Blogs from Santorini, South Aegean, Greece, Europe - page 27

034 - Greece - Santorini, Hydra, and Athens 10/21/08 - 11/25/08 Picture Perfect written by Hannah The question on everyone's mind when we left San Diego for parts unknown was “when will we see you again?”, especially so for my mom. After 9 months of waiting to see where we could meet she finally 'sacrificed' and bought her ticket for Greece. Those who know me will say I live a pretty full life and am involved in many different things, well, I learned it from my mom, and true to form she had 1,001 things to do before she jumped on the flight for her first visit to Greece. Sadly she could only get away for 8 days, so our trip happened in fast-forward. We had an additional guest, one of my mom's friends, Katie, who ... read more

Aegean Dreams in Greece Catching up with our travelers as their plane descends into Athens, Greece shortly after midnight. Arriving in the middle of the night presents its own set of difficulties, such as, transportation and finding a reasonable place to stay. Thinking ahead, we had booked a room on-line before we departed to eliminate at least one of the issues. However, the transportation issue was looking like a daunting task. We had two choices, take a taxi from the airport which was going to cost more than a place to stay, or, try to navigate our way there on the unfamiliar public transportation system. Budget minded as we have to be doing this kind of long term travel we opted for the bus… Receiving directions from the night reception at the hotel, we quickly realized ... read more

Europe here we come... After leaving Egypt, we were dying for some kind of luxury, familiarity... anything Western really! Tash A was excited as her first 'real' venture into Europe, and a first for both Tash's to Greece. In short, we had 1 week to see all we could of what Greece has to offer! Firstly 2 nights in Athens, The Hermes hotel was ultimate luxury compared to where we had been the previous 2 weeks in Egypt. All booked through Contiki, it's always hard to know what to expect! New Hotel in the Plaka district, close to all restaurants/ cafes/ shopping/ good coffee etc. And The Acropolis around the corner... just perfect. The temperature in the mid 20's was an unbelievable relief. We found Athens a truely fashionable city, cultural and for the most part ... read more

Amongst the ruins we tramped. The occasional tree blocked the sun momentarily. Our feet stirred up a fine, choking dust. The hot, still air let the dust hang there for a moment. Then, if it didn't reach the back of your throat, it lodged in between teeth. I wondered if Santorini would be like Rome. Looking out the Aegean Air jet, doing a flyby of this Waiheke-sized island (pop 12,000 + tourists), the prerequisite barren hillsides under clear skies were getting their late afternoon respite from the sun. The jet lowered and turned back for the final approach. We sunk lower and lower towards the deep navy sea, a brief flash of cobalt blue and rocks, then the black runway cutting through tan fields. A short taxi and we were out on the tarmac. It was ... read more

Today we awoke in beautiful sweet hospitable glamorous photogenic friendly Oia, Santorini. What a getaway this place is! As I am writing this blog my enjoyment of life glands are tingling at the thought of the place. It is romantic and peaceful beyond anything else in this world. We woke up in a cave house that was cool even though outside was getting quite warm. We walked around and just wandered its lovely streets and passages. Oia is the kind of place that's completely touristy, but you just don't mind, and you feel sorry for all the suckers that are only in Oia for the day and sleeping in Fira. At night when the tourists leave, its all yours and you can aimlessly wander and enjoy the views everywhere you go. I would not come to ... read more