in like cattle.

Some of us went to shop to get some more t-shirts for family and friends, some went to get some cash and others some ice cream.  Our time on the island of Paros was wonderful.  We had so much fun just driving around the island one day on scooters.  12 of us total, 11 scooters and a 4 wheeler with 2 people on most, we drove the exterior of the island and stopped several times to hit the beaches.  Most were absolutely gorgeous, and very very clean and there were not very many people.  We stopped to have lunch and to walk some, we took pictures too.  Actually Kamryn took over 400 pictures on the back of Rico's scooter.  He was a relentless maniac about taking pictures!  This day was probably one of our best days on tour ever!  We all said goodbye to the Bowen's who were staying on the island a few more days (bye Kelsey)

Our ferry ride back was fun, some of us played cards, others slept, some laid out and most of us ate something.  Coach CJ did not get sick again and that was a huge plus for us.  The Ferry is not a big deal and very simple to take.  Once we got to Athens the bus picked us up then we went to our hotel.  Food was ready for us and we all ate a great lunch.  It was a nice hotel and we were all resting and hanging out, going swimming and doing last minute shopping.  That night we went out as a group and had a wonderful authentic Grecian meal and it was so delicious.  Chicken, greek salads, bread, and yogurt deserts.  Coach Jodie and Coach Whitney and Meghan gave out awards to all.  This is a tradition on our tours, Coach Jodie did a great job so did Coach Whitney and Meghan, everyone was laughing and having fun.  The awards were received well by all. 

We got back on the bus and went back to the hotel.  We were actually in two hotels our groups (early to the airport and late to the airport) were divided up.  It was fine we were all ready to go to sleep. 

Greece was one of the best tours we have ever been on.  We all were so excited about seeing the ancient ruins, learning about the culture and trying to get used to the language, (which is all greek to us) HA :)  We truly learned alot and had a great time.  Both of us would love to tour Greece again.  It has alot to offer, not just in the cities, but outside like Loutraki (the small seaside town) we stayed in first, it was a wonderful little town.  And Paros the island was amazing and to think there are so many islands to visit there too.

A special thanks goes to one of our favorite tour leaders Cory who always plans great tours and is adventurous and willing to let us BUG him!  THANKS!  Also to Andreja, Cory's future wife, we thank you and hope you do another tour with us again!  YOU did a great job!  One more to Coach CJ for always thinking of new and exciting places to take us!  WE hope we can do Argentina next summer! 

Everyone on this tour surely had a wonderful time,  we know it.  SO safe travels and see you all next summer in Argentina!! 

YOUR buddies --the MIGHTY MITES FOREVER!!  MARIAH AND KAMRYN