Santorini, Greece

By far my favourite trip.. nothing else will beat it. It was like a dream, it was unbelievably beautiful. You know how people say, "photos don't do it justice"? Well, look at my photos.. it is even more breath-taking when you are standing on that island. I whined all day when traveling back to Canterbury, England because who would ever want to leave a place like Santorini? There is no doubt, I will be returning some day.

Booking this trip I was researching the different parts of the island and I did pretty dang good. Michaela and I first stayed in Fira for the views and then we stayed in Kamari for the beach after half way through our stay.

Fira Day One

Took Norwegian airlines. We arrived at the Thira International Airport about 11pm and got picked up by our Romantic Spa Resort (laugh it up). When we got out of our taxi, we were greeted by an extremely kind man who worked there. Really, all of the greeks and locals were extremely nice and friendly. We didn't touch our luggage from the airport doors to the hotel room. Kissed on our hands and everything. Walking to our room, I started to shake because I was so happy looking at our view. The lights coming from the hill behind our hotel room door was filled because of all the houses. It was gorgeous. Finding out we had a balcony in the front, looking over the ocean, I was shaking even more. After calming down, we were starving and looked online forever for delivery and found nothing. It was a Saturday night before midnight and we were clueless. Anyway, we decided to pass out after a few hours laying in bed and kept thinking about the day we had planned for tomorrow. We also watched some strange greek television. Oh, and the toilets.. you can't put your used toilet paper in the toliet. You have to throw it in the trash, no paper in the toliet.

Fira Day Two

Fira on the first day was the best thing. Our first day was my favourite day. I woke up right at sunrise and watched it rise over the ocean on our balcony. It was beautiful and then I ran to the back and looked at the hill filed with houses to see it in daylight and I blown away. I couldn't go back to bed so I just laid there researching on my phone the different foods and drinks to try. oh, we also have a pool out front. Once Michaela woke up, we got ready and started walking for town, up a hill. Also, donkeys are really popular there and we had three right next to our hotel. I named one Jack. Anyway, we found a place to rent a ATV (four wheeler) for the next two days. Best decision we made. We were able to see the entire island on that and I got to drive it the entire time. Michaela was too nervous to. It was only 18 euro a day and gas was extremely cheap. We drove up to central Fira and had breakfast at Panorama. I thought I was blown away by the views at our hotel, but eating my breakfast where I was, I was about to cry. It was a dream. Again, photos do not do justice. I had a cappuccino and an omelette filled with onions and peppers.

After breakfast, we walked all the way up to the top of Fira and probably even further until we decided to go back to our ATV and drive it up to Oia (the top of Santorini). I think I got a high when I took that real drive up there. We were driving around the huge hill, probably mountain, and once we got there we walked even more. I bought a euro necklace of the evil eye. It's everywhere, the glass blue and white and black eye. I loved that. I also bought a tiny bottle of Ouzo. We walked past a shop with real octopus hanging from hooks out front. And at a lot of the tourist shops, there are real sponges. Cable cars by the cliff. See, the side we are on now is the cliff side, looking towards the volcano and the other side is the beach side.

              

After a while, we sat for a drink at cafe Flora where I ordered a real glass of Ouzo. I couldn't understand the waiter very well so he teased me saying, "Did someone have too much Ouzo?". Ouzo is one of there drinks, it tastes like black liquorice and my first glass I wasn't liking it too much but the last glass on the last night, I loved it. It's also fairly cheap. Drove back to our hotel to dip in the pool, upload photos, charge the phones and freshen up. We tried using my underwater phone case and it was difficult to take underwater selfies. Drove back into Oia for dinner and the sunset. I had Neapolitan pasta and got an appetizer plate with olives, grape-leafed rice rolls, cheeses, and more. Walked to the sunset spot which was filled and crowded with tourists. Apparently it's the place to be for sunsets. It felt like forever until it started to set, we sat there for an hour. Drove back in the dark and it was fun as well. Saw a few stray dogs on the way. Sad. This island is filled with abandoned animals. Lots of cats by the beaches. We passed out with exhaustion at 10pm.

Fira Day Three

Slept in a little and drove down South, towards the lighthouse or Akrotiri. And we were starving. Found a place in the middle of nowhere that was highlighting the view. We both got margarita pizza and I got fried cheese, and a cappuccino. Best cappuccino I had. The fried cheese was a giant cheese curd with olive oil. Delicious. Stuffed ourselves and headed more South.

