Hello All! I’m headed to Greece. And since last fall my blog was a success with my friends and family, I have decided to bring it back! This post is a trial run to make sure things are running smoothly before my departure.
Hello Greece… We Meet Again
This is my second trip to Hellenic land of the gods. I first visited last summer on July 2021. My Greek friend Vivian invited me to her son’s baptism in Athens. When I got the invitation, I jumped at the opportunity and within three weeks, it was wheels up and hello Greece.
With the baptism as a backdrop, I embarked on a trip to Athens where I delved into the treasures of Antiquity such as the Parthenon and the temple of Zeus. I enjoyed nightly cocktails on the city rooftops with incredible views of the Acropolis all lit up in breathtaking splendor. I visited new landmarks like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, where I strolled with Vivian and her family through public gardens and dancing fountains. This is also the place where I first tried freddo cappuccino!!! Greece’s version of iced coffee. By far, my favorite thing about Greece (sorry Plato).
Katerini: Between the Sea and Mount Olympus
I also traveled north to the small beachside city of Katerini at the foothills of Mount Olympus. Here, is spent four wonderful days with my friend Katerina and her family. We spent our days going to the beach and swimming in the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. At night, we donned on our sexy dresses and went out in the town, sitting at beachside restaurants enjoying ouzo and fresh seafood (mmm… grilled octopus, oh my gosh, my mouth is watering).
Beyond days filled with relaxation by the sea, Katerini showed me an unexpected side of Greece. It’s hospitality. And it seems that Greek hospitality was a virtue even during the days of Antiquity. A repeating theme in Greek myths is hospitality. Katerina’s friend Anthi whom I met in Katerini, explained that hospitality was one of the virtues Zeus rewarded in mortals. What better place to find examples of hospitality than at the shadow of Mount Olympus. Katerina’s friends and neighbors welcomed me into their homes with such grace. I ate at their table, enjoyed olives and tomatoes from their gardens, and sat through lively Greek conversations. I could not speak a word of Greek, but they didn’t seem to mind. They spoke to me with passion and openness, as though I could understand every word. The language of kindness is action, and my hosts were very fluent in this.
The Things I’m Looking Forward To
This trip will be different than last year’s because of a few things:
- No Covid restrictions – last year, I visited Greece during Covid. Many activities were restricted, so I’m looking forward to experience Greece in an environment that is more free.
- Greek Island Hopping – since Covid restrictions were in full force last summer, I decided not to visit the islands. This time, I plan to do a good amount of island hopping.
- Basic Greek Vocabulary – I knew I would come back to Greece. So this year, I worked on learning some basic Greek Vocabulary… including how to order a freddo cappuccino!
My Itinerary
- Thessaloniki – My first stop is the land of Alexander the Great where I will meet my friend Katerina and together we will explore this cosmopolitan Northern Greek city.
- Katerini – I am extremely excited to go back to Katerina’s home town and spend time with her family and friends. I also hope to spend leisurely days at the beach or having a freddo cappuccino on Mount Olympus or visiting trendy beachside restaurants during the late evening.
- Athens – I would love to stroll the winding streets of Plaka and enjoy a cocktail on a rooftop bar overlooking the Acropolis with my friend Maria who lives in Athens.
- Naxos – I will begin my island hopping in Naxos where I hope to spend my days at the beach or at a seaside café… you guessed it… enjoying a freddo cappuccino
- Delos – this island is the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. As a true nerd, I can’t wait to set foot on this island and explore the temples.
- Mykonos – I secretly admit that I want to unleash my infuencer self and take some awesome pics in this party island… I just hope I don’t meet the Tinder Swindler.
- Paros – My island hopping will end at Paros where I want to stroll the streets and do some shopping before ending the day on the beach.
I hope you will follow along.
Excited to read about all the adventures and see pictures. Safe journey Lolina!