Santorini was perhaps one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. My roommate, Anna, and I spent a weekend there in the beginning of May before getting caught up in the busyness of finals. What is incredible about living in Athens is that I can go to a Greek island for the weekend and make it back for my 8:30 am class on Monday morning. On the first day, she and I sat on the black sand beaches and enjoyed amazing weather. The sun was bright and I couldn't resist spending the day on the beach. I guess I should have paid more heed to my Greek friend who told me that I was very white and I would get red. . .I got very red (ooops! Sorry mom!) We had the beach almost to ourselves since it was not yet tourist season. The island was covered with boys just riding around on their mopeds and motorcycles all day. I guess this is why Lena in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was able to find Kostas so easily. Anna and I met a few Greek boys ourselves, although they didn't speak a word of English and Anna and I speak very little Greek. The communication barrier was frustrating, challenging, and funny. Eventually we resorted to drawing pictures (pictionary style to communicate) and realized that our new friendships weren't going to last. The next day we toured the island and explored Fira and Oia. Oia was my favorite and the quintessential image of Greece: white houses with bright blue doors and shutters, deep blue water in the background. Oia overlooks the caldera giving you a breathtaking view from the top. We watched the sunet over the water and enjoyed a delicious taverna dinner. The people I met in Santorini were so nice. Out hotel was run by Stavros, the nicest man who made us coffee and cookies each morning for breakfast. The weekend was a dream come true and an amazing experience. I can't wait to go back!