Found Red Beach and parked where everyone was, walked with the crowd on the cliffs (no railings or steps) and found around the corner, a hidden red beach. The cliffs were red and turning the black volcanic sand red. Same a little, made Michaela come in because she was scared. We tried the underwater case again and succeeded better. Oh also, on the second day we found a beach called Paradise beach. It sucked, I couldn't get in because it was freezing and sharp rocks everywhere, it was secluded and no one was there. So Red Beach was awesome. Bought some 50 SPF sun screen and rubbed it on about every three hours because we were burning. Surprisingly, I didn't burn at all for this trip! Except one small, very awkward spot. After the Red Beach, we went more South, all the way to the light house. It was incredible, the view that is. You could turn in a full circle and see all water besides the lighthouse in one spot. That spot and the San Marino Castle in Italy that I visited last summer are the two best incredible views I have ever witnessed. Speechless. Admired that for awhile and took photos.

Went back to our hotel to freshen up again and then back to Fira for dinner. Michaela got her first gyro and while the guy serving her made me a napkin flower because of my "beautiful eyes". I later got some food at a restaurant overlooking the view. I got real Greek yogurt which is really thick, they topped it off with fruits and honey. YUM. Before I got my dinner, we ran into the Kissing Fish Spa. See, I saw this place in Venice, Italy last summer and Michaela saw the exact same one when she went to Venice the other week. So we were curious and tried it. Ten minutes for 10 euros. The fish eat off all of your dead skin cells on your feet. Result: I will never do that to myself ever again. I shrieked for a good two minutes. It did not feel right. I was a child by how freaked out I was, I looked ridiculous now that I think about the scene.

Well, we took the ATV back up North towards Oia for one last joy ride because we had to return it before 8:30pm. I drove fast and turned corners fast because I got really used to that ATV. I loved it. We stopped at this abandoned building that I wanted to take photos with and we stopped to take a quick picture of these funny houses we past a few times. Once we hit Oia, we didn't go into town, I took a turn to go further out and stopped to take photos of cactus. Returned the ATV and walked back to our hotel which is only a five minute walk down a hill. On the walk, I took a photo of this huge dog that always sits on the stone wall at the house and I took a photo of the donkeys outside of our hotel, Jack. Freshened up to go out and get drinks. Walked into town and into a club which was empty. See, this island is for old retired couples or couples in general, also we saw a lot of pregnant women. So we got a Red Bull hookah and a glass of Ouzo. Left for some late night, cheap pasta and then headed back to our hotel. On the way back, Michaela said "My underwear is up my ass crack" loudly while walking past a car with the window down and the guy inside heard her say that. I was walking behind her and she said it without turning around, so it was like she was telling him. I died laughing, and she was hoping he didn't speak English. Which most do so, sorry Michaela.

Kamari Day One

Okay, we left Fira for Kamari today. Got a strange cab ride there and once we arrived, we were treated like royalty. Our hotel (Nostos Hotel) was literally right next to the beach. Walk out from our door, down the steps and you're on the beach walk. Also, hotels are extremely cheap there. I paid only 15 euro a night at this one. When we arrived, we were given seats, orange juice, maps and advice, our key, they carried our luggage up, and etc. So friendly. Our hotel is, as well, a restaurant. Once settled in, we ran for food because we were starving. Sat down at the Dolce Cafe and I ordered the Dolce Special Breakfast. Lots of food. I got a cappuccino, croissant with honey, eggs, beans, bread (shared with Michaela because it was like a whole baguette), cheese, and some meat that I gave to Michaela. After breakfast, we changed into our swimsuits and laid on the beach, and went swimming. I bought goggles (I look silly) and Michaela put them on and freaked out when she saw the fish. Remember how I told you she was afraid of going all the way into the ocean, well, that was it for her. We took some beach chairs and given a menu, I ordered a Banana Dream and she got a Piña Colada. They were really fun drinks, with fruits and decorations on top. Oh guess what! Our beach is right next to the airport so we saw airplanes every hour coming down. My two favourite things: airplanes and the ocean. I got the best underwater selfies this day.

