Othothothodonotos.

The correct spelling is Odontotos but I have the most difficult time pronouncing this word. This is the name of a tourist train North-West of Patras which I rode with my greek friend and two other AIESEC exchange participants. The train starts in Diakopto, ends Kalavrita and is about an hour and a half long. Only minutes into the ride we were surrounded by dense forest which occasionally opened up to views of the mountains. We followed either a flowing river full of small waterfalls and quirky bridges or the edge of a cliff which periodically receded into pitch black tunnels drilled through the mountain. The girls and I were giddy the entire time clicking our cameras or simply sitting; absorbing the beauty of Greece. Once the train arrived in Kalavrita we had to immediately jet over to the bus station to catch the last ride back home. It was a shame we couldn't explore what seemed like a lovely village so I hope one day I can return with more time. The full size tour bus back to Patras was practically empty so I asked my Greek friend if she could ask the bus driver if I could sit in the special seat reserved for the back up driver in the very front above the steps. He said he didn't know if it was a good idea but 15 minutes later I was allowed to hop up front into the seat with the best view. I buckled up for one of the prettiest drives of my life. Comparable to the Road to the Sun Highway in Glacier National Park, I was in awe as we served through the winding mountain roads weaving in and out of villages settled in green valleys with 360 views of forest peaks. The ride became more beautiful as the sun set, covering the scenery in a blanket of pastels and decorated with distant alpine glows. It was dark by the time we arrived back home and we topped off the day with a delicious dinner of vegan pita for me and burgers for my friends.

5 minute break half way

Nancy & I

Original Train

Abhishree, Oquidia, Nancy

VIP bus seat!