I’ve always loved to travel. I grew up taking trips to see family in Wisconsin, Florida, and New York. We always drove everywhere, and I’ve seen almost every state east of the Mississippi from the ground.

When I got to college, I broadened my travels to Mexico, Canada, Australia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

After college, I started my career, and I was broker than broke. The only traveling I did was confined to my Northern Michigan bubble. I made a mental note of all the places I wanted to visit in the next 10 years. Locations in Europe, Africa, and French Polynesia topped the list.

After a few years, I was up on my feet, but the timing never seemed to work out to take a big trip. Over the past year or two, I’ve watched friend after friend visit beautiful places and experience new cultures. I felt happy for them, but also a little jealous. This past spring, I thought, “Why the heck am I NOT traveling?” I had no excuses, other than I’m frugal ☺ . In the two years I’ve been in California, I’ve only used a fraction of my vacation. I love my job, and I’ve never felt like I NEEDED to get away or take a break. I have the time off, it’s time to use it.

Number 1 on my travel list: Santorini

In the early 2000s, I saw a Travel Channel special on a Mediterranean cruise. Samantha Brown was the show’s host, and one of the cruise’s stops was Santorini. I fell in love with the island. I’d never seen architecture like that, ocean colors like that, or island topography like that. A few years later, I happened to catch the movie Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I was once again in awe of the filming location of Santorini. I knew I HAD to go there one day.

My dream trip was becoming a reality. I renewed my passport, booked flights, Airbnbs, hotels, and airport parking. I researched attractions, bus schedules, ferries, etc. I spent most of my down-time this summer figuring out details and itineraries for a smooth trip. The week before the trip was exhausting with last minute details, confirmations, packing, appointments, and cleaning (I hate coming back to a messy house).

It wasn’t until we sat down at the gate in SFO that I finally felt like the trip was beginning. I just had to make it through a 12 hour flight to Istanbul, a 7 hour layover, an hour flight to Athens, a 40 minute bus ride into the city center, then a 20 minute walk to the Airbnb. I’ve given up trying to sleep well on planes, so I was beyond tired from traveling. Thanks for nothing, melatonin! Falling into bed at 5 AM that first “night” was divine.

I had my alarm set for 9 AM, but apparently turned it off. I don’t think I got out of bed until after noon that first day. Oops.

We walked toward the Acropolis and found a street with a couple of bistros. We chose one randomly, and I have no idea what it was called. I, of course, had a Greek salad for my first meal in Greece. Apparently, I didn’t know what one actually was. I was surprised when I got it and there wasn’t any lettuce. Haha! It was delicious, even though I picked around the onions and olives. There’s nothing worse than a vegetarian who is picky about vegetables and fruits. 😉 The second surprise happened when we were trying to get the bill.

Up to this point, I hadn’t picked out too many unexpected cultural differences. But, I had no idea that eating a meal at a restaurant in Europe was an event in itself. In America, I go to a restaurant because I’m hungry. I eat, I’m satisfied, and I leave because the restaurant no longer has a purpose for me. Our American restaurants seem to shuffle people in and out, and meals aren’t much of a production (for me, anyway). As soon as the dishes are cleared, you get the bill. More customers = more money.

That first meal was so awkward. We were sitting there, ready to leave so we could explore the Acropolis, our plates had been cleared, but the waitress never came near us with the bill. We even laid a credit card out on the table. Still couldn’t flag anyone down. We thought, maybe there’s a register to pay inside? But we saw the table next to us pay their waitress and leave. We were finally able to find someone to get our bill.

When we ate at more and more restaurants and realized the “slowness” wasn’t an isolated event, we finally turned to Google.

Google essentially told us to chill out. Meals are meant to take hours, be laid back, and enjoyed. Have a drink, eat some food, have a coffee, eat dessert, digest, socialize, and chill. When you’re ready for the bill, you have to specifically ask for it. Wait staff won’t assume you want the bill when you’re done eating, I guess that’s considered rude.

I never did catch on to the European way of dining. I had things to see and places to explore! I didn’t want to waste time sitting in front of an empty plate. I guess I have zero chill.

We finally made it to the Acropolis. This is an obvious must-see in Athens. Aside from the history and amazing structures, you also get a really neat view of the city.

We walked past the Theatre of Dionysus, which is from the 6th century BC!

Next was the Temple of Asklepios, then Odeon of Herodes Atticus (161 AD).

Climbing up the stairs gets you to the Temple of Athena Nike (420 BC).

At the very top the hill, there’s Erechtheion, a temple for Athena and Poseidon, and the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena. Both are extremely impressive.

We decided to skip the museum, as we had to get up super early for our Santorini flight the next day. I hear it is incredible though, and something that should NOT be skipped.

We found a cute little mom and pop type place for dinner that offered plenty of vegetarian and vegan options for me. It was called Ζάχαρη & Αλάτι, which supposedly means sugar and salt.

I had a mouth-watering falafel. Wow, that place was good, and the owners were so kind.

What a nice first day. Off to Santorini in the morning…

TO BE CONTINUED