GREECE

Imagine being able to visit the one place in the world you always wanted to go. That was Greece for me. Since the sixth grade I have been fascinated with Greek Mythology. The legends of the Gods and Goddesses fascinated me into my adult years. To finally be able to visit the places where these stories were born was a lifelong dream for me, and why my first book series is located in Greece. Walking the streets of Athens, admiring the ancient structures, it was almost like being transferred back in time. I went in October; being told there were less tourists, however I noticed during certain times of the is the only time it is truly empty. Early morning and late afternoon due to the cruise liners. Even though it can be crowded, I still enjoyed every bit.

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I wanted to make sure I was close to the temples and the hot spots that were on my travel list. So, if this is also your idea, I suggest bringing a nice pair of walking shoes. You will have to pay to visit the temples, but they are definitely worth it. Almost everything is in one place, and the sheer size of the temples make you feel so small. I stayed at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens. A beautiful structure outside as well as inside; you almost feel like royalty when you walk in. My favorite part of the hotel was having breakfast on the eighth floor while watching the sun rise with the Acropolis in the distance.

The places I visited were the quaint neighborhood of Plaka (a must see). Small restaurants that place their outside patrons at seats that crawl up and down the concrete steps. The beautiful flowers that overflow in pots incase you while you enjoy your meal or just walk through the neighborhood. The souvenir shops bring so much joy when you try to find that perfect gift for your loved ones back home. Traditional pieces such as painted votives, miniature sculptures of the gods. The food; one word. AMAZING. I have never tasted anything so fresh, so flavorful with only a few ingredients. A traditional Greek salad, with a side of Ozo. If you like the taste of black liquorish, this is the drink for you. Avocado toast with fresh salmon, and sliced avocados and capers.

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The Acropolis that I mentioned above is a must see location. High above the city of Athens, where you have an incredible 360 degree view of the city as you walk around the temple. The sight of the structures from history hit you right in the heart. A feeling that you cannot believe you are experiencing them. I was in awe of everything I saw. The scenic photos that I kept seeing on the internet searches were now right in front of me as a part of real life. I visited the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Ares, Athena, Hephaestus, and Apollo.

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Santorini was my next stop. I always feel like being near the ocean, whether I am right next to it, or in the middle of it there is this sense of peace. The only downside was taking the ferry from Athens to Santorini. The ferry took eight hours, but it was totally worth the torture of sitting next to a group of girls who were flirting with local Greek men.

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The different restaurants to choose from, the fresh gelato, the food of course, and just the all-around atmosphere. I stayed in the village of Oia. I did a hike from Oia to the village of Fira. If you stay in Fira, you can do the hike the other way and catch a ride back. The hike takes around four hours, but you will get the best views of Santorini. The small houses and shops, the churches with the blue roofs that make the village so popular, the stone streets and walls. I went early in the morning before most people were out. I recommend this so you do not run into people while they are, or you are taking pictures. Some of what you would call paths are very narrow. The hike is marked so you do not have to worry about directions-thankfully.

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One of the most beautiful things about Santorini is the sunsets. Watching the sunset over the water while you’re having dinner, or the sunrise while having breakfast, something I have never experienced on any coast in the States. For me, this whole trip was to life a life like dream. To visit a place I learned about and loved since I was a kid. It was at the top of my bucket list and I was not disappointed. Of course there will always be things that can be an irritant; not everything is perfect. However, it’s new experiences that help us grow, and realize the world is so much bigger than our backyard. There are other places in Greece I would love to visit; and one day I will.  

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