Billy Goats

Day 11 - Naxos, Greece:

Today we rented cars and drove around the island of Naxos. We visited a monastery, a temple, an extremely old church (can't remember dates), a cute little place for lunch where I ate goat for the first time and we got yelled at by a crazy man as we drove away. A lovely local lady had to inform us that he was actually insane after she saw the fear in our eyes. We also visited a distillery, and climbed an intense mountain to get to a cave said to be where Zeus was either born or buried. We then found an awesome little beach and got lost on our drive home. It was a great time! Off to Mykonos tomorrow.

Mayday

Day 10 - Naxos, Greece:

This morning it was sunny and calm. We headed out to Naxos, Greece. On the way we stopped at a little fresh water bay that had a cave we swam into, as seen below.

Then the day took a turn as the wind picked up and the water got rough. We came across hurricane force winds. Our skipper is a pro however, and got us to port safe and sound. Once we arrived we were unable to walk on the pier into town for fear of being washed away or blown off. Luckily, a very nice man told us to get into his car and drove us. We're now sitting in a bar taking cover. The winds have calmed down now a bit. A skipper sitting near us just informed us there have been 5 Maydays called over the radio. We hope everyone is ok!

Cave Woman Takes a Shower

Day 9 - An island I can't pronounce, Greece:

We woke up early after the night of our BBQ and went on a hike up a mountain to a cave our skipper had found once before. We brought candles and lit them all over and explored. It used to be a church hundreds of years ago and there was still evidence of this. I have better photos, but unfortunately I'm unable to put them on my iPad at the moment. So I give you a bit of the ambience. 

On another note, I'm not going to lie, as of yesterday I hadn't showered in a long long time. The showers on the boat are awful though so that's been even more of an excuse to not bathe. After a shower last night - I felt like a new person -, we went out for a dinner in which I ate copious amounts (more than anyone) and they were all impressed, but what's new. Then one of the men on a million dollar private yacht anchored by our boat ended up at the same restaurant and bought these very strong drinks put on fire for everyone. Here is a picture of the lady working at the restaurant pouring them.

Under the Sea

Day 8 - Iraklia, Greece:

I'm a day behind from being on the boat. But here goes...so yesterday we went snorkelling at a secluded and beautiful beach on the island of Iraklia. There was a skeleton of a German world war 2 plane that had crashed upon take off at the bottom of the sea a little ways out. It was the coolest, yet most eerie thing I've seen. The water was crystal clear so it was great for snorkelling. 

After that we went around to another part of the island and anchored there for the night. We prepared food on the boat and brought it over to land and had a bonfire/BBQ. It was delicious! 

Sailor Nancy

Day 7 - Ios, Greece:

It was a very interesting first day at sea! I learned how to tie some knots, got assigned role of pyrotechnics in case of emergency, and then when emergency almost arose when we grounded ourselves in the middle of a volcanic crater swimming hole...I came to the rescue and winched the hell out of that boat. I have no idea if that even makes sense, but that's what I did. I am now enjoying a beer on the beach with my lovely new friends from Florida and Australia. Well deserved, I might add.

Pre-chaos:

Mid/post-chaos (always time for a photo):

After the chaos:

Transition

Day 6 - Santorini, Greece:

This is me posting a pic for yesterday since I never got around to it! I was in a transition from my place in Fira, Santorini to the sailing boat I am going to be living on for the next 8 days with 8 other awesome people! Pictures of that will come however, as we set out today and yesterday was mostly preparation. 

I had to check out of my place yesterday at 11am though and wasn't meeting everyone at the port until 5pm, so to pass time I bought some fruit at the market (note, NOT gelato...) and sat on some steps covered in donkey poop and enjoyed the view. To coincide with 'peach on a beach', I give you 'plum and my thumb'. 

Beached Whale

Day 5 - Santorini, Greece:

Today was devoted to spending time at the black sand beaches of Kamari and Perrisa on the island of Santorini. I took the bus out in the morning and got a spot in the shade before the masses arrived. I put on a pair of shorts this morning that I haven't worn yet, and already they feel tighter. Not even gone a week and I'm sure I've gained some. Amen to gelato, beer, and cheese er'day! 

I have again added another photo, rather than just one, because how can you not document having 'a peach on the beach'?!

Island Time

Day 4: Santorini, Greece:

I arrived on the island this morning and have been blown away by how beautiful it is. I spent the afternoon winding through all of the many paths between the shops, cafés, hotels, and homes overlooking the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea. Then i found myself seated on a patio drinking wine and simply staring out at the view. I'm not usually one to slow down and do nothing so this was a much needed realization to relax and enjoy the 'nothingness' in life. And yes...I am still wearing the same clothes. Who wants to pay for laundry when you can spend that money on wine? Also, today is definitely deserving of more than one photo, so here is four.

Earl Grey

Day 3 - Athens, Greece:

Today was a day of eating, drinking, and more sight seeing with no thrilling photos to post. I will give you this photo though that I took on my way home last night after dinner at a traditional Greek restaurant. I danced on stage with some cute Greek boys and smashed some plates. Let's just say I wasn't drinking tea...OPA!

Get lost, punk.

Day 2 - Athens, Greece:
Today was a day of exploring sans map. Sometimes it's best to grab the sunnies and a beer and go where the feet take you.

Greek Serenade

Day 1 - Athens, Greece:

Got serenaded in Greek today by this man who reminded me of Dopey from Snow White, and he sounded beautiful.