Summertime and the livings easy.

Here is a short playlist to put you in just the right mood for this post. Please click, play and enjoy!




SUMMER SOUND WAVES <--------

Forgive me world, I have sinned. It's been 20 days since my last blog post. Ok, I've been a bad blogger, a really bad blogger. Mostly the reason for my silence was that I was traveling and had little to no internet connection when it was actually appropriate to write and on some trips, I didn't have my laptop with me at all. A little bit of my silence came from that "summer chill out vibe" where you're doing basically nothing, are bored, but just can't seem to make yourself do anything at all (any student on summer vaca knows what I'm talking about). And lastly, I caught the SUMMER flu and needed ANNAbiotics. (The OC reference, any OC fans out there?) I was totally laid out, sick as a dog. I think it was a combination of traveling and being exposed to many people and their germs, sweating and going in and out of air conditioning AND partying and not getting adequate hours of sleep. Its day 10, my voice is still altered from nasal blockage and I continue to hack up a lung daily, but I'm finally able to lift my head off my pillow and get back in your lives. This post is all about my summer travels!









Athens (specifically the suburbs of Glyfada & Voula)






The city, this is where I normally live here in Greece, my home base. Located to the south of Athens by the sea. It's a hot spot for Athenians during the months of summer, they come for the beaches and seasonal clubs.




Where you can find me when I'm in the area:
Beaches-Παραλια [para-LEE-a] (Greek for beach, I'm still educating you.)
Vouliagmeni Beach & Yacht Club
Balux
Akanthus
Yabanaki

Cafes & Bars-Καφες & Μπαρς (Pronounced the same as the English words.)
OPUS Inner Pleasure
Soleto
Living
Baron
Holy Spirit
Mikro
Speak Easy
Rumors
Moorings
Island (club




Kardamili

Where my country home is, located in the Mani area of the Peloponnese. The closest major city is Kalamata, approximately a 45 minute drive. Many of you may have seen Kardamili without knowing it. It was one of the locations used in the Oscar nominated film, Before Midnight. It is a small, beautiful village with both mountains and the sea. There are many outdoor activities that can be done here, some include hiking, biking, rock climbing, swimming and scuba diving. Check out 2407 Kardamili Mountain Activities if you're interested. There is one main street that houses all the shops, markets and organic food stores, bakeries, many of the cafes and even a frozen yogurt shop. The people of the village are warm and welcoming, and if they get the chance they will definitely strike up a conversation to hear all about your story and what brought you to Kardamili.

There are many beaches in the area and all of a different variety ranging from small, medium and large pebbles to fine sand and combinations of the two.

Some of my favorite beaches include:
Ritsa (the main beach of Kardamili)
Kalamitsi
Fonea
Delphinia
Kologria

The establishments I frequent the most:
Cafes & Bars:
Androuvista
 Xai Xou
1866 Brewery
Tikla
Aquarella
Public (club)
Galagio

Restaurants:

Elies
Lela's
Dioskouri

Due to the fact I have houses in both these locations I know the areas pretty well and could describe each of the listed in great detail. I promise to do this in the future, each place with a post of its own, but just not now, it would make this one lengthy post if I did, so stay tuned.

 
I also visited 4 Greek islands this summer. I visited Sifnos, Paros and Antiparos from the Cyclades grouping of islands. I also went to Hydra which belongs to the Saronic grouping. So here's a quick bit about my time spent in each place!

Sifnos

A quieter island, it has many visitors though it never seems too crowded or loud. It's perfect for couples or families. I went there with a friend and my dad so lets call it a family vacation. It's a beautiful island.  I stayed in a town called Apollonia, it has great restaurants, bars and shops (I will recommend a few below that I visited). To get the very best out of Sifnos I suggest going out in the boat. The beaches are nice but very short (from shore to sea I mean) so going out in a boat gives you the opportunity not only to explore the island from a different point of view, but to have a more private, secluded beach location. My favorite spot in Sifnos was Platis Gialos, its a beach front spot that house house all my favorite restaurants on the island along with a great cafe. Kastro, is another must when visiting Sifnos. It is the old capital of the island.  Here you can see many ancient ruins mixed in with the modern homes.  Also, there is the church of Seven Martyrs (Eftamartires),  that is worth the trek of many stairs for the view and a photo op! The island is also known for its pottery, so if you're looking for souvenirs or gifts definitely check out the beautiful ceramics.

