I'm thankful for...MICKEY!!! My Thanksgiving '08 TR!: TR Update, Last Day!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I just called Disney Dining back and made a lunch ADR for Crystal Palace for the day after Thanksgiving.

I feel so much better!

Thanks, MeMom! :thanks:

[TarzansKat]

Alright, I know you had your heart set on LTT, but the Crystal Palace is really a lovely meal also. And if you feel like it, you can always call back and see if LTT becomes available...you never know if someone may cancel! :goodvibes

[SwansLoveDisney]

Alright, I know you had your heart set on LTT, but the Crystal Palace is really a lovely meal also. And if you feel like it, you can always call back and see if LTT becomes available...you never know if someone may cancel! :goodvibes

Now that I've read the descriptions of Crystal Palace, it sounds like we'd all enjoy their menu more than LTT. Of course, it's not Thanksgiving dinner, but it'll do!

If I remember correctly (from the 2 other times we've been to WDW at Thanksgiving) all the resorts have Thanksgiving meals at their food courts on Thanksgiving day. So maybe we can all have dinner together at Everything Pop after we arrive in Orlando on Thanksgiving Day.

Now I need to write my ADR number in my Passporter! Yay!:yay:

[wdwgirl03]

I thought I'd join in our your PTR!! I haven't read everything (34 pages! :faint: ) but it sounds like a great trip. Those costumes from the Halloween party were pretty awesome...great idea! :thumbsup2 The Magical Express bus is so fun. That's a bummer about the LTT being booked-I hope you can get it another night or atleast another restaurant. OK, I'm off to read more!

[TarzansKat]

Now that I've read the descriptions of Crystal Palace, it sounds like we'd all enjoy their menu more than LTT. Of course, it's not Thanksgiving dinner, but it'll do!

If I remember correctly (from the 2 other times we've been to WDW at Thanksgiving) all the resorts have Thanksgiving meals at their food courts on Thanksgiving day. So maybe we can all have dinner together at Everything Pop after we arrive in Orlando on Thanksgiving Day.

Now I need to write my ADR number in my Passporter! Yay!:yay:

Oh, I'm so glad you're excited about it now!

To be honest, I LOVE the Crystal Palace. I would pick that over LTT any day, I love a good buffet with a variety of food/desserts, and I'm a huge fan of Winnie the Pooh, so for me, it's like a match made in heaven. :love:

Plust, we skipped it last year, so I am sooooo looking forward to it on my trip this year.:thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

We have a dinner booked at Crystal Palace, and everyone has commented on how good it is! We are really looking forward to it, and I will take lots of pictures for you, Julie!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Oh, I'm so glad you're excited about it now!

To be honest, I LOVE the Crystal Palace. I would pick that over LTT any day, I love a good buffet with a variety of food/desserts, and I'm a huge fan of Winnie the Pooh, so for me, it's like a match made in heaven. :love:

Plust, we skipped it last year, so I am sooooo looking forward to it on my trip this year.:thumbsup2

I have to admit, I wasn't too excited about the actual food at LTT. But I am excited about crystal palace!

I'm happy to hear that others love it!

We have a dinner booked at Crystal Palace, and everyone has commented on how good it is! We are really looking forward to it, and I will take lots of pictures for you, Julie!

Oh, thank you! I look forward to seeing pics!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I thought I'd join in our your PTR!! I haven't read everything (34 pages! :faint: ) but it sounds like a great trip. Those costumes from the Halloween party were pretty awesome...great idea! :thumbsup2 The Magical Express bus is so fun. That's a bummer about the LTT being booked-I hope you can get it another night or atleast another restaurant. OK, I'm off to read more!

Thanks for joining me/us!

Yep, LTT was a bummer, but I think it's was actually a good thing. I'm pretty sure we'll all enjoy Crystal Palace more.

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, thank you! I look forward to seeing pics!

According to the menu, it has key lime pie for dessert, and that is a huge selling point in this household!

[SwansLoveDisney]

According to the menu, it has key lime pie for dessert, and that is a huge selling point in this household!

Key lime pie is my FAVORITE!!! :lovestruc

[Charleston Princess]

Key lime pie is my FAVORITE!!! :lovestruc

It's Charles's and Chelsea's absolute favorite -- "one" of my favorites (because I can't choose just one favorite). Connor is the only one of the bunch who doesn't like it -- if he didn't look like us, I might wonder if he really belonged to us. :rotfl:

[DisMomAmy]

Sorry to hear about LTT - but Crystal Palace sounds great - we went for lunch in October and it was fun! Good food & great characters!

[SwansLoveDisney]

It's Charles's and Chelsea's absolute favorite -- "one" of my favorites (because I can't choose just one favorite). Connor is the only one of the bunch who doesn't like it -- if he didn't look like us, I might wonder if he really belonged to us. :rotfl:

My DH isn't a big fan of key lime pie. But that doesn't stop me!

Sorry to hear about LTT - but Crystal Palace sounds great - we went for lunch in October and it was fun! Good food & great characters!

I'm glad you liked it! I keep hearing good things about Crystal Palace, so I have high hopes.

[SwansLoveDisney]

Disney finally released the park hours for November! :banana:

Let the obsessive itinerary planning begin!

[pierresgirl]

Woohoo, let the planning begin!!!! When are you going to Greece again? I'll have to find a pic of me there and post it so you can see. SO AMAZING :love: !!!! but I've told you that before. BTW- I just got certified in the Japanese hair straightening method (Bio-ionic) so if you ever come to the east coast area :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

[jordanyosh]

Disney finally released the park hours for November! :banana:

Let the obsessive itinerary planning begin!

Can't wait to see what you have planned....:thumbsup2

[DisMomAmy]

Disney finally released the park hours for November! :banana:

Let the obsessive itinerary planning begin!

:banana: :banana:

[Charleston Princess]

Disney finally released the park hours for November! :banana:

Let the obsessive itinerary planning begin!

Hurrah! Can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Woohoo, let the planning begin!!!! When are you going to Greece again? I'll have to find a pic of me there and post it so you can see. SO AMAZING :love: !!!! but I've told you that before. BTW- I just got certified in the Japanese hair straightening method (Bio-ionic) so if you ever come to the east coast area :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1 :rolleyes1

I'm going to Greece in 11 days!!! It's coming up SO soon! I can't wait!

Yes, please post a pic of you in Greece...I'm obsessive about Greece right now too!

Bio-ionic sounds very interesting...is it permanent? that would be SO nice!

Can't wait to see what you have planned....:thumbsup2

It's gonna be good!

:banana: :banana:

Yay!

Hurrah! Can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

I'll post it as soon as I get it figured out! Which may be after you leave cuz you're leaving so dang soon!!! :banana:

[jordanyosh]

Greece.....how romantic....can't wait for the pictures.....

[Nicole786]

I'm so jealous about Greece!! My friend went on a Mediterranean cruise last year, what a dream for me!

[Charleston Princess]

Yeay for 11 Days!!! I am so excited for you and am definitely looking forward to all your pics from that trip!!!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Greece.....how romantic....can't wait for the pictures.....

It would be even more romantic if we weren't going with my MIL and DH's bro and sis! :rotfl:

I guess that's what the honeymoon to Italy was for!

I'm so jealous about Greece!! My friend went on a Mediterranean cruise last year, what a dream for me!

I still can't believe we're going!

A Mediterranean cruise sounds so nice!

Yeay for 11 Days!!! I am so excited for you and am definitely looking forward to all your pics from that trip!!!

There will be a million pics...I hope you're ready for that!

[jordanyosh]

family usually puts the kabosh on romance.......:confused3

But Greece........

[Charleston Princess]

It would be even more romantic if we weren't going with my MIL and DH's bro and sis! :rotfl:

I guess that's what the honeymoon to Italy was for!

There will be a million pics...I hope you're ready for that!

I am always ready for millions of pics! Bring them on!

[k_reile]

I'm jealous...you honeymooned in Italy? Guess I can't be too jealous though. We honeymooned in St Lucia and it was gorgeous. I have also been to France twice, Germany, Check Republic (I know I spelled that wrong) and Spain...but Italy and Greece are on my list. Guess that will have to wait until after kids...maybe a 10 yr or 15 yr anniversary...only 6 or 11 more years to go...
My grandma just got back from Italy and said it was beautiful...it was her first time overseas too so she was really excited. She brought me back italian baby books...pretty cool.

[SwansLoveDisney]

family usually puts the kabosh on romance.......:confused3

But Greece........

I'll sure we'll manage to find some romance in that beautiful country!

I am always ready for millions of pics! Bring them on!

Okay, you asked for it!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I'm jealous...you honeymooned in Italy? Guess I can't be too jealous though. We honeymooned in St Lucia and it was gorgeous. I have also been to France twice, Germany, Check Republic (I know I spelled that wrong) and Spain...but Italy and Greece are on my list. Guess that will have to wait until after kids...maybe a 10 yr or 15 yr anniversary...only 6 or 11 more years to go...
My grandma just got back from Italy and said it was beautiful...it was her first time overseas too so she was really excited. She brought me back italian baby books...pretty cool.

St. Lucia sounds wonderful!

Italy was amazing. We LOVED it. We did the Amalfi Coast and Capri. SO romantic.

As far as Europe goes, I've been to France 3 times and to Switzerland. Switzerland was the most beautiful place I've seen so far, but I'll let you know how Greece compares.

DH and I are trying to plan a Europe backpacking trip for May '09 and Germany and the Czech Republic are on our list (with about 10 other countries...so hard to to decide which ones to visit!). Where did you go in Germany? And the Czech Republic?

[SwansLoveDisney]

I have a shopping question...

How do the sizes run at Disney shopping? There's a bunch of stuff I want from Disney shopping, but I don't know what sizes to order!

[k_reile]

St. Lucia sounds wonderful!

Italy was amazing. We LOVED it. We did the Amalfi Coast and Capri. SO romantic.

As far as Europe goes, I've been to France 3 times and to Switzerland. Switzerland was the most beautiful place I've seen so far, but I'll let you know how Greece compares.

DH and I are trying to plan a Europe backpacking trip for May '09 and Germany and the Czech Republic are on our list (with about 10 other countries...so hard to to decide which ones to visit!). Where did you go in Germany? And the Czech Republic?

We went to Dresden Germany area which is in Eastern Germany (I think?) DH Aunt and UNcle were living there for 2 yrs so we got the chance to go visit the area. We went to Prague for a day trip while we were in Germany...so Dresden is about 3 hrs from Prague. I loved Prague (well and Germany also...very pretty) Prague was the 1st time the whole trip I found beer I liked because it tasted more like American Beer...DH was soo disappointed in me...he really likes darker, thicker beers. Me not so much...give me a Miller Lite anyday...just not know obviously.
The Dresden area was really cool...a lot of castles and they were still in the process of rebuilding from WWII since they did not get a chance until after they were not a communist country anymore. DH Aunt and Uncle had went to concentration camps while they were there...but said it was very hard to take. We were supposed to go to Berlin...but that was supposed to be the day after we went to Prague but we were soo tired by then that we skipped it. We would like to go back sometime to see what we missed the last time. ONly it will cost us more because we will not have our free place to stay (which was really nice when we were college students)

[Charleston Princess]

I have a shopping question...

How do the sizes run at Disney shopping? There's a bunch of stuff I want from Disney shopping, but I don't know what sizes to order!

I have found that they are pretty standard with what I normally wear -- I just order the size that I usually buy, and so far, everything has fit.

Did you get the email about the semi-annual sale, too? I just saw mine and thought, "No! I will not buy anything right now!" :lmao:

[SwansLoveDisney]

We went to Dresden Germany area which is in Eastern Germany (I think?) DH Aunt and UNcle were living there for 2 yrs so we got the chance to go visit the area. We went to Prague for a day trip while we were in Germany...so Dresden is about 3 hrs from Prague. I loved Prague (well and Germany also...very pretty) Prague was the 1st time the whole trip I found beer I liked because it tasted more like American Beer...DH was soo disappointed in me...he really likes darker, thicker beers. Me not so much...give me a Miller Lite anyday...just not know obviously.
The Dresden area was really cool...a lot of castles and they were still in the process of rebuilding from WWII since they did not get a chance until after they were not a communist country anymore. DH Aunt and Uncle had went to concentration camps while they were there...but said it was very hard to take. We were supposed to go to Berlin...but that was supposed to be the day after we went to Prague but we were soo tired by then that we skipped it. We would like to go back sometime to see what we missed the last time. ONly it will cost us more because we will not have our free place to stay (which was really nice when we were college students)

A free place to stay would be so nice!

All of what you described sounds wonderful...makes me even more excited to do a backpacking trip!

I have found that they are pretty standard with what I normally wear -- I just order the size that I usually buy, and so far, everything has fit.

Did you get the email about the semi-annual sale, too? I just saw mine and thought, "No! I will not buy anything right now!" :lmao:

Thanks for the info, Jackie!

I did get that email. And it sucked me in.

You better not buy anything! You're going to be able to buy the real thing in 2 days!!!!

I really want to order that shirt that says "one shoe can change a life", but i'm trying to resist!!!

[lisalonglash]

I have also been to France twice, Germany, Check Republic (I know I spelled that wrong) and Spain...but Italy and Greece are on my list. Guess that will have to wait until after kids...maybe a 10 yr or 15 yr anniversary...only 6 or 11 more years to go...

You don't have to wait that long to go back to Europe - it's great to bring your kids! My boys have been to quite a few places in the UK, France and Italy - it's a wonderful experience for them :confused3 Greece would be great too - it's a very child-friendly place ::yes:: Most European nations are very welcoming and accommodating for families with children, I promise!

[lisalonglash]

I'll sure we'll manage to find some romance in that beautiful country!\

I could've sworn I replied to you already, but it didn't post! :badpc: I think it's difficult NOT to feel romantic in Greece - the laid-back pace, the gorgeous scenery, the warm climate, the picturesque villages, etc.

I'm sure you'll have an incredibly wonderful time :goodvibes Oh, and yes, lots of pictures please! :banana:

[Charleston Princess]

Okay, you asked for it!

Yeay! :woohoo:

Thanks for the info, Jackie!

I did get that email. And it sucked me in.

You better not buy anything! You're going to be able to buy the real thing in 2 days!!!!

I really want to order that shirt that says "one shoe can change a life", but i'm trying to resist!!!

I am the wrong person about resisting -- I personally think you need the shirt -- it's too cute!

I'm not buying anything, saving all my pennies for all the cool souvies I now I will find. ;)

[SwansLoveDisney]

You don't have to wait that long to go back to Europe - it's great to bring your kids! My boys have been to quite a few places in the UK, France and Italy - it's a wonderful experience for them :confused3 Greece would be great too - it's a very child-friendly place ::yes:: Most European nations are very welcoming and accommodating for families with children, I promise!

I hope DH and I can manage to travel with our kids as much as you have!

[SwansLoveDisney]

\

I could've sworn I replied to you already, but it didn't post! :badpc: I think it's difficult NOT to feel romantic in Greece - the laid-back pace, the gorgeous scenery, the warm climate, the picturesque villages, etc.

I'm sure you'll have an incredibly wonderful time :goodvibes Oh, and yes, lots of pictures please! :banana:

Is it acceptable to wear sleeveless shirts in Greece?!? I am having a panic moment right now because that's all I have bought in preparation for the trip!

Yeay! :woohoo:



I am the wrong person about resisting -- I personally think you need the shirt -- it's too cute!

I'm not buying anything, saving all my pennies for all the cool souvies I now I will find. ;)

YOU ARE A BAD INFLUENCE!

:rotfl:

[jordanyosh]

I hope DH and I can manage to travel with our kids as much as you have!

Wendy and Derek and also my best friend and his wife have continued to travel with their kids...

If you like to travel, you just adjust.....which I'm sure you'll do just fine.

[Charleston Princess]

YOU ARE A BAD INFLUENCE!

:rotfl:

Yes, yes I am! :flower3:

[lisalonglash]

Is it acceptable to wear sleeveless shirts in Greece?!? I am having a panic moment right now because that's all I have bought in preparation for the trip!

No worries! Considering there are many topless beaches, I wouldn't worry about wearing sleeveless shirts LOL Seriously though, I spent most of my time there in tank tops and shorts or bathing suits, so no need for you to worry :thumbsup2

There may be dress codes for visiting a Greek orthodox church or the like, but as we didn't do that, I have no idea what a possible dress code that might be, sorry.

For everything else, it's a casual, laid-back atmosphere everywhere we went (Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete).

You'll have such a great time :goodvibes

[lisalonglash]

I hope DH and I can manage to travel with our kids as much as you have!

It's just how we roll :smokin: Perhaps we have a bit of a different outlook because we homeschool, but we look at our vacations to Europe as a cultural learning experience. History comes alive when you can personally experience what you're learning kwim?

Travelling with our children is just how we automatically plan. I can't imagine experiencing Europe without them - it just wouldn't seem right to us LOL

Of course, this trip to WDW is just about having fun, not too much educational about it, but we're all really looking forward to it :thumbsup2

We'll be going back to the Riviera as soon as we possibly can - all of us, of course. We miss the culture, the people, the history and the food! :banana:

[lisalonglash]

Yes, yes I am! :flower3:

Wow, only one day before you get to go have some mack daddy fun!!! I hope you have a fabulous vacation! :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Julie,

Not sure if I will be back before you leave for Greece, so I wanted to wish you safe travels and a fabulous time with a lot of pixie dust thrown in (because pixie dust is good all over the world ;) )!

I am so excited for you and simply cannot wait to hear all about it and see all of the pictures!!!

Eat lots of Greek food (including feta cheese and gyros and moussaka and baklava -- a lot of baklava -- and everything else that I can't think of or figure out how to spell) for me!!! Mmmmmm -- it's one of my favorite cuisines!

And soak up lots of Greek sunshine and atmosphere! And enjoy all of those ancient Greek ruins!

And try ouzo for me! Except that I think I read that it tastes like gasoline -- so maybe not! :rotfl:

Anyway, just have a really fantastic time!!!

Jackie

[SwansLoveDisney]

Wendy and Derek and also my best friend and his wife have continued to travel with their kids...

If you like to travel, you just adjust.....which I'm sure you'll do just fine.

I just hope we can afford it!

Yes, yes I am! :flower3:

:rotfl:

No worries! Considering there are many topless beaches, I wouldn't worry about wearing sleeveless shirts LOL Seriously though, I spent most of my time there in tank tops and shorts or bathing suits, so no need for you to worry :thumbsup2

There may be dress codes for visiting a Greek orthodox church or the like, but as we didn't do that, I have no idea what a possible dress code that might be, sorry.

