Creta - Where Raki Flows Like Water

Day 8: June 25 cont’d…

We got some lunch before catching the bus to port. The tavern we found wasn’t that great, but we were hot and it was nice to escape the heat for a while. After lunch we went to get our bags from the villa reception and then waited for the bus for a half hour. Everything in Greece is slow, late and/or cancelled. The bus was completely packed and really hot. It was scary driving through the mountain to get to Fira, but we made it. We planned to catch a bus from Fira to port, but when we got to the square we found out the next bus wasn’t for an hour!

At this point we were both extremely agitated because we had to be at the port really soon. We decided to grab a taxi which took a while, but we made it to port on time and the woman who shared the cab with us paid our share. Awesome! She was from Ohio and was the housing director at Ohio State University and she spoke Greek fluently because she was born here on one of the islands – very cool!

When we got to port we went to a café and got some ice cream to cool off. We ended up waiting a long while because as usual the ferry was running late. The ferry to Crete was smooth and short. We picked up our roomy rental car – Hyundai Accent – and headed to the hotel we’d be staying at for the night.

The Atrion Hotel was beautiful. We had the same room number (603) from Athens and they upgraded us to a suite (sweet!) for free. We grabbed some dinner at a great seafood restaurant and watched the football match between Germany and Turkey. It’s been fun being in Europe during Euro 2008. Oh, and when we asked for the logariazmo (check) they brought us a dessert platter and Raki – a local liquor made from the skins of grapes; it burns like tequila and tastes like vodka.

Finally we got the ridiculously cheap bill and went back to the hotel to sleep. Our beds were awesome! Tempurpedic and they had controls to raise and lower the top and bottom halves. I slept like a baby that night.

Day 9: June 26

We woke up later than usual and had a delicious breakfast in the hotel. We packed, check out and headed for Knossos – the ruins where King Minos once ruled.

It was hot and crowded with 90% tour groups – I hate tour groups! We weren’t very impressed with this site. It was cool but lackluster because it was all reconstructed by Sir Arthur Evans – the guy who discovered it at the turn of the century.

We left after a quick hour and drove to our next spot – Matala. It’s an adventure driving in Greece and we’ve gotten lost a few times. The signage is poor and the lanes are barely discernable.

We spent 20 minutes looking for our hotel and when we found it we were disappointed. The photos and description online were deceiving – walk to beach = hike, we got separate beds and the bathroom was dirty. I described this as Riches to Rags, but as long as we’re together I’m happy.

We grabbed some lunch in town and hit the beach

for a few hours. We explored these caves which were a Roman cemetery and used by the hippies during the 70s. We picked up some groceries for breakfast and some ice cream, rinsed off in the pool and took a nap.

We didn’t wake up until 9:30pm and it was so hard to get out of bed but we had to get dinner otherwise we’d starve. We found a cute taverna and watched the semifinal between Espania and Russia and actually stayed long enough to see the end. Viva Espania!

Day 10: June 27

This time Tim slept like a baby while I was up tossing and turning. We got an early start because we wanted to get to Festos before the hoards and the heat. We got there right at opening and were the only ones for the half hour we were there. This location is the site of a Minoan palace. There’s not much left but it’s better to leave it to the imagination.

From there we drove to our next location – Chania where we’d be staying three nights. Our room wasn’t quite ready so we took our laundry to the cleaners and lay by the pool for a couple hours. We got some lunch in the hotel’s café and when our room was ready; we took a nap and hit the beach.

The hotel is great! The staff is friendly and really helpful. It’s right on the beach so we’ve got our own access to it and the pool is right there so if you want to hear the waves but not get sandy the pool is a good choice.

After the beach, we got ready to have dinner at the Well of the Turk – a Turkish restaurant that’s supposed to be really delicious. The owner of the hotel, Nikos gave us some great recommendations for what to order and also told us about a club to visit afterwards.

Dinner was delicious! Service was slow but we weren’t really in a rush. From there we went back to the hotel because it was only 11pm and Nikos said the club doesn’t get busy until 1am. I played around on the free internet for awhile and then we headed to Destijl.

Awesome club! Half indoor and half outdoor with awesome decorations – palm trees, Moroccan lighting and colorful chairs, tables and beds. We got a few drinks and then hit the dance floor. It was a lot of fun and I’m proud of us for lasting until after 3am.

Day 11: June 28

Late start – I was a bit hungover and we were both exhausted. We ordered room service and laid in bed until it was time to pick up our laundry. When we got our laundry from the cleaners we headed to Falasarna beach. It’s on the far west side of the island and was a short drive from the hotel.