              

After the beach, we freshened up and walked around and got dinner. She got another gyro, this one was only 1.50 euro. I sat down and got a mediterranean wrap. It had cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese inside. The beach walk is filled with restaurants and oh my, the waiters are vultures. They are throwing a menu in your face practically. When finding a place, it is impossible to look a menu outside with out being attacked by the waiters because they are trying to make you sit down. It's outrageous. Anyway, after our dinners, we bought Coka-Cola and chocolates for our hookah night. Also, I got these cookies that I see everywhere, and they are yummy. The first time, I got strawberry and I thought that was good.... well, I tried orange and it wasn't good, then I tried banana cream and I was in heaven. I will forever miss them. Back to hookah, we got a strawberry one and I wanted to scream the lady serving us. It was so hard getting her to understand what I was saying. Our hookah was having the water coming up the tube and it was disgusting. I tried so hard telling her this, soon she was like "that's normal". No, sorry, it's not. This day I also tried Volkano Beer that is brewed there. There were different kinds, and I tried the blonde. It was really good. Today, we also saw a lady who didn't care at all about being topless.

Kamari Day Two

We were told that Perissa Beach (next door to Kamari) was great and so we decided to take a boat ride there after breakfast. We had breakfast at Irini, I got a gouda cheese omelette and a double Greek coffee. The omelette was delicious and the coffee was okay. Once I finished the coffee, it had a lot of this spongy dark remainder at the bottom. Wish I knew what that was. We were also given bread with olive oil. These restaurants copy Italy, because they serve pasta and pizza, and always have olive oil and vinegar available. Maybe it's Greek too, but it felt like I was in Italy. Our boat ride was 5 euro each way and the guy had a shirt that said "I don't do drugs, I am drugs". They were actually pretty cool and they had a cute dog on board. We got splashed and went around the cliff that separates Perissa and Kamari. The boat ride made me realise how blue and clear the water is, it was eye opening. The water is so blue!

Perissa sucks. It was colder and dead, no one was there. Less to see and explore. At Perissa I tried their Alfa beer and Baklava. Baklava is apparently chocolate and fixed nuts, etc. Well, it looks like a turd and takes a while to know if you like it or not. Well, we did not like it. I found a really, really, really cool triangle, flat rock that is orange with white on one side. After about an hour or two, we wanted to leave. Got on the boat and headed for some Kamari beach chairs.

I got a the Santorini Red wine and went swimming after I laid out for a while. While swimming I discovered something. I found fish, and after I swam a little away, they followed me. So I started to swim more and looked behind me, they kept following me. More and more, and stopped when I stopped. It was really weird, so I got out of the water. Also, this beach was like all sand but when you go out swimming, you're not on sand anymore but you are standing and swimming over a giant rock. After some sun, we went in. Also it was chilly because it was windy all day. Freshened up and went out for dinner. Cats kept swarming around us and I loved it. Did I tell you that Michaela is grossed out by cats, she gags when she sees one. Well there were two cats sitting by our feet for dinner. I got a four cheese pasta and Mythos Beer. Got to try all of their beers, tried the wine and I tried Ouzo. After dinner, we got another hookah, orange. We also went to a bar with live music and it was the best choice for our last night. This guy sang Carolina, some Elvis, Hotel California, and more! We also got a fun drink. I got a Acropolis that had some Ouzo in it and Michaela got a Black Russian that had vodka, Coca-Cola, and Kahlua in it. When given these drinks, they were on fire, like they had sparklers going off on them. It was crazy cool. Later we were given a free shot of a fruity lemon lime taste. Left for the beach at night and just thought about our time in Santorini.

Kamari Day Three

We leave this day. I'm really sad and head to the beach at 8am. I tried waking up for sunrise over the ocean but I was way too tired. Laid in the sun and walked waist deep in the Mediterranean sea for a while before Michaela came out for breakfast. I got Greek yogurt with nuts and honey, and a latte. We had our breakfast on the beach chairs. Packed up and left for the airport. The guy at the hotel drove us. He was super nice, gave us gum and facts. He told us that the wine and every thing they grow here is never watered. The volcano gives the ground the ability to never be watered. He also told us that there are exactly 365 churches on Santorini, one for every day. Apparently anyone can build one if they want to. We then got to the smallest airport I have ever been in and got on our Easy Jet after hours. Our plane was late because every one had to put their carry ons in the metal bucket that confirms that their bag is the correct size for the over head compartment. A lot of people were mad because they had to check in their carry on for 55 euro because it didn't fit. One guy was so mad he and his girlfriend stopped the line to make room, the lady doing her job was telling them no and to check it in. Once they did it again, it fit really snug and she was trying to say no but the guy was really rude. He said, "Thanks for nothing" and left, but came back after a minute to say, "Santorini is wonderful but you, no. You are the criminal of Santorini!". It was a bad scene.

