Around Oia and Amoudi Bay in Santorini

September 08, 2016 in Honeymoon

We really lucked out on hotels during our honeymoon. There are so many options and since neither of us had been to Italy or Greece, we really didn't know what to expect. We chose our hotels solely based on pictures and reviews. We didn't go for the most expensive hotels, but we also didn't hold back when it came to deciding on a room. Atrina has complimentary breakfast that is served to you on your private balcony. French-pressed coffee/tea, juice, jams, greek honey, and a variety of fresh pastries and breads are served to you with every breakfast option. You also get a choice of a Mediterranean, English, or Greek-styled breakfast. For our first morning, we both chose the Mediterranean breakfast.

The mornings were beautiful.  Sunny skies the entire time we were there. — The mornings were beautiful. Sunny skies the entire time we were there.

Off to the distance, you can see some boats down at the bay.  This is where we would spend most of the day today (Amoudi Bay.) — Off to the distance, you can see some boats down at the bay. This is where we would spend most of the day today (Amoudi Bay.)

All of the hotels are very unique.  Some of the staircases have signs that say 'private' or 'guests only,' but a lot of them don't.  This is how I got some of my best pictures, especially at sunset. — All of the hotels are very unique. Some of the staircases have signs that say 'private' or 'guests only,' but a lot of them don't. This is how I got some of my best pictures, especially at sunset.

The main alley leading you through the town of Oia.  At times, this area can be very crowded, especially when cruise ships arrive and their tour groups scurry through the shops.  Early in the morning or late afternoon are good times if you… — The main alley leading you through the town of Oia. At times, this area can be very crowded, especially when cruise ships arrive and their tour groups scurry through the shops. Early in the morning or late afternoon are good times if you'd like to have quiet time to yourself.

Exploring one of the staircases.  Santorini is filled with some of the most simple and beautiful churches. — Exploring one of the staircases. Santorini is filled with some of the most simple and beautiful churches.

The 300 (large) steps leading down to Amoudi Bay. — The 300 (large) steps leading down to Amoudi Bay.

The hike down to (or up from) Amoudi Bay can be taxing, but well worth the view. — The hike down to (or up from) Amoudi Bay can be taxing, but well worth the view.

As you can see, even though there are only 300 steps to Amoudi Bay, the steps are longer than the average step (about 2-3 feet in most places.)  So, it will take a bit more time to descend/ascend. — As you can see, even though there are only 300 steps to Amoudi Bay, the steps are longer than the average step (about 2-3 feet in most places.) So, it will take a bit more time to descend/ascend.

We made it!  If you pass the restaurants and keep walking to the left, there's a small (and slightly dangerous) trail that'll lead you to a swimming area. — We made it! If you pass the restaurants and keep walking to the left, there's a small (and slightly dangerous) trail that'll lead you to a swimming area.

This part of the trail is fine, but some parts are very rocky and steep.  We were wearing sandals since we planned to go swimming, not the best choice of footwear. — This part of the trail is fine, but some parts are very rocky and steep. We were wearing sandals since we planned to go swimming, not the best choice of footwear.

The swimming area near Amoudi Bay.  The water is clean, but chilly.  Be careful if a small speed boat or large cruise ships coasts by, as the waters will become very choppy and there are many rocks nearby. — The swimming area near Amoudi Bay. The water is clean, but chilly. Be careful if a small speed boat or large cruise ships coasts by, as the waters will become very choppy and there are many rocks nearby.

After swimming, we walked back to Amoudi Bay and ate lunch at Katina's, which is well-known for their lobster spaghetti and fresh seafood.

Eggplant; a popular dish in Santorini filled with lots of flavor

The colors were so vivid and bright, like a dream!

Freshly caught octopuses, hung out to dry

After spending most of the day in Amoudi Bay, we didn't really feel up to walking back up to Oia in our sandals.  These donkeys were conveniently waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs.  For 5 euros each, it's not a bad deal.  Be … — After spending most of the day in Amoudi Bay, we didn't really feel up to walking back up to Oia in our sandals. These donkeys were conveniently waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs. For 5 euros each, it's not a bad deal. Be careful though, these donkeys aren't the best at walking in a straight line and they hit the walls quite frequently (watch out for your legs!)

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around Oia.

Whatever you imagine Santorini to be, it will be exactly as you picture it in your mind (or even better) when you arrive here.

Some of my favorite views weren't from areas marked as "scenic look-out points"; there's a lot of exploring to be done in Santorini.

