Hi Paula,
My wife and I wanted to take a few moments to comment on our trip to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes. I must say that this was one of our most memorable trips ever. It was a joy to spend our 30th anniversary in your beautiful country. When I get a chance, Ill send you a few pictures of our trip.
I especially want to thank you for all your hard work and pleasant attitude. We had many questions prior to leaving, and you answered them all fully and patiently. Every detail was worked out to our absolute satisfaction. The hotels were all wonderful, and the transfers were perfect. Every time someone was to meet us to pick us up or drop us to the next connection, they were on time or early, and were pleasant and friendly. I have never experienced such a flawless, professional attitude on everyones part.
Athens: We arrived late afternoon, were met at the airport by Diana, who was very friendly and took the time to explain our vouchers in detail. When we got to our hotel (Amazon), we were very pleased with the location and staff. We were tired, but walked down to the Ouzerie Kouklis, you suggested. It was our first meal in Greece and our lastwe had dinner there the evening we left as well. It was as much fun as you promised. We walked until it was time for Elliniko Metrio, Frappe or aspro krasi, which was frequent. The restaurants were fantastic, with the exception of Pil Poul, which was a disappointment. That was the only restaurant in our entire trip that we didnt fall in love with. Athens was a trifle noisy for sleeping, but we did manage.
Mykonos: Transfers were flawless. The ferry was delightful. We brought along some wine, olives, bread and cheese, and had a picnic on the boat. Mykonos was breathtaking. The hotel Adonis was a beautiful hotel with a fantastic location. The owner, a Greek man married to an American woman, upgraded our room to a suite at no additional charge. Our room was unbelievable, with a view to match. I had studied Greek for 2 months before we left, trying to learn as many phrases as I could. I cant think of a time I had so much fun. Even a few words of Greek was met with such appreciation, it just made the whole trip so much more enjoyable. We spent a lot of time wandering around Mykonos town, took a bus to the monastery in Ano Mera, which was beautiful. The priest opened the church for us for as long as we wanted. We were really entertained by Petros the pelican, who pretty much thought he owned the whole place. We loved the churches, particularly
St. Georges.
Santorini: What can I say? It just keeps getting better and better. You picked the most gorgeous hotel I have ever seen. Perched on the edge of the caldera, the Lilium is in a perfect spot. Our room was spacious and quiet. What a view from our front patio. Breakfast at the hotel was really good. The staff were very helpful. They enjoyed teaching me more Greek words and correcting my pronunciation. We walked into Thira every day, and visited Oia. Bus to the ruins and the Boutari Vineyard for a tour and wine tasting. They didnt charge us for the wine tasting. Once again, the people were so gracious, and had such a good time with my pathetic Greek pronunciation and grammar. Much time to relax in the evening and share a glass of wine and talk over our great times.
Crete: Most amazing view from our hotel once again. Overlooking the harbor in Heraklion, the Hotel Lato had a cute little balcony overlooking the castle and boats in the harbor. Once again, you found a great place for us. We visited Katzanzakis grave on top the wall. Very moving to see the grave of a man Ive always admired, and the books Ive loved. The simple wooden cross is something he would have approved of. We rented a car to drive to Plaka with Spinalonga, the old leper colony in the fortress on the island. Darlene had just finished reading The Island, a story about Spinalonga, so the visit had special meaning for her. The meals in Crete were, of course, fantastic. Weve enjoyed lamb padakia, kotopoulo, dolmades, mousaka, sartheles, kalamarikia, psarosoupa, taramasalata, bacaliaros, skorthalia, and on, and on, and on. The food is beyond description. House wine was always good. I tried Raki, which was an instant success!
Rhodes: A small hotel inside the old city, run by a German family. Very pleasant, helpful people. The room at the Cava D Oro was very small, but we still loved it. Met many great people. We were invited to have coffee and raki by one of the store owners. A waitress at a small taverna took our picture and gave my wife a hug when we left. Believe me when I tell you this does not happen in Chicago. We loved Rhodes. Took a bus to the ruins at Lindos. The ruins were much restored, and were worth a couple hours touring before it was time for coffee. Darlene said eat, walk, sleep, drink. Which is pretty much what we did for the whole three weeks.
Paula, you need to show this email to the owner of Fantasy Travel. To the owner of Fantasy Travel: Please give Paula Simopoulou a huge raise. She is the best there is.
Joe and Darlene Cools