For everything else, it's a casual, laid-back atmosphere everywhere we went (Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete).

You'll have such a great time :goodvibes

Oh, thank goodness! I guess I didn't think about the topless beaches!

I definitely have a sweater to wear over the sleeveless shirts in case we go into a church.

I can't wait!

[SwansLoveDisney]

It's just how we roll :smokin: Perhaps we have a bit of a different outlook because we homeschool, but we look at our vacations to Europe as a cultural learning experience. History comes alive when you can personally experience what you're learning kwim?

Travelling with our children is just how we automatically plan. I can't imagine experiencing Europe without them - it just wouldn't seem right to us LOL

Of course, this trip to WDW is just about having fun, not too much educational about it, but we're all really looking forward to it :thumbsup2

We'll be going back to the Riviera as soon as we possibly can - all of us, of course. We miss the culture, the people, the history and the food! :banana:

I would definitely love to be able to take our children (if we are blessed with them, that is) on lots of trips to lots of places. I just hope we'll be able to afford it!

Julie,

Not sure if I will be back before you leave for Greece, so I wanted to wish you safe travels and a fabulous time with a lot of pixie dust thrown in (because pixie dust is good all over the world ;) )!

I am so excited for you and simply cannot wait to hear all about it and see all of the pictures!!!

Eat lots of Greek food (including feta cheese and gyros and moussaka and baklava -- a lot of baklava -- and everything else that I can't think of or figure out how to spell) for me!!! Mmmmmm -- it's one of my favorite cuisines!

And soak up lots of Greek sunshine and atmosphere! And enjoy all of those ancient Greek ruins!

And try ouzo for me! Except that I think I read that it tastes like gasoline -- so maybe not! :rotfl:

Anyway, just have a really fantastic time!!!

Jackie

Thanks so much, Jackie! I will do all of the above!

Have a WONDERFUL time at Disney World. I can't wait to read all about it!

[luvfigment]

Hey! It has been a long time and I am really enjoying your Pre-Trippie! I hope you have a great time in Greece also. You will have to give us a full report on that. That is on my list of places to visit before we leave England.

[SwansLoveDisney]

Hey! It has been a long time and I am really enjoying your Pre-Trippie! I hope you have a great time in Greece also. You will have to give us a full report on that. That is on my list of places to visit before we leave England.

Hi! How are you?!?! How is married life?

I will definitely have a full report on Greece when I get back!

[SwansLoveDisney]

As my ticker says, ONE DAY till we go to GREECE!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yay:

I think we're all packed except for the last minute items that can't be packed until tomorrow.

And I just have to brag a little bit about my packing. I normally overpack to extremes. HOWEVER, it appears that between DH and I, we are bringing one regular size suitcase, one carry-on size suitcase (a very small one with just-in-case-the-luggage-gets-lost items), two backpacks and a purse! That's IT! I am SO proud!

Okay, now I have to go buy deodorant. Good thing I realized i was almost out before we left!

[MeMom]

As my ticker says, ONE DAY till we go to GREECE!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yay:



I hope you have an awesome time!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!

[TarzansKat]

Have a wonderful time in Greece! I can't wait to hear all about it and see lots of pictures.

HINT, HINT!

;)

[JaxJags08]

Have a great time! :goodvibes I'm looking forward to seeing some pics when you get back!

[SwansLoveDisney]

We're back from our wonderful trip to Greece!

Our trip was the stuff of dreams.

I will have pics and a mini TR for you when I get things organized around here!

I need to catch up on everyone's TRs and PTRs too!

[mrsksomeday]

WELCOME BACK!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

[Charleston Princess]

Welcome back!!! I can't wait to read all about your magical time in Greece!!! :goodvibes

[MeMom]

Glad to know you are back safe and sound and that the trip was wonderful. We will look forward to many stories and pictures.

[TarzansKat]

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about it!:goodvibes

[SwansLoveDisney]

WELCOME BACK!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

Thank you!!

Welcome back!!! I can't wait to read all about your magical time in Greece!!! :goodvibes

Thank you!

Glad to know you are back safe and sound and that the trip was wonderful. We will look forward to many stories and pictures.

I'll have lots of stories and I took about a gazillion pics, so you're in luck!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about it!:goodvibes

Thank you!!!

[mkluvsmickey]

Welcome Back! I can't wait to hear all about your trip! :)

[SwansLoveDisney]

I've already been hard at work on my Disney planning since we returned at 11 p.m. last night! I have all our days halfway figured out...I know where we're going in the mornings, but not in the afternoons. I will post about that soon.

For now, here are some Greece pics to start things off!

Our view of the Parthenon from our hotel in Athens:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160071.jpg

My new favorite food in the whole entire world, a Greek Salad. Yum!!!!!!:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160107.jpg

A breathtaking Santorini sunset:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190010.jpg

A fishing harbor in Santorini. The freshest fish EVER!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200129.jpg

My husband cliff diving in Santorini. Because we all know that's safe. :rolleyes1
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200147.jpg

[SwansLoveDisney]

Welcome Back! I can't wait to hear all about your trip! :)

Thank you!

[mkluvsmickey]

LOVE the pics! What a view from your hotel! Just beautiful!

[stagemomx3]

Whoo hoo trip report has started. The pictures are beautiful and the greek salad looks yummy.

[JaxJags08]

Welcome back!

Wow - what a view from your hotel! Santorini looks beautiful.

That was your husband cliff diving?! That looks way too scary for me! :rotfl:

[TarzansKat]

Wow check out those photos.

Wow!:goodvibes

[luvfigment]

I've already been hard at work on my Disney planning since we returned at 11 p.m. last night! I have all our days halfway figured out...I know where we're going in the mornings, but not in the afternoons. I will post about that soon.

For now, here are some Greece pics to start things off!

Our view of the Parthenon from our hotel in Athens:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160071.jpg

My new favorite food in the whole entire world, a Greek Salad. Yum!!!!!!:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160107.jpg

A breathtaking Santorini sunset:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190010.jpg

A fishing harbor in Santorini. The freshest fish EVER!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200129.jpg

My husband cliff diving in Santorini. Because we all know that's safe. :rolleyes1
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200147.jpg

How beautiful!!!! You will have to give me all the details of your trip so I can look into going there next year some time! I am glad y'all got back safely and had a great time.

[DisMomAmy]

Welcome Back Julie!
Those are beautiful pictures from Greece! :thumbsup2

[Nicole786]

Awesome pictures! I am so jealous!! One day I am going to take a cruise through the Mediterranean...one day. ;)

[Charleston Princess]

Julie,

You have definitely renewed my Greek lust with those great pictures!

Could you have had a more perfect view outside your hotel room in Athens? I don't think so!

That chunk of feta cheese on that Greek salad! Yummy! I sense Greek food in my future!

What gorgeous pictures of Santorini!

Where's the picture of you cliff diving? :rotfl:

Will you be treating us to more pics? Please, please, please!

[pierresgirl]

Hey girl, welcome back!!!! Love the pics, feta is one of my major food groups! You view was just absolutley stunning, incredible! Cool pic of your dh cliff diving! Pierre actually broke his neck doing that when he was 21, they took bone from his hip and put it in his neck along with a metal rod. He was in a halo for a while and I call him Frankenstein sometimes bc of the scars. The kids like to show off the pics of him in the stryker frame :rotfl2:

I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip and relive my times there! :cloud9:

[SwansLoveDisney]

LOVE the pics! What a view from your hotel! Just beautiful!

Thanks! That view was amazing. I miss it!

Whoo hoo trip report has started. The pictures are beautiful and the greek salad looks yummy.

Thanks! The greek salads were awesome. I had one every day (if not two)!

Welcome back!

Wow - what a view from your hotel! Santorini looks beautiful.

That was your husband cliff diving?! That looks way too scary for me! :rotfl:

Thank you!

Santorini was unbelievable. A dream come true.

Yep, that was my husband. I was too chicken for that one. I did some smaller ones where he could hold my hand till the moment I jumped!

Wow check out those photos.

Wow!:goodvibes

I think I said the word "Wow" about 4 kajillion times on this trip!

How beautiful!!!! You will have to give me all the details of your trip so I can look into going there next year some time! I am glad y'all got back safely and had a great time.

As far as I'm concerned, Greece is a must-do in Europe, so you MUST go there while you're living abroad! Details coming...

Welcome Back Julie!
Those are beautiful pictures from Greece! :thumbsup2

Thanks! It was definitely hard to take a bad pic in Greece. Unless I was in it! :rotfl:

Awesome pictures! I am so jealous!! One day I am going to take a cruise through the Mediterranean...one day. ;)

Thanks!

We saw many cruisers while we were in Greece. The ones in Santorini rode donkeys up to the town!

Julie,

You have definitely renewed my Greek lust with those great pictures!

Could you have had a more perfect view outside your hotel room in Athens? I don't think so!

That chunk of feta cheese on that Greek salad! Yummy! I sense Greek food in my future!

What gorgeous pictures of Santorini!

Where's the picture of you cliff diving? :rotfl:

Will you be treating us to more pics? Please, please, please!

No, we definitely could not have had a more perfect view at our hotel in Athens!

I bought all the ingredients for Greek salad yesterday. I started to have withdrawals, so I had to stop that immediately!

I definitely did not do any cliff diving. I did some cliff jumping. But they were smaller cliffs. I think there's one pic, but I can't post that cuz it's me in my swim suit. Ick!

Yep, there will be many more pics!

Hey girl, welcome back!!!! Love the pics, feta is one of my major food groups! You view was just absolutley stunning, incredible! Cool pic of your dh cliff diving! Pierre actually broke his neck doing that when he was 21, they took bone from his hip and put it in his neck along with a metal rod. He was in a halo for a while and I call him Frankenstein sometimes bc of the scars. The kids like to show off the pics of him in the stryker frame :rotfl2:

I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip and relive my times there! :cloud9:

Thanks!

I bought a big old tub of feta yesterday. yum!

I'm glad you didn't tell me that story about Pierre prior to our trip! I would have been scared out of my mind!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I have terrible jetlag today. It's 3:40 p.m. and all I want to do is go to bed. And I still have one more patient to see!

I need a caffeine I.V. stat!

[MeMom]

I have terrible jetlag today. It's 3:40 p.m. and all I want to do is go to bed. And I still have one more patient to see!

I need a caffeine I.V. stat!

Maybe you can get to bed early tonight. I know it all must be catching up to you. Kristi is coming back from Europe this weekend, and she has already said she is beat. By the time she flies back, all she'll want to do is sleep, sleep, sleep. Get your rest and take care of yourself!

[Charleston Princess]

I have terrible jetlag today. It's 3:40 p.m. and all I want to do is go to bed. And I still have one more patient to see!

I need a caffeine I.V. stat!

I bet you collapse into bed as soon as you get home!

Did you have bad jetlag when you went over or is it all catching up with you now?

[SwansLoveDisney]

Maybe you can get to bed early tonight. I know it all must be catching up to you. Kristi is coming back from Europe this weekend, and she has already said she is beat. By the time she flies back, all she'll want to do is sleep, sleep, sleep. Get your rest and take care of yourself!

Yep, Kristi will have a rough time getting back to normal! She's been over there a lot longer than I was!

I bet you collapse into bed as soon as you get home!

Did you have bad jetlag when you went over or is it all catching up with you now?

We didn't have much trouble at all adjusting when we arrived in Greece. Just upon return! I think I'm almost back to normal now. Yesterday, I was falling asleep sitting up at this time!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I've been hard at work on our schedule for our November trip. Of course, this schedule is subject to change without notice. And considering that the trip is just over 5 months away, I can pretty much guarantee that it will change many, many times!

Here's what it looks like so far:
11/27 (Thanksgiving): Arrive in the evening (cuz it takes so dang long to get to FL from AZ and the 2 hour time difference adds even more time!) Eat a little Thanksgiving dinner in the food court at POP. Then head over to downtown disney.
11/28: Magic Kingdom in the morning.
Lunch at Crystal Palace
Break at POP
Back to Magic Kingdom for dinner and Wishes.
Where should we go for dinner at MK? (counter service)

11/29: Epcot in the morning.
Lunch at Beaches and Cream (YUM!!!!)
Break at POP
Epcot in the evening for World Showcase (my fave) and Illuminations
Dinner around that world
11/30: Animal Kingdom in the morning
Lunch at Flame Tree BBQ
Break at POP
MGM in the evening for Extra Magic Hours and Fantasmic
Dinner??? (Are there any good counter service places at MGM?)
12/1: MGM in the morning through afternoon
Break at POP
evening: Epcot, DTD, or rest at POP
12/2: MK in the morning
Break at POP
Animal Kingdom in the afternoon
12/3: MGM in the morning
go home in the afternoon :worried:

Notice that I have a break scheduled every day. Never have I actually gone through with a break, but I am hoping to do that on this trip to avoid tiredness and crabbiness of me and my troops!

If anyone has any counter service suggestions for Magic Kingdom and MGM, please do share!

[Charleston Princess]

Looks like a good schedule!!! Can I come, too? ;)

Our favorite CS at MK is Pecos Bill's, but I keep reading awesome things about Columbia Harbor House and want to eat there at some point! Also, I don't know about the food, but Pinnochio's Village Haus allows viewing of all the Small World boats. I think I would recommend Columbia Harbor House for all of you.

Our favorite CS at MGM is Backlot Express. We ended up eating there twice on the last trip -- it's quiet and tucked out of the way, and a great place to cool down.

Both of the menus are on allearsnet.

That's my input! :thumbsup2

[SwansLoveDisney]

Looks like a good schedule!!! Can I come, too? ;)

Our favorite CS at MK is Pecos Bill's, but I keep reading awesome things about Columbia Harbor House and want to eat there at some point! Also, I don't know about the food, but Pinnochio's Village Haus allows viewing of all the Small World boats. I think I would recommend Columbia Harbor House for all of you.

Our favorite CS at MGM is Backlot Express. We ended up eating there twice on the last trip -- it's quiet and tucked out of the way, and a great place to cool down.

Both of the menus are on allearsnet.

That's my input! :thumbsup2

Of course you can come with us! We'll just pick you up in atlanta on our way!

I didn't know about viewing the small world boats at Pinnochio's Village Haus. In fact, I didn't know until recently that that restaurant existed.

I do like Columbia Harbor House. We'll probably stick to that because I did not love Pecos Bill's.

Good call on Backlot Express... I always mean to try that place and I get sidetracked by other places!

Thanks Jackie!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Greece Day 1

We left our house at 4:30 a.m. for our 6:30 a.m. flight to Atlanta. I hopped out of bed when the alarm rang cuz I was so darn excited. The Phoenix airport was pretty empty at that hour, so we breezed through luggage check in and security.

Our airplane from Phoenix to Atlanta was awesome! Each person had a t.v. in the back of the seat in front of them, so we could watch satellite t.v. You could also buy movies or documentaries to watch. And the best part was that you could play a trivia game against other people on the plane who were also playing. I even won one of the games over 28 other people. Oh yeah!!!

The sun coming up outside the Phoenix airport:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6140002.jpg

After that fun flight, we met up with my mother in law, brother in law, and sister in law in Atlanta. They had flown from San Francisco. We all had lunch and exchanged some money. And then kicked ourselves for not exchanging the money beforehand. The airport exchange rates were horrible! Lesson learned.

Soon it was time to board the plane headed for Athens!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150006.jpg

As we were getting set to board the plane, we saw that Troy Aikman would be on our flight!

Unfortunately, this plane was not as cool as the first. No individual screens in the seats. I tried to sleep, but I couldn't do it.

Here's my DH sleeping:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150014.jpg

And eating:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150010.jpg

And here's my food:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150008.jpg
I love airplane food!

View from the airplane:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150013.jpg

After 10 hours, we finally landed in Athens. There was an IKEA right by the airport. That was kinda funny because we saw an IKEA as we were landing in Naples, Italy for our honeymoon. I guess the love of hard-to-put-together cheap furniture is universal!

Customs and immigration was ridiculously easy to get through. There was a man waiting for us on the other side of customs with a sign with our name on it. He led us to our taxis and then we set off for our hotel.

The Greek freeway:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150015.jpg
Oh my! They are crazy drivers!

Here's our hotel
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150034.jpg

The rooftop pool at our hotel. We swam in this pool as we waited for our room to be ready. It was a surreal feeling to be swimming in a pool looking at the Parthenon!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150033.jpg

Soon, the rooms were ready. We found our rooms, cleaned up and set out to explore. The first order of business was food!
We stopped at a street side deli kind of place.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150040.jpg

I ordered a chicken souvlaki pita. The guy asked if I would like french fries with it. I, of course, said yes! Little did I know he would put them ON the pita with the chicken and other stuff!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150037.jpg

It was delicious, fries and all!

We learned that there's a law in Greece that one can charge only 50 cents for a bottle of water. It was awesome! If only Disney World followed that rule!

[SwansLoveDisney]

After eating a yummy lunch, we continued to explore.

We found the Parliament:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150044.jpg

And the guards in front of the Parliament. They had some crazy uniforms!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150046.jpg

We hiked to the top of this mountain (Mt. Lycabettus) to have an awesome view of the city and to see a theater and chapel which were at the top. Okay, so we ended up taking a cab as far as we could and then we hiked the rest of the way.

Soon, it was time for dinner. We went to a super cool restaurant where they give you a ton of different traditional Greek dishes, wine, bread, and dessert for 12 Euros per person. Here's our spread:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150062.jpg

And dessert:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150065.jpg

The outside of the restaurant. We ate on the porch:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150066.jpg

Some grapes that were growing right above our heads!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150064.jpg

After dinner, we had a nightcap at a super cool bar. Those are all multi colored bottles backlit on all those shelves. It was awesome!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150042.jpg

While we were at this bar, I about passed out on my barstool because I was EXHAUSTED! We had flown through the night, explored Athens, and hiked up (part of) a mountain all without resting.

On our way back to the hotel, we saw our first of many stray dogs:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150071.jpg

One more thing before bed...we sat on the rooftop pool deck and looked at the Parthenon at night. It's a blurry pic, but it was magnificent.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160075.jpg

Then we passed out in our bed. It was an amazing first day. I was already in love with this country. The next day we would go to Crete!

[MeMom]

How cool! I'm sure it was surreal to be at that pool looking out on that view. What an experience to be able to remember and share with others for the rest of your lives! I'm more convinced than ever that it is a beautiful place. I love the streets and shops pictures, too, especially the restaurant lined with grapes.

