just a guy

...passin' us by with his gang of four-hoofed friends

Ladies of Leisure

When in Santorini, take Mr. and Mrs. Smith's advice and stay at Homeric Poems.  The rooms are awesome, but the pool alone is enough.  Its unpolished marble deck stays cool even in the heat of the day and George will pass by and bring you an ice cold drink.  The edge of the pool drops off hundreds of feet into the glistening caldera below.  I thought to myself, this would surely be a safety violation in the US but when in Greece, I think romance is more the rule.  The scene is epic yet secluded and you will truly feel like a lady of leisure if you stay here.

Fira in May

It almost aches with cuteness.  Nestled into the volcanic hills of an Aegean-stranded island, the little pink and white buildings promise a more relaxed, fresh way to pass the days.  Sitting on the terraces, sipping espresso, watching the mist roll in across the caldera.  No doubt, in summer the peace is broken by the socks and sandal footed hoards of tourists that flock to this picturesque oasis.  But in May, with no one but the occasional cruise-goer, Fira is quiet.  You are the only one in the restaurant, your hotel is just for you, and you might be bombarded a bit by shopkeepers hawking their wares, but that is just because one one else is around for buying.  Take my advice, go to Santorini mid- May.  It is quiet and the weather is perfect.

lunch everyday

Greek salad.  Fresh bread.  Tzatziki. 

arrival: Santorini

After another awesome departure from Jeddah International at 3am, I spent a 10 hour layover in the beautiful Cairo airport.  Note to the World: if you find yourself with a long layover in Cairo (which you shouldn't because you should never ever ever fly with Egyptair), pay the 35 euros to get into the executive lounge.  Best 35 euros ever spent.  After a nap in the comfy oversized lounge chairs, a cappuccino, and a pain au chocolate, I headed to my gate and departed for ATHENS!  Several hours later, and a couple of This American Life episodes listened to, I was in Athens.  I waited another couple of hours for my connection to Santorini and one diet coke and a 30 minute flight later, I touched down and found myself in paradise.

I quickly grabbed a taxi to my hotel where my mom, sister, a bottle of wine, fresh fruit, and the caldera awaited me....

the road never ends unless you let it

Spain was great, really great.  The week back to work and back to Saudi was not so much fun.  It is starting to get really hot here.  I mean sticky, sweaty, at 8am.  I always find it is hardest living A. in the summer and B. when I am coming and going from here frequently.  I suppose that might be true of vacationing from anywhere, but here, in KSA, it seems that a "readjustment period" of at least three weeks is really necessary following a vacation abroad.  I guess it is just hard seeing the normal things that we miss out on here...

...that being said, I cringed my way through the week following the Spain trip and then I packed up my bags again and headed to Greece!

End of the Road

We drove and drove and drove until finally out of  nowhere the road turned up the mountain and we saw the most beautiful view out the window.  The day of driving was worth it to watch the sunset at Formentor.  

Mallorca was amazing.  Really a beautiful island and if you get the chance to go, do it!  Rent a car, drive around, eat lots of Paella, drink some Sangria and hang out at the beautiful beaches!

photo credits go to Erwan!

poppies, sheeps

We drive along and they yell, "SHEEPS!!"  I kindly tell them that... sheep is the plural of... sheep.  But I think that english rule should be changed because a flock of sheeps is much cuter than just one sheep.  Especially when those sheeps ar frolicking through a POPPY field!  Seriously, I don't think I could have more of a Dorothy moment... if only I had red shiny shoes...

But I really like those sheeps and poppies.  The bright red specks strewn across the field, furry little tails waddling around.  It was like a perfect sunny moment right in the middle of no-where Mallorca...

photos 1, 5, 8, 10, 11 by Erwan

a Soller

Our first day in Mallorca we hopped in the car and hit the road for Soller, one of the little towns outside of Palma.  With pop music blaring, we navigated the winding roads through the hillside until we spotted the cute little stone town.  We parked our bite-sized vehicle among the Fiats and SmartCars, and explored the little town, wandering into the shops, stopping for cappuccinos, and taking photos of the cute little flowers in every window.

photo credits go to Erwan and Pablo

Mallorca by Night

Our hostel had an awesome roof top terrace.  We were right in the heart of Palma with views of the cathedral and winding streets packed with people searching for sangria and tapas.  One night we bundled up in jackets, got take away from the local bar and enjoyed a private feast overlooking the city.  

More photos here