A Day At Platania

One of the things that I was most excited to see during our visit to Greece was the amazing beaches that I had heard so much about. Family members who had visited them before would tell me how breathtaking the water--so blue and clear. I also learned from them that we would have to travel up and over the mountain to see one of the most beautiful beaches. As I shared before I have a terrible fear of heights so the thoughts of actually traveling over the mountain down to the other side gave me the shivers. Imagine my relief when I learned that before we would visit that beach, we would first visit a beach called Platanidia. Platanidia was about a 1 1/2 hour drive along the coast. "Oh good" I remember thinking to myself. "I'll have one more day to prepare for the drive over the mountain". There is something to be said for the statement --Lost in translation---. Oh the drive started along the coast but before long I began to realize that we were headed up a huge mountain. All at once those darn butterflies of panic returned to my stomach. As we traveled, I had to close my eyes on several occasions. When I did take a peek the scenery was beautiful. Mountains lined with olive trees and here and there little houses tucked in. The prettiest little houses ever. Some with window boxes filled with red geraniums and others with pretty gardens. As we continued to travel higher and higher we came to a heard of mountain goats being shepherded by a herd dog. I could hardly believe my eyes.I just started to relax a bit when I heard Uncle Nestor, who was driving, say something about a short cut. We turned off of the main road and began to travel on this dirt/sand "road" with no guard rails. This was it. I was living my greatest fear. This was exactly what I had pictured the mountain trip to be. As we traveled now downhill, around curves, the edge of the road so close I could only do one thing--close my eyes tight hold on to the headrest in front of me and PRAY.

These pictures are complements of my sister-in-law, Stephanie. She was not afraid to look and got these wonderful shots.

When we finally reached the bottom it was truly amazing. The Aegean Sea was right there before my eyes at the foot of the mountain. The water was just as I had imagined--crystal clear and so calm.

We enjoyed the beach all morning. Floating in the water, laying in the sun, walking and collecting the prettiest little white almond shaped stones---it was like a dream. Once again beauty surrounded me. The open sea in front of me and the majestic mountains behind. Also located right on the beach was the quaintest little restaurant-- walls of stone with a clay roof. A patio lined with tables and cheery red and blue chairs inviting hungry swimmers to sit a while and enjoy a bite to eat.
We enjoyed the most delicious lunch. I selected pork with lemon sauce, Stephanie chose a pasta dish with meat sauce and the rest of the family had grilled fish (with the heads still attached). My son surprised me with his adventurous meal selection. I was having such a lovely day that I almost forgot about the trip home back up that mountain road. But there was still much of the afternoon left to enjoy so I put the thought out of my mind.

The time soon arrived to leave this beautiful site. We packed our things and with one last look I got into the van and prepared for the trip home. The van started up the mountain and with each shift of the gears the tires spun just a little on the sand beneath them. My mind began to swirl with nervous thoughts. As Greek songs played on the radio and everyone else seemed to be relaxed, I quietly prayed that we would make it safely to the top. As you may have already guessed, we did.

What an incredibly amazing day. I am so glad that I did not allow my fears to keep me from enjoying all that this day had for me.

Makrinitsa

Have you ever visited someplace that you instantly fell in love with? Someplace so charming and enchanting that it just captures your heart. From the moment I stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Makrinitsa it was true love. Makrinitsa is a little village located about 2400 feet above sea level on the mountain that is the backdrop for the city of Volos. Imagine me, a girl afraid of heights, loving such a place. So much so, that I requested to return after my first visit. Ok I must admit I was just a little nervous as we traveled up the winding roads to just about the middle of the mountain. There were a few spots that I had to squeeze my eyes shut as the butterflies danced in my stomach. But once we reached our destination, those cobblestone streets greeted me and invited me to explore the village. As I strolled along, I came upon quaint little homes that seemed to be just randomly placed right at the mountains edge. Some with little stone paths or stairs leading you to their front doors.
As I continued to explore, I came upon the sweetest gift shops all with store fronts so captivating they just beckoned me inside.

Once I reached the edge of the village, I came upon one of the most beautiful sites that I have ever seen. A little church , so very old yet standing so strong with it's walls of white stone. As I peeked through it's arched door, I was amazed at the beauty within. The glowing candles, sparkling chandelier, and the wonderful paintings upon it's walls. I couldn't help to think-- no matter what religion you happen to be this is a wonderful place to praise and worship God.

Right across from the little church was an outdoor cafe. Little tables surrounded by slatted chairs. Once again an invitation to stop, sit a while, and just enjoy all the beauty that surrounded me. I enjoyed an iced coffee drink with my family and then it was time to slowly walk back down the cobblestone street to our awaiting van.