Does Disney Adventures do a tour of Greece? One of these days, when grandkids are old enough to enjoy it, I want us to take an overseas trip, and Greece looks like a wonderful destination.

[JaxJags08]

Wow - those are awesome pictures! I want to go!!! :rotfl:

Did you fly Delta from Phoenix to Atlanta? The trivia game sounds really cool. I wonder how many of their planes have it. I, too, love airplane food. A lot of people think it's gross, but I think I'm always so excited to be on a trip that it the quality doesn't bother me.

Your hotel was amazing! I can't imagine swimming in a pool and having that view. Are hotels in Greece really expensive? I'm now going to have to do some research for a future trip to Greece when DD is a little older!

BTW, Athens looks so clean. Did you find that to be the case? It sounds like there were a lot of stray dogs. It would have made me so sad! I saw a stray cat and kitten yesterday while walking our dog and wanted to bring them home . I have a major soft spot for animals! :)

[k_reile]

that sux about not having tv's on that long of a plane ride. That is the only thing that kept my friend and I occupied on our flight to Paris...well that and on the way home I slept most of the way since I was getting sick. We also landed at 7am Paris time and our hotel room was not ready. We toured Paris all day and came back later at night and just crashed since we had been up for soo long. Now i really want to go to Greece. It was on my list before...but now more than ever.

[SwansLoveDisney]

How cool! I'm sure it was surreal to be at that pool looking out on that view. What an experience to be able to remember and share with others for the rest of your lives! I'm more convinced than ever that it is a beautiful place. I love the streets and shops pictures, too, especially the restaurant lined with grapes.

Does Disney Adventures do a tour of Greece? One of these days, when grandkids are old enough to enjoy it, I want us to take an overseas trip, and Greece looks like a wonderful destination.

I have many more shop pics to share, just for you!

I'm not sure about Disney Adventures doing a tour of Greece. However, I've been to Italy, France, Switzerland, and Greece. And Greece had, by far, the friendliest people. We felt so very welcome and comfortable everywhere we went. I highly recommend it!

I'm so jealous of you right now...can't wait to see your pics when you return!

Wow - those are awesome pictures! I want to go!!! :rotfl:

Did you fly Delta from Phoenix to Atlanta? The trivia game sounds really cool. I wonder how many of their planes have it. I, too, love airplane food. A lot of people think it's gross, but I think I'm always so excited to be on a trip that it the quality doesn't bother me.

Your hotel was amazing! I can't imagine swimming in a pool and having that view. Are hotels in Greece really expensive? I'm now going to have to do some research for a future trip to Greece when DD is a little older!

BTW, Athens looks so clean. Did you find that to be the case? It sounds like there were a lot of stray dogs. It would have made me so sad! I saw a stray cat and kitten yesterday while walking our dog and wanted to bring them home . I have a major soft spot for animals! :)

We did fly Delta from Phoenix to Atlanta. All the other 3 flights were Delta as weel, but they didn't have those individual screens or trivia. Bummer!

Thanks!

I think everyone should go to Greece. It was awesome! And there were TONS of people there with kids.

We stayed in some pretty ritzy hotels (my MIL paid for that!), so our hotels were pretty expensive. But there are much more reasonable hotels which are also very nice. However, with how weak the dollar is right now, everything in Europe is expensive!

Athens was really clean in the tourist areas. All the shopkeepers sweep up the streets and sidewalks in front of their shops, so that keeps is so nice and clean.

There were tons of stray dogs and cats. And I'm just like you...I wanted to take them all home with me! Those animals are smart! Most of the restaurants have lots of tables outside, so the dogs and cats just hang around the tables and wait for people to feed them.

There were even dogs and cats up on the Acropolis! Just hanging out by the Parthenon, waiting for tourists to feed/water them. None of the strays looked skinny, so I assume they're really well-fed!

that sux about not having tv's on that long of a plane ride. That is the only thing that kept my friend and I occupied on our flight to Paris...well that and on the way home I slept most of the way since I was getting sick. We also landed at 7am Paris time and our hotel room was not ready. We toured Paris all day and came back later at night and just crashed since we had been up for soo long. Now i really want to go to Greece. It was on my list before...but now more than ever.

They only showed ONE movie on the way to Greece. And the overhead screens were in terrible locations, so I didn't even watch it. On the way back, they showed Spiderwick Chronicles, 27 Dresses, and another movie. One of the screens was in a good location, so I watched the first two.

You should definitely go to Greece!

I love Paris!

[SwansLoveDisney]

We booked our Orlando flights today!

I was nervous that we wouldn't be able to use frequent flier awards because of Thanksgiving, but Thanksgiving Day is not a blackout day (YES!!!) and neither is our return day!

So we have 2 flights booked to Orlando.

Oh yeah! :yay:

One strange thing about the flights is that they don't have a nonstop from Phoenix to Orlando Thanksgiving Day. I guess they decreased the number of flights that day. It must not be a heavy travel day. So we have to have a stop in Houston. The good part of that is that the usual nonstop from Phoenix does not arrive in Orlando till 4:00, but with this flight, we'll arrive 2 hours earlier. I smell an extra day on our park hoppers!

[luvfigment]

That totally stinks that you didn't have your own TV on the flight from Atlanta to Athens! I think I would go crazy...luckily when I have flown to England the past 2 times I have had my own screen plus it is like your own little TiVo! You can watch whatever movie you want or TV show and then you can pause it, rewind, or fast forward so now I have been spoiled. ::yes::

You first day sounds exhausting but tons of fun! You are starting to get the Greece bug going in me. I am also glad to hear that the Greeks are really friendly. I am going to Paris in Oct and am a little nervous about that. I am really looking forward to reading more about your trip!

I am also glad that you go your flights to Orlando and that you even get to land earlier than planned! Yippie!

[SwansLoveDisney]

That totally stinks that you didn't have your own TV on the flight from Atlanta to Athens! I think I would go crazy...luckily when I have flown to England the past 2 times I have had my own screen plus it is like your own little TiVo! You can watch whatever movie you want or TV show and then you can pause it, rewind, or fast forward so now I have been spoiled. ::yes::

You first day sounds exhausting but tons of fun! You are starting to get the Greece bug going in me. I am also glad to hear that the Greeks are really friendly. I am going to Paris in Oct and am a little nervous about that. I am really looking forward to reading more about your trip!

I am also glad that you go your flights to Orlando and that you even get to land earlier than planned! Yippie!

Which airline do you normally fly to England? Those TVs sound awesome!

In Paris, if you at least TRY to speak a little French, they'll be nice. If you start out speaking English, that's when they get rude!

I'm so excited about our flights to Orlando! I need to write those in my Passporter!

[Charleston Princess]

The rooftop pool at our hotel. We swam in this pool as we waited for our room to be ready. It was a surreal feeling to be swimming in a pool looking at the Parthenon!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150033.jpg

Wow! What a view! This may be my favorite pic of this batch!

I ordered a chicken souvlaki pita. The guy asked if I would like french fries with it. I, of course, said yes! Little did I know he would put them ON the pita with the chicken and other stuff!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6150037.jpg

:lmao: American food eludes the rest of the world! That's too funny!

That's awesome about your flights to Orlando!!! :banana:

[SwansLoveDisney]

Wow! What a view! This may be my favorite pic of this batch!



:lmao: American food eludes the rest of the world! That's too funny!

That's awesome about your flights to Orlando!!! :banana:

If you look closely in that pic, you can see me, my SIL, and my BIL in the pool. My MIL forgot to zoom when she took the pic, which turned out to be a great thing!

I feel like now that Greece is over, I can dedicate myself completely to Disney planning...and getting our flights put me in a total Disney mood!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Greece Day 2

We woke up at 5:15 this morning and ate our breakfast, which had been delivered to our room the night before. We were leaving so early that we would miss the hotel breakfast that took place from 7 to 10 a.m.! Breakfast in foreign countries fascinate me. This one consisted of lots of bread and rolls, fruit, butter, honey, jam, and coffee.

We packed up (almost) all of our stuff...stay tuned to see what I forgot in the hotel room! The taxis picked us up at the front door at 6:45 and we headed back to the Athens airport.

As we waited for our flight, I read all about Crete in my Greece book. I was so excited to go to Crete!

Finally, it was time to board. So we got on the bus that took us to the plane. Then we climbed the stairs to the plane and took our seats.

Here's DH's booty climbing the steps:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160086.jpg

It was a short flight, maybe 45 minutes. Here's a view from the airplane
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160088.jpg

When we landed, we found our drivers who would take us to our hotel in Rethymnon, Crete!

I don't know if you can see it in this pic, but in the lettering on the outside of the airport, there were hundreds of birds' nests. EEK!!! I have a serious fear of birds, so this was not a fun sight for me to see.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160099.jpg

DH, his sister, and I went in one car and my MIL and BIL went in the other. It was about an hour drive to the little Venetian town we would stay in. We arrived at our destination and found our beautiful little hotel. It was located among streets that are not passable to cars. That's how old this town is! Amazing!

Our hotel was called Avli
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160137.jpg

Here's the entrance to our hotel...we walked up those stairs you can see on the right to get to the rooms.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160131.jpg

After getting situated in the rooms, it was time for lunch! DH and I shared another souvlaki and a Greek salad:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160107-1.jpg

And they put fries on the pita again!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160109.jpg

Lunch was delicious! Then it was time to explore. Here's the fountain that used to supply the water for the whole town:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160112.jpg

Here's the boardwalk to the beach:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160119.jpg

The beach was BEAUTIFUL! We would definitely be back at the beach the next day.

We explored the town some more and went into some of the shops.

We headed back to the hotel and went for a swim in our rooftop pool
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160100.jpg

We had some gelato. YUM!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160129.jpg

We walked along the water at dusk.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160141.jpg

And we had dinner!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170144.jpg

I was hit by a tired wave at dinner this night, so it was straight to bed after dinner.

It was another great day in Greece!

[Charleston Princess]

We woke up at 5:15 this morning and ate our breakfast, which had been delivered to our room the night before. We were leaving so early that we would miss the hotel breakfast that took place from 7 to 10 a.m.! Breakfast in foreign countries fascinate me. This one consisted of lots of bread and rolls, fruit, butter, honey, jam, and coffee.

Yummy! I am a sucker for breads and rolls! What kind of coffee was it? Was it like ours? I am also fascinated by the coffee found in other countries.

We packed up (almost) all of our stuff...stay tuned to see what I forgot in the hotel room!

Okay, so I am taking imaginary notes for our imaginary trip to Greece that I might get to take one day...did you keep the hotel room in Athens for the whole week?

Here's the entrance to our hotel...we walked up those stairs you can see on the right to get to the rooms.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160131.jpg

GORGEOUS!

We walked along the water at dusk.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160141.jpg

My favorite of this group! :goodvibes

[SwansLoveDisney]

Yummy! I am a sucker for breads and rolls! What kind of coffee was it? Was it like ours? I am also fascinated by the coffee found in other countries.

Okay, so I am taking imaginary notes for our imaginary trip to Greece that I might get to take one day...did you keep the hotel room in Athens for the whole week?

GORGEOUS!

My favorite of this group! :goodvibes

The coffee was "filter coffee" because they knew we were Americans. If we had asked for Greek coffee, they would have given us syrup-ish super strong coffee! My MIL tried it one time and about gagged!

We did not keep our hotel room in Athens the whole week, but we did stay in that hotel again the last night.

You must go to Greece!

[Charleston Princess]

The coffee was "filter coffee" because they knew we were Americans. If we had asked for Greek coffee, they would have given us syrup-ish super strong coffee! My MIL tried it one time and about gagged!

We did not keep our hotel room in Athens the whole week, but we did stay in that hotel again the last night.

You must go to Greece!

Your trip is really re-igniting my Greek lust!

We had Greek take-out tonight although I did keep my fries beside my Gyro not in it ;) (I haven't eaten my piece of baklava yet) and I even priced flights to Athens! One day! One day!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Your trip is really re-igniting my Greek lust!

We had Greek take-out tonight although I did keep my fries beside my Gyro not in it ;) (I haven't eaten my piece of baklava yet) and I even priced flights to Athens! One day! One day!

Phoenix does not have much in the way of Greek food! There are a couple restaurants, but they're not so good.

Baklava...YUM!!!!

I bought the Moonspinners, but I haven't read it yet!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I just realized that my ticker says 4 months, 28 days. So excited to be in the 4 month zone! :banana:

[SwansLoveDisney]

I'm not feeling well today (fun night out last night!), so I've spent my whole morning online. And that usually leads to some shopping.

Well, today it was Disney Shopping! I bought a hoodie and t-shirt, both of which I had been eyeing for a long time. And now they're in the outlet and with the 6 dollar shipping, I couldn't resist!

My little patients LOVE it when I wear my Disney shirts, so I'm sure they'll love both of these items!

[TarzansKat]

I'm not feeling well today (fun night out last night!), so I've spent my whole morning online. And that usually leads to some shopping.

Well, today it was Disney Shopping! I bought a hoodie and t-shirt, both of which I had been eyeing for a long time. And now they're in the outlet and with the 6 dollar shipping, I couldn't resist!

My little patients LOVE it when I wear my Disney shirts, so I'm sure they'll love both of these items!

Oh, gosh! I did the same! I'd been coveting a couple pairs of shorts and tanks on Disney Shopping for a while, and today I finally did it.

I hope you like your new purchases!:goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

I have a whole shopping cart of things I want to buy at disneyshopping, but I keep resisting...I wonder how long before I cave in? :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

I have a whole shopping cart of things I want to buy at disneyshopping, but I keep resisting...I wonder how long before I cave in? :lmao:

I give it another 15-30 minutes. Do you know all the coupon codes?

[Charleston Princess]

I give it another 15-30 minutes. Do you know all the coupon codes?

What are these coupon codes of which you speak??? I just know about the $6 shipping one!

[TarzansKat]

What are these coupon codes of which you speak??? I just know about the $6 shipping one!

Oh, honey, I'l pm you.

[JaxJags08]

Your other hotel is amazing too! I have a thing for hotels if you can't tell. Which is funny because I always stay in values at Disney! :confused3

I've already been on tripadvisor and priced out plane tickets to Greece. Not that we're going anytime soon! I like to price out vacations for fun - yes, I'm a little odd.

I've read The Moonspinners (Mary Stewart, right?). It's a really good book!

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, honey, I'l pm you.

Thank you! :goodvibes

[SwansLoveDisney]

Oh, gosh! I did the same! I'd been coveting a couple pairs of shorts and tanks on Disney Shopping for a while, and today I finally did it.

I hope you like your new purchases!:goodvibes

Yay for us and our Disney shopping! Please post pics when you get your stuff!

I have a whole shopping cart of things I want to buy at disneyshopping, but I keep resisting...I wonder how long before I cave in? :lmao:

I am the SAME way! I've been resisting forever. But I was feeling sorry for myself this morning and you know what that means....

I give it another 15-30 minutes. Do you know all the coupon codes?

Oh no! I didn't know any coupon codes! Darn impulse buying!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Oh, honey, I'l pm you.

PM me too, please!!!

Your other hotel is amazing too! I have a thing for hotels if you can't tell. Which is funny because I always stay in values at Disney! :confused3

I've already been on tripadvisor and priced out plane tickets to Greece. Not that we're going anytime soon! I like to price out vacations for fun - yes, I'm a little odd.

I've read The Moonspinners (Mary Stewart, right?). It's a really good book!

I also love hotels! But we're staying in a value on our next Disney trip as well. We'll save the fancy hotels for new places!

I love tripadvisor. I could spend hours on there. In fact, I don't even want to think about the number of hours I've spent on there!

I also price out vacations for fun. Just yesterday, I was pricing a cruise. And the day before that, a trip to a resort in Belize. Traveling is never far from my mind!

Yep, Mary Stewart...I gotta start that book!

[TarzansKat]

Yay for us and our Disney shopping! Please post pics when you get your stuff!
:thumbsup2


Oh no! I didn't know any coupon codes! Darn impulse buying!

I'll pm you, too.:goodvibes

[k_reile]

That totally stinks that you didn't have your own TV on the flight from Atlanta to Athens! I think I would go crazy...luckily when I have flown to England the past 2 times I have had my own screen plus it is like your own little TiVo! You can watch whatever movie you want or TV show and then you can pause it, rewind, or fast forward so now I have been spoiled. ::yes::

You first day sounds exhausting but tons of fun! You are starting to get the Greece bug going in me. I am also glad to hear that the Greeks are really friendly. I am going to Paris in Oct and am a little nervous about that. I am really looking forward to reading more about your trip!

I am also glad that you go your flights to Orlando and that you even get to land earlier than planned! Yippie!

are you going to go to DLP at all? I had a day where i managed it last trip. It was cool just to see it (didn't get to see the studios part though)...but it is very small. I went to just say that I went because who knows when I would ever make it back.
My last trip to Paris was mid-oct...it was a little chilly...50-60 maybe...but with winds. I definitely wore a wind breaker type jacket all week with pants and long sleeves. which was totally different from my WDW trip two weeks before i left for Paris (Paris trip came up out of the blue) where it was soo hot in Orlando at the end of Sept.

[luvfigment]

are you going to go to DLP at all? I had a day where i managed it last trip. It was cool just to see it (didn't get to see the studios part though)...but it is very small. I went to just say that I went because who knows when I would ever make it back.
My last trip to Paris was mid-oct...it was a little chilly...50-60 maybe...but with winds. I definitely wore a wind breaker type jacket all week with pants and long sleeves. which was totally different from my WDW trip two weeks before i left for Paris (Paris trip came up out of the blue) where it was soo hot in Orlando at the end of Sept.

This trip we are not going to DLP it is just a quick weekend trip for our 1 yr Anniversary. We are going with a tour group and go around the city and to the Eiffel Tower. I will be in England for the week visiting DH before I move over there for good at the end of Oct early November. I do want to go to DLP in the 3 yrs that I will be living in England though. They have 3 and 4 day trips through the military so we will eventually do that. Thanks for the heads up on the weather!!!

[luvfigment]

Crete looks beautiful also and I love the little hotel that you stayed at. Are they beds like they are in other parts of Europe with the two twin size beds put together?

[t-beri]

Still catching up but subbing...Although I'm already upset that I missed coupon codes!!! Now I have to go figure out how to add a link to my TR in my siggy that is already too big. CRAP!

[jordanyosh]

Did you already go and come back from Greece.

