fare thee well

the view
Originally uploaded by borderlys.

Well I can't believe I am actually leaving Greece! It feels like I have been here forever, but I could VERY easily stay here for ever! The people I have met have been so great -- Greek hospitality is something we could all learn from! So now, when the Hellens (Greeks) exagerate about a place being the MOST beautiful in the whole entire world, or the most amazing in ALL of Europe, or the oldest in the universe, etc. I am tempted to believe them! Sorry, that's sort of an inside because apparently the Greeks tend to ..."embellish" things a bit. Really though, it's a beautiful country, the people are great, the food is oh-so-tasty, the weather is great, etc. what's not to like?!

Artichoke hearts and other stories

Ios
Originally uploaded by borderlys.

...if mainland Greece wasn't beautiful enough, the islands are pure magic! First stop was Ios, where I spent two days simply relaxing. Fred and I rented a scooter the second day and rode arround the island. We finally got to a beach where the only two other people on the island were two Austrians who had just attended the European social forum (http://www.socialforum-media.gr/english_index.htm) ... why I didn't participate still baffles me since the topics were on development and social action, etc. So we feasted together on boiled artichokes and dip and killer rice (with Ayaveda spices, something I want to look into when I get back. Indian food that caters to your type and work at creating balance inside you). So the girl, Astrid, told me about Master's programms in Norway, sice she also happened to be studying international development in Vienna.

Next up, Santorini. Just look at the photos on snapfish and 'nuff said. We went to the volcano and later watched the sunset from Oia, Fred, Philipp (a guy from Quebec we met) and I.

Beautiful as it was, the second day I felt the wind of departure nonetheless and decided to set sail earlier than planned. I set out to Crete where I was greeted by my couchsurfing hosts, Spilios and Kostas. Had a blast riding around Hania with Spilios on his motorbike and going for coffee with some friends. I hit up the Samaria gorge, which was really beautiful....

Also, I WENT SCUBA DIVING TODAY! :D it was awesome and I did alright for myself, considering I hadn't gone in about 2 two years!

the Parthenon, baby!

the Parthenon, baby!
Originally uploaded by borderlys.

yeah, if my smile is this big it's cause it's that cool! I love Athens and I love Greece! (only thing that doesn't, is my wallet.....)