Unleashing Epic Adventures: Party in Greece with the #BachinGreece Crew
I embarked on a journey like no other when my partner and I got engaged in February of 2019. Obviously I was up for an unconventional trip to Athens, Greece. Forget the typical bachelorette destinations in Nashville or Austin, we were about to take it to a whole new level of excitement!
Leaving from Newark, we boarded an Emirates flight once again, reminiscing about previous luxurious experience. We were lucky to catch one of the final Southwest flights from STL to Newark, as they discontinued the direct route later on. Seriously, who wants to endure the hassle of flying to LaGuardia and then taxiing to another airport for an international adventure? Southwest, bring it back!
Despite the bustling atmosphere in Newark, we quickly found each other amidst the chaos. Let me introduce you to the unstoppable #BachinGreece crew. Beth, a dear friend I met during my career transition to politics, joined us along with her friend Maddy, who instantly became part of our close-knit circle. And of course, my best friend and man of honor, Phil (a.k.a. T-Bone from our legendary summer camp days), was there to add his unique charm. Joining us in Greece were my friends Sean and Lianna, both former colleagues from Camp Jewell in CT. With a party of six, it was destined to be an unforgettable experience!
Emirates once again exceeded our expectations, ensuring a comfortable journey. The four of us from STL caught up on some much-needed sleep and woke up energized, ready to conquer the world upon landing.
As for Sean and Lianna, well, let's just say their flight had some unexpected surprises. I promised not to disclose the details, but let's just say it involved some hilarious and memorable moments. LOL!
After arriving in Athens, we hopped into a cab, excitedly embarking on our adventure. No need to worry about the driver holding his breath due to our excitement; we wanted to stay together and opted for a spacious Airbnb. With its pool, elevator, and eight bedrooms, the place was a dream come true. Each bedroom had a balcony, providing the perfect gathering spot for our merry group.
Our day at the Acropolis was met with a bit of rain, but that didn't dampen our spirits. We sprinted up the hill, marveling at the Old Temple of Athena and the Dionysos Theatre. Along the way, Sean even stumbled upon a turtle, adding an unexpected element of wildlife to our escapade. For dinner that night, we treated ourselves to a fancy meal at Ark, indulging in delectable flavors that satisfied our adventurous palates.
With countless enchanting islands surrounding Greece, selecting our destination posed a delightful challenge. Fortunately, our cab driver was a treasure trove of local knowledge. He not only guided us to the best place but also shared a fascinating tidbit about his cousin, who offered tours on the island of Hydra. Intrigued, we eagerly set sail for Hydra, a picturesque gem in the Saronic Gulf, just a few hours away from Athens by ferry.
Upon arriving, we were given a mission: Find Maria. I admit, I was skeptical about locating her, considering how common the name Maria is. But to our astonishment, EVERYONE on the island knew Maria! With growling stomachs, we settled down at the first restaurant we found, and lo and behold, our server turned out to be Maria's cousin. Whether they were blood relatives or simply using the term loosely like my extended family, they graciously pointed us in the right direction. As our time on the island was limited, we craved a comprehensive experience.
Maria took charge of our adventure, starting with a tour of the Bastions, once used to protect the island during wartime. Along the way, she shared captivating personal stories intertwined with historical references, and eagerly answered our group's curious questions. We explored local shops, discovering unique treasures to commemorate our trip. Trust me, you must check out Maria's website and book a trip to Hydra! Needless to say, we left her a glowing review for the unforgettable memories she helped create.
This journey was an absolute blast, made even more special by sharing it with friends who share our passion for travel. Someday, we'll reunite to rediscover Maria's island, encounter more turtles, and bask in the timeless grandeur of the Acropolis. So, what are you waiting for? Meet me there, and let's embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
As always here are the details for this adventure.
Lodging: We rented this dope ass Airbnb that had plenty of room for all of us. There was a pool, a gym and a balcony in every bedroom.
Local Transit: Because our airbnb was in the mountains in a neighborhood it was NOT accessible to public transit. We called a cab from the airbnb or walked until we could get to a bus or train.
Airline: Emirates
Best part: Our visit to Hydra Island. Read my review here.
Worst part: Not being closer to all the city amenities (though we’d have never found out about Maria!)
Overall trip rating: 9.8 out of 10
Country Number: #6 of 40
