Our trip to Greece was a mix of relaxation and culture. 8 days that went very quickly as we ate, drank and walked our way through Greece.
One of the things that tugged at my heart strings was that around every corner was a street animal, many cats and dogs live on the streets. The Greeks don't believe in spaying and neutering the animals, therefore they are in excess.
These stray animals are well cared for, fed by the locals, and VERY friendly. Anyone looking to adopt?
This little guy was one of my favorites, we saw him almost every day on the streets of Santorini.
Here is a view of the sunset, from the point of the island. Beautiful blue water and a sailboat in the distance.
One of the things we did on our first day was took a wine tour of Santorini.
http://www.santorinifoodwine.com/
We learned that they grow the vines close to the ground in a wreath shape vs on vines like in the states. This is due to the harsh winds and dry soil.
If you can see the white rocks, they marked where they sprayed and didn't spray. Part of the harvesting process.
These vines are all over the island, and are most of the times not located on someones land but 'in the wild.' Where they grow they stay.
At one of the wineries, they had a dried vine, looks very much like a wreath. I was trying to figure out a way to get this through customs :)
The person who took us on the wine tour had all sorts of yummy food recomendations, she use to work in CA as a chef. The first place she recommended was right on the water. Literally.
Can you say table side dining?
Dimitris Taverna
For an appetizer we had fresh from the market zucchini and squash (fried) with Tzatziki (Cool and creamy this tangy cucumber dip flavored with garlic is the perfect compliment to grilled meat and vegetables).
This is the blue color the water is in Santorini, stunning!
We picked from a variety of fish caught that day, and they were freshly grilled, we went with the red snapper, as well as a local fish called -
Barbounia(bar- boon -ya)Red Mullet
... another view of the water, with some fishing boats,
.... below a view of the restauant and how close it was to the water.
In Santorini we stayed at a really neat hotel on the water, here is a snapshot of me snoozin in the sunshine... and the view of the pool and water off the cliff.
http://www.katikies.com/
A view from our room... and where we enjoyed breakfast every morning.
... and our lunch, champs (since we found Greek wine undrinkable) and salad. Pool side.
... on the boardwalk just a few steps from our hotel.
Another restaurant we tried, that our wine guide recommended was Katharos Lounge
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katharos-Lounge/137089512974815
I had a glass of sangria made with local wine and Tony had a local brew called Yellow Donkey
This picture doesn't do justice to how beautiful the sunset was, here is a couple sitting inside the restaurant, windows open....watching the sun go down.
BY FAR best thing about this place, was the fuzzy blankets they passed out, so you could snuggle up with them to watch the sunset.
We flew in and out of Athens, based on recommendations from other travelers. We spent one day walking through the city and gaining some culture. On our way from the hotel in Athens
http://www.designhotels.com/periscope
We stopped by a cafe to pick up some lunch so we could picnic in the National Garden of Athens...just across the street from the Prime Minister's house.
We walked by the 1896 Athens Olympic stadium , the small size surprised us.
...and had many photo opportunities of the Acropolis of Athens, where we grabbed a glass of wine at the museum restaurant just for the view of the city.
A picture overooking Athens downtown, just below the Acropolis.
... one thing we have started to do while traveling when a lot of walking is involved is to get a foot massage called Reflexology. Well we walked by this place that specialized in 'natural pedicures' and could not pass it up.
http://www.getyourguide.com/athens/20-min-fish-spa-pedicure-40-min-reflexology-massage-t17458/
Also while in Athens we did a walking food tour.
Above:
sweet honey doughnuts known in Greece as “loukoumades”
I am not sure which was better the food or the local tour guide. She was a hoot.
Here is the route we took:
http://www.athenswalkingtours.gr/ClientFiles/Food%20Tour/FoodTourMAP_Sept2011_B_200dpi.jpg
and the food partners:
http://www.athenswalkingtours.gr/Our_Food_Tour_Partners
Below, fresh Feta drizzled with EVOO.
We also walked through a meat plant, the smell of blood was overpowering, we learned that the Greeks use every part of the animal, including parts that Americans would find less than desirable.
... we also visited a fish market, as well as fruit and vegetable market. Here we learned that Greek salads are only eaten by Americans, since the Santorini tomatoes are only available for 2 months, while they are fresh.
Instead they eat many greens, simular to Kale or Collard.
and the plethora of olives, oh my!
She also took us to a sausage store that was local to Athens, Miran. Where we sampled a dried meat called Pastourma.
Next an herb and tea store, this is one of the tea flowers that the locals drink.
... and of course Greek Fast Food, cheese/spinach Pie.
... the Greeks think they were the inventors of the iced coffee, this was nescafe with sugar, milk and ice. Pretty tasty.
... and my very favorite thing we ate.....
Koulóuria (Greek Sesame Bread Rings)
Stacked, whole wheat, cheese and white all dusted with toasted sesame seeds!
Street Vendor: there are street vendors through out the city, at the ferry, squares, streets, ouside shopping areas etc. they ALL are supplied by one bakery in town. They are delisch.
I even got one at the airport as we were flying home!
This is what the Greeks eat for a mid morning snack, as cigarettes and coffee are breakfast :)
We always enjoy the people watching, it is the best way to get the feel of the culture, as we were resting our feet in a cafe, this local was walking around playing the violin.
This man reading the paper.
Tony enjoying the local brew. Keep in mind we were the only ones having wine/beer at happy hour, the locals have cafe, as they eat dinner closer to 11, and go out well after midnight into the wee hours of the morning 5 or 6am.
Local business chatting and smoking.
What will be the most memorable part of this trip? The 8 hour ferry ride from Athens to Santorini...
We decided that we would take the ferry from Athens to Santorini, we throught the view would be neat and it would be a good cultural experience. The reality it was VERY LONG.... I would say if you have done the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, you got the same experience in 1 hour vs 9!
Lesson learned, we flew back on our departure. :)
All in all we had great food, relaxation and weather! We had a wonderful trip.... until the next one!
