Vastas and Stemnitsa
We made the trek to Vastas today to see the miracle of huge trees growing on the roof of a tiny church. The weather on the way there was absolutely crazy. The fog was so thick that Bill could barely drive in the mountains, and then we went through the longest tunnel of our lives, and it was completely clear! The drive was very tricky, but Bill was absolutely amazing. He navigated the roads like an absolute pro - I am really grateful that he drove us everywhere.
The church in Vastas was amazing, and I do believe it is a miracle that all of those trees are growing out of that church, and it has not collapsed. Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastas
Stemnitsa - The trek up the mountain after Vastas was tricky!!!! But I am really glad we went! We really enjoyed this beautiful little town, and we all enjoyed meeting Irene's friend Maria! The bed and breakfast we stayed at had the most amazing breakfast that we had to take a picture. The food so far in Greece has been absolutely amazing, and I am very surprised at how well the kids are eating, and that they eating everything! I think they have grown 2 inches since being here, and they have really matured. This traveling has really changed my babies - I am not sure I was ready for that!
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the drive down the other side of the mountain was even more amazing. We went through so many picturesque towns, and someday I would love to stay there if I am ever in this part of Greece again.
The church in Vastas was amazing, and I do believe it is a miracle that all of those trees are growing out of that church, and it has not collapsed. Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastas
Stemnitsa - The trek up the mountain after Vastas was tricky!!!! But I am really glad we went! We really enjoyed this beautiful little town, and we all enjoyed meeting Irene's friend Maria! The bed and breakfast we stayed at had the most amazing breakfast that we had to take a picture. The food so far in Greece has been absolutely amazing, and I am very surprised at how well the kids are eating, and that they eating everything! I think they have grown 2 inches since being here, and they have really matured. This traveling has really changed my babies - I am not sure I was ready for that!
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the drive down the other side of the mountain was even more amazing. We went through so many picturesque towns, and someday I would love to stay there if I am ever in this part of Greece again.
(foot photobomb)
Porky the pig, water balloons and Monemvasia
After a wonderful stay in Kalamata it was time to make our way to our next stop. On the road to Monemvasia there are roadside stands with full pigs cooking on the roadside. We made a stop at one of the stands for lunch, and the cook was very dramatic! He slammed the cleaver down to cut us a piece of the pig that we had named porky. The girls enjoyed fresh cooked 'Porky' pig, and I enjoyed the salad. This is definitely not something you see in America!
Monemvasia was our next stop, and it was wonderful!!! The place we rented was amazing, and there was so much room, and every view offered something new. We walked up, and explored the castle above, and walked down below, and were able to swim. The town is set on rocks, and it had some of the best snorkeling on our whole trip. When the kids were bored they filled up giant water balloons on the patio, and let them burst - It was just a simple thing, but the kids had a blast. This was one of my most favorite stops. It was not easy to get to, but well worth it!!!
Sea urchins, fig trees, a Roma wedding, and a chicken!
We are now in Kalamata, and it is a truly wonderful place. I can honestly say we had a single perfect day today with simple pleasures, and unique experiences that can only happen while traveling far from home. The hotel, Messina Bay, is absolutely wonderful, and is a hidden gem. When you go to popular places you always have the option of staying on the main drag, or of staying a bit out of town with property that is a bit more natural to the environment with a more relaxed vibe. This hotel is the latter. It has 4 levels of balconies over looking the sea, and a pool and private beach that you have almost completely to yourself during the off-season. Our day started out with breakfast by the sea at the hotel. and swimming for 6 hours straight. The girls explored the beach, and found sea urchins everywhere, they collected rocks, swam, and tried to catch fish in a bucket. When they were cold from the sea they would cuddle up on the beach chair with me, and try to guess what shape the clouds looked like. Why don't we ever do that at home? I am not sure why we can never seem to slow down enough while at home to dream about the clouds, but we took full advantage while on vacation!
Daphne looks so grown up!
After all that swimming we were all starving, so we went for lunch at Del Mar restaurant on the main drag on the sea. The girls were able to swim while we ate and drank Ouzo. After lunch we walked down the beach to a giant obstacle course. The girls had a great time, but it was a bit more than the grown ups bargained for... Giant obstacles in an angry sea - It was a bit scary for us, but the girls had a great time.
After a long day of swimming we decided to make the drive to Arfara, a small town outside of Kalamata. This is where Irene's cousin Elias has property that we have been hearing about for years, and we wanted to take the time to check it out while in the south central Peleponese. On our way there we were stuck going about 10 miles an hour, and could not figure out why everyone was out of their houses on the street waving. It turns out we were stuck behind a horse and carriage for a Roma wedding, and we were stuck in the middle of the procession. Now that is not something that happens everyday!
Once we arrived at Elias house we were able to get a tour of his amazing property and garden! The very first thing we saw was a fig tree, and it was in season. We pulled the figs off the tree and ate them as we walked! There were lemon trees, lime trees, a pomegranate tree, pecan tree, peach trees, olive trees, grape vines everywhere, rosemarry bushes the size of a small house, Daphne bushes, and many, many other fruits and vegetables.
