Santorini... A Little Piece of Heaven Right Here On Earth

10/10/13: Our 0500 wake up call came early this morning as we had 4 Asian roommates who kept us up most of the night. They all decided to shower around midnight and then proceeded with a rhythmic face tap while applying various products to their faces. I will admit, not one wrinkle was to be found on any of their faces, but seriously... an hour of circular face taps was enough to test my patience. I'm not certain I slept at all. It was a good thing I showered the night before as there is only 1 shower and 1 toilet for all 20 of us. Ugh!!

We decided to get a taxi to the port instead of trying to figure out the metro or bus systems. It was a 20E flat rate, so not bad at all. The 20E rate also got us a 'free roller coaster ride' with our taxi driving 80-90 mph through the city. I thought we were going to die before getting to the port. We just boarded our boat and are pleasantly surprised to find to to be quite nice. Leather seats, TVs, a bar... not bad! Thankful, because we have 6 hours on this thing. About to set sail, hope to nap, and wake up in what I'm certain is paradise.


Oh MY LORD... this place is beautiful!! We ended up renting a little blue car, similar to the one I had when I lived in Hawaii. The whole feel and atmosphere takes me back to my Island life. Speed limits of 35-40, no stop lights, single lane streets with 2 way traffic... I LOVE it!! It's really making me want to move back to Hawaii. Our hotel literally takes your breath away. I had to pinch myself and think, "wow! Is this really happening? What did I do to deserve to be here?" The Greek Islands have been on my bucket list for quite some time. Now that I am here, I already want more time. Our room is like a mini studio apt. The deck sets on the cliff and we have a view of the Aegean Sea, the white houses with the blue church tops, volcano. It is simply the most beautiful and romantic place I have ever been. We spent the day by our hotel pool, sipped on drinks, met a couple who live in Dubai, but are from London. Awesome people. There is just something about small town Island life that gives my heart a magnetic beat of contentment and happiness. With that, I am going to enjoy 1 more glass of wine on my patio overlooking the beauty surrounding me and drift off to sleep in my version of paradise.

10/11/2013
Today I awoke to a stunning sunrise, went for an hour long vigorous hike to the volcano below our hotel, had a healthy breakfast poolside, and sipped on some fresh coffee, sat in several minutes of silence feeling grateful and blessed to be here. Places like this allow me to dream again, much like I did as a little girl growing up. They motivate me to become a better person... To read more. Help more. Relax more. Dance more. Appreciate more. Count my blessings more.Care more. Feel more... so much more that a tear of gratefulness rolled down my cheek and dropped into my coffee while I stared at the beauty in front of me. How ever did I get so lucky to be living my dream??

From there, we went to explore Santorini in our little blue Island car. Reminded me of the little blue car I had in Hawaii. Surprisingly, the beaches were nothing special, but this girl is content with any type of sand I can sink my toes into.  Basically spent the day cruising, laying on the beach, had a few beers from my backpack, and just hung out. I found myself seriously considering going back to Hawaii to work upon my return home.  I miss the lifestyle and the simplicity of the life I lived there. As well as how happy I was. So carefree, natural, hair styles and clothes were never a thought, tons of hiking, being outdoors, and having great life talks with amazing people. Anyway... that is an entire different journal. I don't think words can explain how breath taking this place really is. I will let the pictures do the talking instead.

Everyone on the Island gathers to watch the sunset on the Oia side. After a super, windy, road in our blueberry care, we had arrived.  We had dinner an overpriced dinner on a patio and gazed at the magnificent sight before our eyes. ***While it was fantastic, I would've enjoyed it just as much had we hiked to a random area, brought a bottle of wine, and had our own picnic. Much more my style, something which my time in Hilo taught me and will forever remain in me. Simplicity.

We are now back on our hotel (Akrolithos) on our patio, sipping on store bought wine, soaking in our last hours in Santorini. A place I hope to definitely return to. Having said that... Cheers to having a dream and making it happen. Now off to my fantasy world of being a Greek Goddess for the few hours we have left here!! Self indulgent? Maybe. But this place makes me feel beautiful... inside and out. And that's all that really matters :)

Ahhh... ahhhhh, Athens

10/9/2013

Here we sit in the airport in Rome awaiting our flight to Athens, Greece. Out of all the places we are going to visit, this one makes me nervous. Government workers are upset about their benefits and pay, therefore they are holding demonstrations. My understanding of a demonstration is it is like a riot in the U.S. People are lighting tires on fire and throwing them in the street, attacking and killing  innocent people with crowbars... basically committing violent acts to prove a point. It sounds as though most of this takes place next to the Acropolis which is where most of the government buildings are. It's also where our hostel is located and many of the main tourist attractions are. I have to admit, for the first time, I am hesitant and scared. Hoping to arrive, be safe, and reassured.

It's going to be a hectic few days as we catch a ferry to Santorini tomorrow morning at 0700. No idea how far it is from our hostel to the port. Hopefully it all goes smooth as it was my 'demand' that we visit Greece while on this European adventure even though it is WAY out of the way. I am hoping I am right about just how amazing Greece is and it's worth the detour.  It's been on my bucket list and am beyond excited to experience Greece.

As I sit hear and listen to the boarding call, I decided to catch up on some email, and just realized that we were supposed to verify our accommodations 24 hours in advance which we didn't do. Oh my. I really hope we don't arrive in Athens with no place to stay. With that, its off to seat 17B as they announce the final boarding call. Eeeeeek!!!

OH MY LORD!!! This place is absolutely breath-taking!!! and we haven't even gotten to the real beauty yet. I want to stay in Athens for another few days as it is simply that amazing and laid back. A nice breath of fresh air.

We did not arrive until 1700, so the only thing we really had time for was to walk around our hostel and hike up to the Partheon, which is my favorite site at this point in the trip. I could've sat and stared at it's beauty for hours. Take a look...

We had a traditional Mediterranean dinner, some wine, and a few moments to take it all in. The people here are so hospitable and happy. One random thing I noticed: there are a ton of wild dogs and cats roaming the streets. They are everywhere!!

As far a Syntagma Square and the violence goes, I have seen nothing, heard nothing, and according to the Greeks, there has been nothing. That is just CNN exaggerating the issue as they say. I am so thankful that we ignored the naysayers and came to Greece. It is my favorite stop thus far. It is also the first time I truly feel like I am in a foreign country. The Greek alphabet consists of symbols and letters, which made the one hour bus ride exciting, yet uneasy. We had no idea where we were the entire duration while we put full trust in complete strangers, who 'kind of' understood English, hoping they were guiding us in the correct direction. All of the 'what ifs' and hopes led us directly to our destination.  Sometimes you just have to believe that people are genuinely good people and want to help out a stranger. This is a case of just that.

We ended the evening with a beer and shot (as this seems to be the European way) on the rooftop bar at our hostel. With a view like this, can you blame me for wanting to stay a bit longer???

0500 wake up call tomorrow and it's off to Santorini we go!! eeeeeekkkk!!! I am so excited.

I have not learned any Greek words yet, but Athens is
1) Romantic
2) Inviting
3) Cozy
4) A return visit is a MUST