I hate endings. I really hate goodbyes. I'm more of a fan of a simple 'see you later' or 'until we meet again.' Yet, today marks our last day in Greece. It's been a good trip overall, and although the change of plans happened that took us back to Athens early, I can't help but be very satisfied with this vacation.
So, although it's inevitable for things to come and go, part of me wants to start this trip all over again, and the other part of me cannot wait to go home and start the newest chapter of my life.
The past few nights, we have been able to enjoy going out the Gayborhood of Athens. This district is fairly close to our hotel and well away from the drama around Parliment. The people there have been super friendly and hospitable to us the past few nights that I am very excited to end our last night in that very place. Last evening, while out, our tour director ran into an old friend who he had not seen in years. While we were chatting with him, he mentioned that we needed to go check out a new business that his ex opened up around the block from where we were. He took us to a little German sausage shop - think of a hot dog joint, but with authentic German sausage. We were pretty much in heaven. Now, for those of you who know, my sister and I love food. We also love food that is associated with our heritage. Bascially, we couldn't be happier.
This morning, we woke and headed to an ampitheatre that was constructed in the 6th century BC. It was absolutely beatiful - the place served as the birthplace of the 'tragedy' and had wonderful acoustics for an outdoor space. You can even hear a coin drop from rows back - that's how good it is. So, as we were there, my tour director calls me down to sample again how the acoustics work with a song. We did another rendition, a reprise if you'd like to call it, of our performance from RENT. All in all, a good beginning to our last day.
Greetings once again from Athens. Today, our tour director took us out of the city for a beach day. So, for those of you who have been watching the news, know that we were not present for any of the craziness that happened today.
On another note, I have seriously been enjoying my time on my trip. It's just what I've needed - we've spent countless hours on the water and I feel like for the first time in a long time, I am finally getting to RELAX. I never realized how 2 years of grad school can really tire someone out.
In addition to the relaxation, I have been able to meet some amazing people on this trip as well as have some shared experiences with the gals I'm traveling with (Circle of Trust for life!) So really this vacation is turning into a win win situation.
And although I'm getting excited to start my new life as a full time professional, I can't help but to be a bit nostalgic about our last few nights in Greece. Good things must always come to an end... I'm looking forward to one last excursion and one last beach lounge before hopping on the plane home. Soaking up every last bit.
Greetings from Athens. Yes, thats right Athens. Also bare with me as my keyboard is in another language and I'm winging it. We were supposed to go to the island of Ios today, but found out when we were heading to the port of Santorini that workers are striking for the next two days in Greece. This means that if we were to go to Ios chances of missing our flights home is almost inevitable. I start my job on Tuesday.
So, here we are back in Athens. To get here, we had to take a 5 hour ferry ride. Now, let me tell you our ferry rides have not been the most pleasant part of our trip. To think about spending 5 hours on one terrified me. Thankfully our tour company bumped us up to VIP for the ride home - it was smooth sailing.
We're making the best out of our situation and I just hope that rioting doesn't break out or endanger our group in any way. Keep us in your thoughts.
On a funny note - I rode a donkey yesterday in Santorini. For those of you who do not know - I broke my arm in 5th grade being thrown from a horse. I thought though that its an experience and I should do it. My donkey was overworked - but I could tell we clicked well. As he was carrying me up the thousand steps, the wind blew fiercely. He was spooked and all of a sudden turned around and began taking me down the steps. I tried to remain as calm as possible and a few other donkeys followed suit. After the experience, I described to a friend on the trip that like in Avatar, I knew everything would be OK with the animal and sure enough, in a few seconds, we turned back to climb the stairs. Although I was relieved to be heading back to the town, I wished at that moment I had chosen the cable cars.
Thats all for now, more updates as I learn more about the situation here in Athens. Crazy to be right in the action.
The reason I booked my trip to Greece was primarily for a chance to visit the island of Santorini. I am a big fan of the 'Traveling Pants' movies and hoped that the images in the movies lived up to the beauty of the island. Let me tell you - it surpassed it.
