Saturday, April 2, 2011

A Grecian Spring Break

Cioa Darlings!


For me, spring break never meant crazy parties in Cancun or living it up at some balmy beach destination. Spring break meant sleeping in and eating cereal out of the box all day in front of the television. With stressful weeks during the normal semesters, I always looked forward to spring break as my chance to unwind and relax. This year, however, spring break saw me on a Grecian getaway on the beautiful island of Corfu and the historical mainland of Athens.

The island of Corfu
Corfu is a small island that is surrounded by an incredible view of the beaches and the mountains. Looking out from our hostel, the ocean literally spans out until it touches the horizon - you can only imagine how breathtaking the sunsets were. We stayed at the obnoxiously tacking, and so much fun hostel, The Pink Palace, where, I kid you not, everything was pink from the pepto bismal colored walls to the souveniers, to the cocktails specials. The first day was a travel day so we just settled into our rooms and walked along the beach after dinner. On the second day, I went on an ATV Safari where I got to drive around the mountains with the group on a four wheeler. The scenery looked like it was taken straight out of a children's storybook. That night was the famous Pink Palance Pink Toga party where everyone dressed up in pink togas. We saw traditional Greek dancing, got shots of the famous Greek drink, Ozoo, got plates smashed across our heads, and danced the night away. On the third and final day, I went into Corfu town and did some shopping and explored the quaint little town. We left for Athens after dinner was over.
A small part of the Pink Palace!
The ATV Safari Ride

Overlooking the island on a high mountian

Pink Toga Party!

The Greek Dancers
Smashed dish remains on the floor
 
In Corfu Town

We traveled throughout the night from Corfu to Athens and checked into our hostel early in the morning. I took a quick nap and woke up in time for the guided walking tour where we explored amazing sights such as the Parliament, the National Gardens, saw the National Guards, the 1894 orginal Olympic Stadium, The Temple of Zeus, and the stunning Acropolis where the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena once majestically stood until it was destroyed into barely there ruins. Little fact: every city has an acropolis as it is the highest point of any city, but the term is most associated with Athens, Greece. After the walking tour ended, we shopped around a bit in the markets, grabbed dinner, and called it an early night. The next day, the group set out for a small island off the coast of Athens, Agina, where we explored the small town, climbed the ruins, and walked along the beach. It was a full day event so by the time we got back to the hostel, we called it a night. The next morning was an extremely early one, because I wanted to see the 2004 Olympic Stadium and the Acropolis Museum. The Olympic Staidum was awesome but I was disappointed with how dirty it became with all of the grafetti and the garbage spilling over. The Acropolis Museum was quick and small, but filed with the amazing artifacts and statues that once decorated the Parthenon in the Acropolis.

Remains from The Temple of Zeus

The Temple of Athena - You can see some of Athens in the background
Atop the Acropolis

Approaching the town of Agina


Besides the painful, long, and extremely exhausting journey to and from Greece, (it was literally from bus to boat, to ferry, to bus for hours) the destinations were relaxing, fun, and informative. The food was absolutelt delicious and I made it a point to try all of the Greek delicacies including cheap 2 Euro lamb gyros, Greek salad with feta cheese, and lots of tzetzeki sauce.


Next up on the agenda is London, one of the cities that I have been most excited to see since I can remember!

Eternally yours,
Stephanie

14 comments:

Twenty.Something said...

Beautiful photos! Corfu is one of my favorite Greek islands... and I just adore Athens.

Cancun is fun too ;)

But I totally agree... nice to unwind!

Love the toga!

http://artfashiontwentysomething.blogspot.com

madeleine said...

Seriously, you have the most beautiful life and photos.

And I would happily steal your banner ... it's so perfect!!

That pink palace .. is it heaven?

Tina said...

i've never been a big fan of pink but the pink palace is amazing. greece is amazing. it's now on my list of places to visit :)

Cafe Fashionista said...

Ohmigosh the Pink Palace - I love! I want to live there! Also, you look adorable in your pink toga!! :)

Couture Carrie said...

Oh I love Corfu!
What amazing pics!

xoxox,
CC

Maddy said...

These pics are awesome!! And they have me all excited for my trip to Greece this summer! I can't wait to see the ruins, participate in Toga parties and just have fun eating and photographing all the sights and sounds :)

Oh to Be a Muse said...

what lovely photos--looks like so much fun. this is the type of way i would want to spend spring break :)

Cat said...

Look totally and in all other ways magical! I adore your pink toga...wow, you look like a Grecian goddess for sure ;)

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Oh my gosh what an AWESOME trip, I am SO jealous!

Fashion Cappuccino said...

Hi Stephanie! Wow, you're having my dream vacation right now! Corfu looks so beautiful and just looking at the photos make me wish I live there! It also reminds me of one of my favorite movies "My Family and Other Animals"! Have you watched it? And you're going to London next?! Lucky you! xoxoxoo

little luxury list said...

Corfu looks like a lovely and serene place! Mmm I miss gyros and greek salad.

Have fun in London!

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

Jen said...

You have no idea how jealous I am!! These pictures are gorgeous and it looks like you were having so much fun! Next time... take me with!!!

Haute World said...

I've never been to Corfu or Athens, but your pictures are fab. The Pink Palace is truly over the top though! I've heard many people say that Athens is quite dirty, which is a shame. Hope you have a great time in London. You're lucky the weather seems to be pretty good at the moment here!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Seriously...can I have your life? You realize how incredibly lucky you are right? And you deserve it! ♥

I would die to go to Greece. Greece and Rome are my top two places.