Mykonos, Greece

Friday

Another island vacation began with another early morning and long boat ride.  The weather was looking amazing and we were off to celebrate our friend’s 21^st birthday – so it was looking out to be an amazing time.

So we had an early wake up call of about 5:30a to get going on our adventure!  We all met outside and were ready to go.  I took a tumble outside of the apartments because someone tripped me in our bag full of Stradlebrau (we decided to bring our own alcohol for economic reasons – 2:50 E for an 8-pack).  We caught some cabs and away we went.

The beginning of our 5+ hour boat trip was spent inside because it was a bit chilly out, but eventually we made it out on the deck and enjoyed some sun and beers.

Once we arrived at the island the group split up.  Some were staying a hostel and some at the hotel with our friends that were already there.  I chose the hotel.  It was the nicest hotel ever- so great.  Except maybe the floor because it was tiny little stones that hurt a little to walk on and when a little drunk some may be tempted to spit on.  We got it for 50E a night when in high season it is 300E so I would say it was a deal, and I am so happy that I took it.  Here is the hotel:

Once we got there we met up with other peoples at the hotel and they mentioned that they rented an ATV to get around to the beaches so I sent Tyler on a mission and he came back with an ATV.  Off we went to Paradise Beach to meet up with everybody. Here are pictures from Paradise Beach:

We made it back to the hotel for sunset which we enjoyed on our fabulous balcony.

Then we made the HORRIBLE mistake of eating an amazing dinner and then napping before meeting up with our friends for the 21^st celebration.  I set the alarm for 9 something but woke up in a panic at 12 but that did not stop us.  We immediately set out and actually found them in the town – yea, who would have guessed.  We just went into any place that was playing loud music and eventually just found them along the water.  We had an amazing night and had a good 21^st celebration.

Saturday

So we got up, had an amazing breakfast at the hotel and set out for some joy riding along the island.  We stopped along the way for some good pictures:

We had plans to then meet up at Paradise Beach so that is where we set off to!  We spent a lot of time there in the sun having a good time.  

Then it was lunch time.  I enjoyed some calamari and shared some with a local cat.  It was great.

That evening we planned on meeting up at our place to have some fun before going out.  It was a fun time!  After we went back to the club we went to the previous night and danced the night away.

Sunday

The next day was the day to leave…sad.  BUT we started it with another amazing breakfast so I was okay with it I guess.  We then set off for some island exploring.  There were a ton of beaches on the island, and I wanted to see a few of them.

First stop was Paradise Beach one more time.

Then we headed over to Super Paradise Beach – very super!  Our ATV couldn’t go up hills the best so on our way we decided that it would not be a good idea so we had to do a lot by foot to get there but it was so worth it.

Then we had to head back into town to get our return ferry tickets before the ticket office closed.

After we got the tickets, we had the most amazing lunch ever.  It was incredible.  I ate mussels for the first time – I needed to eat seafood but fish here scares me because it normally comes whole and I don’t like my food looking at me.  So mussels seemed safe.  It was amazing.  We also got to watch the most adorable dog during lunch so it was even better.

Then it was over.  We had to return the ATVs and have a quick bite to each before getting to the port.  Walking around we ran into these large birds.

Then we were at the port and going home.

It was an amazing trip filled with friends, beer, sunburn, dancing, fancy hotel, and celebrations – Mykonos, check.

Toga Party

Today was a busy day.  It began a bit later because our first class was canceled but then we were off to the Agora – again.  We got lectured at for a while there and then made our way back to the Athens Centre to study for our Modern Greek Oral Final.  It went very well.  Very stress free and not too hard.  I stumbled a few times but Greek is very difficult so it was understandable.  As soon as that was over it was back home to clean and get ready for our potluck.  The apartment was set up and Corrine cooked up some great lasagna and the festivities began!  It was a great party.  Our Modern Professor came so that was nice and we all looked fabulous in our togas!  Tomorrow is an early, early morning for Mykonos so the party ended semi-early but it was a great night!

Finishing Paper and Laughing

Today was one of those great days where you don’t know that it is great until you are laying in bed at the end of it thinking – that was great.  Nothing actually happened of substance and there are no pictures to show for it.  However, it began like normal – wake up, do laundry, work on my paper more, go to City States, hate that class, work on paper more, get food, last Modern Greek class, home.  However, I did get some packages from home that MADE my day – thanks!  And I got some emails from the loves of my life that I have to respond to promptly.  I guess it was just that I finished my paper in a timely fashion so I had the night to just hang out and enjoy life and laugh a lot.  The time here is slowly passing and as sad as I am to have to leave here next month – it will be nice to get back to reality.  But for the meantime I’ll just enjoy this fantasy world where I get to sit in the sun this weekend on the beach in Mykonos… don’t be jealous.  Tomorrow is another Potluck – Toga themed so it should be interesting.  It is also time to hand in these stupid papers and our Modern Greek oral final.  My group is really good for that so I am not too concerned but I must brush up on some of the details so I don’t look like a fool.