Omega 3
Mamma Mia
To Steki
Palmira






Hydra

An island very close to mainland Greece and can easily make visiting this island a nice day trip. There are two different ways to reach the island.  The first is take a ferry boat from Piraius port and it takes 1-2 hours depending on the ship you take, or drive to Porto Hydra which from Athens takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. It's a beautiful drive and allows you to see more of the country side of Greece.  Warning though, at certain points the road is very windy so if your prone to motion sickness, be prepared. From Porto Hydra you can take a 10-15 minute ride on a water taxi to get to the island.

I went the driving route because I have a friend with a house in Porto Hydra so we stayed there for the weekend and spent a day on the island (and when I say day, I mean day, 1pm-6am, a lonngggg day)

I went the driving route because I have a friend with a house in Porto Hydra so we stayed there for the weekend and spent a day on the island (and when I say day, I mean day, 1pm-6am, a lonngggg day)

We were dropped in a small port (not the main one) with about a 5 minute walk to my favorite spot on the island, Castello. Its located on Kamini Beach and is a renovated 18th  century fort. It is now a cafe-bar, restaurant and club. They also provided lounge chairs and umbrellas on the beach with wait service. They lounges are extremely comfortable with thick leather cushions and there are sheer white curtains draped from the umbrellas if you desire more privacy. I highly recommend ordering the fruit salad as well, it's a GIANT bowl of fresh delicious fruits including half a pineapple, and pieces of kiwi, watermelon, honeydew melon, grapes, apple, banana and orange.

Castello is about a 15 minute walk, 5 minute mule ride and 1 minute water taxi ride from the main port of Hydra (the main town). There are no cars, motorcycles, or bicycles on the island. The only forms of transportation are your own two feet and donkeys, so your bound to get some exercise in! 

The main port has many seaside shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. It is quaint and picturesque with natural stone and colorful buildings and of course the ever photogenic donkeys! 




 Paros




Immediately after arriving in Paros and stepping off the boat, I drag my bag across the street and grab a coffee at Limani Cafe. Its a small hole in the wall place, but the staff is extremely friendly and the coffee is good! I also love the sayings they have hanging all over their walls like "Coffee, tea or me?" or "You can't buy happiness but you can buy ice cream and that's kind of the same thing!" They also have an internet station and will hold luggage for you in case you want to explore and walk around without your bags. Paros Island is one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, definitely a hot spot and only a 3 hour boat ride on the highspeed ferry. There are two main towns on the island, Paroikia and Naoussa. Both places have great shops, restaurants and bars, though Naoussa is known to be slightly more posh. I liked starting in Paroikia and then going to Naoussa for the main event. Holy Spirit Paros (Come Back), Barbarossa, Agosta are some of the most popular in Naoussa. All the bars will close around 3am except Lionardos'. You can imagine what goes on there, expect loud greek music to be bumping and do not order anything with hard alcohol, stick to beer or water for your own good. After 3 is the only acceptable time to inhabit Lionardos'.

Shops to note on the Island that I believe have locations in both Paroikia and Naoussa:Angel's (clothing, shoes, accessories)
Melissa (clothing, accessories, small house items)
White (accessories)

 The terrain of Paros is easy to navigate, all of its many beaches are accessible by car unlike many other islands that have beaches you can only reach by boat. Here are a few of the island's best:

Golden Beach (world renowned for wind surfing, holds an international competition every year)
Martselo (in the harbor of Paroikia, an organized beach, party spot as well as family friendly)
Santa Maria (close to Naoussa, an organized beach, offers water sports)
Farangas (Southern part of the island, more secluded and quiet)
Pounda (close to Paroikia, an organized beach, more of a party sport, offers water sports)

And before you leave the island be sure to stop at Chaniotis and have a burger. One of the better burgers I've had in Greece. They make them with more of an American flavor because they don't  season them like Greek bifteki like the majority of places here do. The burgers are huge and you can put pretty much what ever you want on them, including french fries. Chaniotis is always my last meal Paros, grabbing a burger just before I get on the boat. For your convenience they also deliver.

Fun fact: Parthenon was built with marble from the island. Paros is now famous for its marble.




Antiparos 




Another good thing to known when visiting Paros is that you can easily combine it with a trip to the island Antiparos (ah-DIP-par-os). It's a 1- minute boat ride less than 4 euros round trip per person and if you want to bring a car its only an additional 12 euros (round trip). Originally the island was only for camping but in the last 5 or 6 years has been built up and is now more on the cosmopolitan side and still growing. This development was in large part due to the fact Tom Hanks purchased property on the island (Greeks are a bit celebrity obsessed). Depending on the length of your trip, Antiparos is great for both a day trip or a few days of its' own. Due to frequent ferry times, it is also possible to go to the island just for a drink and return to Paros a few hours later.

Noteable spots:

Soros Beach (no lounge chairs but it offers puffs and umbrellas, there is also a taverna on the beach with really good food and reasonably priced. They also had an amazing DJ playing music.)
Margaritas (great food-especially the breakfast)
Lolos (Italian food-known for its pizza)
Boogaloo (excellent cocktails)

Its been an extremely full summer, especially the second half and though summer is coming to a close, its not over yet and I have saved the best trip for last. Next week I'll be traveling back home to the good ole' US of A for the first time in nearly a year and a half (my longest time away from home).


xx

Commitment Issues.

For a long time now I've asked my self the questions, "Am I ready?""It'd be permanent, can I commit?""Do I really know what I want and will I still want this five or ten years from now?" I also hear my father's voice echoing in my head saying he will kill me unless I'm at least 30, OR WORSE, cut me off.

Therefore, these are all the reasons I haven't been able to take the plunge and commit to a tattoo.

For all you others out there with cold feet and and not ready for that "long term relationship", I've found you the perfect "fling". Let me introduce you to Flash Tattoos. Flash Tattoos, are jewelry inspired temporary tattoos and are absolutely to die for! They give you the fix you've always desired, leaving you totally satisfied, yet you can wash them away when you please. No commitment, no regret, no remorse.

This past weekend was my first time with Flash Tattoos and unlike some other first times, I don't regret this one at all! I spiced up my pre-vaca grooming routine of waxing and a mani/pedi with the application of my Flash Tattoos. I chose two, both were upper arm bands, one gold and one silver, resembling upper arm cuffs. I received so many compliments, one guy even went as far as saying I was "the perfect woman" because he thinks tattoos are "hot" and wants his girlfriend to have them but then followed it with "but I would never want my wife to have them." With that food for thought, I quickly concluded my temporary tats were a success! Oh, and don't worry, I didn't fall for that guys' line! 

I had to.

So, after flashing everyone all weekend (with my tattoos) I've decided, Flash Tattoos are a MUST. Even though its a little sad to see my tattoos fade away, I'm relieved that I'm not burdened with an everlasting regret. They were the perfect match for my bikini and island get away, simply a vacation romance, short, sweet, and remembered with great fondness. They didn't over stay their welcome and I had no worries about our future, only how many likes we got on Instagram. So I may not ready for the long haul yet, but I can definitely commit to this open relationship with Flash Tattoos.

To experience them for yourselves, visit the Flash Tattoo website. Prices range from $20-$30 for 3-4 sheets, generously filled, with the temporary tattoos. The tattoos will last 4-6 days depending upon how you take care of them, lotions and sun tan oils will shorten the wear. You can also find less expensive alternatives at stores such as Target, the packages will likely contain a lesser amount of tattoos though and quality may vary.

xx

KALO MINA.

I wrote this post yesterday but unfortunately due to traveling and a lack of service I was unable to post it until today!

So if you don't know me or haven't guessed from my last name, Greek blood runs through my veins, well half. My father was born and raised in Greece and after a thirty year stint in the United States, during which he met, married and split from my mother and also, had my sister and I (lucky for you), he has now migrated back to the mother land. This was part of the reason it was so easy for me to make such a major move. Combine that with the fact I'd no longer have to work 3 part time jobs to pay my bills and I'd be living in a Mediterranean paradise, well, it was a no-brainer, peace out USA!  But, before you get the wrong idea, I'm not being a total bum. As I mentioned in my previous post, I currently attend the American College of Greece where I'm pursuing a masters degree in strategic communications and public relations.