Also, Mama Mia.

Cardiff, Wales

Welsh. The people who live here are Welsh and have their own Welsh language. Well, some do. Walking around, you would see the translation from English to Welsh.

I went with Michaela, for a day trip, to Cardiff (the capital of Wales, UK). Now we can say that we have been to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England. It was a nice day there but the ten hours total bus time that we had to trade for it was cruel. We felt like we were living on the National Express bus, and we still come out saying that we will miss it. See, we are in the "I'm-going-to-miss-this" phase of our stay abroad. She leaves in less than a month. I still have about 40-something days. It sucks. I'm even taking photos of the weird things I pass everyday because I want to remember it.

Back to Wales. We pretty much got off the bus and ran for food and a toilet. The bus provides a toilet but it sucks, you can barely put your pants back on without falling because the bus is constantly shaking. Before we got off, I found a place for food and coffee nearby and when we found it, ate the food, drank the coffee, went to the bathroom.. we loved that place. The prices were cheap and the food was amazing. Amazing because the taste and the appearance was pretty. I had a gingerbread latte and a slice of cinnamon french toast. Michaela tried the weirdest thing, it was pulled pork pancakes. Ask her, she said they were amazing as well. The place was called Garland's Eatery and Coffee House.

Checked out the castle and it was costly so we skipped. Then walked down high street and towards the water. Took the Cardiff Bay trail and it was a long trail. We didn't even have enough time to get all the way to the bay. We took lots of pictures, thanks to the selfie stick too, and enjoyed the sun. Walked back and walked down High Street again. They had a Five Guys and tons and tons of shops. Although the streets felt like they should have been more busy. They have these "Arcades" which is like Ireland's Closes or like aisles, alleys filled with shops and restaurants. We ran into the Cardiff market and discovered the "Traditional Welsh Cakes". Go to Cardiff just to have one because they were heaven. It was like a cake or pancake, fluffy inside, and I think it was topped with sugar and filled with blueberries. I don't know but I wish I brought some back. They were even the perfect temperature, warm but not hot. I miss them.

Cardiff had some really cool graffiti art too. We also almost got ran over by bikes, several times. And, I saw the purple flowers that my old bunny, Pinky, used to eat every summer. Anyway, Wales was cool and a perfect amount of time was spent there. Once I get home and in my new apartment, I'll be baking Welsh cakes and French macaroons.

Galway, Ireland

I can't believe it. The weather this morning said rain all day in Galway and no rain in Dublin. I was saving Monday for the best place and it decided, the morning of, to change from sunny to rainy. I bought the ticket and I wanted to see Galway even if it was 2 and a half hours away and raining. I even thought that I could get right back on if I wanted to because it was also Bank Holiday Monday. So, basically everything will be closed, because it was in Manchester on the bank holiday. Well, to my surprise.. it was sunny and the majority of stores were open. I did only stay an hour in Galway because it said 100% chance of rain the next hour. But, in that one hour, I saw a lot. I saw the shopping street, the Spanish arch, I did the canal walk, and I saw the Eyre Square. It was perfect timing and perfect afternoon. I even picked up some sand for my sand collection. The only bad thing was that I picked up a headache on the ride back.

Back in Dublin, I went to freshen up and drop off my coat and scarf because it was fairly nice out and I wanted to get a drink in the Temple Bar. Got a taller glass of Guinness and was about to have a glass of Jameson because Jameson comes from Ireland but I didn't for two reasons. I was already feeling the beer in my system and it was six euro. I did find a place that it was for five but I still didn't. I do have an entire day in Dublin tomorrow before I leave at 8pm so I figure I can have a glass at the Parnell Square Pub on the rooftop bar. It says rain all day tomorrow too but I figure it will rain for an hour at most because everyday they predict rain and it doesn't. Hopefully I didn't jinx tomorrow.

Also, for future me, Primark is called Pennys in Dublin.

When I get back to Uni I have to write a 2,500 word paper on a book that I barely understand. So please, wish me luck.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Fell asleep watching some Irish telly. It was a movie just like Cadet Kelly with Hilary Duff.

Got my free breakfast. I got free breakfast for my stay because of how long I had to wait for my room yesterday morning, otherwise the breakfast would be seven euro every morning. Also, did I tell you that Dublin uses Euro? Yeah, but Belfast uses the Pound. Dublin is in the United Kingdom so I don't understand why it's Euro. I'm going to Galway tomorrow and I heard that they use Euro as well.

