I'm getting more and more excited as the days get closer! We leave in 10 days! After much research and preparation, the time is almost here. I hope I don't forget anything when I pack. But it really isn't like I'm going to be going to the middle of no where. If I need deodorant, I can probably find some.

I have been doing a little more research on places that I want to see. We will be taking a cruise called Aegean Legends, through the Greek Islands. It is a 3 day cruise through Louis Cruises. We have been given a list of the excursions that are being offered. I'm really interested in "Santorini Sailing & Volcano." Here is their description of it:

Enjoy a cruise (on motorboat) around the active crater of Nea Kameni islet. Sail along the strange formations of its volcanic shores, where black lava rocks and white pumice are combined beautifully with the red colour of lava. Take a walk to the top of the volcanic island where sulphur is spewed into the air by one of the craters. Enjoy this surreal landscape as your guide narrates the creation and history of the volcano and the last eruption leading to the destruction of the island of Santorini. The tidal wave created by the eruption was of such an immense magnitude, it destroyed the thriving city of Knossos on the island of Crete. As your caique enters the narrows of the two lava islets, Palea and Nea Kameni, the colour of the water changes from dark blue to sulphur green. In the distance, admire the breathtaking sight of Fira town with

its white washed houses clinging precariously on the rim of the Caldera. Take time to swim in the warm waters heated by Hot Springs on the sea floor. Your excursion will end in Fira

where your guide will show you the way to the cable car and you will make your own way back to the ship. REMARKS: The tour will be available from April to September and is subject to weather conditions. Please note the water at the hot springs is reddish brown in colour and may stain light coloured swimsuits.



It sounds amazing! I am definitely going to bring some baggies to collect sand and any other treasures.

  There are a lot of places on our trip that I have heard of or I know about.  Then there a few that I haven't.  I thought it would be a good idea to do some research on those places so I do not get off the plane feeling clueless!  You never know when you learn something new and love it.  I had never heard of The Plaka District in Athens before this trip.  I just figured it was another business district.  But after researching I now know that it is more than that and some history to it as well.
  Plaka just so happens to be one of the oldest sections in Athens.  It is like a small village.  It use to be the clubbing district before it was closed in the 70's.  The government closed it down and outlawed the loud amplified music in hopes of getting rid of the riff raff. There plan worked out for them.  The district is now filled with restaurants, jewelry stores, tourist shops, and cafés.  Some of the shops and restaurants that caught my eye were: Mesogoia (a little grocery shop), Saita Taverna, Coral (antique shop).
  I am really excited to go exploring and find little shops and stores like these.  I hope I can find a treasure or two in them!!