CEmatrudo

I booked a tour to the ancient archeological site of Delphi today. With a 2 1/2 hour bus ride each way, I was really looking forward to learning more about the history behind the temples there, and how Zeus, Apollo, and Athena were associated with the site. It didn‘t quite work out that way. The famous Chef Julia Child had a very unique pitch to her voice and Robin Williams famously based his Mrs. Doubtfire character on it. It was a combination of her high pitch and heavy French accent that sometimes made it hard to understand what she was saying. Today, our Greek tour guide Ema had a very similar voice and heavy Greek accent and I don’t think that she had had much time speaking English. When she spoke English, she continually put the ... read more

So excited for today. I’ve been looking at pictures of Santorini for months but I’ve learned there’s a whole other dimension to a place in person. I left the hotel at 6:15AM and walked the one block to the metro. It was a different feeling down there at that time of day. There were no crowds, no hordes of people like the last couple of days. Just a few people here and there and I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb. My anxiety started to creep in and I had to mentally give myself a pep talk. ‘I‘m fine, I will be fine, and I’m on my way to a ferry that will deliver me to Santorini.‘ It’s the best thing about traveling on my own, pushing myself out of my comfort level ... read more

Kalimera from Athens! For those that don’t know, my friend Angela invited me once again on a TAG-ALONG. Her annual conference is here this week and while she spends her days working out of an office at the Athens Hilton, I get to stay with her in her beautiful hotel room with Acropolis views, eat and drink in the Executive Lounge as much as I’d like, and do all the touristy things I can fit into 5 days. I know, I know! I’m NOT kidding you. Last year’s TAG-ALONG was Rome and I had a blast so I know I’m in for a treat. We arrived in Athens about 9:15AM and were met by the hotel driver, Dimitri. Transporter 2.0! We looked raggedy after the 9 1/2 hour flight but he was a sight for older, ... read more