Belfast today. Eh. It felt like a day trip to some town down in South-East England except more people and more shops. The bus stop was hard to find, and the bus ride was over two hours. Slept both ways. Once I was there I found a tourist shop for a map and saw there was a International wall (graffiti). Only problem was, I couldn't find it. I asked two people and still, couldn't find it. I gave up. I just started to walk into town and on High St./Castle St. Yeah, there is a castle. Didn't bother because it didn't seem like a big deal. St. Anne's cathedral but, same thing. Also, I have seen a lot of cathedrals. They all start to look the same, except the Vatican (breath-taking). Once, I was in city centre I saw a crowd and noise. It's Fools Festival there in Belfast for the week. I saw the end of a dance crew and the beginning of jugglers. Walking around, there were little shows everywhere. Also, I saw this little thing waddling. I crossed the street and it started to come at me, and yeah, I screamed a little. That thing was incredibly creepy.

Found a shopping centre and I climbed to the top of it to view the entire city. Oh, it didn't rain at all today! I was so upset seeing that it will rain during my entire stay except Monday. But, Belfast did me a solid and canceled the rain. I even checked the weather this morning before leaving and it said rain. Lucky me!

After deciding there was nothing left to do, I headed back to the bus stop. Of course I was twenty minutes early and of course, the bus was twenty minutes behind schedule. The day was pretty good, I got to see Northern Ireland. The only thing I wish I got to see out of Ireland and even Scotland, are the valleys and hills. Not the cities.

Dublin

I still feel like I am in Paris. But, I most definitely am not, I am in Ireland.

It took me over 14 hours to get here via bus and ferry. It all started at the University at noon and then left London at 6pm on a really disgusting bus but comfortable seats, and a guy behind me swearing up a storm with a Shrek accent. During the long drive, I was thinking about all the things I will miss here in England when I leave in June. That started when I saw the huge white windmills. One of the stops, I got a Starbucks drink and had them write my name as "The Queen". Following a four hour ferry ride across the Irish Sea around 3am (late dinner was stroopwafels). I got to the hotel just before 7am and I requested an early check in, however, all of their rooms were booked so I had to wait until regular check out time. That meant sleeping on their couch for seven hours. I would have left my luggage with them and explored during that time, but I was exhausted. I probably gotten 4 hours total, which is probably average for me. But that four hours is like all bits of half hour naps. I didn't sleep at all on the ferry. I bought my claddagh ring on the ferry by the way. Anyway, besides being exhausted, it was raining. The weather report says rain all weekend until I leave, Tuesday. Wonderful. I never pick the good days. Michaela was just in Dublin before Amsterdam and it was beautiful. Same with London, she went and it was really warm outside and then when I went a month later, it rained the whole weekend. So when I was finally given a room I surprised myself. I cleaned up and ran out the door. I brought my umbrella (which broke right away and I threw away after 2 hours of dealing with it) and I headed towards town. Found a shopping centre and then a tourist information store. I was given a map and some suggestions, I also bought bus tickets to Belfast and Galway. I would have had them before but apparently the buses are on strike. I was talking with two guys on the bus to Dublin and they were telling me about it, they also suggested to go to Galway. I originally only had Belfast planned but they changed my mind completely and wanted to do Galway instead. But, I was feeling spontaneous and bought two tickets for the two places. I really love that, when you travel with people that like to make small talk. I get advice, suggestions and information I didn't have. The locals know best.

I saw the castle, and it was okay. Didn't go in because it didn't look worth it. Yeah, it was free but I was tired and wasn't wanting a history lesson. Tons and tons of shops. I went to the bar area for a Guinness (made in Ireland). Got lucky with Oliver St. John Gogarty's because they had live music and I had a great seat. Walking through that area more, I found the Temple Bar. The guys on the bus said it's not great but from the outside it looked fun. I didn't have any more cash on me so I passed up on another guinness. If I have more time, I might. Because tomorrow is Belfast and then Monday is Galway. Shouldn't rain on Monday so I'm saving the better place until then. Because it was raining so much (more like light showers) I didn't want to buy another umbrella (because it WILL break), I bought a jumper (sweatshirt). After all of that, I headed to a Tesco for dinner.

Hey, my shower has celtic knots on it.