How many people can say they climbed a volcano, swam in the sea, hung out in a hot spring, ate on a little island of 250 people, and watched the sunset on an island all in one day? This girl. Seriously, that recaps an epic day on a beautiful island. Today marked some items off my bucket list, and I am happy to report that there is still more to come. It's crazy to think we only have 4 days left of this trip, so I am going to soak it in as best as I can. Carpe diem.
Some highlights of the day: 1. Sang the music from RENT with my tour director at the top of the volcano 2. Jumped from a sailboat into the Aegean Sea and then swam to a hot spring 3. Ate lobster for lunch that cost around $10 because we were on a little shipping island where everything was caught fresh 4. We ended our day watching the sunset from some of the most famous images of Greece out there.
Have you ever been to a nude beach before? In the states, it is atypical for anyone to show off their personal bits to a public group (unless you're in NOLA for mardigras). Today, I experienced my first nude beach. We went to a place called Paradise Beach on the island of Mykonos. And, this beach was indeed paradise - the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea, a lounge chair, and an umbrella - all I needed was the cabanna boy.
I know in Europe, there are often beaches that bathing suits are optional. I guess I never thought that I would encounter one. So, this afternoon, we arrived at the beach and I went to put my towel on my lounge chair and turned around and saw a naked middle aged man only feet from where I set up shop.
As the day went on, we saw multiple people and families dawning their birthday suits on the beach and it got me to wondering, was I uncofortable with the situation because American culture had made us to be so, or because they are walking around naked. Honestly, I think it's the first. I believe the human body to be a beautiful thing, but growing up in America, we were told to not expose ourselves, and I understand why that is. Yet, I can appreciate wanting to just be on the beach, free. So, kudos to those Europeans, they got me to thinking today. And, although I did not follow suit, I can appreciate the cultural acceptance of the practice.
Greetings from the island of Mykonos! The trip so far has been absolutely amazing - and tiring. We spent our first days in Athens and yesterday we were able to tour the Acropolis. It amazes me the craftsmanship of the aritechts of the acient times. Although the structure is in ruins, the portions standing are phenominal. After the tour, we were given free time around the city and visited Hadrian's library and the city park in Athens. We also were witness to the 'peaceful' demonstrations that take place daily outside of parliment at 6pm. There were at least 1,000 people out in front chanting - the police were armed with shields in front of the building, ready to take action if necessary. To actually witness the demonstration was amazing - witnessing history first hand.
This morning, we awoke at 5am to make our way to the island of Mykonos. We began our journey leaving Athens on a ferry boat. The last time I was on a ferry was when I went with my Ohio State family to Put-in-Bay. This was a much different ferry ride experience. The ferry itself was stocked with multiple food options and a full bar. We probably were on the ferry for almost 4.5 hours. Let's say it took sea sickness to a whole new level. I coped by sleeping. Ugh.
Now, I have found my way to an internet cafe' on Mykonos and am excited for the next few days - hanging out at the beach and experiencing the Greek culture. One main goal I have is to visit a jeweler that knows some Ohio State colleagues of mine - I'm hoping for a fun visit. This island is absolutely picturesque and that's what they say about Santorinni.... so it can only get more beautiful from here on out.
Over this trip I've come to realize a few things so far - 1) traveling can be very exhausting, but sometimes its worth treating yourself 2) bringing 2 novels on vacation may be a challenge - but with hours on the ferry, they help to pass the time 3) I really take for granted being in a non-english speaking country. One of the main industries in Greece is tourism - so, when I want to order something, even from a stand on the street, chances are I do not need to know any Greek to speak to them. I feel slightly embarressed at this, yet, I do not have any Greek speaking skills. Our tour director speaks 6 languages. I think that from this trip, I am going to do my best to learn another language so that I can feel like a better traveler and not seem like an ignorant tourist.
That's all I got for now, more to come as I stumble upon more internet cafes... now back to the vacation :)
The past week has truly been a whirlwind of change - I grauated with my Master's Degree, packed up my life in Columbus, moved to Milwaukee, made a pit stop in Chicago, attended a wedding, spent Father's Day with my loved ones... leading up to today where I am shipping off to the nation of Greece.
