Date received: Mon Jul 16 2001, 05:58 AM PDT
If you ever plan to buy a motorbike in Greece, think again. While the selection may be great, the paperwork is a nightmare. After numerous talks with the British Embassy, American Embassy, Tax office, and Automobile Association, I have come to the conclusion that buying a bike in Greece is a very bad idea. Even if I could get the tax number they require to register a vehicle (I would have to apply for temporary residence) getting a carnet would cost me $2500.
The good news is that things look much better in Turkey. I called the AA there, and I have reason to believe that things will be much easier. If this doesn't work, it will be time to revamp plans completely.
Since I was in the area, I decided to swing by the islands on the way to Turkey. I'm in Ios right now, soon to be on my way to Santorini. Ios is definitely a party island, and I've had a good time going out dancing at night, but the whole place has a spring break environment, which may be great if you are 18, but is just a little too, well, young for us elder folks. If only I had been here ten years earlier.
peter