[SwansLoveDisney]

are you going to go to DLP at all? I had a day where i managed it last trip. It was cool just to see it (didn't get to see the studios part though)...but it is very small. I went to just say that I went because who knows when I would ever make it back.
My last trip to Paris was mid-oct...it was a little chilly...50-60 maybe...but with winds. I definitely wore a wind breaker type jacket all week with pants and long sleeves. which was totally different from my WDW trip two weeks before i left for Paris (Paris trip came up out of the blue) where it was soo hot in Orlando at the end of Sept.

I'm jealous that you went to DLP! When was that built? I'm not sure if it was in existence when I was in Paris.

This trip we are not going to DLP it is just a quick weekend trip for our 1 yr Anniversary. We are going with a tour group and go around the city and to the Eiffel Tower. I will be in England for the week visiting DH before I move over there for good at the end of Oct early November. I do want to go to DLP in the 3 yrs that I will be living in England though. They have 3 and 4 day trips through the military so we will eventually do that. Thanks for the heads up on the weather!!!

I thought you were already living in England! What was I thinking?!?

Crete looks beautiful also and I love the little hotel that you stayed at. Are they beds like they are in other parts of Europe with the two twin size beds put together?

Two of the hotels in which we stayed had regular queen size beds, thank goodness. One of the hotels had the two twin beds pushed together. And a bidet in the bathroom. I do not dig the two beds pushed together! I think the TV remote spent more time in between the beds than out in the open!

Still catching up but subbing...Although I'm already upset that I missed coupon codes!!! Now I have to go figure out how to add a link to my TR in my siggy that is already too big. CRAP!

I had to ask for help to add a link to my TR. I am very technologically challenged.

I can't believe I missed those coupon codes!

Did you already go and come back from Greece.

Sure did! And I have the pictures to prove it!

[k_reile]

[QUOTE=SwansLoveDisney;25968915]I'm jealous that you went to DLP! When was that built? I'm not sure if it was in existence when I was in Paris.



1992 because when I was there in Oct 2007 they were celebrating their 15th anniversary (so thats the only way I know..haha)

[t-beri]

Shamelessly plugging my own, updated PTR... if you don't mind!

You can find Tifani's Tour Guide Mike Challenge @http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1870958

Now let's get on the ball here, what about an update??

...t.

[DisMomAmy]

Your Greece pictures are beautiful! It looks like it is very clean there. The ground where the stray dog is lying is immaculate!

[luvfigment]

I thought you were already living in England! What was I thinking?!?

Two of the hotels in which we stayed had regular queen size beds, thank goodness. One of the hotels had the two twin beds pushed together. And a bidet in the bathroom. I do not dig the two beds pushed together! I think the TV remote spent more time in between the beds than out in the open!


You were probably thinking I was laready living there b/c I was going to move last summer after the wedding but that fell through. Wierd I know but DH was supposed to get deployed and I wasn't go to move there for him to be deployed and for me to be in a new country all by myself for 6 months so I stayed in RI. Then the deployment got canceled so i was going to move again in April but then another deployment came up and I made plans to come help my sister with her new baby (as the nanny) and of course his deployment got canceled. LOL. I am not kidding!

Anyhoo I couldn't back out on my sister since she did have daycare set up so I am with her til Sept and will be moving to England the end of October. I am going there at the end of Sept for 1 week to be in England and to go to Paris for our anniversary and then DH is coming to the States with me for 2 weeks to visit family. THEN finally I will move over there. Phew! Confusing I know but that is the plan and I am sticking to it this time. Oh yeah I am trying to go back Active Duty in the AF myself but that is a whole nother story I don't want to bore you with. Hee hee

Back on topic...I am glad to see that some hotels have Queen size beds...I am not to thrilled about the two twin beds together but I ghuess that is a small price to pay to travel in beautiful Europe.

[pierresgirl]

Julie- those pictures are absolutely stunning, geez, I miss Greece! Your hotel in Crete in like a dream :cloud9: WTG on booking your FL flights :cool1:

[SwansLoveDisney]

[QUOTE=SwansLoveDisney;25968915]I'm jealous that you went to DLP! When was that built? I'm not sure if it was in existence when I was in Paris.



1992 because when I was there in Oct 2007 they were celebrating their 15th anniversary (so thats the only way I know..haha)

Okay, so I was definitely in Paris three times after DLP opened. I have no excuse not to have gone!

Shamelessly plugging my own, updated PTR... if you don't mind!

You can find Tifani's Tour Guide Mike Challenge @http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1870958

Now let's get on the ball here, what about an update??

...t.

Plug away!

Your Greece pictures are beautiful! It looks like it is very clean there. The ground where the stray dog is lying is immaculate!

Thank you!

It was definitely very clean in the tourist areas.

Those dogs do have a pretty nice place to hang out!

[SwansLoveDisney]

You were probably thinking I was laready living there b/c I was going to move last summer after the wedding but that fell through. Wierd I know but DH was supposed to get deployed and I wasn't go to move there for him to be deployed and for me to be in a new country all by myself for 6 months so I stayed in RI. Then the deployment got canceled so i was going to move again in April but then another deployment came up and I made plans to come help my sister with her new baby (as the nanny) and of course his deployment got canceled. LOL. I am not kidding!

Anyhoo I couldn't back out on my sister since she did have daycare set up so I am with her til Sept and will be moving to England the end of October. I am going there at the end of Sept for 1 week to be in England and to go to Paris for our anniversary and then DH is coming to the States with me for 2 weeks to visit family. THEN finally I will move over there. Phew! Confusing I know but that is the plan and I am sticking to it this time. Oh yeah I am trying to go back Active Duty in the AF myself but that is a whole nother story I don't want to bore you with. Hee hee

Back on topic...I am glad to see that some hotels have Queen size beds...I am not to thrilled about the two twin beds together but I ghuess that is a small price to pay to travel in beautiful Europe.

Oh my goodness...all those changes in deployments! You must be DYING to actually live with your DH. I don't know how you stand to be away for so long! An anniversary in Paris sounds SOOOO romantic!

Those separated beds...ick!



Julie- those pictures are absolutely stunning, geez, I miss Greece! Your hotel in Crete in like a dream :cloud9: WTG on booking your FL flights :cool1:

Thanks! That hotel was awesome. More pics coming up!

[SwansLoveDisney]

So my brother called me the other day asking about prices of flights to Orlando. He sounded kinda worried about how much it's going to cost. It started to make me really nervous that he and his wife would back out of the trip. I love my big brother so much and he is SO much fun to hang out with, so I would be crushed if they couldn't go.

Then, when I talked to my mom, she said she's going to pay for my bro and SIL's flights as Christmas gifts for them. So they're definitely in again!

Okay, here's some more Greece stuff...

Greece Day 3: Crete

We woke up at 8:00 this morning. We would have breakfast at 9:00 in our hotel's outdoor dining room.

So DH and I walked over to the dining room and got there at 9:00. The rest of the fam rolled in about 15 minutes later.

Here's my breakfast (goat's milk yogurt with fruit):
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170008.jpg

Gordon's eggs and bacon:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170009.jpg
I don't know what those chickens eat over there, but those yolks were ORANGE!!!

And I needed one of these this morning (iced coffee, or frappe, as they called it):

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170007.jpg


And this is why I needed the coffee:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170006.jpg

I was SO tired!

After breakfast, DH and I went back to the room and discovered this!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170012.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170014.jpg

They had snuck in and decorated our bed with rose petals and left a basket full of fruit, wine, and nuts on the table. SOOO nice.

Here's the living area of our hotel suite:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170018.jpg



Let me go back a little to tell why they did all this nice stuff... When we arrived at the hotel, the hotel manager told us that the people who were in DH and my room prior to our arrival had had an accident. The husband was in the hospital with possible brain damage and some broken bones. The hotel manager did not want to kick the wife out of the room, so we were put in a room in a (literally) neighboring hotel. Now, this hotel was JUST as nice (was the one with the beautiful entrance in the picture), and was roomier. And we were able to use all of the original hotel's facilities and have breakfast there every morning. We did not mind at all being in the other hotel. We were happy that the wife did not have to be displaced when going through such a tough time. But the hotel manager just felt terrible and continually did things to make up for it.

In addition to the rose petals and basket, DH and I were invited to take a Greek cooking class at the hotel. This class is normally about 200 dollars per couple, but we were invited to take it free of charge.

So at noon, we went over to our cooking class. This was one of the best experiences of the whole trip. We learned how to make an appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert. And they pumped us full of wine too!

Here's the chef/teacher and the (kinda creepy) server:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170025.jpg

The main course (goat meat with pasta and sauce):
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170035.jpg

I wasn't so sure about eating goat, but this was DEEEEE-Licious!!!!

And the dessert (goat cheese balls with marinated figs and caramel):
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170040.jpg

They sure love goat products in Greece!

After the wonderful cooking class, we headed to the beach to meet up with the rest of the crew.

It was here that I realized what I left in the first hotel (in Athens). My swimsuit!!! The one I bought specifically for Greece. And my swimsuit cover up, bought specifically for the greece swimsuit. GRRRRRR!!!!! How could i do that?!? So now I was stuck with my spare swimsuit, a yucky old one that is strapless so it doesn't give me bad tan lines. Oh well! I was in Greece, and that's all that mattered.

The beach was great, even with a ratty old swimsuit! We rented chairs and umbrellas and hung out for the whole afternoon. Unfortunately, I don't have any pics from the beach. I was nervous to take pics on the beach because of the high number of topless beach-goers! I didn't want anyone to think I was a perv.

So here's a pic taken as we left the beach:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6170046.jpg

We had some more gelato on our way back to the hotel and then we went to the hotel lobby to reserve spots for a hike of the Samaria Gorge for the next day.

Then we explored the town some more and bought some food for a picnic lunch for our hike the next day.

Dinner was pizza that night and we were off to bed early because we would have to rise at 4:45 a.m. to catch a bus!

It was another GREAT day in Greece!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Whoa! I don't know why those pics are so big.

I gotta figure out how to make those smaller!

Okay, I think it's fixed now.

[stagemomx3]

Wow what a great day! The cooking class sounds like a lot of fun. That is sad about the other man though. Did you ever hear how he was?

[SwansLoveDisney]

Wow what a great day! The cooking class sounds like a lot of fun. That is sad about the other man though. Did you ever hear how he was?

At the time we left the hotel, he was still in the hospital. And the outlook was getting worse. We just felt horrible for him.

[stagemomx3]

At the time we left the hotel, he was still in the hospital. And the outlook was getting worse. We just felt horrible for him.

That is very sad!

[SwansLoveDisney]

That is very sad!

I know.

The hotel manager never really told us what happened to him. HOwever, we deduced that he fell down the (very long) marble staircase that leads up to the hotel rooms. It was very dark in there and I tripped a couple times myself. I could very easily see how someone could trip and fall down the stairs. And marble...ouch.

[stagemomx3]

I know.

The hotel manager never really told us what happened to him. HOwever, we deduced that he fell down the (very long) marble staircase that leads up to the hotel rooms. It was very dark in there and I tripped a couple times myself. I could very easily see how someone could trip and fall down the stairs. And marble...ouch.

Yikes! No wonder the hotel didn't want to displace the wife.

[Nicole786]

that cooking class looks awesome!!

[pierresgirl]

How cool is that to take the cooking class! I LOVE figs, all the food looks delicious. Nearly everyone goes topless in the Med, you almost look out of place WITH a full suit on :laughing: Bummer about your new suit, hopefully you were able to get it back!

[JaxJags08]

The food looks so yummy - even the orange yolks! :lmao: I love how certain foods are different colors in other countries. I went to the Philippines and had red hot dogs before. The contents of hot dogs here in the US are questionable anyways, so I don't know why they were red there! I guess they just like the cool food coloring!

That is really sad about the man and his wife. That is something you never expect to happen, especially on vacation.

I'd be the same way about taking pictures on the beach! I can just see it now - "no, I'm really just taking a picture of my family!" :rotfl:

[SwansLoveDisney]

Yikes! No wonder the hotel didn't want to displace the wife.

No kidding...probably scared they were gonna get sued.

that cooking class looks awesome!!

It was most definitely awesome.

How cool is that to take the cooking class! I LOVE figs, all the food looks delicious. Nearly everyone goes topless in the Med, you almost look out of place WITH a full suit on :laughing: Bummer about your new suit, hopefully you were able to get it back!

Now if only I could remember how to make the stuff we learned!

Yeah, I felt pretty modest in my bikini!

I was able to get the suit back, but not until the last day of the trip. I am so happy to have it back though!

The food looks so yummy - even the orange yolks! :lmao: I love how certain foods are different colors in other countries. I went to the Philippines and had red hot dogs before. The contents of hot dogs here in the US are questionable anyways, so I don't know why they were red there! I guess they just like the cool food coloring!

That is really sad about the man and his wife. That is something you never expect to happen, especially on vacation.

I'd be the same way about taking pictures on the beach! I can just see it now - "no, I'm really just taking a picture of my family!" :rotfl:

Red hot dogs? Interesting! Did they taste the same?

I can't even imagine being hospitalized like that in a foreign country. Scary stuff.

[JaxJags08]

Red hot dogs? Interesting! Did they taste the same?

I can't even imagine being hospitalized like that in a foreign country. Scary stuff.

No, they didn't. Not bad, but just not the same. I found the same thing with McDonalds in other countries. Something tastes just a little different. And before anyone says it, I know - why eat McDonalds when your in another country? :confused3 Sometimes you crave something familiar when you are gone for a pretty long time.

[Charleston Princess]

Great pics (as always)!!! :goodvibes That's so sad about the man and his wife!

What a fun cooking class!!!

I love the tiled floors in your suite!

[SwansLoveDisney]

No, they didn't. Not bad, but just not the same. I found the same thing with McDonalds in other countries. Something tastes just a little different. And before anyone says it, I know - why eat McDonalds when your in another country? :confused3 Sometimes you crave something familiar when you are gone for a pretty long time.

Hey, I won't knock you for wanting McDonalds in other countries!

Greece is the only foreign country I've been to where I haven't been dying for American food by the end of the trip.

Great pics (as always)!!! :goodvibes That's so sad about the man and his wife!

What a fun cooking class!!!

I love the tiled floors in your suite!

Thanks!

I know...that was so sad.

The tile was definitely nice. Carpet in hotel rooms grosses me out!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Happy Fourth of July!


I hope everyone is doing something fun and/or patriotic today!

We're having some friends over for swimming and barbequeing. I think it's going to be 110 degrees today, so no fireworks for us! I'll save my fireworks viewing for Disney World.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

[jordanyosh]

I've already been hard at work on my Disney planning since we returned at 11 p.m. last night! I have all our days halfway figured out...I know where we're going in the mornings, but not in the afternoons. I will post about that soon.

For now, here are some Greece pics to start things off!

Our view of the Parthenon from our hotel in Athens:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160071.jpg

What a great view!!!!!!!


My new favorite food in the whole entire world, a Greek Salad. Yum!!!!!!:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6160107.jpg

That looks so good....oh except for the red onions....;)


A breathtaking Santorini sunset:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190010.jpg

Wow!!!!! no need for words...


My husband cliff diving in Santorini. Because we all know that's safe. :rolleyes1
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200147.jpg

Good photo op....;)

[jordanyosh]

You had great fortune because of someone's misfortune. Kind of a mixed bag. That cooking class looked amazing!!!!!!!! How lucky you were.

Those rooftop pools at your resorts......:cloud9:

Oh and at MK....Columbia Harbour House for me. I sometimes will go to Cosmic Ray's for the variety, but since I discovered CHH, it's hard for me to go anywhere else.

CS at DHS lacks since they changed the menu at ABC Commissary. KatGarcia had a good meal at the Studio Catering Company (flatbread grill?).

[SwansLoveDisney]

What a great view!!!!!!!



That looks so good....oh except for the red onions....;)



Wow!!!!! no need for words...



Good photo op....;)

I just started laughing out (very) loud about how you changed the names on all the quoted pics. Then I had to explain to DH what was so dang funny. He didn't get it. :confused3

You had great fortune because of someone's misfortune. Kind of a mixed bag. That cooking class looked amazing!!!!!!!! How lucky you were.

Those rooftop pools at your resorts......:cloud9:

Oh and at MK....Columbia Harbour House for me. I sometimes will go to Cosmic Ray's for the variety, but since I discovered CHH, it's hard for me to go anywhere else.

CS at DHS lacks since they changed the menu at ABC Commissary. KatGarcia had a good meal at the Studio Catering Company (flatbread grill?).

You are very right about that being a mixed bag...

I LOVED those rooftop pools. I wish we could move our pool to the roof. Hmmmm....

Columbia Harbour House is now on the list of definites.

Maybe I'll just eat popcorn and ice cream all day at DHS. :lovestruc

[Charleston Princess]

I didn't even catch that Jordan had done that the first time...I had to scroll back and see...very funny!!!

Are you done having people over already??? Or has the fun not started yet?

[SwansLoveDisney]

I didn't even catch that Jordan had done that the first time...I had to scroll back and see...very funny!!!

Are you done having people over already??? Or has the fun not started yet?

We're done already. They came over at about 12:30 and they left at about 6. We grilled some food, had some wine and beer, and swam in our pool. Our pool water is already 99 degrees. We need to do something about that!

We're considering going to one of the resorts around here for drinks and to watch their fireworks, but neither of us are feeling very motivated!

[Charleston Princess]

We're done already. They came over at about 12:30 and they left at about 6. We grilled some food, had some wine and beer, and swam in our pool. Our pool water is already 99 degrees. We need to do something about that!

We're considering going to one of the resorts around here for drinks and to watch their fireworks, but neither of us are feeling very motivated!

99 degree pool water! I can't even imagine!!!

Sounds like you had a great time! We went over to my parents' for a little bit but weren't very motivated either.

[jordanyosh]

My friends just called and wanted me to come over.....I declined.....I just want to chill...

Have you eaten at CHH before?

[SwansLoveDisney]

99 degree pool water! I can't even imagine!!!

Sounds like you had a great time! We went over to my parents' for a little bit but weren't very motivated either.

Yeah, the 99 degree pool water is not so refreshing.

We did have a nice day. Nice and relaxing!

I wish I could go to my parents' for a little bit! Chicago is just too far away!

My friends just called and wanted me to come over.....I declined.....I just want to chill...

Have you eaten at CHH before?

We skipped out on drinks and fireworks. It's so nice to have a night with nothing to do! I'm watching the big Phoenix fireworks show on TV right now. So much better to be in an air conditioned house than sitting in a big crowd in 110 degree weather to watch them (like we did last year)!

