March 29, 2016

Opa! Part: 2

Stephanie Spring Lifestyle

One of first places our group visited was the Acropolis. A trip to Greece isn’t complete without this. As months went on, it was no longer just a site to visit, it was a landmark in our neighborhood, a spot where the guys would go and read, and a place that I wish I would have appreciated so much more. The history, architecture, and views from this spot are unlike any others.  A sunset is truly is breath-taking no matter where you are in Greece. One evening, a small group of us randomly decided to venture out on a hike to see the sunset. We were so excited until our legs hurt and the walk was definitely longer than we anticipated. We wanted to make sure we made it in time and didn’t miss what all the talk about this spot was about! Through the moans and groans, we chatted and grew closer, only to be awaited by the most gorgeous view at the top. We couldn’t stop bouncing between taking pictures and taking it all in. The walk was rejuvenating, picturesque, and a breath of fresh air from the insane traffic and massive amounts of people we encountered on a daily basis. As I looked down onto the city, I loved how different this was from my original home and started to realize that a home is so much more than just an address.  In all honesty, my desire to study abroad in Greece stemmed from a night of watching Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. No lie. I rearranged my entire college schedule to study there because the scenery in that movie intrigued me so unbelievably much. I had no idea what I was about to witness though when I left for this trip. Greece had so many other treasures than just white buildings and blue roofs. The lush landscape and mountains are to die for. It is like nothing I had ever seen and I was in awe. It was new. It was different. It was gorgeous.

Waking up at 5:00 a.m. to meet the entire group wasn’t exactly beauteous but the bus ride, the view, the connection the group made during this time was something I would do over and over again in a heartbeat. We learned, laughed, and bonded thanks to Meteora.
Easter is a big deal in Greece! It is celebrated on a much larger scaler than Christmas or any other holiday. During our Easter break, several people in the group decided to travel to other countries or parts of Greece. However, there was a group of us that stayed back. During that time, we went to market’s, cooked dinner together, made each other Easter baskets and ate crepes like it was nobodies business.

However, the best part of Easter break was when we decided to take a short ferry ride to a nearby island, Aegina. When I think back on, “perfect days,” this one always makes the list. The weather was perfect, the town was quaint, and the people were so friendly. We laid in the sun, had nutella flavored drinks, and talked about God’s goodness. I had chicken souvlaki for dinner with the view of bright blue water and boats that were coming and going. We shopped, ate ice cream, and laughed a lot. That night, an Easter service was scheduled for a church nearby our apartment. We were sunburnt and tired but determined to experience an Easter service in Greece that night.

We got home, swapped our bathing suits for dresses, and held hands to keep track of each other in the crowd. It was overwhelming and beautiful all in one. Easter in Greece was one for the books and the best part was, we were just getting started on this three-month adventure. 🙂 

Create a travel board on Pinterest and start pinning some of these pictures to add to your bucket list! I can promise you that you won’t regret it! Happy Tuesday! xo

Click here for: Opa! Part: 1