Many years ago, I flew into Athens and six weeks later flew out of Istanbul, traveling by land and sea along the way. The trip began on an awkward note. I was given the name of a friend’s friend who lived in Athens. My flight from NY was scheduled to arrive around 3am and somehow I failed to make any specific arrangements with my host beforehand. I waited in the airport, until a “reasonable” 7am before calling him, but my courtesy was ill-conceived. Unbeknownst to me, he had been out clubbing until 5, finally got to sleep at 6, and was then abruptly awakened by my call and informed of my imminent visit. He was surprisingly gracious, despite my bumble.

After some wonderful days touring Athens(besides the antiquities, the proliferation of homeless cats made a particular impression on me)and Delphi, I made my way to the islands. The public ferries I traveled on were large, not luxurious but a great means of travel. Passing time on deck was a simple and divine pleasure. There, I reveled in the perfect balance between the warmth of the sun and coolness of the breeze. The sea extended into the horizon, broken only by the islands sprouting from its waters. Sleeping in the bunks was, as I recall, comfortable and the showers had terrific water pressure (something I remember after all these years).

I opted to visit Mykonos (I’m probably the only person who did not partake in the nightlife), Delos (tiny but fascinating), Naxos( quiet and lovely), Paros(ditto), Santorini (breathtaking), Crete (hiking the Samaria Gorge and Knossos were two of the many highlights) and Rhodes (very touristy on the main strip but two blocks over I found local ambiance and tranquility). Each destination displayed the ancient past inextricably entwined with the present.

At most ports I was met with locals, touting their inexpensive and often lovely accommodations. After I settled in I would rent a scooter, discover unoccupied roads and beaches and spend the good part of a glorious day by the shore.(I should note that prior to this trip, I frowned upon the idea of passing a day on the beach “doing nothing” . I very quickly corrected the error of my ways and luxuriated by the sea in the absence of any activity, besides taking in the beauty around me.)

There are too many days to summarize here, but I recall exquisite sea, sky, iconic blue and white, fine cuisine, and the pleasure of tasting yogurt and honey together for the first time; it was divine.

Some people had warned me about traveling alone, as a woman, with these “hot-blooded Mediterranean men”, but I never had an issue. The people I encountered were helpful and friendly and my past experience waitressing at Greek diners gave me a head start on the basic pleasantries.

After three weeks, I was sorry to go, but Turkey still lie ahead.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement