I’m a wonderful packer. And by wonderful I mean I over pack and stuff as many things as I possibly can into my giant suitcase and pray I am under the weight limits. 9 times out of 10 I am over. But hey, when you travel to amazing places like Greece, how can you only pack one outfit a day??? It’s just not possible people!

 

I really considered doing a “what you should pack” post but then remembered the above – I am a actually a terrible packer. I should definitely not be giving anyone advice on how to pack for a trip overseas.

 

However, telling you how a trip changed me and what I learned while traveling, now that I can most certainly do! Especially when that trip is to the amazing country of Greece!

 

First, I was lucky enough to have a wonderful travel companion who is an explorer at heart and wants to try all the things – which matches my travel mentality. I am definitely not a “sit by the pool all vaca” kind of an international traveler. I want to see EVERYTHING! And I am grateful for this trip and really highlighting that adventurer spirit in me!

 

Our trip was broken out into two legs: Mainland Greece and the Greek Isles. Both are completely different vibes so I thought it best to break them out separately.

 

Week One Tidbits: Mainland Greece

Athens is just a regular ole city you’d find just about anywhere, with the one exception of having a giant thousands of years old Metropolis hanging out in the cliffs above the city. Oh, and the Metropolis was completely different than I expected. Like most ruins in Greece, there were many steps to get to the top and to actually see the monument. The whole campus is huge and it’s must bigger than I originally thought it was going to be. Plus to craftsmanship on all of it was incredible.

 

Booking everything and traveling with a tour group was the BEST DECISION EVER. We met amazing people and were never lost because we literally had a guide throughout the whole trip. Plus, booking with the group meant our housing, travel between locations, and some meals were taken care of (all included in the group price).

 

When in Olympia, definitely go stand on the original finish line of the Olympic stadium. It was so cool! The history behind every area of the original Olympic field is incredible, with extremely large pillars that make you just wonder how in the world these people put this together thousands of years ago! Also, did you know athletes had to compete nude because they didn’t want anyone cheating? And they most definitely shamed any cheaters with a statue that highlighted it for the entire world to know!

 

A fun surprise was the small city of Delphi. It has the cutest downtown area and views of the countryside. We took a tour of the old ruins in Delphi, which included a full amphitheater and athletic stadium. Every inch of this area was covered in history, battles and sacrifices for the Gods.

 

The town of Meteora is a dream. Monks literally build these monasteries into the cliffs so the only way to get to some of them is by a pulley. Yes, I said pulley! When you visit the monasteries, all women have to wear a skirt (they provide some if you need it) and you must cover your shoulders. Oh, and trust me the 150 steps to each monastery is worth every.single.step. I promise.

 

Food in the country is heaven – I don’t think I’ve ever eaten better in my life. Eat all the lamb and moussaka you can handle. Oh, and yogurt in Greece is not called Greek Yogurt. It’s just yogurt 😉

P.S. Greece has so many stray cats, it really just amplified my inner cat lady!

 

My favorite tidbits from Santorini and Mykonos will be blogged next month so stay tuned! And in the meantime, anything you want to know about this trip??