When you first arrive on post, one of the first things you’ll want to do is explore your new surroundings. This can often mean visiting the local tourist attractions around town. After all, you’ve been reading Trip Advisor reviews for the last few months in preparation, and that huge temple only a fifteen minute walk sounds amazing, and so does that museum of art, and that huge park too. Let’s not even talk about travelling outside the city (if you’re allowed). What I’m suggesting is, plan this out a little bit, think about the fact that you’re going to be there for (a few) years. Don’t burn yourself out in the first few months running around checking out all the sites. As odd as it may seem, the Acropolis in Athens actually gets a little boring on the 20th visit, so don’t try and fit everything in on the first month.
On the flip side, don’t wait till the last minute to see everything as well. Your last year is going to go quickly, and there’s pack up, farewell dinners/events and general chaos in your last few months on post. This is why planning is key. You also might learn that some sites are better at certain times of the year, so it makes more sense to wait a bit and pick the perfect day.
