Hello everyone... it's Josh making a guest appearance on the blog. Don't get used to it, I'm only here because Karen thinks I'll remember more about Greece than she will. Maybe it's because of all the exotic Mojitos she drank while there. And, since Greece isn't well known for their beer... here it goes.
Karen left for Greece 10 days or so before I did, so I could show-up and take a quick trip around the country with her. I spent a few months planning our travels and the day before I left my computer crashed before I had a chance to print any of our itineraries, travel reservations or hotel reservations and this was a complicated one including planes, boats, four-wheelers and rental cars with (3) different hotels. How could I be stressed though... I was on my way to Greece to be with my wife!
I came through airport security in Mykonos to see my wonderful wife, tanner than I had ever seen her wearing a small white dress and pointing a camera at me. I should have turned it around and got a few of her. Somewhere between San Francisco, London and Athens my bags forgot to get onto the plane, so I showed-up with the clothes I was wearing and one change in my backpack. We would be moving all over the country in the next few days so I figured the chance of ever seeing my bag again was slim... but I was in Greece with my wife! Karen took me to the hotel where she had been teaching and introduced me to a few of her friends. We ate and drank and were merry. Finished the night enjoying the cool breeze overlooking the Aegean sea. Not sure why that guy is staring at me in the photo, but it freaks-me-out a bit.
The next day karen showed me around Mykonos before we boarded a "sweet" ferry to Santorini. The first of many self-portraits.
The "sweet" ferry... a hydrofoil named the Flyingcat3 does something like 70mph through the Aegean. Karen spent the trip sleeping and I spent the trip drinking Heinekens and trying to remember the names of the Hotels and travel reservation details.
We arrived in Santorini and were immediatley bombarded by locals trying to give us "cheap" rides to our hotel which I kind of knew the name of and remembered what it looked like from the picture. It was white with blue trim... #*?! , all the hotels were white with blue trim! I was hoping there would be somebody waiting at the ferry with a big "Downs" sign, but no luck there either. Karen kept her cool while I didn't and encouraged me not to meet the Santorini cops and not to rent a car from a very good salesman. Nonetheless we miracously found somebody waiting for us and got a ride to the hotel. There was a porter (I think that's what they're called) that wanted to carry our bags down a 1/4 mile of stairs to the hotel, but there was no way I was letting another dude carry Karen's bags. And, yes, as you can tell from the picture... some of the porters are donkeys.
Santorini was by far my favorite place in Greece... for many reasons. The hotel was absolutely wonderful. It overlooked the Aegean and a dormant volcano which the sun sets into every night to the cheers of everyone on the island. While checking in at the hotel I noticed a bag in the corner that looked just like mine, wait a minute, it was mine. How it got there I have no idea nor did the people at the hotel. Everything was good... I was in Greece with my absolutely wonderful wife.
Santorini has an abundance of cool places to eat, drink and...
... get strangers to take horribly out of focus pictures for you. If I remember correctly this picture was taken by the owner of a restaurant that wouldn't leave us alone about eating at his place. The fact that he was infatuated with my wife was funny at first, but quickly got irritating.
This picture is of some guy that looks a lot like me, but poses real corny for his wife. Hey, I'm just writing the story, not choosing the pics.
That's a picture of the same guy that looks like me, but has a really weird picture taking stance.
Told you there was an abundance of bad photos from others. Guess Santorini doesn't know about www.snapshotsofagoodlife.com?
Karen makes photos of me look way better when she is in them, eh?
We rented a four-wheeler for dirt cheap, but realized we wouldn't make it to the gas station because the owner who requires you bring it back full, then siphons the gas and sells it got a bit over zealous. I talked him into a splash of gas and we were off.
Driving in Greece is crazy... driving a four-wheeler in Greece is insane! The, A bus passed us next to a cliff around a blind corner kinda crazy. When I returned the four-wheeler I left Karen at the hotel and figured the owner would bring me back to the hotel in his car. I was wrong. He decided to use the four-wheeler to take me back... him driving and me holding-on through the crowds of Santorini. It was memorable.
Waiting for the world famous Santorini sunset! Maybe God delivered my bags to the hotel?
See all the white hotels with blue trim I was talking about? Also see all the people up on the ruins waiting for the sunset?
Yeah, baby. That's one of those exotic Mojitos I was talking about. I love everything about that pic! We had dinner and watched our first Santorini sunset at the first retaurant that said they could make a Mojito.
See how much better she makes me look?
The morning after. Karen was just getting excited about running, so after breakfeast we rode to a remote part of the island and did exactly that. By the way... Greek island breakfeasts are great!
On our way to what we thought was a cool old church that turned out to be an active crematory (by active I mean smoking) we came across this old gate in the ditch. Karen wanted it and I wanted it for her, but the thought of smuggling a hundred pound steel gate out of the country was daunting.
The ruins on the highest peak of Santorini. Getting there tested my Greek four-wheeling abilities and I'm not sure that Karen realized her life was at risk the entire trip up the mountain.
If you don't know Karen then you have no idea why table number four is such a big deal. This table overlooks what at the time of the photo we had no idea was a nude beach.
