So I put my faith in something unknown,I've been living on such sweet nothing,But I’m trying to hope with nothing to hold,
I'm living on such sweet nothing.
- Sweet Nothing, Calvin Harris Feat. Florence Welch.
Greek Islands...
Where to start. Contiki around Greece was definitely an experience. One full of ups and downs, excitement and disappointment, laughter and tears. But, like everything this year it was AmAzInG!!! The beauty of these Islands sang the praises of an imaginative and creative God, the GREATEST artists who formed the rocks, beaches and warm sun but also crafted the snow white alps and stunning waterfalls of Switzerland, I saw just a few months ago!
Where to start. Contiki around Greece was definitely an experience. One full of ups and downs, excitement and disappointment, laughter and tears. But, like everything this year it was AmAzInG!!! The beauty of these Islands sang the praises of an imaginative and creative God, the GREATEST artists who formed the rocks, beaches and warm sun but also crafted the snow white alps and stunning waterfalls of Switzerland, I saw just a few months ago!
We arrived in Athens and headed to
Lambraki street. It is about sixty minutes from Central Athens but definitely the BEST place for
shopping.
And shopping we did. I think the clothes I brang doubled in size by the end of the day. I have decided I am in LOVE with Greek Fashion, my new fashion capital!!!
And shopping we did. I think the clothes I brang doubled in size by the end of the day. I have decided I am in LOVE with Greek Fashion, my new fashion capital!!!
However, that day came my first tears.
As I went to try on a shirt I realised the wax I got the day before had left a
disgusting rash all over my chest! Red lumps seemed to appear and multiply. Not
the look I was going for. Ha Ha!
However, convinced it would not ruin my
holiday - even if it meant the next 6 days I spent tanning and swimming my
shirt on - we carried on shopping AND EATING!
The next day we headed to our first
Island Mykonos....
We were staying in a lovely hotel opposite one of the many beaches. It was a beautiful view. However, to be honest I was surprised how small the beach was. I was expecting long, sandy beaches and though the sand was soft and the water refreshing the images did not match up.
That night we went out to dinner and
visited a few bars.
Day 2 in Mykonos saw us head over to the
infamous Paradise Beach. Where we had our first Gyros and danced and drank and
enjoyed our night.
The next morning we headed to Paros...
On our first day we went to a jewellery store and made friends with the lovely sales assistant. She spoke of DELICIOUS Cheesecake cocktails from a bar called Republic down the street. When we went we were amazed. The man who owned and invented/perfected these cocktails was so nice to us and spoke and drank with us they night. We order Strawberry Cheesecake, Bounty, Turamussu and After Eight ( Choc-Mint) every single one was a sip of heaven. He also brang us shots throughout the night: Strawberry Vodka, Mango Vodka and frangelico in an edible chocolate shot glass. Delicious! Absolutely one of the best nights.
Tamara and I had a great day shopping and exploring town. We even found time for a fish pedicures with Garra Rufa fish. We laughed and laughed as they tickled our feet and ate our dead skin. Our feet felt so smooth!!!
We also went to a delicious dinner in Paros, where we were invited to join in on traditional dancing and the smashing of plates! So much FUN!!!
Our last night in Paros we also visited a quaint fishing village.
It was amazing we tried our first grilled fetta (another new addiction) and ate fresh, flavour filled food.
Our last stop for Contiki was Santorini...
The famous Santorini, the donkeys, the sunset, the white and blue buildings BUT DID EVERYONE KNOW IT WAS ALL CLIFFS?!? We were greeted at the port by nothing than large rock cliffs. Not the sandy beach I was still waiting for!
Our first night we
headed to a beautiful restaurant with a gourgess view of the Island.
We ordered different dishes to share between six of us!
Fried tomato balls and more grilled fetta.
Strawberry and salmon salad and prosciutto and vodka penne.
Fava (lentil dip) and moussaka.
The food was delicious and so full of flavour with fresh, quality produce.
The next day we did a day tour of the
Island. I was so tired and had to start my day with a local favourite. Freddo, a strong, iced coffee.
We visited both the red sand and black sand beaches.
The black sand was SO HOT! You couldn't walk on it with bare feet!
Prehistoric Thera is believed to be the town Plato based his writings 'The Lost City of Atlanta' on.
