Beauty within the Ruins

Hello again, dear readers! I must apologize for my absence, but I was without internet access for the past 10 days as my friends and I traversed the Grecian countryside! We were fortunate enough to spend time in Corfu, Athens, and Santorini enjoying the sounds, smells, and sights of the cradle of Western Civilization. I hope you enjoy some of the photos from our journey!

Our trip began with a ferry ride from Ancona to Iguomenitsa. As we crossed the Adriatic, we watched one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. 

And, of course, what is a boat ride without somebody reenacting the Titanic scene? 

Our first stop was in Corfu, where we enjoyed the local cuisine, relaxed on the beach, partook in a rowdy Booze Cruise, and adventured across the terrain on ATVs. 

As we enjoyed the beaches of Greece, the beauty of the surroundings became truly overwhelming. It seems as though our lives are entirely surreal. 

After Corfu, we traveled to Athens. Some of my friends had a little too much fun in the souvenir shops!

As we walked the Acropolis, I was overcome with joy. It had always been a dream of mine to visit Athens, and I felt like I was living in an architectural fairytale. 

After hiking up the countless stairs, we found ourselves staring at one of the most influential buildings of all time. It would have been impossible not to enjoy ourselves at the Parthenon!

The streets of Athens were filled with vendors and shops. We spent the day browsing the shops before enjoying a delicious 4-course meal at a restaurant next to our hostel. Greek food may give Italian food a run for its money!

Our last destination was Santorini. A beautiful island adorned with blue roofs, black sand beaches, and countless flowers, Santorini presents the idyllic vacation destination.

My roommate and I walked up to the top of town with our friends to watch the sunset on our first evening. After, we ate dinner at a local restaurant, where we feasted on dakos, saganaki, and eggplant.

After our first night out, we got breakfast at a local place that specialized in crepes and waffles. It just so happens that my friend was REALLY excited about her waffle.

Our second day was spent traveling down to the black sand beaches, where we relaxed and socialized with locals, as the primary tourist season had ended weeks ago.

The black sand beaches took quite a toll on my feet......

Our last day was spent in Athens before the long journey home. We ventured to the Temple of Zeus and the 1896 Olympic Stadium before beginning the 30+ hour commute back to Florence.

So, there you have it! I hope I've captured enough of our trip that you will aspire to go one day! From the 9 of us that went, I don't think anyone would take back a moment (except for maybe the Booze Cruise....but what happens at the Pink Palace hostel, STAYS at the Pink Palace hostel. Forever.).


Tomorrow evening, I'm off to London to visit relatives! Two days later, I'll be venturing to Glasgow to visit friends from high school and college. Until next week, my friends, arrivederci!