I have eaten at Columbia Harbor House. And I definitely liked the food. I think I had the fish.

[jordanyosh]

I LOVE CHH...I wish I would be a bit more adventurous and try something like the Village Haus......

I am NOT a fan of Pecos Bills......

[SwansLoveDisney]

I LOVE CHH...I wish I would be a bit more adventurous and try something like the Village Haus......

I am NOT a fan of Pecos Bills......

Yeah, we ate a Pecos Bills once and I did not enjoy it. I think I ate my french fries and that was it!

[JaxJags08]

99 degrees - that's almost a hot tub! We spent the day at a lake house with swimming in the day and fireworks in the evening. It was a great time and now I'm really sore! I'm now off to do more swimming! Have a great weekend!

[SwansLoveDisney]

99 degrees - that's almost a hot tub! We spent the day at a lake house with swimming in the day and fireworks in the evening. It was a great time and now I'm really sore! I'm now off to do more swimming! Have a great weekend!

I'm SO jealous!

My family has a lake house in Wisconsin and I miss it the most on holiday weekends in the summer. Do some extra swimming for me!

[jordanyosh]

Yeah, we ate a Pecos Bills once and I did not enjoy it. I think I ate my french fries and that was it!

It's been at least 12 years since my last visit and there's a reason for that.

[Charleston Princess]

It's been at least 12 years since my last visit and there's a reason for that.

Did someone eat onions from the topping bar??? ;)

[jordanyosh]

Did someone eat onions from the topping bar??? ;)


:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Close....chili of some sort..maybe chili cheese fries...if I recall correctly. I can remember where we sat........Wendy, Derek, Polly and I all didn't enjoy our food....

[Charleston Princess]

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Close....chili of some sort..maybe chili cheese fries...if I recall correctly. I can remember where we sat........Wendy, Derek, Polly and I all didn't enjoy our food....

Awww, that's too bad -- we love Pecos Bill's. :(

[jordanyosh]

Awww, that's too bad -- we love Pecos Bill's. :(

I'm glad you do....Hey I got razzed for years about liking ABC Commissary.

It happens. Different strokes......:thumbsup2 :)

[SwansLoveDisney]

It's been at least 12 years since my last visit and there's a reason for that.

I went there on my last trip. I think I was a little crabby to begin with because MNSSHP was being rained out, so that taints the memory a little bit. But I know for sure I did not enjoy my burger!

Did someone eat onions from the topping bar??? ;)

Uh oh!

Awww, that's too bad -- we love Pecos Bill's. :(

What do you usually eat there?

[SwansLoveDisney]

Well, I decided to cancel my ONE adr and switch it to a different place.

I had booked Crystal Palace for lunch one day, and everyone seemed okay with it. No one seemed really excited about it.

So, today, DH and I drove down to Tucson to visit his grandparents and on the way there and back, I studied my Passporter.

And I decided to switch from Crystal Palace for lunch to Boma for dinner one night. If I am going to successfully convert DH to a Disney lover, we need to do things he will love. And I just know he'll love the food at Boma and he'll love having a drink at AKL afterwards.

As an added bonus, the day I plan to make the ADR for is a DHS extra magic hours night. So, after a fabulous dinner, we can hit up DH's favorite ride...Tower of Terror. What's not to love?!?

I'm gonna call Disney dining and schedule the Boma ADR tomorrow. And I think I'll actually keep the Crystal Palace ADR just in case.

[Nicole786]

Boma is my WDW favorite restaurant!! I'm sure DH will love it, has he ever been inside the AKL?

[SwansLoveDisney]

Boma is my WDW favorite restaurant!! I'm sure DH will love it, has he ever been inside the AKL?

No, he has never been to AKL. And I know he'll LOVE it. And that might be the way that I convince him that AKL must be the place we stay on our next next trip!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Greece Day 4

We woke up at 4:45 this morning in order to be at a bus stop at 5:30. DH and I got dressed, ate the breakfast that had been delivered to our room the previous night, and headed out to get the rest of the group. Upon arrival at their hotel doorstep, we were greeted by my mother in law. She informed us that my SIL was sick (probably from her pizza the night before. Poor girl.) And my BIL was going to stay home with his sister (at my MIL's request.) So the three of us walked over to the bus stop in the dark.

Greek nightlife doesn't really get going until midnight, so we saw MANY people who were apparently on their way home from the clubs at this hour!

Our bus arrived promptly at 5:30, and we climbed up to the top floor and took a seat. I fell asleep pretty quickly on the bus, but not before I snapped this photo.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180056.jpg

It was so pretty!

After 1.5 or 2 hours, we finally arrived at the top of the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in all of Europe. And let me tell you, it felt like the longest gorge in the universe! DH and I are pretty avid hikers (how can we not be in this gorgeous valley we live in?). However, my MIL is not such an avid hiker. She goes to the gym daily and walks her pooch at least a mile a day, but hiking is a whole different story. Especially this hike. It was SO rocky! And steep! We were dropped off at the top and hiked 17 kilometers (more than 10 miles) down to the bottom, where we rode a ferry to where the bus would meet us. DH basically acted as a crutch for his mom on the last half of the hike! Her feet were KILLING her. And despite our constant pestering, she did not drink enough water, which was a big problem because it was at least 90 degrees outside. And this hike took about 8 hours. So by the end of the gorge, my MIL was not doing so well. The hiking guide called a car to come pick up my MIL at the gorge exit. That car took us the last mile or so to a beach on the Libyan Sea. There were restaurants there, so my MIL camped out on the patio of one of the restaurants (after we bought her water and gatorade and flip flops). And DH and I jumped into the water! The Libyan Sea was CRYSTAL CLEAR!! It was crazy. Someone told us that on a clear day, you could see Africa, but we didn't see it! The water was cold, so we didn't stay in very long. And besides, we had a dehydrated mom to take care of!

DH and I pretty much forced her to drink some water and gatorade. Then it was time to get on the ferry boat. We found a table with 2 seats on one side and 2 on the other. DH and I sat on one side and my MIL lay down on the other side. She fell asleep immediately. The scariest part of all this (aside from wondering if she would make it out of the gorge alive) was that she was saying some things that made absolutely no sense. She kept saying she was just really, really tired. But I am positive it was dehydration. After the boat, we found the bus and got in! We all slept on the bus a little bit on the way back to the hotel.

Some pics:

MIL and me at the beginning
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180057.jpg

The "steps" we had to walk down for 4 kilometers at the beginning
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180060.jpg

Some ruins we saw along the way.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180128.jpg

The wall of the gorge
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180159.jpg

The creek/river that flowed through. It was so tempting to cool of in the water, but the hiking guide said it's not allowed. This is the water supply for the people that live in the village at the bottom of the gorge, so we weren't allowed to taint it with our sunscreen and sweat!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180172.jpg

The beach at the bottom
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180178.jpg

My sleepy MIL on the boat:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180186.jpg

My sleepy DH on the boat:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180188.jpg

The bus dropped us off and we walked back to the hotel. I saw this dog on the way and I wanted to take him home with me!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180198.jpg

We returned to our respective hotels and showered and got ready for dinner. My MIL was back to normal by the time we got off the bus, thank God! And she was hungry and ready for dinner like the rest of us. My SIL was feeling better at this point and my BIL was ready to go out! We dined at a wonderful restaurant right on the water.

DH and I at dinner
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180204.jpg

The view from our table
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180202.jpg

After dinner, we strolled around the town for a bit. Then we stopped in an arcade/bar kind of place and played table tennis for a while. My BIL kicked everyone's butts. He's been living and teaching in South Korea for the past 2 years and he has apparently brushed up on his table tennis skills.

After the grueling ping pong games, it was time for bed! We slept HARD this night after our long day of hiking.

I think I made the gorge hike sound like torture, but it was actually very beautiful. DH and I would have enjoyed it immensely if we had not been worried about his mom throughout. But in the end, everyone was okay, and that's what matters!

[stagemomx3]

What a gorgeous view at dinner! The hike does not sound like fun, but the pictures are pretty.

[Charleston Princess]

What do you usually eat there?

Hamburgers and chili fries! :lmao:

And I decided to switch from Crystal Palace for lunch to Boma for dinner one night. If I am going to successfully convert DH to a Disney lover, we need to do things he will love. And I just know he'll love the food at Boma and he'll love having a drink at AKL afterwards.

You know how much I love Boma and AKL so I think this is a perfect change! :thumbsup2

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180128.jpg


This is always how I imagine Crete looks!

The hike sounds like a lot of fun except for worrying about your MIL -- I am glad she was okay after she got some fluids in her and rested!

The view at dinner was beautiful! That's a great pic of you and DH!

[TarzansKat]

Alright, I'm totally afraid of heights, but that hike looks awesome! I'm really enjoying your photos, some of the places you went are just beautiful.

And yeah for getting a new ADR! I'm really looking forward to Boma on our upcoming trip. I actually switched from dinner to breakfast, because breakfast looked so yummy, and I'm wishing I had kept dinner as well!:lmao:

I think you'll love it!

[SwansLoveDisney]

What a gorgeous view at dinner! The hike does not sound like fun, but the pictures are pretty.

Thanks!

The hike was actually more fun than I made it sound...for me and DH anyways!

Hamburgers and chili fries! :lmao:



You know how much I love Boma and AKL so I think this is a perfect change! :thumbsup2



This is always how I imagine Crete looks!

The hike sounds like a lot of fun except for worrying about your MIL -- I am glad she was okay after she got some fluids in her and rested!

The view at dinner was beautiful! That's a great pic of you and DH!

Maybe I just didn't like my dinner at Pecos Bills cuz I was crabby? :confused3

There were a lot of those ruins along the hiking path. It was so cool. I don't understand, though, why those people would have chosen to have to live halfway up that gorge!

Alright, I'm totally afraid of heights, but that hike looks awesome! I'm really enjoying your photos, some of the places you went are just beautiful.

And yeah for getting a new ADR! I'm really looking forward to Boma on our upcoming trip. I actually switched from dinner to breakfast, because breakfast looked so yummy, and I'm wishing I had kept dinner as well!:lmao:

I think you'll love it!

I'm glad you're enjoying the photos! :goodvibes

Boma is SO good for dinner!

[SwansLoveDisney]

After a 25 minute phone call with a very nice young man, I requested the section of Pop that we want to stay in, I made an ADR for Boma for dinner, and I gave him our flight numbers for Magical Express.

And DH actually sounds excited about Boma!

I asked DH yesterday "On a scale of 1 to 100, how excited are you about our trip to Disney World." His answer? "20." :mad:

After some more questioning, DH said he'll become much more excited about the trip as it approaches. :yay: And he admitted that he does actually enjoy himself at Disney World. :banana: He just wishes it didn't cost so much money. You know what I said to that? "Too bad!"

[JaxJags08]

That hike looks awesome! I can imagine that would have been a little scary with your MIL; I'm glad she recovered fairly quickly! I live in a really flat area of the country (FL), so no interesting hiking here. We went to Utah while I was early in my pregnancy with DD1 and did some easy hikes. I loved it! My sis also just recently did a hike in the Grand Canyon. It is something that we definitely want to start doing. For some reason, I never thought of hiking when I thought of Greece!

Changing from CP to Boma sounds like a good idea. I've never been to either, but will be making ADR's soon for a couple of upcoming trips since I've heard such great things.

[TarzansKat]

Yeah for the Boma ressie!:woohoo:

And don't worry, I'm sure your DH will have a fantastic time when he's there. Men. Sometimes they just don't get it.;)

But seriously, I'm sure you'll all love Boma! Truthfully, I've never read a bad thing about the food there, and I've read a lot of dining reviews.:goodvibes

[lisalonglash]

I'm sorry I haven't posted sooner - it's been INSANE here! :eek:

Welcome home!!! I'm so glad you had a good time in Greece - and your wonderful pictures are making me want to go back ... like tomorrow! LOL

I'm glad your MIL recovered quickly. I'll bet next time, she'll remember to hydrate! :thumbsup2

Looking forward to more pics :goodvibes

[SwansLoveDisney]

That hike looks awesome! I can imagine that would have been a little scary with your MIL; I'm glad she recovered fairly quickly! I live in a really flat area of the country (FL), so no interesting hiking here. We went to Utah while I was early in my pregnancy with DD1 and did some easy hikes. I loved it! My sis also just recently did a hike in the Grand Canyon. It is something that we definitely want to start doing. For some reason, I never thought of hiking when I thought of Greece!

Changing from CP to Boma sounds like a good idea. I've never been to either, but will be making ADR's soon for a couple of upcoming trips since I've heard such great things.

Boma is so good! You should definitely try it on your upcoming trip(s)!

My DH and I love hiking. It's such a great way to get exercise without being bored to death! And we've seen so many beautiful places while hiking. We haven't hiked the Grand Canyon yet because my parents were with us when we went to the Grand Canyon, but we're hoping to do it soon. Hiking in Utah sounds awesome...we're hoping to go to Bryce and Zion next year.

Yeah for the Boma ressie!:woohoo:

And don't worry, I'm sure your DH will have a fantastic time when he's there. Men. Sometimes they just don't get it.;)

But seriously, I'm sure you'll all love Boma! Truthfully, I've never read a bad thing about the food there, and I've read a lot of dining reviews.:goodvibes

When it comes to WDW, my man certainly does not get it!

I dined at Boma on my last WDW trip and it was awesome. Everything I ate was delicious!

I'm sorry I haven't posted sooner - it's been INSANE here! :eek:

Welcome home!!! I'm so glad you had a good time in Greece - and your wonderful pictures are making me want to go back ... like tomorrow! LOL

I'm glad your MIL recovered quickly. I'll bet next time, she'll remember to hydrate! :thumbsup2

Looking forward to more pics :goodvibes

Don't worry about not posting! Are you going to do a pre-trip?

I'll go back to greece with you tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by! :goodvibes

[lisalonglash]

When it comes to WDW, my man certainly does not get it!

I so know what you mean *sigh* As lately as last night, he's still insisting that (a) he didn't even want to go in the first place; (b) he's parking himself by the pool; and (c) grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :sad2:

Don't worry about not posting! Are you going to do a pre-trip?

I'll go back to greece with you tomorrow!

I don't know. I've never done a PTR/TR and there are some really wonderful ones already posted, including yours, that I don't think a report about us would measure up :rotfl:

OK, let's go! Santorini sound good? I wonder if that absolutely wicked Italian restaurant is still there (I swear, that place had the BEST Italian food I've ever had - and I've had a lot of Italian food LOL). Ahhhh, we can dream of going back tomorrow, right? :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

I asked DH yesterday "On a scale of 1 to 100, how excited are you about our trip to Disney World." His answer? "20." :mad:

After some more questioning, DH said he'll become much more excited about the trip as it approaches. :yay: And he admitted that he does actually enjoy himself at Disney World. :banana: He just wishes it didn't cost so much money. You know what I said to that? "Too bad!"

Somehow, I feel like I have had this conversation before at my house...oh, because we've had it!!! :lmao: I have faith that you will change his mind yet -- I have found that repeated, forced visits to the place seem to help! ;)

[JaxJags08]

Boma is so good! You should definitely try it on your upcoming trip(s)!

My DH and I love hiking. It's such a great way to get exercise without being bored to death! And we've seen so many beautiful places while hiking. We haven't hiked the Grand Canyon yet because my parents were with us when we went to the Grand Canyon, but we're hoping to do it soon. Hiking in Utah sounds awesome...we're hoping to go to Bryce and Zion next year.



I absolutely love Springdale, UT (where Zion is)! It is such a cute town and I felt SO relaxed while I was there. We stayed at Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens and had a great view from our balcony. I also hear the Desert Pearl is a great inn - actually one of TripAdvisor's best hidden gems.

Bryce is also very cool and totally different from anything I've seen. The "town" outside of it doesn't have much to it at all. We actually drove there just for the day. Oddly enough, there were alot of Eastern Europeans that lived and worked there. :confused3 I'm not quite sure how they made it to that part of Utah and I didn't have the opportunity to ask. Next time I'd like to stay a couple of nights to do some real hiking, though.

[SwansLoveDisney]

I so know what you mean *sigh* As lately as last night, he's still insisting that (a) he didn't even want to go in the first place; (b) he's parking himself by the pool; and (c) grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr :sad2:



I don't know. I've never done a PTR/TR and there are some really wonderful ones already posted, including yours, that I don't think a report about us would measure up :rotfl:

OK, let's go! Santorini sound good? I wonder if that absolutely wicked Italian restaurant is still there (I swear, that place had the BEST Italian food I've ever had - and I've had a lot of Italian food LOL). Ahhhh, we can dream of going back tomorrow, right? :goodvibes

You should absolutely to a PTR and TR. You'll already have one faithful reader!

Santorini is perfect! :cloud9: Tomorrow it is.

Somehow, I feel like I have had this conversation before at my house...oh, because we've had it!!! :lmao: I have faith that you will change his mind yet -- I have found that repeated, forced visits to the place seem to help! ;)

I like your idea of repeated, forced visits!

I absolutely love Springdale, UT (where Zion is)! It is such a cute town and I felt SO relaxed while I was there. We stayed at Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens and had a great view from our balcony. I also hear the Desert Pearl is a great inn - actually one of TripAdvisor's best hidden gems.

Bryce is also very cool and totally different from anything I've seen. The "town" outside of it doesn't have much to it at all. We actually drove there just for the day. Oddly enough, there were alot of Eastern Europeans that lived and worked there. :confused3 I'm not quite sure how they made it to that part of Utah and I didn't have the opportunity to ask. Next time I'd like to stay a couple of nights to do some real hiking, though.

Now I'm even MORE excited to go to Bryce and Zion!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I have 3 things to share tonight:

1. My MIL is no longer joining us for our WDW trip. She said she'd rather use her vacation time to spend more time with us at Christmas. I'm kinda sad, but also relieved that DH and I will have the room to ourselves.

2. I got my Disney Shopping order in today. The Mickey hoodie is adorable and fits perfectly. The Tink t-shirt is pretty snug. It fits great, but we'll see what happens after a washing...

3. I was so brave today and I went to the gym to take a spinning class. I am pretty comfortable in a gym, but spinning has always intimidated me. So I've never tried a class. Well, when I arrived at the gym, the spinning class was already filled up! I guess I have to get there 15 minutes early. I was pretty disappointed, but I stayed and ran on the treadmill. I am rededicating myself to my fitness (I've been letting myself slack off completely since I ran my half marathon in May). So maybe that Tink shirt will fit nicely after all!

[Charleston Princess]

That's too bad about your MIL not joining you -- maybe next time!

