Thursday, August 22, 2013

GREECE!

Hey, folks.
I was hoping to post a video of our trip to Greece but I'm having some technical issues with my computer so I've decided to post some of our favourite pictures! There are so many highlights to share so lets start with our first stop, Greece's capital city of ATHENS.


We spent a full day touring Athens before boarding our first ferry to Santorini island. We ran the track at the Olympic Stadium, climbed the rocky outcrop to see the Acropolis up close and browsed the Acropolis Museum. Lots of great history in this city.

(Left: Out front of the Olympic Stadium)





(Right: Joel enjoys the view of the city from the Acropolis Hill)

(Below: One of the many pork gyros consumed; Greece has THE BEST food. I could not eat enough Greek yogurt and honey, I already miss their morning frappes)



 
                       

Next we headed out to the gorgeous Santorini Island for five days of camping. Lots of hiking and soaking up the views were on the agenda.....check and check!

We could not have been more impressed by this destination.






(Right: Arriving by ferry to Santorini Island)

(Below: Our tiny home, away from home, we were pleasantly surprised by how cool we stayed at night considering the blistering heat we experienced during the day) @ Santorini Camping in Thira.



Our first hike of the trip took us from the centre of the island to the Northern tip and the tiny village of Oia. At the end of the rocky 12km jaunt we discovered a pool bar that overlooked the Ocean, a perfect reward to a hard days work. Santorini never disappoints!

(Right: Joel looks out at our destination)
From Santorini's old port we took a short excursion in a pirate boat to the Santorini Volcano and hot springs.

(Left: Joel takes advantage of the hot spring's healing properties)
Next we took a speed-ferry to the Island of Crete where we did some more camping near the city of Hiraklion. Lots of rocky beaches to relax on here.

(Right: Soaking in the warm pools on the Northern shore)

Below you'll see us on a day-trip into the city to see the Old Port and visit the Palace Ruins of Knossos.


For our next, and sadly final stop, we took a bus West to Chania. A very tourist-friendly zone where you can "check out the shops" for hours on end. We stayed amongst the harbour-front restaurants in the old port and took one final bus to the top of the Samaria Gourge where we hiked another 14km down to Crete's Southern shore. 




(Above: Joel waves goodbye to Crete as we prep for our ferry back to Athens)

(Right: Stopping for a water break in Samaria Gorge National Park)

We were more than pleased with our trip to Greece. The combination of antiquity, mountainous hiking, relaxing beaches, stunning views and palatable dishes was perfect for Joel's summer vacation from work and my......well.....vacation from vacation. 

*We welcome you to click on the images to see a larger version.

THANKS everyone, hope to post some footage of the trip soon!

Joel & Amy









Sunday, August 18, 2013

Back from the Greek Islands

What a trip!!! Lots of pictures and videos to get through but here are a few teaser photos. Please enjoy.
Running the track at the Olympic Stadium in Athens
The Acropolis of Athens
Santorini Island
The Samaria Gorge on the Island of Crete.

Check back soon!
Joel & Amy