It was absolutely beautiful! The water was turquoise, aquamarine, blue, navy and teal. Completely clear all the way to your toes. It was a lot of fun. After we relaxed for a few hours we headed back to the hotel, changed and grabbed some inexpensive dinner at a place called Nikos recommended by Nikos. Yummy! And we’ve come to realize that in Crete they serve Raki and a dessert after every dinner whether you want it or not. Woo hoo!

After dinner we passed out.

Day 12: June 29

Our last day in Greece =( We leave for Italy

tomorrow!

We saved the best for last – Elafonisi beach. Gorgeous as well, but more crowded than Falasarna. The water was freezing, but it felt great after lying out in the sun for a few hours. After the beach we drove back to the hotel and went to the beach there and then rinsed off in the pool before taking showers and hopping on the internet to write this blog =)

Tonight is the final between Germany and Spain. It’s going to be crazy! We met a guy in Matala who said that if Germany wins then he gets to shave his friend’s hair off, but if Spain wins then his friend gets to shave his mustache off (which he’s had for 25 years!).

I can’t wait to drink some Mythos and be among the locals!

I <3 Santorini!

Hey Dad! How about this view? This is what we look at every time we walk out the door of our villa in Santorini. =)

Day 5: June 22 cont'd...

After hitting up the internet cafe we grabbed some lunch at this great spot overlooking the mountains and the ocean. We both had pasta and it was surprisingly tasty!

We headed back to Arahova and took a 3 1/2 hour nap. Exploring ancient ruins is hard work and we were exhausted. When we woke up we searched for a payphone in the village and spent 15 minutes trying to figure out our phonecard. I ended up calling Lawry's - the place where I work - because I knew I would get an answer and it finally worked. We each called our parents and talked for a few minutes before heading to dinner at a hidden tavern at the edge of town.

I had lamb - the mountain specialty - and it was the best I've ever had! We watched the futbol match between Espania and Italia and headed back to the guesthouse at halftime. So far we've watched 3 futol matches and haven't stayed up late enough to see who wins lol

Day 6: June 23

We had the earliest start today at about 5:45am. We had to leave Arahova by 6:30am to get the rental car to Athens by 10am. The drive was nice until we actually entered Athens. The traffic here is horrific! The worst I've ever seen!

When we finally got the rental car back we got some tasty waffles and frappes at a cafe and hopped on the train for the airport. Our next stop was a short 45 minute plane ride away to the island of Santorini. It was finally time to slow down and relax on the beach for a few days.

We got to Santorini after the shortest flight ever and took a taxi to the villa we'd be staying at. Santorini is unbelievably gorgeous! It's much cooler than the mainland but it's more humid. We hid indoors for the better part of the afternoon. The villa is styled to resemble traditional cave homes from when the Venetians first settled the island. We've got our own balcony overlooking the ocean. It's breathtaking!

I named her Annabelle. She was our friend for the few days we were in Santorini.

After resting we got some ice cream and explored the village of Oia (ee-uh). It's so cute, but overrun with tourists. It'd be easy to get lost among all the stone passageways. We walked to the end of the island to watch the sunset and headed back to our villa. Nikos, a very nice man who works at the villa we're staying at offered to drive us down to the water's edge for some fresh seafood.

He dropped us off at Taverna Katina where we had whole fish. Two to be exact. They were a local of the island called Sea Dream. Effing delicious my friends! I think because Nikos dropped us off we got a free appetizer and a beer - Mythos (the hellenic lager) from Mama Katina herself. It's been the best meal we've had so far.

After dinner and several Mythos we were tired and a bit drunk so the restaurant called Nikos to come pick us up and we passed out when we got back to the villa.

Day 7: June 24

One week! Insane...

I woke up early to watch the sunrise while Tim slept. I think he's finally back to full health and he sleeps through the whole night =)

Santorini is so beautiful! I can't stop taking pictures! After Tim woke up we found a cafe that served American breakfast and had some omelettes - yum-e! Then we got ready to hit the beach. We rented a Smart car for the day which is perfect for the island and incredibly cute.

We visited Perivolos beach - it has black sand which is beautiful but unbearably hot! After swimming in the crystal clear water for a while we laid out and ordered cocktails. After several hours at the beach we headed back to our villa to cool off in the pool and nap.

When we were rested we headed to the capital of Santorini - Fira - for dinner. We wandered through the town and found an empty cafe. Fira is absolutely crowded with tourists. I was happy to find a quiet spot for dinner.

Day 8: June 25

Today is our last day in Santorini. I'm sad to leave, but next we're headed to Crete by ferry. The ferry leaves this evening so we're going to explore Santorini a little more before heading to port.

The Center of the Universe

Day 2: June 19 cont'd...

After leaving the internet cafe we bought some much needed water and head to Agora - the birthplace of democaracy. We didn't stay long because the heat was getting to us. We bought some more and water and powerade and headed back to the hotel. We made it just in time because we were both really suffering from the heat. We rinsed off in the shower and laid in bed for a while.



