We roamed the islands for our two week stay in Greece. It was generally a more laid back pace compared to our average travelling days. When it was time to leave, I noted in my journal “It’s sad to leave the islands. We’re going back to the hustle and bustle of travelling.” Even at a relaxed pace, Sarah and I tended to explore as we were not “beach people”. Our touring included a good dose of greek mythology, getting acquainted with each island and plenty of tasty Greek food. I felt a sense of awe walking up the smooth worn marble steps of the Acropolis to the Parthenon. The rocky…

The Venetians controlled a large trading empire from the 12th to 18th centuries leaving behind a legacy of fine architecture in Italy and Greece. Crete was an important Venetian base on this historic trading route. That’s how we ended up strolling along an old Venetian harbour in Chania, the second largest city on the island of Crete. We stayed in a lovely little hotel recommended in our guidebook. The location overlooking the harbour was fantastic. Gazing out our window we could see the awnings over the harbourside cafes, smell the gyros, and listen to restaurant owners coaxing visitors to stop at their establishment. We wandered leisurely through the narrow backstreets…

I never went to summer camp as a kid. So my first camp experience was the Pink Palace on the island of Corfu. The Pink Palace offers a full slate of activities: lounging in the huge jacuzzi, the Ouzo Cup volleyball tournament and beer chugging contests. Bacon and eggs in the morning. Ouzo circle in the evening. Camp leaders walk gleefully around the circle, tell jokes and smash a plate over your head. Only thing missing is craft time. It was amusing, but did not feel like Greece. Other than the dominance of ouzo, I would not have guessed we were in Greece. Even this traditional spirit was a little…