I've been on few trips I would call vacation. I travel for experience, for an injection of emotion, for a taste of freedom. This however is vacation at it's best. It was simple. Devoid of distraction or planning. An umbrella. A beach. A book. A love. Greece was vacation.
Our cheapest accommodations in Greece were the best ones. Look at this place! The buffet was even better than the ambience. The buffet breakfast and dinner made us feel like royalty. Writing this makes my mouth water and seeing the pool makes me yearn for my book and some sun.
If everyone is going left, go right. If they take the freeways then take the streets. If they all go to Mykonos and Santorini then go to KOS! The best island of them all was the one nobody told us to go to. The less frequented by the party crowd and certainly more local. This was the water we sought. This was the seclusion we craved. This was the perfect balance of getaway and culture that makes a place more preferable than others. Our last stop in Greece was together our favorite.
I only had one expectation for Santorini and that was white buildings with blue coated roofs. They were aplenty and I was pleased. It was a calm stint overall. It was a good place to reflect. A place to think. The grandeur created a celestial environment that was as much calming as disturbing. Islands are a scary place. You are stuck. You are stuck with all that is beautiful and all that is not. In a place so open one can feel trapped. A few days and nights was enough and I was on to the next one.
In Venice you ride a Gondola. In Central Park a carriage. In Egypt a Camel. In Santorini one must ride a Donkey. We made the precarious ascent astride these wannabe horses. With a mind and agenda of their own one as at the Donkey's whim. We disembarked safely at the top but not without a strong sense of relief.
Greece didn't spend too much time coming up with names for their beaches. The aptly named Red Beach was red. They should have named it Hades though because it was hot as hell. Beads of sweat dripped and we had to dip in the water just about every five minutes. It was dangerously hot so we spent as much time as possible to feel like we could claim a visit and then we were out of there.
Days were spent wandering the town, or on the beach, or in a cafe sipping tea. Greece is legendary for good reason. I'd fight a war over this place.
A heavenly glow rests over the entire cove. The sun reflects over the slightly textured water which itself only moves slightly, just enough to remind the viewer they are still alive. Never before have I seen islands from this vantage point. I was at peace but also aware of the violent past that formed these natural wonders. I daydreamed the explosion that would cause these masses of earth. Chaos is always present among the calm.
This town is replete with bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, and local high-end hotels. One winds through the narrow walkways, up and down stairs, and always near an edge. It is kind of like Venice, Italy but on the opposite extreme of the sea level. It is a tourist town but classy and with way more character.
Set high among the cliffs and reigning over the surrounding islands is the main town of Santorini Island. The height is what makes this place unique. Upon arrival we had to ascend a series of steep roads criss-crossing our way gradually up the mountainside. It is well worth the fear because what appears to be snow from afar is actually a cluster of white buildings making up one of the prettiest places in the world.
The view from our table at dinner during the last evening of our stay in Mykonos. The wind is one of the most notable residents of the town. It gives a tangible quality to the spirit of the town while at the same time making it difficult to eat outside. It was one of the most gorgeous evenings I have ever experienced.
Not only does it melt in your mouth but it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
There were lots of beautiful pieces of mass produced art depicting the buildings of Mykonos.
From pictures I assumed that buildings in Mykonos were only outlined in blue. Turns out multiple colors are used with the distinct architecture.
I reached the land of the white washed walls and colored accents. Mykonos town is more quaint than I expected as it was refreshingly untainted by commercial resorts. It was devoid of the necessaries that are incorporated into most commercial areas - lamp light, advertising, signage etc. As a result a visitor feels that they are really on an island and away from it all. The pictures speak volumes. Mykonos has a party town reputation but our experience there was on the calm side.
After a few days in Athens we were off to the islands to relax in paradise. We rode these massive ferries from beautiful to beautiful beach.
When visiting a historical site I tend to don some burnt orange. Not only because it makes for a good picture but it never fails that some tourist will notice it and we can take pictures for one another.
High atop the Akropolis sits the Parthenon. From this point one has a 360 degree view of Athens. This is where civilization began and it is incredible that the structure has stood the test of time.
One of the most interesting places to visit while traveling are the local markets. The vendors yell out prices to provide a soundtrack to the spectacle. Sandals are a bad choice too as random fluids fly from hoses and food displays.
