to italy and beyond: Island Hopping

I am a very lucky girl as two weeks ago at this time I was returning from GREECE! My spring break 2014 was spent at the Pink Palace in Corfu, touring Athens, and relaxing among the blue domes of Santorini. It was absolutely incredible. We lucked out with nice weather, even though they were all in the process of painting and repairing their restaurants and hotels for their busy season.

top ten reasons i fell in love with "la grecia"

1. the people - When we were walking around, riding ATVs, eating food, or doing anything at all, everyone offered up a smile and a wave! They were so friendly and hospitable. When us crazy girls jumped in the water at the port where Kostos saved Lena (go watch The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants if you didn't get the reference), a family was eating lunch and brought us a plate of cheese and chicken souvlaki and some wine. When we went back to thank them, they passed us raisin bread! I am so jealous of these people who get to spend their lives looking at the views I thought I could only dream of.

2. the food - Yes, I'm currently living in Italy, known for their food, but Greek food was seriously out of this world. I didn't eat a single thing I didn't enjoy. Breakfasts of yogurt and coffee, lunch of a gyro or Greek salad, and several course dinners! After delicious soups, saganaki, and other appetizers, my plate was always filled with meat and vegetables bursting with flavors. And you can't forget about the baklava! Honey, nuts, and pastry dough all layered in flaky sweetness.

[a true gyro]

[wine tasting - they drink a lot of white wine!]

[pork with mushrooms and peppers in a white wine sauce with Greek fries from Mama's House]

[Mama, the crazy old woman who owned "Mama's House"]

[they like their coffee iced]

[yogurt with honey, walnuts, apples, and bananas]

3. the prices - Stuff was SO cheap. I got a bottle of water for 30 cents. My handmade custom fit sandals cost me 28 euro. I ate a sandwich for 1 euro and a gyro for 4. I got in to see the sights for free with my student ID. Too bad Rome isn't that way :(

4. the parties - Corfu is the home of The Pink Palace, AKA one of Europe's biggest party hostels. They say that what happens at The Pink Palace stays at The Pink Palace. The highlight was the Pink Toga Party! We all tied our pink togas and wore them to dinner. Afterwards, there were drinks, dancing, Greek dancers, and plate smashing! Such a good time.

[gabby, me, jackie, alayna, alyssa]

5. the views - I would describe Santorini as a little bubble of heaven. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, just enjoy these :)

[the town of fira]

[the red sand beach]

[the black sand beach]

[the town of ia]

6. the history - Athens reminded me of Rome in that there are old ruins everywhere with so much to learn about. We had a walking tour which was pretty cool as our guide told us about everything -

[the arch of hadrian]

[the temple of zeus]

[panathenaic stadium]

{kallimarmao in Greek, meaning "beautifully marbled"}

[climbing to the acropolis]

[go green!]

[odeon of herodes atticus, the amphitheater]

[the parthenon]

[the city of athens from the acropolis]

7. the shopping - During our free time in Athens, we explored the flea market and some shops. I stopped in the Melissino's store to get handmade, custom sandals. I am absolutely in love with them! "The Poet" is known for fitting people like the Beatles, Sara Jessica Parker, and other celebrities. Mine were made by a man in the Melissinos family, who learned from his father-in-law, "The Poet". So cool.

8. the adventures - Both in Corfu and Santorini, I had the chance to rent an ATV! I love four-wheeling at home so I couldn't wait to get out there. It was a lot different than the woods and sand dunes up in the UP but so unique and incredible. In Corfu, it was a tour so we followed our guide up the island. At the top, we stopped and climbed around before heading to get a hot cup of coffee at the bar. It was definitely cold and windy even though we were on the island, but worth every second!

And they gave us free ouzo when we return. Score for the Pink Palace.

In Santorini, we were on our own. We rode the path from Fira to Ia so we could explore during the day. The feeling of winding through the hills and overlooking the bright blue sea is one that I can never explain, never repeat, and never forget. It was pure bliss and I was happier than ever as I cruised along at whatever pace I pleased. [I did let Alyssa drive, too :)]

9. the weather - Even though it wasn't forecast-ed to be beautiful, this Michigan girl found the time and the sun to lay out on the beach and tan [ & burn :( ]. I really should have invested in the sunscreen, but the warmth and tan were so worth it! I already am looking forward to spending the summer lounging at my cottage :)