Yesterday at 5 am we made it to bed after two weeks in Greece. This trip was a dream come true for Mommy who had wanted to visit Athens and some islands for many, many years. Daddy had already done his Contiki tour years ago. So I definitely was thrilled to see all the sights, the Parthenon, the wonderful area of Plaka with a pleasant nightlife, the ferries full of backpackers (I was one of them, although I pushed a stroller at times!), the sandy and rocky beaches and the blue and white churches. The trip was everything I had always hoped it would be and I feel like we saw the quintessential parts of Greek culture and life.

Seeing it with our two little ones was wonderful as we watched their excitement. We also travelled with their two cousins, M and D, and brother-in-law plus the nonni. For two whole weeks. It was fun to watch the cousins playing with eachother and my two really adored their older, role models picking up, among other things, a passion for chewing gum!

When we discussed highlights, we all decided the warm, clear waters of "baby beach" in Antiparos was great but mostly the time spent together. We ate a lot of Greek food. I mean, A LOT. I have never in my life had so much Greek food, day in, day out. I think I had previously had about 3 or 4 Greek restaurant experiences! By the end of the trip, I was pretty happy to eat Chinese food for a change. And getting home, I discovered I had gained 5 pounds in two weeks. The yogourt everyday, full fat, includes cream. I didn't have baklava everyday but the pitas I did have were fried. It was definitely worth it as I enjoyed the food very much...even though it was indeed covered in a lot of olive oil, as Mom and Dad warned.

We found the Greek people to be very friendly and great with the kids. They care about giving good service which is quite a contrast to what we experience, in general, here in Bruxelles. The warm weather and sunshine makes everyone relaxed and evidently sunny. So we enjoyed interacting with those we met along the trail and discovered that while we were away, it rained here and was pretty cool. I look out the window now as I write to see grey, threatening to rain skies. I don't mind it but when I am at a beach, I want heat. I actually thought Greece would be hotter but at night, their was always a coolish breeze from the ocean. And the water was, in general, cooler than expected. Anyway, not to complain about weather as many do...I loved Greece and am so happy we went.

Just a re-cap, we started in Athens for three nights in the Plaka district near the Parthenon, staying at a youth hostel called Travellers' Inn. Next, the island of Antiparos where we rented a house and stayed 4 nights. Then came the island of Naxos where we stayed in a resort-like hotel for 5 nights. We were a ten minute walk from the beach of Kastraki. Finally, a small hotel on Santorini steps from Perissa beach for 4 nights became home called Stelio's Place. Mr. Stelio and family were quite friendly as were the other people at each and every one of our accommodation. I am grateful for the warm welcome and definitely left with a great taste of Greece in my mouth!