Back to our room for some relaxation time before dinner

Lolita's was recommended to us for their (locally) wine-infused gelato.

To be honest, we ate so much gelato in Italy and Greece that I can not tell you what these flavors were.  I do know that we indulged in every bite and it was delicious! — To be honest, we ate so much gelato in Italy and Greece that I can not tell you what these flavors were. I do know that we indulged in every bite and it was delicious!

Surprisingly, it was hard to find gyros and hummus in Greece.  Pitogyros was one of the highest rated places in Oia for gyros. — Surprisingly, it was hard to find gyros and hummus in Greece. Pitogyros was one of the highest rated places in Oia for gyros.

Not the best gyro that I've had, the meat was dry and somewhat flavorless.  However, we did find a place with good gyros in Fira (next blog post, stay tuned!) — Not the best gyro that I've had, the meat was dry and somewhat flavorless. However, we did find a place with good gyros in Fira (next blog post, stay tuned!)

The garlic pita bread and greek salad were delicious

Another view of Fira in the distance, it's been calling our name.  One of the most recommended things to do in Santorini is the hike from Fira to Oia.  This is what we'll be doing tomorrow...wish us luck! — Another view of Fira in the distance, it's been calling our name. One of the most recommended things to do in Santorini is the hike from Fira to Oia. This is what we'll be doing tomorrow...wish us luck!

Arriving in Santorini

September 05, 2016 in Honeymoon

Last stop on our honeymoon...Santorini, Greece! We took a flight from Rome to Athens. From there, it was just a short flight (about 50 minutes) to Santorini. Our hotel highly recommended that we set up a ride from the airport to the hotel with their shuttle. The airport in Santorini is VERY small and taxi service is scarce. We're so glad that we did arrange something beforehand, because there were only 2-3 taxis in the front of the airport. The other 20 or so drivers were holding up signs for their future passengers. From the airport, it was about a 30 minute drive to our hotel in Oia.

When we arrived to the entrance of the town of Oia, a porter was already waiting for us.  We were not only amazed at how he could carry all of our luggage at the same time, but also how he could carry the luggage up and down the steep steps of … — When we arrived to the entrance of the town of Oia, a porter was already waiting for us. We were not only amazed at how he could carry all of our luggage at the same time, but also how he could carry the luggage up and down the steep steps of our hotel in one trip. This was the entrance to our hotel (Atrina Canava Traditional Houses). We were pleased to find that Atrina was in a good location (not in the crowded part of town, but close enough to walk to everything) and their customer service was impeccable.

As you can see, they paid very close attention to detail.  This complimentary bottle of wine and rose petals were waiting for us, along with a hand-written note congratulating us on our recent nuptials. — As you can see, they paid very close attention to detail. This complimentary bottle of wine and rose petals were waiting for us, along with a hand-written note congratulating us on our recent nuptials.

The pure white walls complimented the blue bathroom to bring together the trademark colors of the Greek Cycladic islands.

Our large open bathroom with a rainfall shower.

A nice seating area by the windows and a small kitchen (stove-top, sink, and refrigerator.)

Our private balcony with another stunning view

The view to the left of our balcony, you can see the pool lit up (lower center)

After we unpacked, we took a walk through the town of Oia.  Lots of shops, boutiques, and restaurants to choose from. — After we unpacked, we took a walk through the town of Oia. Lots of shops, boutiques, and restaurants to choose from.

All of the restaurants and hotels had marvelous views

The Church of Panagia Platsani.  During the day, this square is filled with vendors and musicians. — The Church of Panagia Platsani. During the day, this square is filled with vendors and musicians.

in the distance, you can see Fira (another town in Santorini) lit up at night.  In a future blog post, I will document our hike from Fira back to Oia. — in the distance, you can see Fira (another town in Santorini) lit up at night. In a future blog post, I will document our hike from Fira back to Oia.

Assyrtiko is a white wine grape that is indigenous to the island of Santorini.  This became a favorite of ours during our stay in Santorini.  Maybe it was the nostalgia of being on this balcony with my favorite person that made it so speci… — Assyrtiko is a white wine grape that is indigenous to the island of Santorini. This became a favorite of ours during our stay in Santorini. Maybe it was the nostalgia of being on this balcony with my favorite person that made it so special. One thing's for sure, we found this exact bottle once we arrived back home and will be saving it for our one-year anniversary. Maybe the view won't be as great, maybe the taste won't even be as appealing, but the memories of our first year together will be reason to celebrate.