Before I close this post for tonight I would like to share with you the amazing view of Volos from the edge of Makrinitsa.

(My Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, John and Edith)

Makrinitsa, the little village that stole my heart. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have visited it's streets and for the memories I will forever have.

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

Travel Journals

It was in the month of February, with the snow falling down all around us, that we first discussed our trip to Greece. We talked about the best time to travel and it was decided that the month of July would be the perfect time. Work would be slow for my husband, school would be done for my son and football practice would not begin until August, and as it turns out the sweet little girls I babysit would also be on vacation at that time. Perfect I thought but July is soooo far away. When we would get together with the family members that would make the trip with us, we would talk about what we would do, where we would go and of all the relatives that we were going to meet. I would listen with excitement but it just didn't seem real to me. Well here I sit on June 25 with only nine days until our departure. With the suitcases spread over the living room floor and all of my "To Do" lists it has suddenly become real to me. I am going to GREECE!!! I can only imagine the things that I will experience. My father in law came to America when he was just 16 years old and his whole family still resides in Volos, Greece. There are so many relatives to meet. My husband has had the opportunity to visit on several occasions but this will be the first time for my son and I. This whole experience is totally new for us. You may find this hard to believe but either Alex or I have ever been in an airplane. I don't want to forget a single experience or moment of this once in a life time trip. I decided the best way to remember was to take tons of pictures and to write daily entries in a journal. Because this trip is so special I didn't want just any journal and I could not find one that I loved. Then the thought came to me....why don't I make one. Why stop at one? I decided that my sister in law and my mother in law should have one too. I didn't want anything too heavy so I decided to use a regular old composition book and alter it.

I gathered all my supplies and began creating. I first created one for my mother in law and then my sister in law.

Once I completed theirs, I went to work on one for myself. I wanted mine to look like a vintage travel journal. First I started with a textured cream paper and sprayed it with a little walnut ink to give it that aged look.

Then I added all the vintage elements that I love, wallpaper, postcard images, a piece of vintage tape measure, sheet music, and buttons. To finish it off, I stamped my initials in the corner.

I can just imagine how it will be sitting at a little cafe' journaling the adventures of my trip, how blue the sky looks and how clear the sea. And years from now when I want to remember these wonderful memories I will open my journal and they will all come flooding back to me.

A Day with Dad

I am sure there are not many fathers that read my blog so it seems silly to say Happy Father's Day. I do hope you all had a wonderful day celebrating your father, grandfather, husband and all the other special fathers in your life. I had a very enjoyable day with my father and my husband. The weather was beautiful, a perfect day for a Father's Day picnic.

A day to celebrate my Dad...

Growing up in my family there was just my sister and I. That meant bad hair days, giggles, having nothing to wear, tears, screaming, dancing, shopping, baby dolls times two. My dad left all the girly girl activities up to my mom but he did spend time with us in other ways. One of my favorite activities with my dad was at dusk when we would all pile in his truck and go deer spotting. I remember how cool it was to see a field full of glowing eyes. To this day, I have a love for deer and still enjoy seeing them in the wild. My dad also taught me to love fishing. I loved it when my mom would pack a picnic dinner and as soon as my dad would arrive home from work, we would take off for the local lake. I am sure that my dad must have lost track of the number of worms he put on hooks, fish he removed from those hooks, and hooks he removed from his fingers. Not to mention all the stray casts that ended up in the near by tree limbs. Once my sister saw a water snake and ran screaming down the lake shore all while the button on her reel was still pressed. It took my dad forever to reel in all that fishing line. Oh and there was the time I set my rod down just in time for a fish to pull it right into the lake. My dad, to no avail, jumped right in (cloths and all) to try and save it. It's a wonder he was able to get any fishing in at all. There are other special moments that I share with my dad. I will always remember how he looked on my wedding day, and how happy he was when he became a grandpa.

A Day to Celebrate my husband...

My husband is the most wonderful father. Sometimes I get jealous of how close my husband and son are. I can truly say they are friends. They enjoy each other's company and just hanging out together. One of my favorite sounds is hearing them laugh together at a silly movie. They are so much alike. They enjoy the same type of movies, they have the same sense of humor, they love to aggravate, hate to cloths shop, and I know they both love me :) He is a proud Dad and is so supportive and encouraging to Alex in whatever he tries. I could not ask for a better role model for Alex.

There is one more special father in my life to celebrate, my father in law. He too could not be prouder of his grandson and truly loves his family. He is always there for each of us to offer advice, support, and encouragment. He was unable to spend the day with us as he was out of town. Eventhough he was away from the family today he was never far from our thoughts.

This picture was taken on Alex's birthday in April.

A Happy Father's Day to all the special Dad's in my life. I love you all and have been blessed by having each one of you in my life.