Vacation Recap Part 2 ~ Santorini, Greece

Warning ~ long post!

Leaving Crete in the FlyCat 4 ~ smaller than the ferries and takes half the time.

After a STEEP drive from the harbor, we arrived at our apartment. We stayed in Firastefani which is quieter than the main town of Fira.

Walkway behind our apartment ~ one short walk from Fira.

Santorini's famous caldera view (cable cars down to the old harbor)

Old paddle boat left on the roof but look at the view ~it really is breathtaking!

A short bus trip to Oia we arrived at the main church square.

Santorini's famous blue domed churches

Ammoundi Bay in Oia - I read on a travel book that there's a little path on the bottom that lead to a swimming hole where you can swing to an island with a church

So after hiking down 200+ steps (which I told hubby was better than the 600 steps from Fira down to the old harbor)

We sat down and had lunch - grilled fish, fried tomatoes, Greek salad, and of course, white wine

I found the path and there's the 'island' - there was a scene from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 shot here! And since I was 'planning' on swimming to the island, I was so glad there were other people about. I know if the area was empty, no way the hubs would let me.

So the story goes, I swam to the island (the water was cold but comfortable). Not being familiar with swimming against waves, I was pretty tired. I couldn't pull myself over the edge of the embankment. After struggling for what felt like forever, another adventurous soul came by and pulled me up (so embarrassing!). I took a quick look around the church (and noticed too late if I had just swam a little further, there were steps leading up) and dive back into the water. Being tired as I was, I swam pretty close to the island, which was a HUGE mistake. I scrapped my knee against rocks and was jabbed by a sea urchin. I climbed atop a flat rock bed and proceed to pulled the sea urchin 'needles' out. My rescuer from earlier even called out as he swam by if I was okay! I was mortified!

And as I'm battling my way back, here's hubs sitting nice and relax dipping his feet. :P

Finally, we enjoyed the famous Oia sunset that keeps the tourists flocking.

We dined at Vanilia (amazing fish soup) and took a picture of the church next door

Kamari (black sand) Beach

The weather was amazing! You rent a umbrella and a couple chairs for 5EU. There were also travelling masseuse on hand!

Love the different color and architecture of the houses! So cute and quaint!

We also visited a few wineries - Santos and Domaine Sigalas. I'm not one for white wine but Santorini wines are unique. The island is covered with lava and pumice stone from the devastating volcanic explosion (1650BC). This catastrophe (and limited water supply) created the foundation for perfect soil conditions which produced the very distinctive Santorini wines.

The vines are cultivated in low basket shaped crowns, close to the ground for protection from the strong winds.

Domaine Sigalas

One of our most memorable meals was at Selene ~ great food with a beautiful view and an attentive staff, we couldn't have ask for more.

Hubs in the glowing light

Final morning we bused back to Oia to drink in its beauty one last time...

Next stop - Paros, the poor man's Mykonos!

Vacation Recap Part 1 ~ Crete, Greece

So as promise, here's a quick recap of my vacation in Greece last September. It was WONDERFUL 18 days filled with great food, great wine, amazing sights, and unforgettable adventure.

This is our cute little pension in Chania, Crete. I love the crisp blue against the white...


And the view in the patio was breathtaking!


Old Venetian Harbor


View of the light house in the Old Venetian Harbor


First night out we bought some cute souvenirs. After a bottle of wine with dinner, we were a little tipsy and even named each one of them. :)


Pedestrian street - Theotokopoulou, where our pension is located

After a wonderful and hearty breakfast, we trekked to the lighthouse. The lights through the clouds would have made for some good pictures ~ where's a professional photographer when you need one

Next up , Municipal Market - it's shaped like a cross and use to be the finest indoor market in Europe

Third day, we drove to Falasarna ~ west tip of Crete, 45min from Chania

Since the weather was cold, there was no body there even though it was the weekend

Last morning in Chania before driving east to Iraklion. Look at the man standing on the rocks to fish!


The drive took 2-3 hours and in that time, we passed through rain and sun

We visited the Palace of Knossos first (15 min outside Iraklion). Here's a picture of horns representing strength and fertility


The Palace was designed to take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation

And I'll end part 1 with this picture taken after eating outdoors on the harbor. Iraklion as the capital of Crete is much more industrious with lots of construction. I was happy we stayed majority of the week in the picturesque town of Chania instead.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Wishing everyone a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Can you believe it's almost 2009?!

Here's some pictures from my recent trip to Atlanta to visit my best friend from high school!

At the World of Coco-Cola


Stone Mountain Park


Shopping area in Downtown Atlanta

This picture was from a few years ago when she was a bridesmaid at my wedding! None of my DIY projects would have come to fruition without her help!

Have a GREAT HOLIDAY and see you next year!

Celebrating our 3rd anniversary!!!

After whirlwinds of weddings...Hubster and I are off on vacation to celebrate our 3rd year wedding anniversary! I will be out of the office till the second week of October. I'm not sure of my Internet connection so please be patient with my response to emails.

We're heading to GREECE!


I am so excited! This is actually going to be a 'relaxing' vacation. What can I do on the island of Santorini for five whole days? I guess I'll have to lounge on the beach! :P

Here's a quick itinerary of our trip:

The first part of the vacation will be a bit ambitious ~ driving from one end of Crete to the other. Flying in to Chania, Crete ~ here's a picture of the old Venetian Harbor


Driving to the western most part of Crete ~ Falassrna, Kissamos


Heading east to the capital of Crete ~ Heraklion


Then ferry to the island of Santorini for five blissful days


Next up, Paros, the 'poor man's Mykonos'


And finally ending the trip in Athens


I can't wait! I will make sure to drink lots of white wine, eat lots and lots of lamb, honey & yogurt, calamari, and anything else I can get my hands on. AND I promise to come back with a full report (unlike last year's China trip).