This is the first time we returned to Europe in 17 years, for a visit to one of the countries on our bucket list, Greece. Jason had tried to book a trip to the Santorini islands in 2007 but because my leave was not approved timely, the hotel he wanted was no longer available. We always tell this story to Alyssa because we I told Jason that because we stayed in Belgium instead of traveling that week, the Lord blessed me with a pregnancy. She never wants to hear the story LOL.
Well the trip to Greece was for sure a great adventure. This was Alyssa's first return to Europe after leaving Belgium in a little airplane cot. She loved it more than going on our usual Caribbean cruises and I thought she blended in just fine!
My thoughts on Greece was that it was a very nice European city with hospitable people. I know surveying geographics is what I do a lot in a new city, and compared to the European cities I've been to, the city was fairly cleaned. Not dirty, no dog poop to dodge, and the pickpocket situation didn't seem to pose a threat like Rome and Paris. Oh, and I do like the food. But like most European countries, you can't really find bad food. I especially like the gyros and souvlaki. I also tried the moussaka for the first time and loved it!
Now, on to the sites. Acropolis was amazing. Of course it was packed, even at opening time. Hello, all the YouTube videos said to avoid the lines, what do you think people did with that? It wasn't too tiring to climb up as there was quite to see along the way. The other ruins in Greece were OK but I wouldn't pay to enter and see them. You could easily see them as you walked the city. We did do a sunset tour to Poseidon but the view wasn't as great as I hoped. It was nice, don't get me wrong, but the drones that took the video were able to access them from places that humans could not walk to!
Our AirBnB was also convenient and accessible to most places. The bed was stiff but I made do, and our host was efficient. His assistant was onsite to help. I think I would visit Greece again. There is much to see and not enough time. Santorini was far, so we made it to a closer Island called, Hydra (pronounced ydra or Heedruh). We rode a horse instead of a mule and got a scenic tour of the roads up the mountain. Low and behold, we found a restaurant named Roloi, that served loukoumades or deep-fried donuts. I remember how we saw them all over in Athens but then when we wanted it for dessert, they were no where to be found!! Well it was good, the praline flavored one, not the honey. I went back for seconds the next day. We didn't get to swim in Hydra although I saw a spot or two that would be good.
We left and made it home, though the tight airport line 1 hour before departure was a close call. The ground staff were helpful in getting us through and the plane actually waited for passengers to come on board. I remember missing my overnight flight in Germany in 2006 or so. No, if you're not on time, you are out of luck. I think Jason remembered that day because prior to cell phones, there really is no way to track and he had to call the airport to find out where I was. Airport stories you never forget.
So that's it. Greek in a nutshell...got a few souvenirs including evil eye items, pictures of cats, and a Greek funeral and theatrical mask.
