Greetings, friends!
I've recently returned from a week in Crete; my first family vacation since a mini ski-trip in February. After taking part in so much trip planning the past few months, it was nice to take a break and simply follow the herd into an adventure. The week involved plenty of sunshine, ocean time, and tasty food. Since we'd all been to Kalamaki several times (it's our family vacation destination of choice) we knew the ins and outs of the place, from where to get the best baklava, to where to best get into the ocean.
Most mornings started with some sort of relaxing activity, like Qigong or a swim, followed by a delicious breakfast spread. Most of the time we impersonated beached whales, refusing to leave the pebbly shore, but we managed to venture away every once in a while and celebrate two birthdays. To avoid the heat, our active times were more or less limited to mornings or evenings, leaving the rest of the time for ocean swimming.
One evening, we walked to a nearby village called Pitsidia, to hear some live Greek music. We began the walk as the sun was setting, and the path led us along an old, dusty road, among fig and olive trees. Of course, we took it as our duty to eat and collect the figs that were already splitting open on the trees. Though the musical endeavor was somewhat stressful (too loud and screechy) we went for predinner drinks at a place called Dream Factory. As I wavered back and fourth between choices (as I always do!) I finally settled on a honeydew melon smoothie. And was it a good choice; perhaps the best thing I ingested all week. My niece, nephew and I walked back home alone in the dark and with just a sliver of moon but plenty of stars that not only alerted us to rocks and holes along the path, but also provided a beautiful scene for the hour long journey.
I couldn't stop thinking about that smoothie. Two days later, I recruited my niece to walk back to the village with me for more honeydew melon. The walk back was a bit trepidatious, as wild dogs like to roam the area. One approached us, early on, but turned out to just want some companions. He followed us most of the way home, until we began the descent from the last hill that led to our hotel.
Photos!
So now I'm back in Vienna, with less than a month left until I return to the States. I'll be backpacking in the Alps part of the time, in addition to saying my goodbyes and getting graduate school applications together. For those of you back in the US, it looks like I finally have a tentative schedule for where I'll be: Texas until mid October, with two short trips to Little Rock and the Austin area, and then off to the Bay area again. That's where I'll probably be until I start grad school next Fall. Let's hang out!
I've recently returned from a week in Crete; my first family vacation since a mini ski-trip in February. After taking part in so much trip planning the past few months, it was nice to take a break and simply follow the herd into an adventure. The week involved plenty of sunshine, ocean time, and tasty food. Since we'd all been to Kalamaki several times (it's our family vacation destination of choice) we knew the ins and outs of the place, from where to get the best baklava, to where to best get into the ocean.
Most mornings started with some sort of relaxing activity, like Qigong or a swim, followed by a delicious breakfast spread. Most of the time we impersonated beached whales, refusing to leave the pebbly shore, but we managed to venture away every once in a while and celebrate two birthdays. To avoid the heat, our active times were more or less limited to mornings or evenings, leaving the rest of the time for ocean swimming.
One evening, we walked to a nearby village called Pitsidia, to hear some live Greek music. We began the walk as the sun was setting, and the path led us along an old, dusty road, among fig and olive trees. Of course, we took it as our duty to eat and collect the figs that were already splitting open on the trees. Though the musical endeavor was somewhat stressful (too loud and screechy) we went for predinner drinks at a place called Dream Factory. As I wavered back and fourth between choices (as I always do!) I finally settled on a honeydew melon smoothie. And was it a good choice; perhaps the best thing I ingested all week. My niece, nephew and I walked back home alone in the dark and with just a sliver of moon but plenty of stars that not only alerted us to rocks and holes along the path, but also provided a beautiful scene for the hour long journey.
I couldn't stop thinking about that smoothie. Two days later, I recruited my niece to walk back to the village with me for more honeydew melon. The walk back was a bit trepidatious, as wild dogs like to roam the area. One approached us, early on, but turned out to just want some companions. He followed us most of the way home, until we began the descent from the last hill that led to our hotel.
Photos!
This friendly man suggested we walk up a hill for a nice view.
This is the hill. It was, indeed, nice. But not as nice as the man.
Sunset in Mires
My dad turned 79!
Baklava birthday surprise!!! (Plus some other gross, unnecessary dessert)
View of Kalamaki
My nephew and I hiked to Matala
View of Matala
The beach outside our hotel
Honeydew smoothies!!!!! Don't judge the position of our chess pieces; we don't play often!
How to make a Greek toilet grumpy or happy. If only humans came with similar manuals.