The people who lived here in the bronze age had inside toilets and had pipes leading to the ocean and volcano waters for hot and cold water.
I cannot believe how intelligent and innovative the ancient world was. Definitely smarter thinkers and better problem solvers than most of this generation. :P
On our walk back to the bus we passed a farmer who was sun drying his tomatoes. So amazing!!!!
Our visit to the Santarini winery concluded our day. We got a tour of the factory and were able to taste a selection of wines. My favourite was a dessert wine made with raisins. It was very sweet but very delicious. It would have been magical poured over vanilla ice cream.
That evening we settled in for the Santorini Sunset.
The sun lit up bright PINK and set the sky ablaze. It was beautiful but I have to admit, even though our sun doesn't go pink, Sydney also has amazing sunsets, painting the sky blue, pink, orange and yellow.
Later that night we relaxed at our hotel, eating chocolate and chips and drinking Smirnoff Vodka North (Northern berries).
and BOY was it strong, but it worked!!!
We visited both the red sand and black sand beaches.
The black sand was SO HOT! You couldn't walk on it with bare feet!
Prehistoric Thera is believed to be the town Plato based his writings 'The Lost City of Atlanta' on.
The people who lived here in the bronze age had inside toilets and had pipes leading to the ocean and volcano waters for hot and cold water.
On our walk back to the bus we passed a farmer who was sun drying his tomatoes. So amazing!!!!
Our visit to the Santarini winery concluded our day. We got a tour of the factory and were able to taste a selection of wines. My favourite was a dessert wine made with raisins. It was very sweet but very delicious. It would have been magical poured over vanilla ice cream.
That evening we settled in for the Santorini Sunset.
The sun lit up bright PINK and set the sky ablaze. It was beautiful but I have to admit, even though our sun doesn't go pink, Sydney also has amazing sunsets, painting the sky blue, pink, orange and yellow.
Later that night we relaxed at our hotel, eating chocolate and chips and drinking Smirnoff Vodka North (Northern berries).
Finally, the day had arrived. On our last morning in Santorini we rode donkeys. It was brilliant, so much fun.
My donkey kept walking on the cliff side though and I knew if he leant too that side I would fall right off and down the cliff. Thankfully I survived!!
Sadly, after our donkey rides our time
on Contiki had come to an end. As we said goodbye to our new friends now headed
to Athens and made our way on our Ferry to Crete...
Even though we spent the first hour in
Crete a little anxious and desperately searching for a hotel, our 3 days in
Crete were amazing.
The beach we stayed at in Crete, Amoudara,
was the one I had dreamed off. It was a lushes sandy beach that stretched on
and on with crystal blue warm water! I was in Paradise!
We spent day one at the beach. Laying in
the sun, swimming, walking along the beautiful long sandy beach and even got a
massage.
That night we ate a traditional greek dinner at a beautifully decorated Cretan restaurant.
The restaurant was run by a very friendly husband and wife with the help of their daughter. The food was full of the local flavours and every mouthful was heavenly.
That night we ate a traditional greek dinner at a beautifully decorated Cretan restaurant.
The restaurant was run by a very friendly husband and wife with the help of their daughter. The food was full of the local flavours and every mouthful was heavenly.
Olives, dips and bread to start.
Dolma (Greek stuffed vine leaves) and Zucchini flowers.
Eggplant.
Greek salad (Look at all that feta...delicious!!!!)
Chicken souvlaki.
Day 2: We did history in Heracleum.
Visiting the ancient palace of Knosses,
Visiting the ancient palace of Knosses,
the historical museum,
the fort,
churches
the ancient fort,
and market square.
We stopped and ate a delicious Greek mixed grill overlooking the sea.
Day 3 was a mix of city shopping and
laying on the beach. We then made our way to the Port to catch a ferry to
Athens.
Our 6 hour overnight Ferry to Athens
only had Deck seats left. Tamara and I were both very unsure what this meant
and envisioned sleeping on the floor of an outside deck with best case scenario
being we may have deck chairs?
Thankfully our 'poor' seats just meant
sleeping inside on unreserved reclining seats. We both gots seats and were able
to catch a few hours of sleep before our 6am arrival in Athens.
Well boys and girls, that's all the
writing I have in me today as I still have an exciting summer to enjoy. We will
have to leave Athens for another time!
Love, SUN and kisses,
Joey!!!
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