GREECE: gyros galore
A trip that I have always wanted to take was Greece and when I knew I was coming back for a second semester it was on my list. My roommates had wanted to plan that trip for spring break and we knew we wanted to do different places as we had five days instead of our usual 48-hour weekend. We then decided we would start in Athens and then make our way to Mykonos. Athens was fascinating to us because of course the history and the beautiful architecture which of course is exactly what we were looking forward to doing immediately. After stepping off the plane we made our way to our hostel which was close by to all of the nearby food options and whatnot. We were able to drop our stuff off and were immediately craving some gyros. After doing research earlier in the week on the hunt to find the best gyros, I came across a spot that was approved by TikTok….of course, and we headed straight there. As we made our way to Tylixto Greek Wraps we found that this area was booming with food spots and amazing architecture. The weather was perfect and the city was lively. I received my chicken gyro with all the toppings and devoured it in record-breaking timing. After spotting some mini baklava I immediately grabbed a bite and then we headed back to our hostel to get ready for our night.
Jay was coming in a bit later as she had a later flight so we were back at the hostel waiting for her to go to dinner and then we planned to go to a club as well. Once we got to recharge at the hostel waiting for Jay we ventured out to find some authentic Greek dinner. We spent a good bit of time at dinner discussing our week to come and just spending time together. I ordered some fried feta with honey and it was easily one of the best meals I have had in Europe thus far. And that is saying a lot. After a late dinner, we went back to the hostel to get ready for a night at the club. Don’t need to say too much about it except that there was a Mario Kart race on the walls, brat on the speakers, and fog out the floor. Good time all around.
The next morning we all woke up for a day at the Acropolis and other landmarks exploring Athens. It was perfectly sunny with barely any clouds in the sky so we were all ready to explore a new city. We went and grabbed brunch at this cute cafe that had the most interesting meal combinations alongside some of the best coffee I have ever had. I got spinach and feta pancakes that were delicious and it was a great start to our day. We made our way to the Acropolis getting to see the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena and while on our way there getting to pass all of the street markets full of vendors, music, and life.
Once we climbed to the top of the Acropolis it was so beautiful getting to see all of the architecture and embracing all of the history behind it. We spent a good bit of time exploring and taking in all of the sights. After our excursion, we continued to explore the inner city of Athens walking around until the sunset and grabbing some dinner and more gyros before heading back to the hostel as we had an early ferry ride to Mykonos the next morning.
We got some much-needed rest and at 5 am we were up bright and early to hop on a ferry to Mykonos. We grabbed a quick coffee and drove to the port where it was not a ferry and more like a cruise ship. It was huge with lounge areas and we got to grab something to eat as well on the ship. It was around a 6-7 hour ferry ride and we all slept as well. It was so refreshing to see a huge body of water. I have missed being by the water so badly so it was so nice to just look out the window and watch the mountains next to the water.
When we arrived in Mykonos we were able to get a taxi that would take us to our villa which was hosted by a beautiful woman named Maria. She was so kind and let us have the villa all to ourselves. The villa was a 5-minute walk to the beach and down the road was a bakery that had so much delicious food and treats. We headed to the beach and the water was so clear and blue you could see right through it. It was breathtaking and it was a little windy but none of us cared. The water was freezing but no one cared, we were just happy to be there. We got dressed and Maria kindly drove us into town where we were to grab dinner and walk around. We were stunned by the all-white buildings that were so beautiful as well as the quiet streets. We felt like we had Mykonos all to ourselves. We did go during the off season so we knew it would be calmer but it was almost more peaceful that way. We found a restaurant right on the water where I ordered lamb and another round of fried feta. Just could not get enough. We should have stopped with the Prosecco but of course, we did not so we laughed all night long. Our servers spent their time joining in on our conversations and we even got a very long explanation on our zodiac compatibility. When it was finally time to leave we went home after a long day and sat down, of course, to show Nikki the art of Challengers.
The next day we woke up early and got ready where we stopped quickly at the bakery for breakfast. Best coffee I have had in a long time and it was the best start to my day. We decided to walk to town where we ventured off just looking at the sights and taking it all in. Later that night we went down to the beach and watched the stars where we saw every constellation and polar plunged into the water. My bucket list was polar plunging at night in the Aegean Sea. It was a beautiful night and one I will never forget.
The last and final day was another relaxing beach day as Jay headed back to Athens and the rest of us laid out on the beach listening to music and getting a tan. It's just the way spring break should be. We got our last Greek dinner and headed back to the hostel to prepare for our early flight the next day.
My thoughts on Greece were summed up in one word…..stunning. The water was crystal clear, the food was unforgettable, the sights were rich and full of history, and we were only approached with kindness by the locals. We have all promised each other in 5 years we will reunite in the summer and I am holding Apartment 17 to that! It is a must.
