Mykonos (2006)

We spent two nights in Mykonos and I think that was ideal. The island is beautiful and the town is charming, but the party vibe was a bit much for me. No, thank you, I don't feel like listening to bumping techno while lying on the beach.

Sleep
Marmie's - Okay..that is a made up name. Neither Jared or I can remember the name of our hostel in Mykonos..it was fine, but over priced. We did however meet a very special friend there!


We named her Marmie (short for marmalade..as in orange marmalade). One thing you'll notice immediately in Greece is that there are stray cats everywhere. Unfortunately, Marmie was castigated by the other stray cats, so we felt bad for her and fed her.


Eat
Try and eat one night in Little Venice. You'll get great, if pricey, seafood, and the atmosphere is priceless - eating at the water's edge, while waves splash up against the barrier wall.



See
Don't miss the gorgeous windmills!


Or the charming beaches..



Or yet another beautiful Grecian sunset!

Naxos (2006)

We stayed five days in Naxos, but I think that was a little long. Naxos had the nicest beaches we saw in Greece, but there's not much to do besides lying on the beach or renting a moped.

Sleep
Pension Sofi - Pension Sofi was cute, clean and the owners were bursting with Greek hospitality. Almost every day, the owner would sit us down for some wine, fresh home-made goat cheese and cucumber salad.

Eat
Definitely eat in Naxos town. There are lots of decently priced tavernas and cafes along the harbor. Pick based on whose food looks better - they all grill the day's catch right in front of the restaurant!

Do
Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches.

The rough-water side of the island

Enjoy the Naxos sunset

Santorini (2006)

Santorini was my favorite part of Greece. We only stayed three days here and I wish we had stayed longer.

Sleep
Stelio's Place - Now this is a hostel! At Stelio's we had a pool, air-conditioning, and a kitchen, all located a block from the black-sand beach.

The black-sand beach near Stelio's

A santorini scene

Eat
Everywhere had fresh seafood and an abundance of wine and ouzo. What more does a weary back-packer need?

Do
Take one of the organized boat tours to the caldera and hot springs. It was a lot of fun!

At the hot mud springs

On the boat

Athens (2006)

I loved Athens. I think I came in with low expectations, both from my family and others who had visited, but I absolutely loved the city. The metro was clean and efficient, there were great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, and don't forget all of the history! I also view the Greece trip as a homecoming of sorts. Misogianes meets...the homeland of her crazy last name! As Jared noted, everyone looked like me. Haha...

Sleep
Tempi Hotel - I loved our hostel/hotel in Athens. It was centrally located in the Plaka neighborhood, and best of all, it had air-conditioning! (A definite plus in Athens in July).

Eat
Athens is another great city for eating on the cheap. The tavernas all over town have great and inexpensive food and all serve carafes of house wine. If you say please and thank you in Greek you'll probably get a free ouzo shot. ;) We liked O Platanos.

And I will unabashedly admit that we also liked the fast-food pita place. I'm sorry, I don't remember the name, but if you go to Athens there is the Greek equivalent of Subway all over the place! They have delish gyros, pita and tzatziki. (Please comment if you know the place).

See
Dora Stratou Dance Company- I loved this show of traditional Greek dancing and music. It's possible that being Greek and being a dancer, I am biased, but I think seeing one of their shows is a great introduction to Greek culture.



Ruins! The Acropolis, its Parthenon, Temple of athena, etc...

I love this pic

Capri (2006)

Capri is a must-see. The island is incredibly beautiful and just epitomizes everything I love about Italy.

Sleep
Bussola di Hermes was an affordable and charming option in pricey Capri.


Eat
We pretty much just wandered and did our own thing. Of course, while here you must have a caprese salad! The seafood and fresh vegetables are abundant on the island, so be prepared to gorge yourself.

Drink
Limoncello of course! Capri is famous for this lemon-based alcohol. The locals just sip it, but be wary, it's surprisingly strong.

See
The Blue Grotto - I forget why the Blue Grotto is blue, but it is and it's one of a kind. You'll have to pay for a guide to escort you on boat into the grotto and as you swoop in through the tide, you'll be glad you did.

Sorry, the picture doesn't do the grotto much justice....you'll just have to visit for yourself!

Do
Take a hike around the island and don't miss the Natural Arch.

At one of Capri's beaches

Sunset along our hike

Also, try not to lose your lunch on the terrifying bus ride from the port up to the towns.

View of Capri from the bus

Rome (2006)

Sleep
Pop Inn Hostel - I suppose this hostel was convenient since it was near the Termini train station, but it was quite expensive. Not recommended. Although, I do have the fond memory of watching Rihanna's Umbrella video on repeat while we waiting for our room keys.

Eat
You can't go wrong with food in Rome. It really is as good as they say it is. On every corner you'll find a hole-in-the-wall with delicious pizza and panini, not to mention the gelaterias on every block- every flavor of gelato you can imagine!

The Trastevere neighborhood is incredibly charming. We liked Osteria da Lucia there. (Via del Mattinato 2)

Do
The Colosseum and Forum - Definitely a highlight of Rome. The Colosseum is impressive in its sheer magnitude, but the Forum is almost more impressive in its vast expanse. While walking among the Forum's ruins, it is easy to imagine the Rome of Julius Caesar.

The Colosseum

The Forum

The Vatican - The Vatican is certainly a must-see while in Rome. The opulence is a bit overwhelming, but the appeal extends beyond the Catholic community.