My First Greek Island- Zakynthos!

     This past weekend the roommates and I packed our bags and jetted off to our first Greek island; Zakynthos. Many thought we were crazy for wanting to go to an island so early in the semester (the weather is still far from tropical). Although we knew the island was going to be quiet, we decided to make the most of the short time that we have in Greece and booked the trip anyways! Our hotel was in the port of Zakynthos and just a short walk from Solomos Square. Carnival is being celebrated over all of Greece at this time and the town of Zante held a small festival in celebration. Floods of families, food vendors, and games popped up around Solomos Square. It was really fun seeing the kiddos in their costumes and we strolled around the square trying to avoid being covered in silly string and confetti. The island was beautiful, the people were welcoming, and the food wasn't too shabby either. I envy those who get to visit Zakynthos in the summer season!

The first night was spent eating food and snuggling while trying to translate Greek television.

 On Saturday, we headed out and spent the day exploring the town of Zante.

In the middle of our exploration, we came across a horse who looked beautiful and lonely all at the same time. I guess his view isn't too bad though.

 We played a mid-afternoon game of Uno in a sports cafe. I never thought Uno could get so intense, but you haven't met my roommates.

Sunday was rainy and gloomy, which brought on some feelings of being homesick. This picture is something that is worth looking at from time to time to help remind myself that my friends and loved ones aren't gone, just a little further away than usual.

 Aurora noticed I was feeling down and escaped to the kiosk near by for my guilty pleasure; cheetos. While munching on my cheetos and sipping hot cocoa, we played card games and kept cozy while watching the rain. I am so thankful to have been given roommates that are as fun as they are caring.

This is for taking selflies on my phone when I thought you were taking a picture of me… :)

We were literally the only humans in the airport at one point so what did we do? Ice Aurora.

After bullying Aurora she did my hair for me and I did her makeup. All was forgiven :)

My parents and sister will be here in one week and I couldn't be more excited! I have decided that they should skip packing and just put my friends and boyfriend in their suitcases instead. Sounds reasonable to me. All of my favorite people in one place!

Kisses,

Katie

Playing Catch Up

This past weekend was so good to me that I forgot to make a blog post! Whoops! I'll try to do some catching up.

Friday was spent with my lovely roommates, making a Valentine's Day dinner. It was the next best thing to spending the day with Caleb.

On Saturday, the roommates and I headed to the Southern suburbs of Athens for some exploring. Our friend, Marian, lives in Southern Athens and offered to show us around the area for the day. We shopped until our stomachs began to growl and headed to the beach for lunch. I tried the grilled octopus  which was full of flavor and very satisfying (even though my roommates thought it was a bit intimidating).

After lunch, Marian brought us to an ancient lake that is tucked away on the side of a cliff. It is so beautiful and we decided we would have to visit sometime soon for a swim.

I spent my Sunday tending to my to-do list, lounging on the balcony, and catching up with family and friends. The weather has been so nice lately at an average 60 degrees (F) and sunny. I am already getting some freckles! Aurora and I sipped on some freshly squeezed orange juice while enjoying the weather.

I hope everyone had a great weekend! 

Also.. check out the goodies I got at the famers market this morning. It's going to be a great week :)

Kisses,

Katie

Midterm Week

    With midterms approaching the next couple of weeks, I have been busy studying and a bit lacking on the adventure side of life. Today I got to sit on my balcony with a glass of lemon water and my "Learning Processing" textbook while the sun kept me warm. I hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day this Friday! I wish I could fly Caleb here for the day :) 

Kisses,
Katie

A Trip to the Acropolis & A Night Out In Athens

Thursday of this past week was a religious holiday for Athenians which means no school for us! My three roommates and I decided to make a day out of exploring the Acropolis and accompanying Acropolis Museum. The day began around 9am with a short metro ride to the Acropolis entrance. We explored the grounds surrounding the Parthenon and enjoyed some fabulous views along the way. Although thousands have visited the ancient sites before, standing in front of the Temple of Athena, Erechtheion, and the Parthenon took my breath away.

After a morning of "ooing" and "awhing" we headed to the Acropolis Museum which in itself is a work of art. The modern and industrial architecture of the museum is a beautiful housing for the ancient artifacts that it contains inside. Also... I wasn't supposed to be taking pictures which is why I have a total of two.

After wandering through the museum, we decided it was time for some fuel. The Acropolis Museum has a great cafe with lots of yummy dishes. The best part of the whole experience? You can see the Parthenon from your table. 

I survived another week of classes and by Friday I was ready to have some fun. We headed downtown to the Plaka area where we found an adorable taverna on a beautifully lit set of stairs. Although it was a little chilly we decided to sit outside. We couldn't miss out on the atmosphere! We ordered drinks and some small plates and enjoyed the company of the live music and friendly cats. It was a great way to start the night before heading to a club in Gazi called Dream City. 

After dinner our server gave us free hot wine which consists of red wine, cinnamon, ginger and honey! Yamas! (cheers)

The nightlife here is not for the shy or the timid. We danced until our heels began to hurt and caught a cab home around 4am. Did I mention that we were the first ones to leave? Like I said, not for the shy or the timid.

Everyone smokes in the clubs which is unfortunate, but at least they don't mess around with a surgeon general warning like America. 

That thing she is flinging around? A teddy bear. I'm still not sure why.

Until next Sunday!

Kisses,

Katie