Hurray for Disney mail -- hopefully the t-shirt doesn't shrink! :scared:

I should rededicate (or dedicate as the case may be) to my fitness. :rolleyes1

[SwansLoveDisney]

That's too bad about your MIL not joining you -- maybe next time!

Hurray for Disney mail -- hopefully the t-shirt doesn't shrink! :scared:

I should rededicate (or dedicate as the case may be) to my fitness. :rolleyes1

If that shirt shrinks, I'm in trouble!

[Nicole786]

Aw too bad about your MIL! But i'm sure you and DH will enjoy the alone time :)

[troobabiee7]

Hey Julie! I just got all caught up and wow, those Greece pictures are GORGEOUS! Greece is a dream destination for me so I'm loving the chance to live vicarioulsy through you. Everything looks so pretty and the food looks delicious... but all those stray dogs would make me so sad :guilty: Keep the updates coming, I'm loving it!

Congrats on the half-marathon! That's such a great accomplishment :thumbsup2 Sorry that your MIL can't join you guys on the trip but like you said, at least you'll have the room to yourselves now. Have a great time at Boma, that's one of our favorite Disney restaurants :goodvibes

[Native NYer]

The photos of Greece are amazing! I have to go soon!

Sorry to hear that your MIL isn't going. It'll give you an excuse to plan another Disney trip.

I have never tried a spinning class either. But then again, I haven't tried any classes at the gym.

[SwansLoveDisney]

Aw too bad about your MIL! But i'm sure you and DH will enjoy the alone time :)

You're right...the alone time will be nice! DH hasn't been to WDW with me since 2004, so it'll be nice to enjoy the romantic aspects of WDW with him!

Hey Julie! I just got all caught up and wow, those Greece pictures are GORGEOUS! Greece is a dream destination for me so I'm loving the chance to live vicarioulsy through you. Everything looks so pretty and the food looks delicious... but all those stray dogs would make me so sad :guilty: Keep the updates coming, I'm loving it!

Congrats on the half-marathon! That's such a great accomplishment :thumbsup2 Sorry that your MIL can't join you guys on the trip but like you said, at least you'll have the room to yourselves now. Have a great time at Boma, that's one of our favorite Disney restaurants :goodvibes

You MUST go to Greece! It was awesome!

I'm thinking of doing another half marathon in January. If it doesn't conflict with our annual ski trip, I'm going to start training in August. Hopefully, I can better my time!

The photos of Greece are amazing! I have to go soon!

Sorry to hear that your MIL isn't going. It'll give you an excuse to plan another Disney trip.

I have never tried a spinning class either. But then again, I haven't tried any classes at the gym.

Thanks!

Hey, you're right...that is a great excuse for another Disney trip.

Are you still working with a trainer at the gym?

[SwansLoveDisney]

Greece Day 5

We woke up this morning and packed up all our stuff. This was the day we would go to Santorini (a.k.a. heaven on earth!)

A couple of taxis took us to the ferry dock on Crete. We boarded the ferry and found our seats, which was 2 seats facing 2 other seats across a table. It was so nice to have that table there!

I loved traveling by ferry! It was so cool to see the coasts of the islands and it was so roomy!

Here's a pic from the ferry window:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190217.jpg

Here's DH and MIL sitting on the boat

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190216.jpg

We made friends with an elderly Greek couple who were just the most adorable people! They were so sweet. They didn't speak much English, but we didn't let that stop us from talking with them. The man told me that they were going to his nephew's wedding and they were going to dance the night away. Even with a metal knee. I think he wanted to show me his scar on his knee, but we arrived at port and ran out of time!

After arriving at the port in Santorini, we found our driver and started driving to our hotel. I think it was the combination of the breathtakingly gorgeous sight of Santorini and the atmosphere on the island that suddenly made us all positively giddy!

All five of us were giggling, talking, singing, etc!

We arrived at our INCREDIBLE hotel and checked in. While checking in, we saw brochures for private boat tours and we asked the concierge about it. They were VERY expensive, but the feeling of giddiness influenced us to just book it! So we were checked in and booked for a boat tour the next day.

Then it was time to check out our rooms! Again, DH and I had our own room and MIL, SIL, and BIL shared a room.

Here's our room (after our stuff was strewn about):
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200092.jpg

The bed was upstairs in the loft
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200093.jpg

After dumping our stuff in our rooms, we all quick-changed into our swimsuits and began the hike down to the water. Our hotel was perched pretty high up on a cliff, so the hike down was a little rough, especially after hiking the gorge the previous day. But it was oh-so-worth-it!

Our hotel is right under that windmill at the top left-ish
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200127.jpg

At the bottom of our cliff

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190222.jpg

Our swimming spot
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190225.jpg

We found a good, flat spot on some rocks, ditched our stuff and jumped in!

Soon, the diving and jumping from high places ensued!
BIL jumping/diving
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200132.jpg

Me entering the water after a big jump (my BIL took this pic and snapped it too late. The jump was much more impressive than this picture makes it seem. Oh, and I can't believe I'm posting a swimsuit shot)
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200137.jpg

DH cliff diving
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200147-1.jpg

After a couple heavenly hours in the Aegean sea, we began the hike up to the hotel.

At the top, it was time to shower by the pool and then jump in! Here's DH in the pool
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190221.jpg

After some real showers, it was time to watch the gorgeous sunset
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190016.jpg

Then it was time for dinner. Dinner was pasta tonight and was DELICIOUS!

Back to the hotel for some poolside drinks
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200086.jpg

Then, we went to our rooms and slept hard again!

It was a truly AMAZING day in Greece and tomorrow would be a fun day of boating on the Aegean Sea!

Does it get any better than this?

[SwansLoveDisney]

My mom, dad, brother, and sister-in-law all purchased their airline tickets for WDW today! :banana:

I convinced my mom to apply for the Southwest credit card. So after getting credit for a past flight, opening the credit card, and opening a rapid reward account, then putting all their airline tickets on the card, my mom will have enough points on the card to fly to visit me for free next Spring! :yay:

In other news, we canceled cable today. :scared1: DH and I decided that watching TV does us no good, so we did away with the cable. This is the first time I have not had cable since I was a little kid. We'll see how it goes...

[JaxJags08]

Great pictures! Santorini looks beautiful! All of the places you have visited look beautiful, actually. :rotfl:

Those pics of your BIL and DH diving look SO scary! Yours - not so much ;) , but I trust you when you say that it was more impressive than the picture shows.

Nice to know that the people of Greece have been so nice to all of you. We had friends who went to Italy on their honeymoon and the wife had her butt pinched a couple times by some local men. :scared1: DH swears that they also went to Greece and had a similar experience, but I contend it was just Italy.

The Southwest credit card seems like a good deal! Are they pretty good about blackout dates when you redeem points?

[Charleston Princess]

Santorini and the Aegan Sea pictures with my morning coffee! A lovely way to start my day! :lovestruc

I would cancel cable in a heartbeat if it wasn't part of our internet package -- oh, but then I would miss Grey's Anatomy, Lost, and Pushing Daisies in the fall -- never mind, I better keep it! :)

[SwansLoveDisney]

Great pictures! Santorini looks beautiful! All of the places you have visited look beautiful, actually. :rotfl:

Those pics of your BIL and DH diving look SO scary! Yours - not so much ;) , but I trust you when you say that it was more impressive than the picture shows.

Nice to know that the people of Greece have been so nice to all of you. We had friends who went to Italy on their honeymoon and the wife had her butt pinched a couple times by some local men. :scared1: DH swears that they also went to Greece and had a similar experience, but I contend it was just Italy.

The Southwest credit card seems like a good deal! Are they pretty good about blackout dates when you redeem points?

It was crazy on our trip how just when I thought I had seen the most beautiful thing, we saw another place that topped it!

It took me about 10 minutes to work up the nerve to jump off those rocks and THAT was the only proof we have! That's what happens when I leave the photography to someone else, I guess!

The people in Greece were AWESOME! I thought the men there were VERY respectful. They didn't even stare at all. Italy, however, was a whole different story. Those men didn't even care that I was with my husband!

We've had great experiences with the Southwest card. They do have blackout dates, but if you book your reward tickets far enough in advance, you can usually get around the blackout dates. We have traveled at Thanksgiving and Christmas on free tickets. And we're going to Disney at Thanksgiving this year on free tickets! :banana:

Santorini and the Aegan Sea pictures with my morning coffee! A lovely way to start my day! :lovestruc

I would cancel cable in a heartbeat if it wasn't part of our internet package -- oh, but then I would miss Grey's Anatomy, Lost, and Pushing Daisies in the fall -- never mind, I better keep it! :)


I'm glad I could help start your day off right!

I'm an MTV addict. I know, I know, I should have stopped watching that channel about 10 years ago. But I love it! So that's going to be the hardest part for me!

[MeMom]

Beautiful again! The cliff diving is impressive!

[stagemomx3]

my mom will have enough points on the card to fly to visit me for free next Spring! :yay:

:thumbsup2 Very cool!


Santorini and the Aegan Sea pictures with my morning coffee! A lovely way to start my day! :lovestruc

:cloud9: Mine too!

[luvfigment]

I'm an MTV addict. I know, I know, I should have stopped watching that channel about 10 years ago. But I love it! So that's going to be the hardest part for me!

I totally know how you feel...I am still addicted also although since I have come down to my sisters it isn't as bad. But I still love the Road Rules/Real World Challenges...and probably should have stopped watching it all at least when I had graduated college....6 yrs ago!

I am all caught up after a weekend away and a stressful week I had to come and Dis to feel better....ahhhhhh already working! Anyhoo great pictures of Greece...I really like the one a page back or so of you and DH at dinner...great picture!

I love Boma also and hope that your DH likes it also and who knows maybe your next trip that is where he will want to stay! :goodvibes

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Yes, bring on the money saving suggestions!

In order to change DH's opinion of Disney World, I need to make this as money-saving as possible!



I have yet to discover that secret as well!

I know the ways to not save money:

1. Go in every shop you pass along your merry way
2. Drink lots of yummy beverages of the adult variety
3. Buy tons of clothes for the Disney trip, even though you already have a closet full of Disney-appropriate clothes
4. Spend mucho bucks on a trip planning binder
5. Buy every Disney guide book ever published

Just to name a few.

I just found this ptr laast night so I am only like 20 pages in or so but I just had to comment here.
I too have found the ways not to save money in the world. I also need to add:
6. Eat meals at Disney restaurants instead of outside the world where things are 1/2 the price.
7. Take tons of pictures yourself then end up paying for a photopass cd anyway because of all the cute shots.

but what can ya do. We are buying memories so that is all that counts I guess.

[SwansLoveDisney]

Beautiful again! The cliff diving is impressive!

Thank you! Welcome back!

:thumbsup2 Very cool!




:cloud9: Mine too!

Glad I could help start you day right!

I totally know how you feel...I am still addicted also although since I have come down to my sisters it isn't as bad. But I still love the Road Rules/Real World Challenges...and probably should have stopped watching it all at least when I had graduated college....6 yrs ago!

I am all caught up after a weekend away and a stressful week I had to come and Dis to feel better....ahhhhhh already working! Anyhoo great pictures of Greece...I really like the one a page back or so of you and DH at dinner...great picture!

I love Boma also and hope that your DH likes it also and who knows maybe your next trip that is where he will want to stay! :goodvibes

I love the road rules/read world challenges too! I'm gonna miss those!

The DIS always make me feel better too!

It would be so nice if DH fell in love with AKL. Then maybe we could eventually be DVC members there...but i'm getting ahead of myself.

I just found this ptr laast night so I am only like 20 pages in or so but I just had to comment here.
I too have found the ways not to save money in the world. I also need to add:
6. Eat meals at Disney restaurants instead of outside the world where things are 1/2 the price.
7. Take tons of pictures yourself then end up paying for a photopass cd anyway because of all the cute shots.

but what can ya do. We are buying memories so that is all that counts I guess.

Ah, yes, those are good additions to the list of ways not to save money!

Welcome to my PTR. Thanks for reading!:goodvibes

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Ahhhhh... caught up, for now at least. Thanks for the warm welcome.
Greece looks fabulous! Aaron and I threw around the idea of Greece next spring but we settled on Amsterdam and Brussels instead. Nothing against Greece but I LOVE tulips and I want to go to the Tulip festival right outside of Amsterdam every spring. I am not going to try to spell the name of the show (it is pretty long and starts with a K and I am too tired today to be bothered to google it to look it up.)
Lol, pretty pathetic I know but we are closing on a house on the 16th and I have been packing (between reading this ptr) since like 6 am and I am dead tired!
Anyway thanks for sharing all your memories, I can't wait for more!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Ahhhhh... caught up, for now at least. Thanks for the warm welcome.
Greece looks fabulous! Aaron and I threw around the idea of Greece next spring but we settled on Amsterdam and Brussels instead. Nothing against Greece but I LOVE tulips and I want to go to the Tulip festival right outside of Amsterdam every spring. I am not going to try to spell the name of the show (it is pretty long and starts with a K and I am too tired today to be bothered to google it to look it up.)
Lol, pretty pathetic I know but we are closing on a house on the 16th and I have been packing (between reading this ptr) since like 6 am and I am dead tired!
Anyway thanks for sharing all your memories, I can't wait for more!

That tulip festival sounds amazing!

Good luck with your packing...moving is a pain!

Thanks for reading! :goodvibes

[SwansLoveDisney]

Greece Day 6

We woke up this morning giddy with excitement. Today was the day we would go out on the catamaran for the day.

DH and I headed to the hotel restaurant for breakfast, then changed into our boating clothes. Then it was time to hike up to the street with the rest of the fam to get on the van that would bring us to the boat.

The drive was long, winding, and beautiful. We eventually arrived at a marina and boarded our boat for the day. There were 6 other passengers on the boat along with the captain and 2 crew members. This boat was GORGEOUS! I seriously felt like a movie star on the boat!

The captain gave us the lowdown on the rules of the boat and we were off! DH, SIL, and I sat in the front of the boat for quite a while and looked at the beautiful coast line and rock formations of Santorini. The rest of the passengers were in the back of the boat having drinks and chatting.

Red beach...only accessible boat boat/water taxi!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200015.jpg


Super cool rocks
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200021.jpg

More rocks
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200027.jpg

There are stories about earthquakes and volcanoes that have formed these rocks, but I can't remember the exact stories, so I won't try to make them up!

Our view
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200033.jpg

After cruising around for an hour or so, we arrived at some hot springs. There is an active volcano under the water near Santorini. The water above the volcano is very warm and it is a brownish-red color. Our captain pulled up to an area where we could swim and we jumped in the water. He told us that we had about 15 minutes to swim before huge tourist boats invade the place. And he wasn't kidding. After we had been swimming toward the shallow part of the springs for about 10 minutes, 2 HUGE boats pulled up with hundreds of people on them. Maybe I just have a vivid imagination, but looking back at the hordes of people jumping off of those boats into the water reminded me of a horror movie! It looked like they were chasing us! So creepy!

You can somewhat see the people in the water in this pic. That's DH standing on the boat, watching for his mom, bro, and sis. And hoping they didn't get lost in the masses!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200045.jpg

We swam for a while in the warm water and then made it back to the safety of our boat.

We continued cruising around the Aegean Sea for about an hour. Then it was time for lunch. The captain docked the boat and told us we could swim for a while until lunch was ready. Let me tell you, the water we were swimming in was the clearest I have EVER seen. It was amazing. And the water is SO unfathomably deep, it was almost disorienting to look down. The boat had some snorkel gear, so we snorkeled for a bit.

Then it was time for lunch. They prepared some traditional Greek food and then grilled some delicious chicken, pork, and steak. Oh, and copious amounts of wine! This lunch was one of the best meals of the trip. It was awesome because the table was large enough for everyone to sit and talk like a family. It was great because we really got to know all the other passengers, who were so much fun. Strangely, every passenger was American!

After lunch, it was time for another swim and then we began the trek back to the marina. The seas were a little rough on the way back, which was fun!

DH and me lying on the net in the front of the boat
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200061.jpg

I actually fell asleep for a little while as we lay there. What a life...napping on a boat in the beautiful blue sea.

Rough seas
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200055.jpg

5 or 6 hours after we had departed, we returned to the marina. I was SO sad that our boating was done. That was one of the best experiences of my life.

Upon returning to our hotel, we all showered and got ready for dinner.

Our travel agent had arranged a sunset dinner at a restaurant in the town of Fira. A car came and picked us up, then took us to the restaurant. As we walked toward the restaurant, we saw that a wedding was just finishing and all the people were waiting outside for the bride and groom. What a wonderful place for a wedding.

Dinner was AMAZING. The restaurant was perched on a cliff with a perfect view of the sunset. At some point during dinner, 2 men played some traditional Greek music for the diners.

The view before sunset
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200082-1.jpg

The beginning of sunset
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200091.jpg

Our musicians
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200095.jpg

Sunset!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200114.jpg

Oh, look! The bride and groom! On donkeys!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200122.jpg

How that woman got on that donkey in her wedding dress I will never know. I felt a little strange taking their picture. But I figured it was okay because when DH and I got married in Yosemite National Park, we had our picture taken by so many strangers, I felt like they were the paparazzi! Our photographer told us that it's considered good luck for a Japanese person to be photographed with an American bride, so we shouldn't be surprised if there were a lot of people posing for pics with us in the background. It was kinda funny! I tried to smile for their pics when I noticed they were taking them.

Okay, back to dinner...here was my dinner. It was fish and it was DEEEELICIOUS!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200124.jpg

A night shot of our view.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6210129.jpg

After dinner, we walked around the town a little bit before finding a taxi to return us to our hotel. While walking, we happened upon a traditional Greek dance show going on in the town square. We stopped and watched for quite a while. It was fantastic.

Then it was time for bed. This was our best day yet. I was so sad it was over!

[Native NYer]

Your photos and report on Greece are amazing! I wish I were there right now. How long were you there?

And yay on the flights!!! It's so great that your mom can come to see you and not have to pay a penny!!!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Your photos and report on Greece are amazing! I wish I were there right now. How long were you there?

And yay on the flights!!! It's so great that your mom can come to see you and not have to pay a penny!!!

I wish I were in Greece right now too!

We were there 8 days. Not long enough! I have a feeling that no amount of time would have been enough!

I love when my mom comes to visit, so I'm thrilled about her free flight!

[Native NYer]

I wish I were in Greece right now too!

We were there 8 days. Not long enough! I have a feeling that no amount of time would have been enough!

I love when my mom comes to visit, so I'm thrilled about her free flight!