At the end of the tour we stopped at the chicken coup where they pulled eggs out of the hen house for us to cook for breakfast tomorrow. They let Daphne hold the chicken, and it was really quite the event! It was funny because the rouster went crazy, and there was a major debacle in the hen house! Both Chloe and Daphne went running and screaming out of the hen house being chased by a rooster! That would not happen in Illinois!
After a long day, we were all exhausted, but we were also starving. So when Irene suggested a restaurant that people drive to from all over, named Mylos in Pidima, I was sceptical. I've got two exhausted kids, and it is now 9 PM; however, I decided to go with the flow, and I am REALLY glad I did! This place was magical! One of the most amazing restaurants that I have ever been to in my life. It had swans, and fairy doors, and the outdoor seating was just amazing. The food was excellent, but it was the outdoor area that was absolutely stunning. Daphne is absolutely convinced that a fairy really lives inside that fairy door, and that the door was it's wing. All in all it really was an absolutely perfect day.
Mom's arrival, paidakia, Monestary Panagitsa Kleistone, and arrival in Kalamata
Mom has arrived in Athens! I was so glad to see everyone. The girls surprised me at the airport, and gave me quite the reception. I am really excited to start this Tziforos family adventure.
Finally, later that day we arrived in Kalamata where we would spend the next few days. Our accommodations are amazing, and I am looking forward to spending a few days relaxing and re-energizing from my travels. Kalamata is a truly amazing place!! It is completely surrounded by mountains with the sea below. It is modern, but yet still has the feeling of being in Greece with everything that Greece has to offer.
Upon my arrival we went out for paidakia in Fili 'Hasia'. The town specializes in lamb, and when you drive down the street there are lambs hanging in almost every restaurant storefront. We ordered 3 pounds of lamb, and finished them all along with salad, bread, tomatoes, and Greek dips. It was an amazing meal, and a perfect way to start to my vacation in Greece. After lunch we drove to a Monestary outside of town, Monestary Panigitsa Kleistone. This was an absolutely beautiful Monestary that was completely tucked away in the mountains. It was particularly special to Irene because she used to come here with her father when she was young. The detail in the monestary was amazing, but I loved how it felt like a hidden treasure carved directly into the mountain.
Parthenon and dinner at the Plaka in Athens
Today is the day the family finally made it to the Parthenon. They took a nice long walk, and according to Chloe saw lots of ancient stuff. It was an hour walk up to the top to see the Parthenon, and the girls were free to get in, and it was 20 Euros for each adult. Chloe thinks on a scale from 1 to 10 it was a 10. She said it was a 10 because they were so high up, and everything was so ancient. Daphne gave it an 8.5 because there was gun powder stored up there in ancient times, and the when the gun powder went off it blew up a lot of stuff. She really knows her history! The walk down only took about 10 minutes, which really impressed the girls because it took so long for them to get up to the top! Bill loved showing the girls the Parthenon, and really enjoyed giving them a very detailed, definitely not boring, history lesson!! After they got back to the apartment they had a water fight on the balcony to cool off.
During that time Mom was making her way to Athens! Not sure why, but I am nervous and can't shake the feeling that forgot something!
Later that night the family went to dinner at the Plaka. It was a beautiful rooftop garden with amazing views of Athens. Dinner was fresh fish, homemade wine, fresh vegetables, feta, pork tenderloin, live music, and Greek dancing.
First trip to the sea and Greek Parliament
Today, the girls were able to swim in the sea for the first time ever, and they absolutely loved it. They jumped right in, and had a wonderful day! The girls reported that the sea is very salty, and there are about a million fish in it, but it was still great. They met another Greek family from Schaumburg at the beach - Joaquim is in Daphne's class, and they will be in school together for the next several years - They look so cute together. Chloe had a ton of fun too, and was buried up to her neck in the sand by his older sister. Today they were only spoken to in Greek, and played like the locals at a beach outside of Athens!
In the afternoon, they went to Greek Parliament. This was extremely exciting for Bill as he has always wanted to go there. Apparently, Parliament was in session, and they were able to sit in on part of the session. At the end the speaker announced that they had some guests in attendance, and everyone stood and clapped for their guests, the Tziforos family... How cool!! I know that this made Bill's day!
In the afternoon, they went to Greek Parliament. This was extremely exciting for Bill as he has always wanted to go there. Apparently, Parliament was in session, and they were able to sit in on part of the session. At the end the speaker announced that they had some guests in attendance, and everyone stood and clapped for their guests, the Tziforos family... How cool!! I know that this made Bill's day!
Picture in front of Parliament
Tonight Theo Mimi was able to put the girls to bed without any tears from anyone, including Theo Mimi! He loves his little Koukles!
Tiropitas and living the 'Greek' life!