Day of Exploring Rome

September 01, 2016 in Honeymoon

With only one more day in Rome, we woke up this morning with a mission. We had purchased City Sightseeing (24-hour) bus passes in order to hit all of Rome's top historical sights. Our goal was to get to the Colosseum before it opened, so we left early. However, what we thought was going to be a 15-20 minute bus ride, turned out to be an hour and a half! We didn't realize how many stops we would make along the way, or the amount of waiting we would spend at each stop. So, after we arrived at our first destination we threw our bus passes away and spent the rest of the day walking around Rome.

Our first view of the Colosseum (70-80 AD.)  Not pictured: the long line waiting for us on the other side. — Our first view of the Colosseum (70-80 AD.) Not pictured: the long line waiting for us on the other side.

The long line outside of the Colosseum.  Luckily, it was a beautiful day. — The long line outside of the Colosseum. Luckily, it was a beautiful day.

The hypogeum; an underground network of tunnels where the gladiators and animals waited before the games began.  All of this was enclosed (the stage has been removed.) — The hypogeum; an underground network of tunnels where the gladiators and animals waited before the games began. All of this was enclosed (the stage has been removed.)

The Arch of Titus (82 AD), located inside the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum, which was the center of Roman life for centures.  It holds the ruins of several ancient government buildings — The Roman Forum, which was the center of Roman life for centures. It holds the ruins of several ancient government buildings

High society; the center of Roman public life

Campo de Fiori (a marketplace that is south of Piazza Navona); several vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and souvenirs.

Forno Campo de' Fiori - a bakery with the most delicious snacks and sandwiches.

St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City (completed in 1626)

St. Peter's Basilica is an Italian Renaissance Church.  It is regarded as the greatest building of its time and one of the largest churches in the world. — St. Peter's Basilica is an Italian Renaissance Church. It is regarded as the greatest building of its time and one of the largest churches in the world.

View of the top of the dome in St. Peter's Basilica

Tile artwork lines the walkway around the inside of the dome in St. Peter's Basilica

There is an option to either walk the entire 551 steps up to the top of St. Peter's Basilica's dome, or take an elevator half-way and then walk 320 steps.  There is no wheelchair access and no other option to see the top.  I would highly r… — There is an option to either walk the entire 551 steps up to the top of St. Peter's Basilica's dome, or take an elevator half-way and then walk 320 steps. There is no wheelchair access and no other option to see the top. I would highly recommend making this trek.

The stairs are narrow and steep.  So, this would not be for those who are claustrophobic, acrophobic, or disabled. — The stairs are narrow and steep. So, this would not be for those who are claustrophobic, acrophobic, or disabled.

Stairs leading up to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica

View from the top of St. Peter's Basilica

The first steps inside this sacred church will take your breath away.  The architecture is so grandiose and intricate at the same time.  How they could have created something so magnificent is beyond me. — The first steps inside this sacred church will take your breath away. The architecture is so grandiose and intricate at the same time. How they could have created something so magnificent is beyond me.

Crepuscular rays inside St. Peter's Basilica

The altar with the baldacchino; a 98 ft tall structure that is claimed to be the largest bronze piece in the world.  The baldacchino serves as a holy space above and around the table on which the Sacrament is laid for the Eucharist. — The altar with the baldacchino; a 98 ft tall structure that is claimed to be the largest bronze piece in the world. The baldacchino serves as a holy space above and around the table on which the Sacrament is laid for the Eucharist.

The plaque with the list of popes buried in St. Peter's.

Another view of the altar with the baldacchino

The Swiss Guards outside of St. Peter's Basilica

Largo di Torre Argentina; the site of four Roman temples.  We stumbled upon this as we were walking from out hotel to dinner. — Largo di Torre Argentina; the site of four Roman temples. We stumbled upon this as we were walking from out hotel to dinner.

Roscioli Salumeria; I would highly recommend getting a reservation here (we were able to book one the day before.)  Our best meal in Rome. — Roscioli Salumeria; I would highly recommend getting a reservation here (we were able to book one the day before.) Our best meal in Rome.

Foie gras homemade - goose foie gras carpaccio with sweet and sour onions dressed with raspberry vinegar mixed mixed spices (pepper sarawak, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg)

Pugliese "burrata" with baby dried tomatoes - burrata cheese with black pepper from Malesia and sundried cherry tomatoes.  We have yet to find a place back in the states that serves a burrata even close to this. — Pugliese "burrata" with baby dried tomatoes - burrata cheese with black pepper from Malesia and sundried cherry tomatoes. We have yet to find a place back in the states that serves a burrata even close to this.

