cruising the Aegean part II

After our delicious dinner cooked aboard by our two crew members/ heart throbs, we finished the evening with fruit and a beautiful sunset.  It got chilly as the sun went down so we donned our jackets and sweatshirts and huddled in the stern.  We watched the little churches along the cliffs pass by and imagined what it would be like to praise god in such a stunning place.  I don't think we could have had a more relaxing evening.  I'm not sure exactly what it is about large bodies of water that is so calming.  Whether it is a lake, ocean, sea, or even a large pond, it just makes you want to sit back, relax and watch the world pass by.

I am sorry I am late in finishing up the Greece trip postings.  Right now I am in Indiana enjoying the lake and time with family and friends.  More stories to come, check out extra photos here.

cruising the Aegean part I

When the wind is in you hair and the sea is at your feet, life does not get much better.  The gentle rock of the boat, the soon-to-set sun, and a glass of chardonnay are the perfect combination to put you right to sleep.  A quick jump in the cold sea will surely wake you up, though, so you don't have to worry about missing the home cooked dinner served to you by your young tanned crew.

It was just us and a couple from NY on the boat that evening and it was really nice.  They were a friendly fun pair and it was nice to chat with some fellow United Statesians and just enjoy the beautiful evening.  

I love boats.  I love the water.

old stuff, really old stuff

One day in Santorini (any paragraph starting out like that doesn't really need to go any further but...), we three ladies went to Akrotiri, the excavation of the ancient Minoan civilization.  My mom and sister would really be better at writing this post (perhaps they could write a comment!!) as they know far more about history than I do, but you can just as easily check out what wikipedia has to say about this place.  It was a cool thing to do on a hot afternoon in Santorini.  Seeing the intricate pottery, little windows and ancient roads reminds you just how old this place is.  And though you might feel like the only person to ever see such beautiful sunsets, beaches, and calamaris, a lot of other people have experienced this too, like folks since 3200 BCE.  Let me tell you, that is a long time ago, like literally just after the Stone AGE!  Not joking.  

But go, go check out Akrotiri and imagine what it must have been like back then.  Imagine wearing one of those flowy goddess dresses and drinking wine out of hand-made pottery and perhaps eating some bread that was baked over a fire, and maybe, just maybe you would have been lucky enough to own something made out of bronze because that was the rad new technology of the day.  

So, switch off the iphone, and walk Akrotiri's streets like people have been doing for millennia.  

peaking into Greek gardens

With 115F/ 45C degree heat in Saudi Arabia, it just really isn't feasible to keep plants.  Some people have managed to garden here but that requires loads of irrigation and maintenance (I think I heard that they water our golf course every 15 minutes...).  So, living in an apartment, having container plants on my terrace is out of the question.  I loved the little bite sized gardens in Santorini.  With their intricate fences and gates, the little oasis looked so inviting.  I can't wait to have a garden again some day... even if it is bite sized.

Have a happy weekend!

...ps... the succulents (photo 1) are my favorite, what are yours?

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....