We started on the island Paros which is part of the Cyclades Islands, including Mykonos andSantorini. It was beautiful! I felt at home when the 80 degree sunny weather touched my skin. London is beautiful, but I missed seeing the sun and feeling warm outside. We stayed at the cutest hotel on the island, Hotel Erie. I was with 4 of my friends so we stayed in a 6-bed apartment which had a huge balcony overlooking the entire Aegean Coast. We had the best view in the entire hotel! After we first arrived at noon on Friday, we immediately put our bathing suits on and headed out for our first Greek meal. So I like Greek food, but after eating from each family run restaurant, I became in love with Greek cuisine. I think I tried almost ever authentic dish and they were all delicious! And the desserts, don't get me started...I now have a new appreciation for honey, nuts, and phyllo dough. My favorite Greek dishes areMukasa, filled grape vines, stuffed peppers with feta, and gyros! It was all amazing and I can't wait to come home and take everyone out to a real, authentic Greek restaurant so everyone understands what I'm describing.
Besides all the scrumptious food I ate, the beaches were breath taking. We found the perfect hidden beach called Parasporos. It felt like our personal beach because no one was there, but there were umbrellas, lounge chairs, a bar and cafe on the beach, and the beautiful teal Aegean Sea for us to play in all day. I lied in the sun in complete bliss. Nothing beats 80 degree weather, a lounge chair, a cold frappe ( their twist on an iced latte, but way better ), and waves slowly crashing against the sand. After we headed out to another great dinner, this time at a sea food restaurant. I had octopus and mussels for the first time and they were delicious :) As you can see, I enjoyed the Greek food maybe a little too much.
The next day we headed out for Athens to tour the Acropolis and to spend our last night in Greece. Okay, so our ride back to Athens on the ferry was a trip from hell. Unfortunately the cheaper, calmer ferry was completely booked when we tried to purchase tickets in the morning so we had to pay for the more expensive ferry that was supposed to get us back to Athens quicker. Let me first say, I should have gotten my 50 Euros back after this 3 hour journey! The ferry sat like an airplane with assigned seats and carried about 300 people so we were forced to sit in these small cramped seats with our luggage. As soon as we took off I knew this ride was going to be rocky. We must have been going 75mph on some of the choppiest waters. Most of the journey included half the ferry in the ocean, rocking heavily back and forth. I couldn't believe this kind of transportation existed and that the driver never slowed down! Well after our 3 hours of prayers, we finally made it to land and had to take a serious break from looking at the ocean. From there we took an hour bus ride and made it to Athens. That night we had our last dinner in Greece and my favorite part, saw the Acropolis all lit up! My breath was instantly taken away as I turned the corner and saw this magnificent building all lit up on a hill. I was speechless, in awe, and felt so blessed to experience this! The next day we actually got to tour the entire site and I spent as much time as I could there. If you don't know the Acropolis holds some of the oldest ancient ruins, such as the Parthenon. Also acropolis means highest city, which holds true to it's meaning because the Acropolis in Athens resides on a high hill. Apart from the amazing ruins, the views of Athens and the coast were unbelievable. I can't even describe how beautiful these views were. The city seemed endless.
After seeing Paros and the Acropolis, a part of my life changed. I felt so humbled in the moment when I was gazing over Athens next to the Parthenon. To be able to stand in such ancient ruins, filled with so much history made me realize how appreciative I am for my life and having the opportunity to see the world. In Paros, I was able to experience a culture that was genuine, family oriented, and deeply appreciative of their family and friends. Every restaurant was family owned and the people were all extremely friendly. I have never felt more at home in such a different culture and country. It was comforting to know people continue to enjoy their lives, apart from cars, commercialism, and the constant growth of modernity. I am so thankful for my family, especially for letting me study abroad and see the world (Thank you mom and dad. I love you so much and can never thank you enough).
May everyone get the chance to see something new and exciting, even if it's in your own backyard. I encourage everyone to see the world and experience as many different cultures as you can. You will be amazed at what you will discover. The possibilities are endless!
Cheers from London!
xoxo
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