Grecian Adventures: Contrary to popular belief...

Γεια σας (yah sus) - Hello Hello. I have returned safe and soundly from a little weekend excursion to the island of Santorini and let's just say that some things need to by clarified.

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF...

Santorini does NOT look like this:

Rather, it looks more like this:

Now that we are all on the same page... let's start at the beginning.

Friday came around and we all found ourselves anxiously awaiting the ferry ride to Santorini. However, our upbeat enthusiasm quickly faded upon entering the ferry. We found ourselves seated in a not-so-fresh smelling cabin area. Our cozy (think coach bus) little seats were so homey - cigarette tar stains and really clean head rest covers came free of charge... lucky us. After a restless night's sleep, to say the least, I was more than ready for some fresh air. Upon departing the ferry we were quickly wisked away in a charter bus to our hotel... this quick "jog" up a VERY steep mountain side in a charter bus was not necessarily my cup of tea. Oh how I love phobias.

We arrived at our little story-book hotel that may or may not have smelled like my great grandma's house, but that's fine because the owner was the sweetest lady ever! Her hospitality is beyond words - that's one thing I enjoy about Greece...the older generations treat you like gold - I wish I could bring some of their welcoming nature back to the States.

After much needed power naps we took to exploring the island. Collectively and without hesitation we all decided to go on a chartered catamaran cruise around the island! Let's just say I've spent afternoons doing worse. We ventured to various beaches on the boat and then stopped at a small bay that contained hot springs. While I enjoy the fact that I can say I swam in hot springs in the Agean Sea - the semi-orange stained bathing suit, gold jewelry that was once silver, and the smell of sulphur embedded in my nostrils are memories I could have done without. We had a fully authentic Greek meal on the boat to top off the amazing afternoon and sailed into the sunset. I have a rough life - I know.

Red Beach - color is a result of the volcanic eruption centuries ago

Hot Springs

Just as we thought Santorini couldn't get any better, we found Murphy's. We all knew we had to go explore downtown and see what the night life was like. We stumbled upon an Irish Pub tucked back off the street - Irish Pub in Greece? I'm okay with that! If I could described Murphy's in three words it would be... Best.Bar.Ever. The music was American music at it's best - newbies and oldies and two for one drinks had us dancing the night away! We all had the time of our lives - best night out yet!

What bar has great American music AND sparklers?!

The following morning we got up early and went back to explore downtown Firostefani. Girls + a beautiful island + shopping = HEAVEN in Grecian form. Santorini is a heavily travelled island with tourists nearly year round. We found backstreets with shops lining both sides and spent our afternoon in shopping bliss. The only downfall was that because Santorini is full of tourist the shops cater directly to it... everything was SO expensive.. wa wa waaa. Purchases may not have been in abundance that day, but we made the most of the beautiful weather and the coastal view. Now as I mentioned above the majority of Santorini is not the picturesque images from the movies, but there are random areas where you have the beautiful coastal edges.

Late afternoon we travelled to one of the highest points on the island to a town called Oia. We were told this is where we could see the blue roofed buildings and where they taped the movie Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. However, contrary to popular belief (as the title of my blog suggest) there are no areas with just blue roofs. The only buildings like this are churches - just so we all know. Also, as far as the locals no there was no movie about pants shot here... who knows? The truth remains a mystery. Oia, however, was truly beautiful. You can find similar coast line in Firostefani, but in Oia - being higher up and all - the view was breathtaking.

Beautiful day for a white wedding!

Before departing for our ferry home we stopped at a local restaurant for some authentic Santorini cuise. I had my standard Chicken Souvlaki and an interesting appetizer... grilled Octopus. Yes, you read correctly. The queen of picky eating chewed and swallowed OCTOPUS!! First and last time for me. The texture is much like Calamari and contrary to popular belief does NOT taste like chicken and the suction cups pop in your mouth - that set my gag reflexes over the edge! I came, I saw, I conquered! Aren't you proud Mom and Dad?

Unfortunately our Santorini adventure had to come to an end. We boarded the ferry and settled in for another pleasant 9 hour trip back to the mainland. Overall, the weekend was a lot of fun - I'm glad to say I have been to this place. I can't help but to stop, smell the roses, and acknowledge the fact that I am so blessed.