Well I can honestly say that the Tziforos girls have fell into living the Greek life with grace and ease! Yesterday, they took a 1.5 hour siesta in the middle of the day, and then went out for a late night dinner. After dinner and a late night Skype session with Mom, so she could read them some books, they slept for 12 hours straight - from midnight to noon! 12 hours - really?!? Upon waking they took a leisurely stroll down to the local bakery to pick up tiropitas for breakfast. They enjoyed their breakfast on the balcony from the apartment they are renting in Athens, and had a dance party to American music. Dancing to Beyonce while on your balcony in Greece sounds like fun to me!!
Today they wanted to relax, and take it so easy, so after breakfast they made a stop at a local grocery store. Going to the grocery store in another country is always a fun adventure, and one of my favorite things to do - I love to see the different foods and brands that are displayed, and it really helps connect you to where you are. They picked up a few staples, so they can enjoy some local food without having to go out for every meal.
After lunch they met up with friends from Schaumburg IL that were also traveling in Greece. I think they really enjoyed seeing some familiar faces, and hanging out!
The night ended with dinner out with the family!!
Good night hugs from Theo Mimi. He is so happy to spend time with girls, and really loves them!! They went to bed early tonight (9 PM) - they missed their afternoon siesta!
Yia-yia has promised a big breakfast for tomorrow with avgouli (Greek eggs).
Tears of joy in Athens!!!
After a few hours of sleep the Tziforos family packed up, and headed to the airport at 4 AM. Today is the day everyone has been waiting for.... The girls will leave Sweden, and arrive in Greece, and all the plans will come together. The girls will get to see Greece for the first time, meet Irene's brother, Mimi, and have the best loukoumada's in the entire world. I am happy to say that everything has exceeded everyone's expectation! When they arrived in Athens they dropped their bags at the hotel, and headed straight out for Greek doughnuts. Mimi met them out right away. He insisted on coming where ever they were immediately! When the girls saw him they ran into his arms, and they hugged him while he cried. It was very emotional for everyone. The girls felt an instant connection to someone who means a lot to their Yia-yia. Moments later they both grabbed his hand, and started walking down the street to the bakery. After all, they were ready for their Greek donuts, and they were taking Mimi with them!
This is all second hand, and I am certain that I am not doing the story justice! Here are some texts from Bill and Irene - Irene - 'This has made the entire tip worth the $$$$$!!!!! - He cried, and wished his wife was there to see the girls!' Bill - 'It was really cool. They ran up to him, and gave him huge hugs. Then they walked both of them holding his hands when we went for loukoumades.'
This is all second hand, and I am certain that I am not doing the story justice! Here are some texts from Bill and Irene - Irene - 'This has made the entire tip worth the $$$$$!!!!! - He cried, and wished his wife was there to see the girls!' Bill - 'It was really cool. They ran up to him, and gave him huge hugs. Then they walked both of them holding his hands when we went for loukoumades.'
The night ended with dinner under the acropolis museum. What a great end to a fabulous day!
Next stop, Stockholm
After an exciting day in London, it was time to move onto the next stop on the itinerary, Stockholm.
They arrived in the evening, had a bath, and everyone went to bed and slept for 10 hours straight. I can't believe it!! Here I was worried that they would be completely out of wack, but everyone just fell straight into the time change. Crazy! Bill had to wake everyone up so they would not miss breakfast. Thank you meletonin!
After a nice Swedish breakfast they went into the city where they had a boat tour, and strolled the lovely city.
It was national Swedish day today, and there was a parade. The girls had a GREAT time watching it, and kept track of all the horse poop that dropped in front of them. (Only Tziforos girls would be fascinated by that.) The cool part is they were able to see the King and Queen of Sweden. It is not every day you get to see a King and Queen. The girls are making friends everywhere they go - they are engaging workers, patrons, and fully experiencing everything that is available to them!
After a nice Swedish breakfast they went into the city where they had a boat tour, and strolled the lovely city.
It was national Swedish day today, and there was a parade. The girls had a GREAT time watching it, and kept track of all the horse poop that dropped in front of them. (Only Tziforos girls would be fascinated by that.) The cool part is they were able to see the King and Queen of Sweden. It is not every day you get to see a King and Queen. The girls are making friends everywhere they go - they are engaging workers, patrons, and fully experiencing everything that is available to them!
I will say that the Tziforos girls are a bit wild for Sweden. They were surprised by how reserved every one was... They watched the parade, and were the only ones who clapped, and cheered.
The girls were fast asleep by 10:30 PM despite the fact it is still daylight outside.
London Eye, fish n chips and Buckingham Palace
They have arrived in England. The flight was exciting, and blissfully uneventful! The girls slept for most of the flight, and they made it to central London as planned!
They Skyped Mom from the top of the Ferris wheel.... which made me cry, but I am not sure why. I can not believe they are having this life changing experience. According to Yia-Yia they are loving every single second, and things have gone extremely smooth. I know they had fish n chips for lunch, but I need an update from them on how they were, and if the girls liked them. They are now at Buckingham Palace, and they are having an absolute blast. From the pictures I am sure Daphne and Chloe are making America proud by pretending to fart at the fountain, and doing cartwheels in front of Buckingham Palace. LOL
Theo Thano and Bill are very tired, but it is well worth it!!
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