Cacio e pepe - fresh pasta with roman pecorino cheese dop, "cacio" from Moliterno, picorino di fossa from Sogliano del Rubicone and Malaisian black pepper

Complimentary cookies with a nutella-like dipping sauce.  The perfect night cap to a busy day of exploring.  One more stop left on this unforgettable honeymoon.  Read on to see where we go next! — Complimentary cookies with a nutella-like dipping sauce. The perfect night cap to a busy day of exploring. One more stop left on this unforgettable honeymoon. Read on to see where we go next!

Kusama: At the End of the Universe

August 28, 2016

Taking a break from honeymoon blogging to mention this art installation that will only be in Houston for a few more weeks! Kusama's At the End of the Universe exhibit has been on view this summer at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. The exhibit is two of Yayoi Kusama's signature infinity rooms, "Love is Calling" and "Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity." They came right when Time Magazine named Kusama as one of the 100 most influential people for 2016.

Before you walk into each exhibit, you have the opportunity to read about the artist (Yayoi Kusama) and the meaning behind each of her art installations.

If you haven't already, be sure to check it out before the exhibit leaves on September 18th!

Love Is Calling; these tentacle-like structures are covered with her signature polka dots.  They change color and are reflected back through the mirrors. — *Love Is Calling;* these tentacle-like structures are covered with her signature polka dots. They change color and are reflected back through the mirrors.

Love Is Calling; as you walk through the room, you can hear a love poem recited by Kusama in Japanese. — *Love Is Calling;* as you walk through the room, you can hear a love poem recited by Kusama in Japanese.

Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity; a small room where they only allow a few people at a time.  You stand on a tiny platform and are surrounded by water, mirrors, and hundreds of magical lights that slowly illuminate and then fade into … — *Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity;* a small room where they only allow a few people at a time. You stand on a tiny platform and are surrounded by water, mirrors, and hundreds of magical lights that slowly illuminate and then fade into darkness.

Positano to Rome

August 20, 2016 in Honeymoon

The morning arrived where our beautiful time in Positano had come to an end. The experience was so unforgettable that we weren't quite sure if the rest of our honeymoon would be as extraordinary. We took as many mental and physical photographs as possible, and said goodbye for now. We will be back someday.

We boarded a boat to Salerno, which stopped in Amalfi (again, sit on the left side of the boat for the best views.)

Our last view of the Italian coast (Salerno.)

The Salerno Railway Station, built  in 1866. — The Salerno Railway Station, built in 1866.

The high-speed train from Salerno to Rome.  In our booth, we met a very nice elderly man from a small town outside of Rome.  He was one of the few people we met who didn't speak English.  However, with our little knowledge of Spanish … — The high-speed train from Salerno to Rome. In our booth, we met a very nice elderly man from a small town outside of Rome. He was one of the few people we met who didn't speak English. However, with our little knowledge of Spanish words that were similar to Italian, and many hand gestures, we were able to hold a meaningful conversation that made that time go by fast. He told us about the must-see sights in Rome, where to find food, how to get to the Colosseum, and about his hometown. It was so nice to meet someone who was genuinely kind towards tourists.

After we dropped our luggage off at the hotel, we made our way around the streets of Rome.  Of course, this was our first stop...pizza! — After we dropped our luggage off at the hotel, we made our way around the streets of Rome. Of course, this was our first stop...pizza!

We started with the Heart of Rome walk.  This is the Piazza Navona. — We started with the Heart of Rome walk. This is the Piazza Navona.

Inside the Pantheon (very crowded, but free)

Not part of the Heart of Rome walk, but just a slight detour.  Giolitti's has delicious gelato (large serving sizes at prices that are hard to beat!) — Not part of the Heart of Rome walk, but just a slight detour. Giolitti's has delicious gelato (large serving sizes at prices that are hard to beat!)

We finished the walk just in time to grab these drinks, relax, and watch the sunset.

We still had some daylight left, so we continued walking and touring the city by foot.

Campo de Fiori; we stumbled upon this town square by chance.  Good live music at night and several options for food/drinks. — Campo de Fiori; we stumbled upon this town square by chance. Good live music at night and several options for food/drinks.

Around Oia and Amoudi Bay in Santorini

Arriving in Santorini

Day of Exploring Rome

Kusama: At the End of the Universe

Positano to Rome

Take a journey into my life through my photos.

Latest Posts