Mikonos

After the ferry debacle (see previous post, best story) we finally made it to Mikonos where we were met by crystal clear water, low 70s, sandy beaches, and stark white buildings all with blue trim. The lady who ran the hostel, Maria Maria (as she called herself), met us at the port and brought us to our very cozy room in downtown. And by downtown I mean 2 story high buildings, where no cars are allowed, the streets are stone and every stone is outlined in white paint. We were there before tourist season so we basically had the island to ourselves. The beaches that are normally so packed you can't find a place to sit, bars that are so crowded you have to wait 45 minutes to get a drink and restaurants that are only open if you make a reservation a month in advanced - all empty! It was nice, not the crazy stay up all night on the beach spring break we had anticipated, but so relaxing and wonderful. So we spent most the of the days either on the beaches or wandering the little back streets. Highlights:

Best things we did: The second day we were there we rented RTVs and rode around the entire island. Patriz on one and Lauren and I switching off driving the other. It was so much fun slash slightly terrifying seeing as Greeks don't have road rules! Also, we watched the sunset every night from what we claimed as "our spot" on top of a bunch of rocks while we played cards.

Best Story: after leaving paradise and getting ready to return home, we had taken the ferry back to Athens. We were heading out on the metro towards the airport and the hotel that I had booked for the night in the anticipation of our departure early the next morning. It's about 9:30 and we're about 40 minutes outside the city now, so we decide to pull out the hotel reservation and look for directions. However, when we started reading we see things that say go 2 miles on I-85 and turn left of Franklin Blvd.. yes, that is correct, I had booked a hotel in Athens alright, Athens, GEORGIA that is... That will be the last time I book a hotel, on an Italian wesbite, at 2 am the night before, while packing (don't worry mom and dad, the Bowdoin education isn't a complete waste). Everything turned out alright though and we found a hotel very near the airport and got a good night sleep. Overall it was a wonderful spring break, but I must say we were happy as ever to get back to our little cobblestone streets and campo here in Siena!