People Tell the Story: Greece
It is an understatement to say that Greece has fallen on hard times. The economic crisis has left it’s traces all over the streets, but the Greeks are doing the best they can to struggle their way out of it. The government may seem corrupt and untrustworthy, but it’s people are a very deep-rooted and family-oriented bunch. We saw closed storefronts, run-down buildings, demonstrations and riot police in Athens. Quiet streets, empty-restaurants and unoccupied beaches on the islands. But none of that seemed to deter the locals from being outwardly generous, hospitable and friendly. We felt an immediate connection to those we met and can only hope their return to the better comes as soon as possible.
Exotic Eats: Greece
Greek food ranks up there as some of my favorite of our entire trip. And, while I was already familiar with many of the typical ingredients used in Greek cuisine (olives, olive oil, feta cheese, tomatoes, eggplant, yogurt, lamb, pita bread, etc.), I was surprised by the fact that I literally did not have one bad meal during my two and a half weeks in Greece. The quality of food was consistent and affordable and the dining experience was always entertaining. Greek people love hosting you at their restaurants and we made several friends along our culinary tour through Athens and the Cyclades Islands. I have included my favorites below:
Read MoreGreek Isles Tour: Part 2
After spending a week enjoying the quintessential Greek Isle experience in Sifnos and Folegandros, Mike and I prepped ourselves for the big guns: Santorini and Mykonos. Travel articles for these two islands promised big things – from Santorini’s “most beautiful sunset in the world” to “the most iconic party beaches” of Mykonos. For us, they also held a taste of home as my parents, brother, and brother’s girlfriend (Roxanne) were joining us for our final five days in Greece.
Read MoreGreek Isles Tour: Part 1
I can’t think of a better way to wind down both the European leg and our entire 9-month journey than by spending fifteen days in the Greek Islands. We knew a beach vacation here was in the cards at some point in our future, so it was great to have the time to slowly enjoy. There are too many islands to visit them all, but the four we chose gave us a good sampling of what the region has to offer. Our first two stops were Sifnos and Folegandros, two less-traveled islands that pack a lot of cultural punch.
Read MoreIt’s All Greek to Me
After weeks of hiking through the Swiss Alps and a few days guzzling steins at Oktoberfest, I was ready to lose the hiking boots and dirndl and enjoy some beach time in the Greek Islands. But, before I could cash in on two weeks of sunning at my leisure, Mike and I headed to the historic Greek capital of Athens. While we had heard from fellow travelers that Athens was interesting but very dirty, ugly, and chaotic, we were still eager to explore this ancient city. What I discovered was a city steeped in rich history but haunted by modern demons.
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