GREECE!

En route to ferry terminal heading to the Greek Islands, 5:55am, bags packed, smiles on our faces and excitement building in our hearts. Upon arrival, we had to ensure we understood correctly, as it seemed they said they ferry was not running today. As it came to be, this was the case, the ferry had been cancelled due to bad weather. Welp. Figured we would wait it out until the next day and go from there. Meanwhile, we were in ATHENS! Time for some exploring! Hiked to the top of the Acropolis and almost blew away it was so windy! Explored the touristy streets with all the shops filled with knick knack souvenirs and eventually got wrangled into eating at this place called Arcadia (it was the free wine and dessert that got us). We indulged in the Greek Salad with the biggest slice of feta I've ever seen! We recognized an American sitting behind us and decided to make friends with him by offering some of our wine. Turns out he has Greek heritage and is in Athens for a few months studying Greek. We told him about our ferry cancellation and how the word on the street was that it would likely not sail tomorrow either. And so, he gave as Plan B. He told us to go to the airport, rent a car and roadtrip around the south western part of Greece, the Peloponneset, which towns to hit up and all the "must-sees" along the way. As much as I wanted to go to the islands, at least we had a solid back up plan, just in case.

The next day we were told the ferry was planning on running, but there was no telling when in the day it would depart. Our time in Santorini had already been cut short, and we wouldn't even have a full day there. So we figured we would see if we could get our money back for the ferry and go from there. At first the receptionist told us we would have to call this number and tell them what happeneded in hopes of getting a refund, but then she made a call and ended up giving us all the money back - in cash! And so, Plan B it was! We rented a car and set out, first stop: Ancient Corinth. Yeah, pretty surreal. Walked the streets St. Paul walked and read from second Corinthians. Hit up Tripoli, a small village along the way, for 2€ gyros! BEST! Ended up in a town along the coastline called Kalamata. Monemvasia was definitely a highlight, the look on our faces as we passed through the gate and discovered the old town on the other side consisted of pure shock and surprise.

We quickly discovered the authenticity and incredible hospitality of Greek culture. For example, houses in small Greek towns do not have house numbers, this, in combination with life without data, left us seemingly stranded from time to time. Again and again the Greeks were so quick to help us, giving endless direction, always helping us get where we needed to be. We were so grateful!

So many little beach towns, lots of sun and all the delicious greek cruise - Moussaka, Baklava, Souvlaki Chicken, Greek salad, and all the gyros you could possibly dream of. Thanks to our host, we also had the experience of picking a PLETHORA of oranges (about 35) from a tree at our AirBNB in Xirokampi. At one point we had about 9 in one day! 😂

Over and over again Alex and I praised James, our American friend, for giving us a week of adventure we never would have thought up on our own. We had so much freedom with our little car, Feta, and 3 years of life to fill each other in on while driving up and down the windy Greek mountains, and taking in the amazing coastal shorelines of the Mediterranean Sea.

So in short, if you need a Greek travel consultant, I know a guy. I'll hook you up.

Till next time, don't run with scissors.

-Silks

The Parthenon 

Our first Greek meal, at Arcadia.

Squid hanging to dry in Gythio.

So. Many. Oranges.

Sunrise leaving Monemvasia!

P.S. I know the layout isn't great, but here's to life without a laptop ;)