Our nude feet! I think the Corona commercial guys might have stolen this photo.
We swam in the Aegean which is way-cool because the salt content is so high that you can float effortlessly. We spent a lot of time in the water splashing around like little kids and before we knew we were 100 yards or so out at sea.
Cheers!
Wait, I think this might be the restaurant with the owner who hit on my wife.
Are those people in the lower left of the photo wearing robes?
That's it for Wonderful Santorini. I want to go back right now. Karen, I need inspiration. You're wonderful and I Love You like Crazy.
BTW - This post was way funny before Karen edited it.
Josh
A note from Karen...
1. The next teaching trip I'm doing is in Ireland with Scrap Map and Ali Edwards this coming October (and I heard there's still a few spots open if you want to come. Click here for all the details.)
2. The dress was gray, and it went past my knees.
3. I only made two minor edits to keep things PG.
Stunning! Loved the commentary and so glad 'God' delivered your bag Josh!
PS You look strangely like the 'donkey' shot I have laden with bags. LOL Kudos for that btw. No small feat along those alleyways
PPS Santorini is my all time favourite place in the world since we first discovered it way back in 1984. Each time we return we feel like we've come home.
Posted by: Jo-Anne | July 30, 2012 at 11:52 PM
That's hilarious! You should let Josh blog more often.
What beautiful photos! Hope you had a blast :)
Posted by: Selina | July 31, 2012 at 02:02 AM
Sou wout nou yo sa nou te panse se te yon fre legliz fin vye granmoun ki te vin tounen yon krematoryom aktif (pa aktif m 'vle di fimen) nou te vin atravè sa a pòtay fin vye granmoun nan menm twou a. Karen te vle li e mwen te vle li pou li, men te panse a kontrebann yon pòtay asye san liv deyò nan peyi a te redoutable.
Posted by: maillot basket | July 31, 2012 at 02:31 AM
OMG you are coming to Ireland - I live in Ireland - any chance somebody from Ireland can join in or I could be your TOUR GUIDE!!!! I have been following both your blog and Ali's for a while now and I love your work.
Posted by: Trish | July 31, 2012 at 03:46 AM
Hurrah Josh! I love travel commentary. Awesome shots, as always, Karen!
Posted by: Heather Topich | July 31, 2012 at 04:45 AM
You two are ridiculously cute! Love these pics, the commentary and Greece!
Posted by: KateinCleveland | July 31, 2012 at 05:17 AM
Josh Downs, you are the best! I smiled through this whole post! And Karen your photos are stunning as always and now I want to go to Greece, some place I never wanted to go before!
Posted by: Pam | July 31, 2012 at 05:29 AM
You two make me laugh.........and make me happy. Thank You for sharing your beautiful trip and AMAZING photos!
Posted by: sarahnewton | July 31, 2012 at 05:53 AM
Awesome commentary + beautiful pictures + those smiles you have for each other = the reason I keep coming back to your blog day after day!!!
Posted by: Krys72599 | July 31, 2012 at 06:14 AM
Brilliant post. LOVED the photos. Driving on the roads is notorious in Greece. Many years ago , my sisters boyfriend ended up leaving his arm and shoulder on a Greek island ! He lost them after being hit by a Greek driver on the wrong side of the road, coming around one of those bends. Even worse was at the time he worked as a hod carrier or brickie. Which meant he used to carry building bricks in large loads on his shoulder! Changed his life completely, in that one split second.
Posted by: Karen Aldrin | July 31, 2012 at 06:24 AM
Pure magic! What beautiful memories recorded and shared brilliantly!
Posted by: janel | July 31, 2012 at 06:43 AM
Such a great post - loved the photos and commentary! I haven't been back to Greece in a long time, but am planning a trip with the family for next year. I cannot wait and really hope it all works out. LOVED this post!!!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | July 31, 2012 at 06:54 AM
Great Post Josh Downs...Great photos Karen, duh! You two are so funny and witty!
Josh Downs, you should blog more often and THANK YOU for your amazing service to our country!
Posted by: stephanie ackerman | July 31, 2012 at 06:56 AM
Loved it Josh...thanks! Your shots are amazing....so beautiful!! Glad you both had such a wonderful time together!!
Posted by: Tracy | July 31, 2012 at 07:00 AM
Thanks Josh for the blogging and Karen for THE FABULOUS PICTURES. I scrapped a Greece/ Italy trip for my daughter (her trip). It was excruciatingly fun :) It hurt because she had asked me to go and I decided to be frugal and fun because of the beauty of Greece (and Italy) and living it through her eyes and humorous comments.
Posted by: JillT | July 31, 2012 at 07:08 AM
I LOVE your photos/trip as told from Josh's perspective - Thanks for doing that Josh! The photos are breathtaking - methinks I need to plan a trip to Greece :)
Posted by: Stephanie | July 31, 2012 at 07:22 AM
This was awesome!!! Kudos for Josh for his commentary ... looking for to Greece II, III, IV, V, etc. giggle!!!