And that's when the unexpected happened. Tim was sick all afternoon! This ironically made us both laugh because Tim is the practiced veteran of traveling and I'm the newb and yet he's the one who got sick and I'm the one who seems to always know where we are and which way to go. Well, I was starving and since Tim was out of comission I went out to grab some take out. After eating I passed out because Tim was ill so we laid in bed. I slept for about 4 hours, which I shouldn't have done, but it felt great! It's really difficult to adjust to the time change, but when I finally woke up Tim still wasn't feeling well. I'm almost positive it's something he ate or drank plus the intense heat. We really underestimated the heat here. It's so intense!

After crawling out of bed Tim wanted to get out of the hotel room so we hit the streets and walked around for a while. We checked the location of the rental place we'd be visiting the next day and explored some of the more dumpy streets - I love Athens, but I could never live here. It's really dirty and crowded and most of the people aren't very nice. After buying Tim a powerade we found a pharmacy where a really nice lady gave Tim some medicine for .95 cents and then we searched for a place that we could grab some dinner.

We found a cheap, semi-tout (touristy spot where the owners might try to rip you off) restaurant. I had some not-so-good swordfish and some tasty spinach and cheese balls. Tim ate some cucumber and tomato off my plate and slowly started to feel better. After the server told us how much the bill was without showing us we paid and headed back to the hotel. I took a shower and Tim laid down. I watched a McDonald's special on some Greek channel until I fell asleep.

Day 3: June 20

This day did not start out great. Tim woke me around 3am and he still wasn't feeling well. He thought he might be hungry so I told him to eat the salad he never touched from the day before. He ate most of it and started to feel a little better. We, or maybe I should say I, fell back asleep until Tim woke me up again around 4:30am. This time he was worse. He was burning up, his head felt tight and his heart was racing. I decided it was time to call a doctor so I went down to the concierge and they called a private doctor to our room. He arrived a little after 5am and asked Tim several questions and examined him.

The doctor's diagnosis in his thick Greel accent was "es a virose but not sariose." After filling out some paperwork and paying the man 120 euros Tim was at peace. We finally knew what was wrong and now all Tim has to do is watch what he eats: all white, no red and no dairy for 7-10 days. It was expensive, but worth it to know that Tim was going to be OK.

Well, after all that excitement we couldn't sleep so we stayed up watching music videos until the breakfast bar opened at 6:45am. Tim barely ate while I had 2 plates of food =)

We headed back to our room and Tim passed out for about an hour while I finished packing. We were checking out that day and heading to Meteora by rental car, and that's another anxiety increasing story. Tim went to get the rental car while I waited in the hotel lobby for over an hour!!! I seriously thought he was hurt, but it turns out he only got lost. Oi vey!

We finally got on the road for a 5 hour drive to Meteora in a tiny car. All the cars here are half the size they are in America. It's crazy, but fuel efficient! We took a pitstop at Cafe 90 for sandwiches and visited Thermopoley to see Leonidas (he was naked) and the battle site. The water has receded for miles so it looks nothing like it did in 300. Thanks in part to global warming I'm sure.



We arrived at Pension Arsenis - the guest house we'd be staying in for the night with an entertaining owner, Costas, and an incredible view. We slept until dinner, ate and then slept until we were to meet Costas for some ouzo around 9:30pm. It tastes like licorice, which I don't particularly like, but I drank it out of respect.

Costas is very interesting. He talked a lot about the American dollar and kept referring to Tim by Bill Gates, Ronald Inho (famous soccer player) and Matt Barrett (dude who knows a lot about Greece). Although he's strange, Costas "speaks original."

I spent the remainder of the evening watching the futbol match between Croatia and Turkey.

Day 4: June 21

Tim woke hella early again while I slept like a baby. We went down for a "special" breakfast prepared by Costas around 8:30am. We finished packing and left our bags with Costas while we went to visit the monasteries of Meteora.

Simply amazing! These monasteries are built into and on the mountains. Comple isolation from anyone. We only made it to 3 of the 6 monasteries because the stairs to them were monstrous and extremely tiring, but the ones we visited up close were beautiful and breathtaking. The detail paid to the church walls is phenomenal. Every inch is covered by religious figures and drawings. We even saw relics of St. Stephano in the nunnery.

Turn your head to the left to actually grasp this picture, lol:



After the monasteries we visited Costas at Pension Arsenis to pick up our bags and then hit the road for Arahova - a small town outside Delphi - the center of the universe. According to myth, Zeus set two eagles free at opposite ends of the universe and they crossed paths at Delphi signifying it was the center of the universe. This is where the ruins of the Temple of Apollo are as well as the location of the Oracle - seen also in the movie 300.