Many of you may think I was fluent in Greek before moving here but WRONG. I actually knew little to no Greek (thanks dad) and started language lessons a few months after arriving. Although now I can read and write, (though spelling is an extreme challenge due to the 3 different "e" and 2 "o" letters and seemingly endless letter combinations to make sounds), speaking is my biggest weakness due to the fact I am shy to make mistakes (I know, I shouldn't be), and also the fact there are like a million different words for one thing. For instance, after I've stuffed my face with both chicken and pork souvlaki you could call me "fat" 8 different ways. There is χοντρος, παχυς, ευσωμος, ογκωδης, τεραστιος, αφρατος, υπερβαρος, ευτραφης, and τροφαντος . So in my defense, Greek is hard.

Anyway, the real purpose of this post was to actually say only two words to you, " Kalo Mina".  It means "good month" and is said on the 1st day of every month. It has become my favorite Greek blessing in a culture that has many (I will list a bunch below for a little Greek education). The reasons I like Kalo Mina are three. First, I find it completely sweet and endearing and everyone seemed absolutely genuine when telling it to me. Second, it was something new to me, we don't say this in the US and it was a nice way for me to bond with the locals. And third, it's sort of become a small competition amongst my friends and I as to who says it first to the others! So, here is wishing you a good month, Kalo Mina everyone! xx

Καλό ταξίδι  (kah-lo tax-E-thE) = good trip
Καλή όρεξη  (kah-lee or-ek-see) = good meal
Μεγια (may-ya) = with health
It's used when a new material good is obtained because you first need good health in order to enjoy it. This applies to things such as buying clothes and car to getting a haircut. And when said for a haircut I found out it's also accompanied with a slap to the back of the head (insert side eye emoji).
Καλή τύχη (kah-lee tee-he) = good luck
Χρόνια πολλά (hron-ya poh-lah) =  many years
This is said for New Years, birthdays and name days (a Greek thing).

Quarter Life Crisis

Taken on my Twenty-Fifth Birthday.

One week ago I turned 25. It was the first birthday that I was not looking forward to (and I'm the type of person who gets super into holidays and birthdays, mine or anyone else's). So why not this year? Well, a part of it was the fact that I am currently living abroad and am away from most of my friends and family (but we'll get into that later). Mostly, the reason I wasn't digging turning the big two-five was because..."shit, I'm getting old." I know, I know your thinking you're only twenty-five you have so much life to live, you're young! Yes, I do realize there is much more life to live (God willing) and I'm not THAT old, though you should tell that to my aunt who on my birthday told me, "fuck, you're almost 30" and nearly put me into cardiac arrest. Not to mention a few months back when I found my very first grey hair, it was traumatic, I cried. But back to the point, no, twenty-five isn't that old but for the first time I feel as though I haven't accomplished or haven't "got it together" as much as I thought I would by now. I don't have a job, I'm living with my dad and have no potential prospects of a boyfriend let alone life partner of any kind. The only thing I am currently responsible for other than myself is my 2 year old lovable and epileptic French Bulldog, Baxter. 

Now before you go and write me off as a total loser,  I might be being a tad dramatic I have accomplished some amazing things in my twenty-five years. I have a Bachelor of Science in fashion merchandising graduating Magna Cum Laude. I have completed an internship at British Vogue, traveled to 7 different countries in Europe (a growing number), am currently studying in Greece to obtain a Master in strategic communication and public relations, I play on a first division women's soccer team in the Hellenic Football Association (GO Odysseas Glyfadas!) and its summer in Greece aka island hopping time! So I'm not a total wash! 

Baxter & I.

Nevertheless, I still feel a bit like I'm just wandering through life. And don't get me wrong, like I said this wandering is currently happening in a beautiful Mediterranean country and I can't really complain but I would like more definition or direction or lets say at least to be wandering with a purpose. So, in this day and age what does any sensible person do when in a position like mine? They blog. The Twenty-Fifth Year will document my thoughts and opinions, style tastes, musical sense and inspirations and lets not forget shameless selfies, food and pet pics, for no other reason than to just purposefully wander.


PS. Literally a minute after I hit the create blog button a man walked by wearing a t-shirt saying, "TAKE MORE RISKS" I'll take that as a sign and a send off!   xx