La Dolce Vita: March 2012

I know this post is a little late (and by little I mean a few weeks), but better late than never, right?

I went on an organized trip to Greece with two of my roommates: Theresa and Sandra. I have always wanted to go to Greece but I did not think I would be able to go while studying abroad because it is very expensive to get there and planning trips to countries outside of Italy is more difficult and expensive than I anticipated. I went through a program called EuroAdventures; my roommates and I have gotten to know the EuroAdventure employees very well and we always have a great time with them.

We left Florence first thing Saturday morning and took a bus to the port of Ancona, and from their we got on a cruise ship to mainland Greece. We were on the cruise ship overnight and were originally going to sleep in "airplane style" seats that recline but once we walked into the room with all of the seat we decided to upgrade to an actual cabin. The room was like a sauna with no windows and no air circulation of any kind; so we went to the reception desk and upgraded for just a few euros per person-totally worth it! The next morning we arrived at one of the ports in Greece and from their we took the ferry to Corfu; and once we arrived in Corfu there was a bright pink bus waiting to take us to our hotel. We stayed at a place called "The Pink Palace". Warning: *not recommended for families or anyone over the age of 25* It was perfect place for college kids on spring break but once was definitely enough for me. We arrived at The Pink Palace around 11am and before we even got the keys to our rooms they gave us all shots of Ouzo-a traditional Greek liquor that tastes like licorice and hits you faster than anything else. I knew right away that this trip would be like none other. We got settled in our rooms and then met back in the lobby to go on a booze cruise. I have never seen more beautiful water, it was breathtaking! Our spring break was the first week in March which was earlier than most other schools so we were the only ones at the Pink Palace while we were there, and it was very nice to have everything "private" for our group. Aside from the creepy captain of the boat, the booze cruise was really fun. (Believe it or not, Greek men are much more forward than Italian men so I kept my distance at all times). The next day we were supposed to ride ATV's all throughout the island but we woke up to rain and wind so we all went to Corfu Town instead and walked around. It was a really cute little town, and it was there that I fell in love with Greek food! As much as I love all of the food in Italy (hence why my jeans are a bit tighter these days), it was so nice to have a break and have some new cuisine to enjoy. Pita with tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, grilled peppers stuffed with feta, calamari, baklava...it was all so amazing! That night was the toga party...yes, the infamous toga party night. I wish I could elaborate more on this night but there is not too much that I remember (sorry Mom and Dad!), but I am told that I was the life of the party, and apparently got everyone in a circle at one point and started the "traditional Greek dancing"...no comment. It was a great night with a pretty rough morning to follow. We woke up to sunny skies the next day and ATVing was on the agenda and there was no way I could pass that up, no matter how terrible I felt when I woke up, and it was so worth it! ATVing was the perfect way to see the island; it was so beautiful and it was by far my favorite part of spring break. There was an
off-roading section that we went on and it was so much fun! That was our last day in Corfu and that night we took a ferry back to the mainland and then an overnight bus ride to Athens.

Athens was amazing, just as expected, and we did not have any problems with the recent issues that are unfolding there. It was very crowded and kind of dirty, similar to any large city. We walked all around the city and went to the Acropolis. It was beyond amazing to see all of the historical sights and I still cannot believe all that I got to do and see while in Greece; I am so thankful! That night the entire group went out to dinner, and again, had the most amazing food...and of course a little bit of wine to go with it. Athens was amazing and I am so glad I got to see it, but one day was enough. So, the next day some of us went to Aegina, another Greek island about an hour ferry ride from Athens. It is a small island and we just walked around and sat on the beach; it was so nice to have a relaxing day with fun people. We left the next morning to take another overnight cruise ship back to Italy. It was one of the most amazing weeks of my life and I am so grateful I got to go!