Costas

We got lost for over 30 minutes but finally made it to Arahova. It's a cute town that is the opitome of Greek living and nestled into the mountains with little side passageways and lots of stairs. Tim napped for a couple hours while I searched for something in English on TV. I watched One Tree Hill and a crazy episode of House.

When Tim woke from his nap we explored the village and found a popular spot for dinner. We watched half the futbol match between Russia and the Netherlands and headed back to the guest house. I forgot to mention our room. The house is hidden in the backways of the town and our room is themed "clocks." It's so adorable with yet another amazing view!

I fell asleep fast and slept through the night finally

Day 5: June 22

Tim finally got a good night's sleep. He is't feeling well, but I'm glad he slept. He's such a trooper!

Today we had an early breakfast and explored the center of the universe - Delphi. Here's a photo of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. This is the structure you see in 300, but according to our travel book it is not the location of the Oracle. That location was farther up the mountain.



Mom, just wanted to let you know that we bought a phone card today and hopefully I'll call you later when it's not the middle of the night there.

I love you and miss you much!

Athens, Greece

Hello friends! Here's an update on our travels thus far:

Day, 1: June 17/18

Travelling from door-to-door took approximately 23 hours. We arrived in Chicago first and continued on to Frankfurt, Germany landing in the early morning. There I was nearly manhandled by German Airport Security for taking this photo of Passport Control:

I only wanted to catch an image of the language, but apparently that's against the law. Moving on, we made it to Athens, Greece at about 1:30pm on June 18 and arrived at the Athens Gate Hotel around 3pm.

The hotel has a great view of the Temple of Zeus as well as a view of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant. After admiring the view we took much needed showers and about an hour long nap. When we woke up we visited the Temple of Zeus and some of the city's gardens. Then we visited the Kalimarmaro Stadium where the archery and marathon events were hosted during the 2004 Olympics. It was first built in the 4th century BC for the Panathenaic Games and was restored for the first modern olympics in 1896.

After, we walked through the Plaka - the old city - and made our way to Strofi for a traditional Greek dinner of salad, octopus and lamb with okra. After dinner we walked back through the Plaka and got some gelato and made our way back to the hotel.

We had to rinse off again because we sweat so much from the intense heat. After our quick showers we climbed into bed and passed out a little after 9pm. Unfortunately we both woke up around 2:30am and were incredibly hungry. Luckily for me I ate my pillow chocolate left by the cleaning crew and fell back asleep until 6:30am. Tim wasn't as lucky - he was up for the rest of the night =(

Day 2: June 19 (What we've done so far because it's just now noon)

After crawling out of bed and quickly getting ready we had an excellent breakfast at our hotel's rooftop restaurant around 7am. When we finished breakfast we walked down 8 flights of stairs because the elevator is small, stubborn and slow and headed to the Acropolis.

Luckily we got there right when it opened and were some of the first people there. The structures are insanely beautiful and Tim and I got goosebumps just from looking at them. The view from the top was amazing! After taking several pictues we headed back to the hotel for a 5 minute break from the heat. It's amazing how hot it is here and how early! After our pitstop we were saddened to discover that the new Acropolis Museum isn't fully opened yet, but we hopped on the train to visit the National Archaeological Museum.

Amazing artifacts that date as far back as the Neolithic Era. I was surprised at the condition of many of the pieces. Practically mint! After walking the museum for a couple of hours we took a break at the cafe for some tasty frappes (iced coffee - yum!)

We're having a great time in Greece so far and I'm so excited for the rest of our trip! I hope everyone is well. I'll post another update just as soon as I can =)

Insomnia via Excitement

I can't sleep.

We've got to be up in 6 1/2 hours and I still haven't finished packing. I'm nervous, excited, scared, excited, stressed and excited all at once. AAAHHH!!!

Of course, Tim is passed out right next to me without a care in the world. He's already zipped up his pack and has it waiting for him by the front door. I wonder what that feels like...

I've been checking my email, Facebook and MySpace every 5 minutes and nothing's changed (big surprise).

What do I do?! Actually, I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to lay down and wait for sleep to wash over me and take over (after I check Facebook one more time of course).

Keep your fingers crossed!

Anxiously Waiting

So... We're leaving in about 33 hours and I am completely freaking out! As most of you know this is my first time to ever leave the country and Tim, well, he's traveled outside of the country more than a few times so I think I'm in good hands =)

Let's compare my preparedness with his:

Mine:



His:



As you can see, I've got a LOT of packing to do, but that's what tomorrow is for I guess.

I hope to update this frequently with stories and photos throughout our trip. Oh, and if you know I don't have your home address could you please email it to me? I want to try and send postcards =)

We'll be gone from June 17-July15. See you all soon!