🇬🇷 Greece Adventure: A Journey Through Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini 🇬🇷
✈️ Departure from Newark Airport
My journey began at Newark Airport, filled with excitement and anticipation for my Greek adventure! However, an unexpected evacuation threw a curveball into the plans.
Suddenly, an announcement instructed everyone to evacuate the terminal immediately—no further details were given. Pandemonium erupted as people panicked and scrambled to exit. After about 30 minutes, we were allowed back inside, and my flight to Greece remained on schedule! 🎉
🌟 Emirates Flight Experience
The moment I stepped onto the Emirates flight, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality. Even in economy class, the service was exceptional, from the delicious meals to the cozy blankets provided for the long 10-hour flight. As I soared through the skies, I indulged in movies and settled in comfortably, already feeling like I was living large!
🏛️ Arrival in Athens
Touching down in Athens felt surreal! The sun was shining, and there was an energy in the air. I headed straight to my hotel, the Titania Hotel, where my room offered breathtaking views of the Acropolis. Walking around the city, I was immediately struck by its blend of ancient and modern. Graffiti was everywhere—a stark reminder of how the recession has hit Athens, with many stores closed and businesses abandoned. The sight of homelessness saddened me, but I believe this resilient city will bounce back. Despite the struggles, Athens remains a historical treasure trove with a welcoming atmosphere and kind people.
🕌 Walking in the Footsteps of Legends
🏖️ Mykonos Adventure
After soaking in Athens, it was time for Mykonos! The ferry ride was a unique experience, and upon arrival, I was surprised by the rocky, desert-like landscape—it looked like Mars! My hotel was absolutely breathtaking, with stunning views of the ocean in the distance. Mykonos is beautiful in its own way, especially at night when the moonlight dances on the water or in the morning when the sky is painted with sunrise colors.
Let’s just say, if you’ve got millions to burn and want to be seen, then Mykonos is for you! 😂 It’s where the celebrities play, and it can be quite pricey. Although my hotel was far from downtown, it offered peace and tranquility, and I enjoyed wandering around, especially in Mykonos Town with its charming narrow streets.
🌅 Santorini Escape
Santorini—what can I say? It lived up to the hype in many ways, though not entirely how I expected. My hotel in Kamari was fantastic, with the beach just a short walk away and restaurants and shops galore all within easy reach. The Perigiali Restaurant was truly a highlight, where I had the most delicious lamb and pina coladas. Cleaning my plate with bread because it was that good! I miss it already.
The beach was rocky but beautiful. I sat on giant volcanic rocks in the ocean and walked on a stone platform that felt like I was walking on water. The water was crystal clear, and while it was cold, it was incredibly refreshing. I was tempted to take home some of the soft volcano rocks, but they were too heavy, and I wasn’t sure customs would let me keep them.
As for Oia, I found it a bit overwhelming. The narrow streets were packed with tourists, even in the fall. I managed to catch a glimpse of the famous blue dome, but the crowd made it difficult to fully appreciate. However, I was gobsmacked when I realized that there’s a school in the middle of the tourist area, a reminder that locals live and thrive there too.
The Ancient City of Akrotiri
One of the most fascinating parts of my trip was visiting the ruins of Akrotiri. It’s an ancient city believed by some to be linked to the legend of Atlantis, although this isn’t confirmed. My tour guide was amazing and informative, providing a deeper understanding of this incredible site. She used to be an archaeologist but lost her job due to the recession—one of the many ways Greece’s economy has affected its people.
Akrotiri was incredibly advanced for its time. The ancient city had houses with up to four floors, and the second floor had a bathroom, which was unheard of back then. Walking through the ruins, you could still see the volcanic ash from the eruption that buried the city. Seeing this history in person was unforgettable, and it left a deep impression on me.
🐕 🐈🫏 The Animals of Greece
One thing I noticed throughout Greece, not just in the cities, was the abundance of animals—specifically cats and dogs. The Greeks don’t believe in leashing or caging their animals, so there were cats lounging in restaurants and dogs wandering freely. Though I don’t care much for cats, I was shocked by how calm and non-aggressive the dogs were. I even pet a dog at Akrotiri!
