Beautiful Volos

It seems like just yesterday that I sat here at my computer writing my last post before departing for Greece. Filled with emotions of excitement, nervousness, eagerness and anticipation I looked forward to all the adventures that awaited me. I really had no idea what to expect. As I sit here tonight, reflecting on my trip I can say that it was more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I have so many memories that I never want to forget. I am so thankful that I had my journal to record every detail. I was never without my camera-- snapping pictures at every turn. I wanted to capture all the beauty that surrounded me. I hardly know where to begin sharing all this beauty with you. Since I took over 400 pictures, I will have to share my adventures in several posts over the next few weeks. I guess the best place to start is with the beautiful city of Volos. This is my father-in-law's home town and where our relatives currently reside. The city of Volos is a fairly large city located on Pagassitikos Bay which empties into the Aegean Sea. The location could not be more perfect-- nestled between the sparkling sea on one side and the majestic mountains on the other. Volos from afar is a site to behold but I found as I wandered through it's streets beauty at every turn. I became intrigued with the charm of each building, home, patio, iron work, and doorway.


The homes that line the streets are a fresh white color --all with clay roofs. Surrounding each home is a delightful patio filled with potted plants, vegetable gardens, outdoor sinks and flowering vines. Some with umbrellas others with arbors to provide shade from the sun. It is on these patios that family and friends gather for celebrations or for no reason at all except to spend time with each other. To share a cup of coffee, a meal or a bit of ouzo. This will be one of my fondest memories of my trip---sharing every meal with our family on the patio of Alex's aunt and uncle. Everyone talking at once, laughing, and sharing the most delicious meal prepared just for us. The time spent getting to know our family was so special to me. I have grown to love everyone of them and I miss spending time with them.
Looking through my pictures and describing them to you, makes me miss Greece already. There are so many things to share and adventures to tell. I will leave you for now with those pictures and will return with so many more to share
Until then.........
Mimi

I am off to Greece

I can hardly believe that the day is finally here. The shopping is complete and all of our new cloths have been packed neatly in the suitcases. Our IPODS have been loaded with all of our favorite songs. Reading material has been packed in our carry on bags all ready for the long trip. Arrangements have been made for the family dogs. I guess the only thing left to do is to get on the airplane. We will leave tomorrow morning and should arrive in Greece Saturday mid morning. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. I really have no idea what to expect. Oh I have heard lots of stories and have seen loads of pictures but I can only imagine the wonderful things we will experience. Imagine me a girl afraid to drive on the interstate flying half way across the world. I have giant butterflies of excitement. I will have so many stories and pictures to share when I return. Before I end this post I would like to share a few pictures from a scrapbook that I created as a thank you gift for our relatives with whom we will be staying.

I will close for now. It is getting late and there are some last minute details to attend to. When I return I will have so many experiences to share. I look forward to sharing my memories with you.

Blessings,

Mimi