Meteora didn't arrive on our travel bucket list through the usual ways like guidebooks or word of mouth or stunning movie scenes. It all began with a record album. Back in 2003, Linkin Park released their second studio album. The album itself was one of the best they've ever released, but what captured my attention was the album title: Meteora. Fascinated by this title, I took to the Internet to find out the origins of this word. A few clicks in, this is what I saw.
Read MoreOkay, this is really a "Favorite Corners" post, but with Athens, "Favorite Ruins" felt more appropriate. Athens is an intriguing coexistence between modern, myth, and ruin. Clean efficient metro lines zip beneath the ancient weight of marble temples. Words etched in early Greek letters share walls with fresh graffiti. Construction noises boom from inside the stoic crumble of the Parthenon. A young olive tree marks the spot where, thousands of years ago, the goddess Athena planted a gift for the city that would forever treasure her name.
Read MoreWe're in Athens, which means round two of delicious Greek food! Opa!
Read MoreWinter on the isle of Crete. The tourists have not yet arrived nor has the sea gathered its full warmth from the sun. Our days are sunny and quiet, filled with walks along Nea Chora beach and meandering the cobblestone streets of this sleepy fishing village, watching as it readies itself for the impending crush of summer crowds. We've seen the sights, savoured the food, and adored the animals from a far, so to wrap up, here are a few of our favorite Cretan corners. Efharisto!
Read MoreBefore the Greeks, there were the Minoans. The Palace of Knossos is one of the largest and most restored Minoan palaces on Crete. Built around 1700 BC, these ruins are the oldest we've ever visited, but this site was actually inhabited even earlier back in 7000 to 3000 BC. With great age comes a few great myths, and this place is rumored to be the labyrinthine palace of King Minos and the Minotaur and also where Icarus lost his wings.
Read MoreAh, Greek food. Lemon and orange trees brighten the streets with fruit and blossoms. Fishermen sell their morning catch right on the docks. It feels like they truly live off of the land and sea here. While on the island of Crete, we tried to find a few dishes that are purely Cretan and encountered an intoxicating after-meal custom.
Read MoreDogs and cats are like little four-legged citizens here. They know how to cross the streets, they hang out with their friends on the beach, and even frequent their favorite restaurants to see what's cooking. We also just like taking pictures of them.
Read More
