Historical

The next morning, we laced up our running shoes to go see the changing of the guards at Parliament, then to head up to the Acropolis. If only I had known there was a 10k that morning, we would have been signed up. After mousakka and lamb and baklava and jet lag it would have been absolutely horrible, but how cool would it have been to run a race through Athens that started at the Parthenon?

Can't win them all.

Parliament. It looked so governmental, I was hoping we might see a riot. From a distance, of course. No such luck.

Day one of people dressed too hot for the weather. I guess they don't have a choice...but still.

Me and some olive trees.

Incredible view. We were both representing - Roll Tide! I even wore my old school t-shirt, since the Acropolis is pretty old school.

Great picture to show our kids that once we were young, blonde and actually went places. I'm sure this will be received with an eye roll. I like it anyways.

It was so incredible to take it all in and imagine how much history took place here. It's amazing to me that it's still there and how great it looks, even if it does have cranes here and there. Anything that old deserves a face lift.

Namath would have been right at home in Athens. Dogs were everywhere. This was in front of a cathedral. They were so comfortable with all the crowds, sometimes you would have to step over them sleeping in the street. Sounds familiar.

After taking a detour and seeing most of Athens, we decided to sit at an outdoor cafe on the Plaka with a Mythos to kill a little time before we had to take the metro to our ferry.

Off to the islands!

The ferry to Santorini was around 5 hours. Luckily, it wasn't very full, since I didnt know to buy the airplane seats (read: indoor comfortable seating). Lesson learned. Unfortunately the cabin smelled like feet for most of the ride. Maybe because the guy beside us had his shoes off. I'm a regular Nancy Drew.

We made multiple trips to the deck for some fresh air.

Santorini!

Then the next morning, we woke up to this view ....

Moussaka and the Plaka

The week before we left for Greece, we were both out of town for work. This led to a late night of packing before an early flight. Doesn't mean you can't celebrate vacation while you pack.

After 3 hours of sleep, I dressed as close to pajamas as I could while still looking like I changed after I got out of bed, and we were ready to head out. After a large cup of coffee, of course. I look tired. I'm blaming it on the airport lighting.

Since flying is so dehydrating, once arriving in Charlotte we decided to get some liquid in the system. And mexican. Why not?

Two flights later (sounds much shorter than it was), we landed in Athens.

Even the ads were pretty.

We took the metro to downtown, and this was the view when we emerged. Hello, Greece.

We checked into the Knoxville suite, took in the view and then went out to check out the Plaka, the oldest section of Athens.

Divine providence meant this was outside our hotel.

We got geared up for our hike with our first greek meal.

Why I haven't been eating tzatziki with every meal of my life, I'll never know. I did get the recipe, and will be making this often.

Had to try a frappe, which people were drinking like water. I don't think I'll be recreating this at home anytime soon. But, it wasn't too bad.






After we got our bearings around the plaka, we decided to go watch the sunset on the roof of our hotel.

Mission accomplished, so we headed to dinner. Tripadvisor.com was my best friend planning this trip. We knew we wanted to visit the restaurant rated number one in Athens, and it did not dissapoint.

I had the moussaka - a baked dish with a layer of potatoes, eggplant, meat, cream and then cheese. Easily one of the best meals I had in Greece.

It was so good I wanted a picture with it.

Matt had a lamb dish. The name is failing me right now, but suffice to say, it was amazing.

Connie, the owner, made our experience so fun. She explained all the dishes, talked to us and let us enjoy our meal. It felt more like eating at a friends house.

It was a great first night in Greece, and I couldnt believe the next morning when I saw the view out our window. So cool.

Until next time, don't forget....

Subtle.

Slow Start

I don't even know where to begin to blog about Greece, not to mention the wedding I haven't blogged about either. So, I'll stick my toe in the water here.

Trip stats:

5 flights

3 ferry rides

5 books

389 pictures

A few favorites -

We had an amazing time. Just being able to totally get away from tv, phones and email was incredible.

If you haven't already picked up that I'm more of a saver than a spender, let me just tell you, I'm more of a saver than a spender, so I've felt mixed emotions the past few months about taking what I consider a more extravagant vacation. I've battled the 20 other things we could do with that money.

That being said, I'm so thankful we were afforded (haha) this opportunity. I'm slowly learning that life is about balance. We'll reach all our goals, and it's ok to enjoy a 20 oz beer and souvlaki along the way.

Recaps to come...

Sometimes...

Seersucker and Mint Juleps

Last weekend we got all gussied up for a good cause and I put on a hat I'm trying to convince myself I'll wear again.

MS, on the other hand, informed me he was definitely wearing this outfit to a wedding this summer.

Through the years we've had a few opportunities to go to Derby parties, but something always got in the way. Much like my hat did all night.

The seersucker made quite the impression, as MS made the top 3 for most daper gentleman. He worked it.

Snack Time

Gather round and put your nap cots up. It's snack time.

I've never moved away from this K-4 staple and I hope you haven't either, because I've found some great one's lately you should definitely add to your rotation.

Long gone are the days when I burn 9300 calories a day, so I try to stick to something a little lighter.

I'm a little late to get on the greek yogurt train, but unfamiliar dairy freaks me out more than Charlie Sheen, so generally I steer clear. Big mistake. It has a thicker texture than regular yogurt, which I usually buy to feel healthy then throw out six weeks later, and the Athenos brand has fruit in a seperate compartment for you to mix in. Plus its full of protein, which makes you skinny and beautiful. Or something like that.

I finally tried the vitatops after hearing about them virtually everywhere because they were BOGO at Publix. I know you're shocked. These are great when you want something sweet. I almost like the banana nut better than the double chocolate. Great with coffee in the morning, full of protein and fiber, and right around 100 calories. These muffin tops make me happy.

Also great when you want something sweet. Antioxidants. Flavanoids. A lot of big words meaning this is a pretty good tasting snack that is pretty good for you.

And if you don't feel like a nut (sometimes you don't...) here's a great option as well. I like these with some fruit.

There you have it. The hottest in spring snacking for 2011.

It's Been A While

What a week we had last week - a royal wedding, devestating tornados and the death of Bin Laden. Pretty emotional.

This was the light outside of our apartment after some straight line winds tore through downtown.

I could not believe the amount of insulation from who knows where littering the streets around us.

We had a good friend who, just a week after having her sweet baby boy, had her childhood home destroyed.

The damage is wide reaching. There are so many ways to help and give back in what will prove to be a long recovery process. If you are a couponer, or not, I thought this was something quick and easy anyone can do while you're out to make a donation.

Meanwhile, babies were born and people still got married. Life has a way of moving on, even in the midst of crisis.

He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them.

Job 37: 11-12

He is always in control.