Posted by: Heather | July 31, 2012 at 07:27 AM
I freaking love this!!! Sorry it was edited, but I guess I understand. Josh, you are a natural at this, and I love the photos you took of Karen. (Love that girl.) I can't wait to meet you!!! :)
Posted by: Marilou | July 31, 2012 at 07:51 AM
Great post and beautiful pictures! You did awesome Josh!
Posted by: Addie | July 31, 2012 at 08:03 AM
loved all of it.. i think josh should start a once a month appearance.. it would have been even better to have your story next to his to see the difference.. like the white or gray dress :)
Posted by: kate | July 31, 2012 at 08:05 AM
LOL! Love the whole post!!!!!
Posted by: Michelle Adams | July 31, 2012 at 08:18 AM
1. SO jealous that you got to go to Greece
2. Josh should do more writing...funny stuff! And we are all adults, forget the editing. HAHA!
Posted by: borcherding | July 31, 2012 at 08:29 AM
I'm so jealous! That looks like a fabulous trip! Josh- you are so funny!
Posted by: Nicky H | July 31, 2012 at 09:03 AM
This has got to be one of the Best.Posts.Ever! Josh, you are a natural at writing....maybe you should do a few more guest appearances!
Love all the photos, but especially love the ones of the two of you together! Such a darling couple, you are!! I absolutely adore your sweet wife and I'm so excited to finally be meeting the amazing Josh Downs! Looking forward to more Greece installments!
Posted by: ♥Debbie | July 31, 2012 at 09:34 AM
ahhh! at first i was like "did they take another greece trip, or is she finally getting around to the old one?" ha! and...before i even read the comment under the pic with the gate i said "oh my gosh i want that gate!". josh-you're awesome {but you totally should have risked imprisonment for the gate}! karen-wish i could join you in ireland, it's the one place i want to see more than any other {if they send you an extra ticket, i promise to push through a million guinesses to find you a mojito}
Posted by: mandy friend | July 31, 2012 at 09:41 AM
this was a great post, thanks Josh! loved the blurry pic and the comment on Santorini not knowing about snap.shots.of.a.goodlife! these are the snap shots of life we carry with us all the time!
Posted by: martha hernandez | July 31, 2012 at 10:16 AM
Y'all are so dang cute. The robes made me laugh! And the last line about being way funny before your edits. Ha! Love reading about y'all, it's inspiring. :)
Posted by: Paige | July 31, 2012 at 10:29 AM
Thanks Josh for complimenting Karen's (as always) great captures with your cleverly written post. So pleased you both had a fun experience in Greece and had time to 'just be' together.
Posted by: renee | July 31, 2012 at 10:53 AM
Crazy beautiful photos! Wonderful commentary from Josh! I want to go to Greece for the food.
Posted by: Kelli | July 31, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Great job Josh! Loved it, you are too funny! You both are amazing people!
Karen, I wish I could join you in Ireland, I love you and Ali both!
Posted by: Sylvia | July 31, 2012 at 12:16 PM
wow...I would love to have been on that trip and taking your class...
Thanks for sharing...
Laura
Posted by: laura plunk davis | July 31, 2012 at 01:49 PM
Beautiful pictures, it looks like a wonderful time! I'm jealous. And what a fun post from Josh's perspective!
Posted by: Becky Ziemek | July 31, 2012 at 02:18 PM
nothing sad in this and I still cried!!!!! good tears.....your hubby loves you so much and I can see that and I LOVE IT!!!
Posted by: Nicole Campbell | July 31, 2012 at 02:52 PM
I'm so happy you both had a wonderful trip together. It was so deserved by both. Josh your a great blogger (hint maybe you'll get to guest blog once in awhile) and I'm so glad your bag showed up. Thanks for sharing this specical event with us.
Posted by: Paola Norman | July 31, 2012 at 04:59 PM
Absolutely beautiful! Both the words and the photos. :)
Posted by: Valerie | July 31, 2012 at 05:12 PM
Awh Greece, I was there too and you are right Josh Downs you have a SEXY FABULOUS HOT WIFE, and she loves ya mucho. I wanna go back to. I had a fab time.
Posted by: Cindy Welch | July 31, 2012 at 06:02 PM
Oh my heck, Nellie, you should have let him rip....Josh you are hilarious!! Great post and great pics!!
Y'all are the cutest!!! :)))
Posted by: kat-in-texas | July 31, 2012 at 07:53 PM
Hilarious! Please have Josh make more guest writing appearances! Looks like a gorgeous place to travel.
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Posted by: casquette red bull | August 02, 2012 at 02:20 AM
UUuuummm, I think I just fell in love with your husband. ;)
Posted by: Misty | August 02, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Ooooh I love the boat shots...such great light! And my favorite is the one of Coley on the boat with his shades, and Courtney in the background. That one is special.
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Posted by: lunette de soleil homme prada | August 03, 2012 at 01:59 AM
So fun to hear Josh's "voice". You portray his personality great through your words and pics Karen- His words (and reading between the lines) backed that up. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jacki | August 04, 2012 at 10:38 PM
my husband and i were in skopelos, greece in june and we had such an amazing time! a beautiful place... so inspiring to see your images of similar landscapes! stunning.
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Josh - you are such a great hubby! Karen - amazing photos! What a terrific trip.
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