It amazes me every time I stop to look at the people in my life and realize that new acquaintances have turned into old friends.

I can't believe how lucky I am.

So in this time in my life when I'm feeling discouraged, I feel thankful for the people I've met along the way, and get inspired by remembering the words spoken at Westminster's Commencement. I'm trying hard to do all of these things.

As usual it ends with a video.

I would make these videos for myself whether or not anybody actually watches them. Its a fun tradition for me and I enjoy going back and watching videos from past trips or times in my life. So no pressure to watch or like anything that I post here.

Anywho, here are a few things I didn't/couldn't include:

This was the first place we stayed on the islands that was right on the beach. I think this was my favorite place we stayed because of the great location.

We had been awake for a VERY long time and obviously not showered for even longer. This was our first attempt to create a top 5 list. I would also like to point out that we are in the airport where people are watching us.

Ok. On to the next adventure. Hopefully...

Looking back

Now that the trip is over I've had some time to ponder. I'm glad that I kept a journal while I was out there so that I can look back at some of the things I've learned.

What I learned from Greece:

• Honking the horn is a great way to say hello/good morning.
• Taking the time to get lost is one of the best ways to learn and discover.
• I really am independent and responsible enough to backpack Europe without a chaperone.
• Planned treasures are nowhere near as fun as the unexpected ones.
• I can't travel with just anyone.

Elise and I discussed these lists on our way home. I'll list them here and if you are extremely curious about any of them, just ask and I'll explain.

Worst Moments:

• Sleeping on the beach.
• Meat Market.
• Losing the red bag.
• Loud Armanian roommate in Athens.
• Walking an hour to get to the beach to swim for 15 min.

Weirdest Moments:

• Old man hitting on Elise.
• Street performer.
• Elise's hives...or whatever it was.
• Getting to Delphi.
• Thinking it was Sunday ALL day.
• Turtle in the cemetery.
• Maxine and Walter screaming at each other in the train station.

Best Moments:

• Excited man who loved my cheeks, Elise's nose, and America.
• Journal writing by the water for 2 hours in Mykonos.
• Sunset, pictures, and dinner in Oia.
• Slouvaki Row.
• Paradise Beach, seeing an octopus.
• Skinny Dipping...

Stay tuned in the coming days or week for the video of the trip. In the meantime, start planning a trip of your own. The world really isn't that big.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Travel Quotes