The Unexpected Diversity of Greece: A Beautiful Surprise
When I set out for Greece, I had an image of whitewashed buildings, ancient ruins, and beautiful sunsets in my mind. What I didn’t expect was to find a level of diversity that truly amazed me. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how many different cultures were represented across the islands. There were Africans, African Americans, Asians—people from all corners of the world. 🌍
What really stood out to me was the presence of Black people in Greece, not just as tourists but fully embraced in the culture. I saw posters, advertisements, and even mannequins featuring Black people—something I didn’t anticipate but was so happy to see. It was refreshing to feel that sense of acceptance and representation, especially in such a historic and iconic destination. 🙌🏾
Walking through Santorini, I was surprised to find Chinese restaurants and even a Taekwondo school! 🥋 It was a reminder of how globalized and connected the world is, even in places that we often imagine as being steeped in their own specific culture. Greece, with its ancient history, is also very much a place of modern diversity.
What made it even more special was the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. The Greeks I encountered were warm and friendly, making the experience even more memorable. I felt at home, and it was comforting to see how effortlessly people of all backgrounds were accepted. ❤️
And as if the experience on the ground wasn’t enough, the views from the air were equally breathtaking. I remember looking out the plane window and seeing the iconic windmills of Mykonos dotting the landscape. 🏰🌅 It was absolutely stunning—one of those picture-perfect moments you never forget. The beauty of the islands is something you have to see to believe, and it made my journey even more magical.
Now, let’s talk about the donkeys! 🐴 Greece loves its donkeys, and while I didn’t see them much in Santorini, I definitely caught a whiff of them! 💩 The little “presents” they left around were hard to miss. It added a quirky charm to the experience, reminding me that this is all part of the local life.
However, if you have a fear of heights, Santorini might not be the place for you. 😳 The bus rides along the cliffs overlooking the ocean were terrifying! 🌊 The roads are narrow and steep, with no barriers to keep you from the edge. Sharing those roads with other vehicles made my heart race, and I found myself gripping the seat tightly. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart! 😅
Greece didn’t just meet my expectations; it exceeded them in ways I hadn’t even imagined. The cultural richness combined with the breathtaking beauty of the islands has left a lasting impression on me. It’s a place I’ll forever carry with me, not just for its history or landscapes, but for how I felt while I was there. ✈️❤️
🍽️ Farewell to Greece
My last night in Greece was spent back at the Titania Hotel in Athens, this time in a room on the 9th floor with a stunning view of the Parthenon 🏛️. I enjoyed a delicious club sandwich from the hotel’s Olive Garden Restaurant (not to be confused with the American chain!), sipping espresso in my room while soaking in the view. This time, the breakfast was complimentary as part of the group tour, though I must admit I missed my big American breakfasts! 😂
As I prepared to leave, I reflected on the wonderful people I met during my 11-day tour. Despite being together for such a short time, it felt like we had known each other for years. From trying lamb for the first time, to indulging in Greek salads and feta cheese, to tasting octopus (which I definitely won’t be trying again!), this trip was filled with unforgettable experiences.
Conclusion: A Greek Odyssey 🇬🇷
My journey through Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Greece offered endless surprises at every turn, from walking the ancient paths of the Parthenon to exploring the ruins of Akrotiri. The delicious food, the kind people, and the rich layers of history left a lasting impression on me. Take me back to Greece, where the fall weather, breathtaking landscapes, and love for life made me feel at home.
As broke as I am now 😂, I can confidently say that my favorite island is Santorini, especially the capital Fira. While some people might not have a favorite, for me, Santorini takes the crown! Bucket list completed ✔️
Opa! 🇬🇷✌🏾🥳🍻
Greece, where the streets are filled with history, the food is a celebration in itself, and life is lived passionately. This trip was a whirlwind of adventures, flavors, and amazing people. I felt a deep connection to the ancient and modern side of this incredible country. Greece, until next time—you’ll always be in my heart! Opa! ✌🏾🍻
Comments
Post a Comment