September 02, 2008
Part of the islands surrounding Santorini is Nea Kameni, an active volcano that is literally a barren mountain of pitch-black lava rock. Nea Kameni is host to thousands of walkers who brave the trek to the top. We decide to enlist.
July 10, 2008
Our second full day on the island of Santorini and it stretches before us…what to do, what to do. We decide to rent a quad and explore this amazing island on our own.
After an unfortunate motorcycle incident in Calgary when Al peeled concrete off the road with his shoulder, I am hesitant to let him drive. But he reminds me that he took a quad course for work, so I concede. We head out, not sure where we are going and not really caring. The day is ours!
July 08, 2008
Without realizing it, we had saved the very best for last on our incredible trip to Greece.
The ship’s cruise director announces that we are approaching the stunning island of Santorini. We look out across the water and see only walls of steep cliffs and rock formations. From this distance, it looks like the cliffs are snow-capped. Coming closer, I realize that the “snow” is actually hundreds and hundreds of buildings perched along the edge.
July 04, 2008
Over the next two days, we set foot on three more Greek Islands: Patmos, Rhodes and Crete. Each one has its own special personality, and I am amazed at how one country can offer so many variations on a theme.
July 04, 2008
We are back on the Aegean Pearl, this time as overnight passengers for the next three days as we explore more of Greece’s islands.
The Aegean Pearl is a small cruise ship with only 650 passengers – most of them during this run are either between the ages of 15 and 25, or 70 plus. We fall somewhere in the middle. The ship itself is a bit of disappointment. Read more
July 04, 2008
True to her word, our Transat representative Sophie meet us in the lobby. She is full of valuable information about bus schedules, beaches to visit, stores that won’t rip us off, restaurants that serve good food etc. She also tells us about the automatic cover charge at restaurants (they charge you for bread right off the top) and the liberal views on the beaches (swimsuit optional).
July 04, 2008
There are some 1400 islands in Greece and only 227 of them are inhabited. We will visit five of them during our cruise. First stop, the white sandy shores of Mykonos!
July 03, 2008
After four day in Athens, it’s time to say good-bye to the city of the goddess Athena. Al and I both agree that while we feel fortunate to have counted ourselves as visitors here, we’re ready to move on. The city’s frantic pace, stagnant heat and tight quarters has us yearning for fresh air and open space. Today is the day we board the Aegean Pearl and head for Mykonos! Read more
July 03, 2008
On our third day in Athens, we decide to make our way to Delphi, the magnificent site of the Delphic Oracle and the sanctuary of Apollo. So significant to the Greeks is Delphi that they refer to it as the omphalos (belly button) of the earth. It is the place on earth where man is closest to the Gods. Read more
July 02, 2008
On the morning of June 16, after a nine and a half hour flight from Toronto, my husband and I found ourselves searching for coffee in the city of Athens, Greece. This was the start of a trip we had talked about for five years or more, and the day had finally arrived!
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