I've done some traveling abroad in my past, but this is the first vacation I have taken in a long time for myself (technically, this trip is my graduation present to myself - I truly believe in self-care, so I think I deserve this). I have always been facsintated with Greek culture through watching 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding,' 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,' and have seen 'Mamma Mia' both on stage and on the big screen. And although I know that the media portrayl of Greek culture is not 100% accurate, I cannot wait to spend hours on the shores of the Mediterranean, soaking in the sun, feeling the cool breeze coming off the water as I explore the Greek Isles.
My hope is to share my adventures as I'm abroad - so I'm crossing my fingers for some internet access along the way. AntÃo sas!
A week from today, I begin the next chapter of my life and move to Milwaukee. So, naturally, I have created a 'bucket list' of sorts to mark various places or activities off my list before I head out of Columbus.
A few weeks ago, I was informed there was a real life waterfall in the city. I thought... OK... I mean it's a waterfall, but it can't be that spectacular, can it? So, to find out exactly what this place is all about, my friend and I checked it out.
I was in awe. Right in the middle of the hustle and bustle, there is a little oasis just off of 33 - Griggs Nature Reserve. Upon arrival, you take a set of wooden steps that wind into a little haven with greenery and rock formations surrounding you with a canopy of trees above. As you wind down this path - a waterfall appears.
To make things even more spectacular, there was a group of people swimming in the falls - so although I have now seen the waterfall itself, I have added yet another addition to the list - I too am planning a trip back to have an afternoon playing in the waterfall.
I think Jon Muir sums up my experience perfectly through one of his many inspiring quotes, "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
Tonight was bittersweet. Tonight was fantastic and a bit sad all at once. Fantastic because I love musical theater. Sad because it is the last time before my big move that I will get to share this night with my best friend. Typically, Sunday night is defined by attending a Showtune medley at Union Cabaret and Grill in the Short North.
Now, when I first heard of Showtune Sunday the image that came to mind was my experience at Marie Crisis in the West Vilalge in NYC. Imagine a bar only tiny enough to fit 70 people maximum, with rainbow lights adorning the ceiling and a piano in the center of it all. This little whole in the wall piano bar is probably one of my favorite places in the whole city. Why? They only play showtunes. Now, for those of you who have not fully embraced the music of Broadway, I ask you to take another shot. This music is timeless and as a bonus just so much fun to sing.
So, when I moved to Columbus and found out about showtunes, I assumed Union would have placed a piano on their stage and we would sing along. Although it's not the live experience, its one I've grown to love and appreciate. Throughout the entire venue, large screens display musical numbers from Tony award performances, movies, and talk shows. People sing along to the music, and sometimes even step up on a stage to perform a number - a cabaret LipDub if you will.
Other parts of the night highlight the great TV anthems of the 70s and 80s. At one point, we're handed napkins and encouraged to throw them at the same moment Mary Tyler Moore throws her hat on the streets of Minneapolis. White napkins are tossed and flutter to the floor as if it were confetti.
Just tonight, I went with some friends for a few hours to enjoy the ambiance. At one point, a song from the musical Hair was broadcast on the screen (Black Boys/White Boys from the Public Theater Revival).
Two years ago, I spent a summer in NYC and saw the production of the Broadway revival a few weeks before they won the Tony for best musical revival. I know I'm going off on a tangent, but there's a point here. One reason I love musicals is that the music reminds you of a moment in life or an experience. Hearing Hair made me think of that time in my life and how this revival album carried me through. I haven't listened to the soundtrack for sometime, and now sitting here writing, the music of Hair is carrying me through this post. The show itself is applicable to today - although set in the 60s in a time of free love and the draft, it serves as a coming of age tale of a guy named Claude as he decides whether or not to go to Vietnam or burn his draft card.
So thanks to Showtune Sunday, not only did I have an amazing night with some of my closet friends in Columbus, it also led me back to a show that I have been missing, and I didn't realize until tonight that I really needed to have it back in my life.
