The Hot Springs of Kamena Vourla

Just got back from Kamena Vourla, a small town "an hour and a half" north of Athens that was suggested to me by CYA's librarian, Aleko. What an interesting experience. 11 of us went to experience the therapeutic natural hot springs that the area offers. After a 2.5 hour bus ride we walked around a near deserted summer town looking for somewhere to stay. Luckily for us we found hotel ευσταθιον for a whopping €25 a night.

Although it may not have been the most beautiful hotel you've ever seen (and by that I mean a step up from disgusting), hotel ευσταθιον had one VERY redeeming quality, γιαγιά (Greek for grandmother.) Even though she spoke zero English (her grown son was able to help us check in and tell us about the area) she was amazing. She spoke to us as if we understood everything she was saying and gave us all kisses. She told us that she had 10 new children (counting proved to be a bit of a problem) and was incredibly hospitable. We filled their hotel on a night that they should have had no guests.

After a night of delicious food and a lot of fun we were off to the hot springs. I'm not sure exactly what we were expecting, but we were surprised to find that after a 4 km walk the hot springs were actually cement pools in the middle of a trash heap right on the highway (and they smelled like sulfur). Even though at first all we could do was laugh, once we all got in and started to relax it was actually really really nice. The water was oily and made our skin and hair feel amazing.

Even though the weekend proved to be anything but glamorous, it was a ton of fun and was so nice to go somewhere new. Although I may never return to Kamena Vourla, I will always think of it fondly and laugh at our adventure.

First view off the bus.

Roof guard dog?

Home sweet home.

The boys and γιαγιά.

Gorgeous with the snow on the mountain.

The creepiest thing I have ever seen. On our walk to the hot springs...

James. What better way to spend your 21st than at the hot springs?

You thought I was kidding.

Carnival rides?

Emily and Maddy trying out the water.

The Temple of Poseidon - Sounion, Greece

Here are my favorite pics from our trip to The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion. Surrounded by water on three sides (and up on a cliff) the temple and its surroundings was one of the most beautiful places that I've ever been. The sunset and our explorations were well worth the confusion of where the bus stop was and the hour and a half trip. A fabulous (and exhausting) Saturday.

Hello Ocean.

Thanks wind.

Where's Lindsey?

Napping her way across Greece.

Roommates.

Mike.

Janemou.

Boys playing catch.

My roommates!

Views everywhere you turn.

Sunset at Sounion.

February 5, 2011

The Temple of Poseidon.

Athens Part 1.

Hello London

I finally made it to the other side of the pond to visit Miss Greenough in her hometown, London. After countless (much needed) visits to Coheaven, it seemed only appropriate to stop by on the way to Greece. We wined, we dined, and we saw more things in two days than I thought humanly possible. Despite the seven stories to my very own guest room (which does, by the way, rival Georgina's home away from home) London was absolutely amazing and it was so great to see G in her element.

Many thanks to Mrs. and Mr. G for the incredible food and the unparalleled hospitality. Here are a few of my favorite pictures, in reverse order. Oh technology.

Everyone was Kung Foo fighting.

Oh hey Harry Potter.

Shakespeare's Globe.

Pretty bridge.

Street Performers.

She approves.

What up Big Ben?

Looking through the eye.

xo.

The London Eye

It had to be done.

Breathtaking.

Outside Buckingham Palace.