We started our journey to Greece on August 31st, Leaving Cleveland and flying to Newark (had a 5hr layover, in which we enjoyed relaxing in the Continental Presidents Club), then boarded on our plane to Athens. We had nice seats - being that it was only a row of two (which made my getting up and down a lot easier - without having to sit in the aisle seat) - although we were disappointed that our 'window seat' wasn't really a window :P.
We arrived around 10am in Athens on Weds - September 1st and breezed right thru customs, they basically stamped our passports and that was it. After getting our bags we walked out and were greeted by Jenni and Rex (who had arrived the day before), George's parents (who had arrived in early August), and George's uncle. It was nice to have them waiting for us :) and Jenni was so excited to see my preggo belly :)
So - Wednesday afternoon we headed back to GG's Aunt/Uncles and then over to his other Aunt/Uncle's for lunch (which was a HUGE meal), met some of his cousins and their kids and then we headed downtown (via the Metro) to check out some of the sites. We hit the archeological museum (pics below) at the base of the Acropolis, which was very cool! They had excavated the area and so the Museum was built over the ruins, so you basically walked on glass, looking down at this old village - so cool! We hit a few shops that night and then headed back to GG's family's do have dinner w/ his other Aunt/Uncle and cousins.
Thursday we got up and headed down to see the 'Changing of the Guard' and then hopped on the Athens Bus Tour, getting off to do some shopping at one point and grab some lunch, and then hoping back on to make our way to the Acropolis/Parthenon. We got up there about 1.5hrs before they closed - hiked up and took in the sites (along w/ lots of pictures) and got to see the sunset - beautiful!
Friday we made the trek up to their village - it ended up being about a 6hr drive getting up there and almost 12hr drive coming back b/c we went the long way and made a few extra stops. It was curvy roads, which I don't do well with to begin with let alone when you are cramped into a little car w/ 6 adults and luggage. Needless to say I'm not in a rush to do that drive again...let along cramped into a tiny car w/ a bunch of people. Regardless - it was absolutely beautiful! Reminded Jenni and I of our mountains in North Carolina, so we loved it! It is a cute little village and we also had the opportunity to partake in a wedding rehearsal dinner (Friday night) and then the Wedding Reception (Saturday night). GG's dad and some family friends all drove to the wedding which was 2+hrs away at the Bride's village, but the rest of us opted to stay at their house in the village and relax. It was a rainy day, so we played lots of card games and just relaxed - which we all welcomed after the drive the day before. It would have been nice to go out and explore, but it was too rainy. Sunday - we drove back (again - not a fun drive) and were able to visit with GG's Thia Angie (from CLE) who was visiting her late husband's family - we had a wonderful meal there and then hit the road again. We also stopped to see the Corinth Canal on our drive back - which was quite impressive!
Monday morning - bright and early we caught our plane to Santorini - YAY! We fell in love with this island and stayed at a beautiful hotel (Apanemo Hotel). Had a few issues w/ our rental car - but after getting that taken care of we were on our way to relaxation and taking in the sites :). We arrived early at our hotel, but they welcomed us to enjoy breakfast and relax by the pool until they could get our rooms ready. A truly incredible family that runs this hotel - def. recommend it if you go to Santorini! We were on Santorini from 6:30am Monday - 8:30ish Thursday night and loved every minute of it. Taking in our infinity pool at the hotel, hiking to enjoy the Red Beach, the sunset at the Light House, exploring old castle ruins, enjoying the black beaches of Perissa, hiking the volcano, swimming in the hot springs, visiting the little town on the island of Thirassia, strolling around Ia and taking in the beautiful sunset there, and then exploring Fira on our last day. Absolutely beautiful and relaxing :) Jenni and Rex flew out on Wednesday night and then back to N. Africa on Thursday morning - it was so nice to be able to share this experience with them :)
View of our Hotel and Santorini in the background:
Friday we got up and headed to Loutraki (which is right by the Corinth Canal) - to his Aunt/Uncle's beach house, so that was a nice day trip and we got to enjoy the beach and relax a little. Then Saturday and Sunday we spent just relaxing in Athens with his family, did a little more shopping for souvenirs, went out to dinner with GG's Cousins and their wives (which was a nice treat), celebrated his Mom's Birthday and his Aunt/Uncles Anniversary, and packed our bags. It was a great trip!
Headed to the airport Monday morning and made our trek back home. The flight was a little longer coming home (a given - thanks to the headwind) and we had just enough time to get our bags (5 of them b/c we were bringing home 3 for Jenni and Rex) from customs and recheck them (thankfully none were searched - otherwise it we may not have made our connecting flight). Got to our new gate, with just enough time to hit the restrooms, and board. Didn't grab anything to eat b/c we figured we'd be home in 1.5hrs....bad idea. We boarded the plane, pushed back from the gate, taxied a bit, and then sat on the runway for 2hrs while a storm when thru! Needless to say, we were not thrilled and just wanted to get home! Thankfully, the flight attendants did come thru with pretzels and water - but after over 13hrs of travelling we were just ready to be home - so we were thrilled when they cleared us for takeoff. Frank (our Brother-in-Law) met us at the airport :) and took us home - it is always nice to be home :).
GG - went to get the pups the next morning - we can't thank my Dad enough for watching them while we were gone (we would have felt horrible leaving them at the Pet Lodge that whole time). He had flown up from NC to watch them at the house, but left the Friday before we got home b/c he had his 45th High School Reunion to go to down in Macon, GA - so he had dropped them off at the Pet Lodge, and our good friend Marlene had agreed to watch Darlin' for that long weekend! So many thanks to our family/friends here in the States and our family/friends in Greece for helping to make our trip possible!
So yes - Greece was amazing - as you can see from the pictures :) Our 'Lil G' is quite the world traveler already - and we have family in Greece waiting for us to come back and visit with 'Lil G' :) It'll probably be a few years, but we'll def. be making our way back!
1 comment:
I don't see any pictures. :(
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