Greece may be on my agenda real soon. Your mini tr has inspired me.

Greece seems like a great honeymoon spot.

Your mom got such a great deal!!

[SwansLoveDisney]

DH and I spent a lot of time doing yard work today, and we were tired and sore after all that time in the HOT, muggy weather.

So we tried to make last minute appointments for massages this afternoon, but they didn't have any openings. It was a long shot, but worth a try.

So DH asked if I would give him a massage at home. I said yes, but on one condition...we must watch the Disney planning DVD for the duration of the massage.

DH hasn't been on Expedition Everest, so when they showed that on the DVD, he said "When are we going on that? Can it be at the beginning of the trip?" I said "Of course!", but I was secretly thinking "Only if tour guide mike says we can." But I wasn't gonna tell DH that!

The other things DH got excited about were Philharmagic (I never thought he'd be into that, but I love it, so I'm glad he wants to see it). He also got excited about my other faves, like Space Mountain, Rock n Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror.

I have a feeling that if I asked DH today what his excitement level is on a scale of 0 to 100, he be closer to a 50 than a 20.

But I'm not gonna push it!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Greece may be on my agenda real soon. Your mini tr has inspired me.

Greece seems like a great honeymoon spot.

Your mom got such a great deal!!

It did feel like a second honeymoon to us. Well, except for the fact that my MIL, BIL, and SIL were with us! :rotfl:

Seriously, though, I think it is the PERFECT honeymoon destination.

We did Italy for our honeymoon and we loved it, but there is just something about Greece...:cloud9:

[Native NYer]

It did feel like a second honeymoon to us. Well, except for the fact that my MIL, BIL, and SIL were with us! :rotfl:

Seriously, though, I think it is the PERFECT honeymoon destination.

We did Italy for our honeymoon and we loved it, but there is just something about Greece...:cloud9:

I'll have to keep that in mind. Maybe Italy AND Greece :rolleyes1

[SwansLoveDisney]

I'll have to keep that in mind. Maybe Italy AND Greece :rolleyes1

How about Greece for the honeymoon and Italy for an anniversary?

Um, what are you keeping that in mind for? :rolleyes1

[Native NYer]

DH and I spent a lot of time doing yard work today, and we were tired and sore after all that time in the HOT, muggy weather.

So we tried to make last minute appointments for massages this afternoon, but they didn't have any openings. It was a long shot, but worth a try.

So DH asked if I would give him a massage at home. I said yes, but on one condition...we must watch the Disney planning DVD for the duration of the massage.

DH hasn't been on Expedition Everest, so when they showed that on the DVD, he said "When are we going on that? Can it be at the beginning of the trip?" I said "Of course!", but I was secretly thinking "Only if tour guide mike says we can." But I wasn't gonna tell DH that!

The other things DH got excited about were Philharmagic (I never thought he'd be into that, but I love it, so I'm glad he wants to see it). He also got excited about my other faves, like Space Mountain, Rock n Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror.

I have a feeling that if I asked DH today what his excitement level is on a scale of 0 to 100, he be closer to a 50 than a 20.

But I'm not gonna push it!

"Only if tour guide mike says we can" :lmao: I almost spit out my water when I read that!!! Tooo funny!

Your DH is slowly catching the Disney fever. Next think you know, he'll be writing his own ptr on the DIS.

[SwansLoveDisney]

"Only if tour guide mike says we can" :lmao: I almost spit out my water when I read that!!! Tooo funny!

Your DH is slowly catching the Disney fever. Next think you know, he'll be writing his own ptr on the DIS.

If my DH ever wrote a ptr, I would probably die of shock. And then I wouldn't be able to go on my Disney trip. So I hope he doesn't write a ptr! :rotfl:

[Native NYer]

How about Greece for the honeymoon and Italy for an anniversary?

Um, what are you keeping that in mind for? :rolleyes1

Ohhhh like a one month anniversary? That would be fun. Oh or did you mean wait an entire year?!?

Just an option. The exbf has been talking about getting married a lot lately. Not sure if I should keep calling him the ex :rotfl2:

[Nicole786]

I cant get over the beauty of Greece!! Since I live in a tropical area, I love vacations that take place where there are no palm trees!! One day I will get over there...my friend went on a 2-3 week Mediterranean cruise! now THERES my future honeymoon!

[Native NYer]

If my DH ever wrote a ptr, I would probably die of shock. And then I wouldn't be able to go on my Disney trip. So I hope he doesn't write a ptr! :rotfl:

:lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:

[Charleston Princess]

Beautiful pics! My favorite was the night view!!! Such a great view!!!

Too funny about your TGM comment!!! I am so glad that your DH is getting excited about some of the rides! Slowly, but surely...

[jordanyosh]

Greece Day 4

We woke up at 4:45 this morning in order to be at a bus stop at 5:30. DH and I got dressed, ate the breakfast that had been delivered to our room the previous night, and headed out to get the rest of the group. Upon arrival at their hotel doorstep, we were greeted by my mother in law. She informed us that my SIL was sick (probably from her pizza the night before. Poor girl.) And my BIL was going to stay home with his sister (at my MIL's request.) So the three of us walked over to the bus stop in the dark.

Greek nightlife doesn't really get going until midnight, so we saw MANY people who were apparently on their way home from the clubs at this hour!

Our bus arrived promptly at 5:30, and we climbed up to the top floor and took a seat. I fell asleep pretty quickly on the bus, but not before I snapped this photo.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180056.jpg

It was so pretty!

After 1.5 or 2 hours, we finally arrived at the top of the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in all of Europe. And let me tell you, it felt like the longest gorge in the universe! DH and I are pretty avid hikers (how can we not be in this gorgeous valley we live in?). However, my MIL is not such an avid hiker. She goes to the gym daily and walks her pooch at least a mile a day, but hiking is a whole different story. Especially this hike. It was SO rocky! And steep! We were dropped off at the top and hiked 17 kilometers (more than 10 miles) down to the bottom, where we rode a ferry to where the bus would meet us. DH basically acted as a crutch for his mom on the last half of the hike! Her feet were KILLING her. And despite our constant pestering, she did not drink enough water, which was a big problem because it was at least 90 degrees outside. And this hike took about 8 hours. So by the end of the gorge, my MIL was not doing so well. The hiking guide called a car to come pick up my MIL at the gorge exit. That car took us the last mile or so to a beach on the Libyan Sea. There were restaurants there, so my MIL camped out on the patio of one of the restaurants (after we bought her water and gatorade and flip flops). And DH and I jumped into the water! The Libyan Sea was CRYSTAL CLEAR!! It was crazy. Someone told us that on a clear day, you could see Africa, but we didn't see it! The water was cold, so we didn't stay in very long. And besides, we had a dehydrated mom to take care of!

DH and I pretty much forced her to drink some water and gatorade. Then it was time to get on the ferry boat. We found a table with 2 seats on one side and 2 on the other. DH and I sat on one side and my MIL lay down on the other side. She fell asleep immediately. The scariest part of all this (aside from wondering if she would make it out of the gorge alive) was that she was saying some things that made absolutely no sense. She kept saying she was just really, really tired. But I am positive it was dehydration. After the boat, we found the bus and got in! We all slept on the bus a little bit on the way back to the hotel.

Some pics:

MIL and me at the beginning
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180057.jpg

The "steps" we had to walk down for 4 kilometers at the beginning
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180060.jpg

Some ruins we saw along the way.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180128.jpg

The wall of the gorge
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180159.jpg

The creek/river that flowed through. It was so tempting to cool of in the water, but the hiking guide said it's not allowed. This is the water supply for the people that live in the village at the bottom of the gorge, so we weren't allowed to taint it with our sunscreen and sweat!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180172.jpg

The beach at the bottom
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180178.jpg

My sleepy MIL on the boat:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180186.jpg

My sleepy DH on the boat:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180188.jpg

The bus dropped us off and we walked back to the hotel. I saw this dog on the way and I wanted to take him home with me!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180198.jpg

We returned to our respective hotels and showered and got ready for dinner. My MIL was back to normal by the time we got off the bus, thank God! And she was hungry and ready for dinner like the rest of us. My SIL was feeling better at this point and my BIL was ready to go out! We dined at a wonderful restaurant right on the water.

DH and I at dinner
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180204.jpg

The view from our table
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6180202.jpg

After dinner, we strolled around the town for a bit. Then we stopped in an arcade/bar kind of place and played table tennis for a while. My BIL kicked everyone's butts. He's been living and teaching in South Korea for the past 2 years and he has apparently brushed up on his table tennis skills.

After the grueling ping pong games, it was time for bed! We slept HARD this night after our long day of hiking.

I think I made the gorge hike sound like torture, but it was actually very beautiful. DH and I would have enjoyed it immensely if we had not been worried about his mom throughout. But in the end, everyone was okay, and that's what matters!


Great sleeping pictures!!!!!

That crystal water......heaven I bet.

[jordanyosh]

After a 25 minute phone call with a very nice young man, I requested the section of Pop that we want to stay in, I made an ADR for Boma for dinner, and I gave him our flight numbers for Magical Express.

And DH actually sounds excited about Boma!

I asked DH yesterday "On a scale of 1 to 100, how excited are you about our trip to Disney World." His answer? "20." :mad:

After some more questioning, DH said he'll become much more excited about the trip as it approaches. :yay: And he admitted that he does actually enjoy himself at Disney World. :banana: He just wishes it didn't cost so much money. You know what I said to that? "Too bad!"

After seeing those pictures of Greece, I can see how the DH may put WDW at the lower end of the register. THAT SAID, being at WDW requires a unique frame of mind. It's hard to get people to that point and really what gets people in that frame of mind is so different for each individual.

I really found myself watching Erin and Dylan interacting with the characters this past trip and that made the trip for me. I found myself misting up a number of times.

Hopefully, there will be some moments for your husband that will help him see the MAGIC of Disney that transcends Mickey Mouse and the rides....I wish you all the best....:)

[jordanyosh]

Greece Day 5

We woke up this morning and packed up all our stuff. This was the day we would go to Santorini (a.k.a. heaven on earth!)

A couple of taxis took us to the ferry dock on Crete. We boarded the ferry and found our seats, which was 2 seats facing 2 other seats across a table. It was so nice to have that table there!

I loved traveling by ferry! It was so cool to see the coasts of the islands and it was so roomy!

Here's a pic from the ferry window:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190217.jpg

Here's DH and MIL sitting on the boat

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190216.jpg

We made friends with an elderly Greek couple who were just the most adorable people! They were so sweet. They didn't speak much English, but we didn't let that stop us from talking with them. The man told me that they were going to his nephew's wedding and they were going to dance the night away. Even with a metal knee. I think he wanted to show me his scar on his knee, but we arrived at port and ran out of time!

After arriving at the port in Santorini, we found our driver and started driving to our hotel. I think it was the combination of the breathtakingly gorgeous sight of Santorini and the atmosphere on the island that suddenly made us all positively giddy!

All five of us were giggling, talking, singing, etc!

We arrived at our INCREDIBLE hotel and checked in. While checking in, we saw brochures for private boat tours and we asked the concierge about it. They were VERY expensive, but the feeling of giddiness influenced us to just book it! So we were checked in and booked for a boat tour the next day.

Then it was time to check out our rooms! Again, DH and I had our own room and MIL, SIL, and BIL shared a room.

Here's our room (after our stuff was strewn about):
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200092.jpg

The bed was upstairs in the loft
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200093.jpg

After dumping our stuff in our rooms, we all quick-changed into our swimsuits and began the hike down to the water. Our hotel was perched pretty high up on a cliff, so the hike down was a little rough, especially after hiking the gorge the previous day. But it was oh-so-worth-it!

Our hotel is right under that windmill at the top left-ish
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200127.jpg

At the bottom of our cliff

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190222.jpg

Our swimming spot
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190225.jpg

We found a good, flat spot on some rocks, ditched our stuff and jumped in!

Soon, the diving and jumping from high places ensued!
BIL jumping/diving
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200132.jpg

Me entering the water after a big jump (my BIL took this pic and snapped it too late. The jump was much more impressive than this picture makes it seem. Oh, and I can't believe I'm posting a swimsuit shot)
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200137.jpg

DH cliff diving
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200147-1.jpg

After a couple heavenly hours in the Aegean sea, we began the hike up to the hotel.

At the top, it was time to shower by the pool and then jump in! Here's DH in the pool
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190221.jpg

After some real showers, it was time to watch the gorgeous sunset
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6190016.jpg

Then it was time for dinner. Dinner was pasta tonight and was DELICIOUS!

Back to the hotel for some poolside drinks
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6200086.jpg

Then, we went to our rooms and slept hard again!

It was a truly AMAZING day in Greece and tomorrow would be a fun day of boating on the Aegean Sea!

Does it get any better than this?

WDW is looking like a 20 for me after these pictures!!!!! Just kidding....I think.

[SwansLoveDisney]

Ohhhh like a one month anniversary? That would be fun. Oh or did you mean wait an entire year?!?

Just an option. The exbf has been talking about getting married a lot lately. Not sure if I should keep calling him the ex :rotfl2:

Maybe you could just stay in Europe UNTIL your one month anniversary!

How exciting! I love wedding talk! You better spill it on your ptr!

I cant get over the beauty of Greece!! Since I live in a tropical area, I love vacations that take place where there are no palm trees!! One day I will get over there...my friend went on a 2-3 week Mediterranean cruise! now THERES my future honeymoon!

A Mediterranean cruise does sound awesome.

There were some palm trees in Crete, which was weird to us.

Also, they had Oleander and Bougainvillea everywhere, which is exactly what we have in AZ. I guess it's cuz the climates are similar. :confused3

Beautiful pics! My favorite was the night view!!! Such a great view!!!

Too funny about your TGM comment!!! I am so glad that your DH is getting excited about some of the rides! Slowly, but surely...

Yep, slow and steady wins the race (to Disney)!

Great sleeping pictures!!!!!

That crystal water......heaven I bet.

I knew you'd love those sleeping pics.

That water was heaven. Indescribable.

After seeing those pictures of Greece, I can see how the DH may put WDW at the lower end of the register. THAT SAID, being at WDW requires a unique frame of mind. It's hard to get people to that point and really what gets people in that frame of mind is so different for each individual.

I really found myself watching Erin and Dylan interacting with the characters this past trip and that made the trip for me. I found myself misting up a number of times.

Hopefully, there will be some moments for your husband that will help him see the MAGIC of Disney that transcends Mickey Mouse and the rides....I wish you all the best....:)

I'm hoping that when we have kids, the magic will become much clearer to my DH. Until then, the brainwashing attempts will continue.

WDW is looking like a 20 for me after these pictures!!!!! Just kidding....I think.

I know...Greece was pretty amazing. But I love Disney just as much!

[jordanyosh]

I am NOT a world traveler like you and DH, but I have been a few places and WDW always wins hands down. WDW and Castaway Cay on the Disney Cruise......

[Native NYer]

I'll need to update on that situation soon :rolleyes1

[SwansLoveDisney]

I am NOT a world traveler like you and DH, but I have been a few places and WDW always wins hands down. WDW and Castaway Cay on the Disney Cruise......

I'm going to have to go on a Disney cruise one of these years. I went on a Disney cruise with my family when i was 12 year old and I was sea sick a lot of the time. So all I could do was lie in bed and then run onto land as soon as possible!

But I would like to give it another go because they sound like so much fun!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I'll need to update on that situation soon :rolleyes1

You certainly will!

[jordanyosh]

I'm going to have to go on a Disney cruise one of these years. I went on a Disney cruise with my family when i was 12 year old and I was sea sick a lot of the time. So all I could do was lie in bed and then run onto land as soon as possible!

But I would like to give it another go because they sound like so much fun!

It's definitely different than WDW, but soooooo nice. It CAN be much more relaxing depending on how many things you sign up for.

For me, it's laying by the pool or hanging on a beach or getting a massage......oh and lots of eating.....

[Native NYer]

You certainly will!


:thumbsup2

[k_reile]

I'm hoping that when we have kids, the magic will become much clearer to my DH. Until then, the brainwashing attempts will continue.





ME TOO!! DH said last night that he is not going back...he went once...wasn't that enough? Umm...NO!! I told him he will want to go when the baby is older and most likely it will not be until we have another baby anyways....and I want to go at least every 3 years which I think is managable. He does want to camp at Fort Wilderness though...I think he just likes to put on a show infront of other people. :confused3 He just does not want to admit to other people that he likes it at WDW.

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

The boat tour looked amazing. Now I am really rethinking our original plan of Greece over my beloved Holland Tulip Festival. I just don't know maybe I will go plan another Disney trip to get my mind off of Greece. Haha!

[SwansLoveDisney]

It's definitely different than WDW, but soooooo nice. It CAN be much more relaxing depending on how many things you sign up for.

For me, it's laying by the pool or hanging on a beach or getting a massage......oh and lots of eating.....

Sounds sooo nice...maybe someday!




ME TOO!! DH said last night that he is not going back...he went once...wasn't that enough? Umm...NO!! I told him he will want to go when the baby is older and most likely it will not be until we have another baby anyways....and I want to go at least every 3 years which I think is managable. He does want to camp at Fort Wilderness though...I think he just likes to put on a show infront of other people. :confused3 He just does not want to admit to other people that he likes it at WDW.

Are we married to the same person? :lmao:



The boat tour looked amazing. Now I am really rethinking our original plan of Greece over my beloved Holland Tulip Festival. I just don't know maybe I will go plan another Disney trip to get my mind off of Greece. Haha!

Have you been to the Tulip Festival already? If so, I say go to Greece this time!

And you should definitely plan another Disney trip to take your mind off of other travels! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

I am in awe of your trip to Greece. Everything looks so beautiful, the food so yummy. It totally reminds me of when I went to Italy. Ahhh...:cloud9:

[luvfigment]

You day on the boat and dinner look amazing!!! Your report is making Greece my #1 to do in Europe now.

Your comment about your TGM was hilarious!!! My DH mentioned to me today that he may want to go in Oct when he is home for a visit and before I move over there! Now that is from a man who wasn't that interested in Disney only 2 trips ago and doesn't want me to go 2 months in a row! I will just have to make sure we can get reservations at Boma since that is one of his favorite places to eat. I will keep you updated!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I am in awe of your trip to Greece. Everything looks so beautiful, the food so yummy. It totally reminds me of when I went to Italy. Ahhh...:cloud9:

Everything about Greece was wonderful...I miss it!

Where did you go in Italy?

You day on the boat and dinner look amazing!!! Your report is making Greece my #1 to do in Europe now.

Your comment about your TGM was hilarious!!! My DH mentioned to me today that he may want to go in Oct when he is home for a visit and before I move over there! Now that is from a man who wasn't that interested in Disney only 2 trips ago and doesn't want me to go 2 months in a row! I will just have to make sure we can get reservations at Boma since that is one of his favorite places to eat. I will keep you updated!

You must go to Greece! It was the best!

Hopefully, my DH will have a change of heart like yours has!

It's so exciting that your DH wants to go there before you move...please do keep me updated on that!

Will you go to MNSSHP if you go in Oct?

[TarzansKat]

Everything about Greece was wonderful...I miss it!

Where did you go in Italy?


Oh, gosh. Um, predominately Assisi (I actually cried when we left there I loved it so much), Sorrento, Naples...I'm totally going out of order here...Rome, the Amalfi Coast...

Ugh, I'm drawing a blank. I need to go look at my scrapbook! It was right after college, I remember exactly what I did, but not so much where! :lmao:

[k_reile]

Are we married to the same person? :lmao:





:lmao: I hope not because your DH and I would have some explaning to do.:rotfl2:

[pierresgirl]

I have to agree with Jordan, WDW is lookin' like 20 :rolleyes1 I am seriously dying over your pictures We are going to do a Med. cruise for my 40th (only 4 years away :cool1: ) far off but......

[SwansLoveDisney]

Oh, gosh. Um, predominately Assisi (I actually cried when we left there I loved it so much), Sorrento, Naples...I'm totally going out of order here...Rome, the Amalfi Coast...

Ugh, I'm drawing a blank. I need to go look at my scrapbook! It was right after college, I remember exactly what I did, but not so much where! :lmao:

i LOVED the Amalfi Coast...that's where our honeymoon was (that and Capri). Naples scared me! Sounds like you went a lot of places!



:lmao: I hope not because your DH and I would have some explaning to do.:rotfl2:

Yeah, like why you're having a baby and I'm not! :lmao:

[SwansLoveDisney]

I have to agree with Jordan, WDW is lookin' like 20 :rolleyes1 I am seriously dying over your pictures We are going to do a Med. cruise for my 40th (only 4 years away :cool1: ) far off but......

A Med cruise sounds awesome!

4 years...I'm probably going to have to wait 20 years before we go on another trip like Greece!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I have a question for anyone who can help.

One of my patients (6 years old) is going to WDW the week after I am going. He is one of my favorite kiddos (don't tell any of them I said that, k?). He and his family are staying at AKL. I would love to leave a little surprise for them at the desk at AKL (when we go there for Boma), but I'm wondering how long they will keep it? Does anyone know the answer to this question? :confused3

And the next part of the question: If this does indeed work, what should I leave for him? I know I will leave some Pluto dog treats because my patient's service dog will be there with them. But I need to think of something for my patient and his bro and sis.

I am so excited about their trip and I talk to him, his siblings, and especially their mom, about it every week when I am at their house!

Oh, and I was cracking up today because the mom told me that the service dog has been do Disneyland with his training family. He has ridden Pirates of the Caribbean, Small World, and Roger Rabbit's Toon Spinner (or whatever it's called!) , among other rides. I can't even imagine sitting in a boat with a big old goldendoodle while gazing at pirates! :rotfl:

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :goodvibes

[k_reile]

is it their first trip??

I would do the mickey ears (maybe personalized) depending on how much you want to spend though. I think if it is a kids 1st time at disney the mickey ears would be exciting to get and would want to wear them. And I would do the black classic ears.

Or

Autograph books and big fat pens....maybe a disposable camera that they can take their owns pictures to remember their trip with a small disney photo book that they can keep their memories in???

[Charleston Princess]

I am not sure about how long AKL would hold something -- you could call their front desk directly and find out.

I like the Mickey ears idea -- what about autograph books? Are they planning on any character dining? Also, what about just a cute pin or two?

That is so cute about his service dog having already been to Disneyland -- I just love the mental image of the dog riding all those rides!

[SwansLoveDisney]

is it their first trip??

I would do the mickey ears (maybe personalized) depending on how much you want to spend though. I think if it is a kids 1st time at disney the mickey ears would be exciting to get and would want to wear them. And I would do the black classic ears.

Or

Autograph books and big fat pens....maybe a disposable camera that they can take their owns pictures to remember their trip with a small disney photo book that they can keep their memories in???

Thank you for the awesome suggestions!

It is their first trip to WDW, but they have been to Disneyland several times (we're closer to DL). I'm going to have to check out his room next week to see if there are any Mickey ears. It would be so much fun to get him Mickey ears.

Oh, and I LOVE the autograph book suggestion!

Thank you! :goodvibes

I am not sure about how long AKL would hold something -- you could call their front desk directly and find out.

I like the Mickey ears idea -- what about autograph books? Are they planning on any character dining? Also, what about just a cute pin or two?

That is so cute about his service dog having already been to Disneyland -- I just love the mental image of the dog riding all those rides!

I'll call AKL and ask about their policy on that.

I love both the Mickey ears and autograph books idea!

I told my patient's mom that she must take videos of the dog on the rides so i can see it. His training family said he LOVED the drop part on Pirates!

[Charleston Princess]

I told my patient's mom that she must take videos of the dog on the rides so i can see it. His training family said he LOVED the drop part on Pirates!

That is something that should be on youtube!!! :lmao:

I am such a sap when it comes to dogs and dogs on rides at Disney? I am all about it!

[Native NYer]

I love the Mickey ears and autograph book selections. Your patient is going to be SOOOO happy!

[SwansLoveDisney]

That is something that should be on youtube!!! :lmao:

I am such a sap when it comes to dogs and dogs on rides at Disney? I am all about it!

I am a sap about dogs too. Sometimes I wish I were a dog therapist! :rotfl:

I have a confession to make, though...we are dogsitting right now for our friends' two dogs. Our friends are animal lovers to the core and they take animals no one else wants. That means that their two dogs are U G L Y. I hate to say that and I usually don't think ANY dogs are ugly, but these are some homely pooches. I have to MAKE myself pet them. And we have them till Monday. :scared1:

I love the Mickey ears and autograph book selections. Your patient is going to be SOOOO happy!

After reading on your thread, I am adding glow stuff to the list of stuff for my patient and his siblings. Thanks for the idea!

[Native NYer]

I think they'll have so much fun with it!! It's so great that you're surprising your patient.

[Charleston Princess]

I am a sap about dogs too. Sometimes I wish I were a dog therapist! :rotfl:

I have a confession to make, though...we are dogsitting right now for our friends' two dogs. Our friends are animal lovers to the core and they take animals no one else wants. That means that their two dogs are U G L Y. I hate to say that and I usually don't think ANY dogs are ugly, but these are some homely pooches. I have to MAKE myself pet them. And we have them till Monday. :scared1:

I can't imagine what these dogs must look like if you have to make yourself pet them! I'm laughing and scared at the same time!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I think they'll have so much fun with it!! It's so great that you're surprising your patient.

With the struggles this kid goes through on a daily basis, it's the least I can do!

I can't imagine what these dogs must look like if you have to make yourself pet them! I'm laughing and scared at the same time!

I would post a pic, but I'm afraid that would be very mean. The uglier of the two (a sharpei- pitbull mix) always tries to lick my face when I pet him. It gives me the creeps. And I am a dog lover through and through.

[Native NYer]

Awww you're a very sweet PT. Your patient is lucky to have you.

I hope he has a magical trip!

[Charleston Princess]

I would post a pic, but I'm afraid that would be very mean. The uglier of the two (a sharpei- pitbull mix) always tries to lick my face when I pet him. It gives me the creeps. And I am a dog lover through and through.

I can't help it, I am laughing so hard right now! Poor puppy! If ugly dogs need love, too! :rotfl2:

Glad it's you and not me! ;)

[pierresgirl]

I think the ears are a great idea as well, unless you remember something cool from the AKL since you stayed there. Goldendoodles are such pretty dogs and that's hilarious that he loves the drop on the pirate ride :lmao: She definetly needs to video that.

[SwansLoveDisney]

We woke up this morning in our beautiful Santorini hotel room and savored our last few hours on the island.

Breakfast was delicious, as always.

After everything was packed, we hiked up to the street and found the van that would take us to the airport.

The drive to the airport was beautiful. Everywhere you looked was a stunning view.

The airport in Santorini was TINY!!! Our flight was very short...45 minutes I think. We arrived in Athens and took taxis to our hotel room.

I retrieved the swimsuit and coverup that i had left in the hotel at the very beginning of the trip. I was so happy that they held it for me!

My MIL, SIL, and I headed over to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. This place was simply amazing. The statues, jewelry, artwork, and artifacts which we saw were fascinating. We could have stayed here for hours and hours looking at everything. We only had about 1 hour, though, as we had to be ready to go on our private tour of the Parthenon!

Our whole group met up in the lobby and our tour guide showed up promptly at 4 p.m. The tour driver drove us around to many of the significant places in Athens and gave us opportunities to get out and take pictures at many of the places.

Here is an Olympic stadium made completely of marble. It's hundreds of years old and very impressive in person. Our picture does not do it justice!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6210143.jpg

After seeing some Athens sites, it was time for the Acropolis and Parthenon!
here's a pic on our way up to the top:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6210157.jpg

It was quite a hike up to the Acropolis and is was VERY windy. The combination of the wind and the dust on the marble up there was VERY slippery. I actually fell down a couple times because my flip flops were so slick on the bottom! Only my ego was hurt though, thank goodness!

Here's half of the Odeon, a theater which was built by a king for his wife. (I'm lucky if I get flowers once in a while!)
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6210158.jpg

DH and I in front of the Parthenon
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6210169.jpg

All the "kids" in front of the Parthenon
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6210184.jpg

It was amazing to see the Parthenon up close. It has been destroyed twice in its history. They are missing many of the original pieces. In order to rebuild it, they mine marble from the same exact mines which were used for the original construction. It is easy to tell which parts are old (they're darker) and which parts are new (much whiter).

Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable on all things Greek, including mythology. She had very thorough answers for all of our questions. And she told us so much history and information about everything we saw. She kept us enthralled the whole time.

After the tour, we headed back to the hotel and got ready for our last Greek dinner.

Proof that I do actually do my hair and wear makeup sometimes (when I show my photo album to my patients and their families, they all say "your hair is blond!" They can't tell because my hair is in a ponytail every single day immediately after getting out of the shower)
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6210002.jpg


We headed out for dinner and went to a restaurant which was recommended by our tour guide.

The place was incredible. The best part was that at the end of the meal, our server brought out a HUGE plate of watermelon and honeydew melon. YUM!

After dinner, my MIL headed back to the hotel while the rest of us went to a cafe for some drinks. We sat at the cafe and chatted and savored our last evening in Greece.

Then it was time for bed.

Another wonderful day in Greece!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Going home

Today was the day we would return home. We had some breakfast at the hotel and then DH and I found a bookstore to buy some reading material for the long flight home.

We all said goodbye to my BIL, who would be staying in Europe and backpacking for the next month. He's coming back to the states next weekend and he will stay with DH and I. I can't wait to see him and hear all about his backpacking adventures! After that, he'll return to teaching in Asia, which he has been doing for the past 2 years.

It was off to the airport for the rest of us. Our flight to Atlanta was delayed about an hour. Then began the 12 hour flight. It seemed to go by faster than the 11 hour flight on the way there. I think it was because I watched 2 of the movies...27 Dresses ( love it!) and Spiderwick Chronicles.

I think this is Scotland
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6220015.jpg

And maybe Greenland
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6220028.jpg

We arrived in Atlanta, got through customs, and said goodbye to MIL and SIL who would fly back to California.

We had an uneventful flight back to Phoenix. We picked up our kids, I mean dogs, at our friends' house and went home.

It took us about 5 days to get adjusted to the time difference!

This was truly our best trip ever and I hope that someday, we'll return to this land of astounding beauty.

Is anyone going to see Mamma Mia this weekend? I am!

[troobabiee7]

Those pictures are GORGEOUS! Wow. And you look so pretty in that picture! I'm glad you guys had a great time in Greece, it looks like such an amazing place.

[DisMomAmy]

Wow! What an amazing trip - I'm sad your mini-TR has come to an end. Your pictures are amazing - it's like looking at a book or a postcard, except you are in the pictures! I've never been anywhere out of the US except for southeastern Canada and Jamaica (does that even count?). DH went to Europe in high school and regrets not taking it more seriously - it was more about having a good time with friends than enjoying Europe. I would love to take a long trip to Europe some day... It's great that you guys are traveling so much before having kids. But I suspect you'll continue to travel, even with little ones in tow!

[Sarilas]

DH and I in front of the Parthenon
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6210169.jpg

All the "kids" in front of the Parthenon
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P6210184.jpg

It was amazing to see the Parthenon up close. It has been destroyed twice in its history. They are missing many of the original pieces. In order to rebuild it, they mine marble from the same exact mines which were used for the original construction. It is easy to tell which parts are old (they're darker) and which parts are new (much whiter).

If you ever have reason to be in Nashville you must check out our full size replica of the Parthenon (http://www.nashville.org/Parthenon/index.htm)! It's pretty incredible to walk through and imagine what the real thing must've been like.

[SwansLoveDisney]

Those pictures are GORGEOUS! Wow. And you look so pretty in that picture! I'm glad you guys had a great time in Greece, it looks like such an amazing place.

Thanks and thanks!

It was amazing. Thanks for reading along and reliving it with me!

Wow! What an amazing trip - I'm sad your mini-TR has come to an end. Your pictures are amazing - it's like looking at a book or a postcard, except you are in the pictures! I've never been anywhere out of the US except for southeastern Canada and Jamaica (does that even count?). DH went to Europe in high school and regrets not taking it more seriously - it was more about having a good time with friends than enjoying Europe. I would love to take a long trip to Europe some day... It's great that you guys are traveling so much before having kids. But I suspect you'll continue to travel, even with little ones in tow!

Of course Jamaica and Canada count!

I went to France twice when I was in high school and I absolutely know what your husband means. I was way more into hanging with my friends for 2 weeks without our parents than appreciating the beauty of a foreign country and culture.

I sure do hope we continue to travel once we have kids! We'll definitely be traveling within the US because our kids will have grandparents in Illinois, Washington state, and California and great grandparents in South Carolina and Arizona. Europe and the like will most likely not be possible cuz kids cost so much money!!!

If you ever have reason to be in Nashville you must check out our full size replica of the Parthenon (http://www.nashville.org/Parthenon/index.htm)! It's pretty incredible to walk through and imagine what the real thing must've been like.

I have been in Nashville, but I did not know about the Parthenon!

I guess I was too focused on finding country music superstars when I was there.

I'll have to check it out next time!

[Nicole786]

Everytime i see the trailer for Mama Mia, i think of you!! One day I will get to go to greece, but thanks so much for letting me "tag along" on this trip!

[JaxJags08]

I loved your mini-TR! Is it kinda crazy that I was sad that it's over? I mean, I wasn't really on the trip but I just liked looking at your pictures.

No Mama Mia for me, though I have ABBA playing constantly on my iPod. Let us know how it is. I will be watching the new batman movie!

[SwansLoveDisney]

Everytime i see the trailer for Mama Mia, i think of you!! One day I will get to go to greece, but thanks so much for letting me "tag along" on this trip!

Thanks for reliving the trip with me!

So funny that you think of me when you see Mamma Mia! My friend just got back from Greece and he spent 4 days on the island where Mamma Mia was filmed. Skiakos, I think. He said it was awesome there. Next time...

I loved your mini-TR! Is it kinda crazy that I was sad that it's over? I mean, I wasn't really on the trip but I just liked looking at your pictures.

No Mama Mia for me, though I have ABBA playing constantly on my iPod. Let us know how it is. I will be watching the new batman movie!

I don't think it's crazy at all that you are sad that my mini TR is over. I get like that any time a TR ends!

Thanks for letting me relive it with you!

Let me know how Batman is. I want to see it, but not this weekend. I think it's gonna be crazy busy this weekend!

[Charleston Princess]

Such beautiful pictures of Greece! Thanks for sharing them with us! :goodvibes

Next trip: WDW? Or do you have something scheduled before that?

[SwansLoveDisney]

Such beautiful pictures of Greece! Thanks for sharing them with us! :goodvibes

Next trip: WDW? Or do you have something scheduled before that?

Thanks for reading! :goodvibes It was so much fun to share the trip with everyone here.

[SwansLoveDisney]

Now that Greece is just a memory :sad1: , I have some more trips on the horizon before the big one in November!

The weekend after next, I will go to my parents' house in Chicago. One of my dearest friends (who happens to be married to my cousin!) had a baby boy July 7, and I have to see that little man! Also, a different cousin (who happens to be one of my dearest friends) just got engaged, so I'm going to go wedding dress shopping with her. :yay: I did some research and made some appointments at bridal shops for her for the Friday I will be home. I have a whole schedule made up for her. I'm not just commando about Disney! In addition to all of that, my brother and SIL will be in town from Wisconsin, so I'm sure we'll all have a Disney planning meeting.

Then after that, DH and I will go to San Diego for my 29th birthday!!! :banana: We're going to hit the San Diego Zoo one day and do a spa day/beach day the next day and a beach day the last day. I can not wait for that!

My bestest friend and her husband will be out here for 3 weeks in September (he's a traveling doctor). One of the weekends they're here, we're going to try to go to her DH's parents' beach house in Mexico.

Hopefully, all of that will help pass the time until WALT DISNEY WORLD in November!!!!

[luvfigment]

What a wonderful way to end your time in Greece! It looks like it was a great trip and thank you for sharing it all with us.

Looks like you have a very busy next few months. Have fun and don't forget to keep us up to date on your plans.

BTW not to get off topic but DH agreed to go to Disney in Oct when he is home visiting!!! We will be there Oct 8-14th. Almost the same exact dates as our Disneymoon last year, just 1 day shorter and we are staying at WL. I have now started obsessive Disney planning and already have our ADR's booked. But they may be adjusted as I study things more I just wanted to make sure we could get in to the places we wanted most. Ok enough hijacking of your pre-trippie....thanks again for sharing Greece with us! Talk to you soon!

Oh 1 more question...what are the ages of the kids you do PT on?

[jordanyosh]

It looks like you had a great time in Greece.

Isn't great to have family that are not only that, family, but also your best friends. I have 2-3 cousins that I'm really close to. Wendy is like my younger sister.......

Chicago.....:cloud9: Although it'll be warm and muggy for sure.