The time is now. For everything.: October 2015

I haven't shared with many people my plan to visit Greece this year.

I have tried to book it several times before, but ended up waiting for either members of my family or my friends to find time to tag along.

Decided I do not want to wait and went along with my trip as a solo female traveler.

And it was a present for my upcoming birthday.

Turned out to be one of the best presents I got so far...

To make it all more interesting - I decided to go with combination of capital, Athens and Amorgos, authentic greek island not exploited by massive tourism.

Amorgos will hold a special place in my heart.

Forever.

I was there first week of October.

Mainly locals and just a few tourists who are designated to Amorgian hikes, food, people.

And it turned out I was not meant to spend my time alone there.

Several people colored my travel to Amorgos.
And made sure I had a great time there.

I will treasure them all.

One of them is Wendy.

Met her on the 10 h ferry and she gave me a roof over my head in the private cabin.

Just an amazing person she is.

She was exploring Greece before her upcoming european tour and it was her second visit to this island.

I did not tell you she is an artist?

Yes, check her out here.

We met again at the Minoa site over Katapola.

Stavros, Amorgos, was my first ever 20km hiking tour that I did all by myself.

No guides.

Just a map and 11 kg backpack.

I have been preparing for this hike for about three months.

I still remember the locals in that last village I have passed by, Lagada, how they were all questions when they saw me decided on going all the way up alone that day when the weather was just horrible.

And I remember how happy they all were to see me back.

Amorgians are just great...

This hike I will treasure.

Forever.

The sight of the big blue around me, smell of the salty sea, strong wind and smell of the different herbs.

Tranquility.

This island is so beautiful.

Only a few villages, nice curvy roads.

Managed to rent a car one day!

I highly suggest Thomas Car Rental - easiest booking ever and very nice and clean Toyota Yaris!
Staff is friendly and they will answer all your questions.
Thanks Thomas.

I decided to be the feminine and girly and drive over Amorgos in my tiny red car that day.

But that decision did not last long.
I saw Olympia from the road and decided to walk over there.

Good that I had my hiking boots in the car, but would even walk in the ballet shoes towards there.
Met Olympia.

There was something really unique at this walk towards this ship.

It stands there, since the 70s.

You can hear all the silly sounds like winding screws or wind over it.

This ship along with the Hozoviotissa monastery and Agia Anna church were filmed in the Luc Beson's movie ' Le grand bleu'.

One of my favorites with Jean Reno.

That day I visited all these sites and monastery was just breathtaking....

Villages are just picturesque at Amorgos.

And I found this restaurant, Akrogiali at Katapola.
Food was great, marine delicacies.
And service - A+!

Hey there chef Babis!

A, yes.

I ate it all by myself.

Both fish AND salad.

And then they have invited me for a birthday party at a cafe just across.

(But I am fan person so I kind of expected that).

Truth to be told, I lack nothing there.

And evening before this one - they have actually asked me to join them for dinner and wine.

Coffee the day after.

Nice and friendly people I have met at Katapola.

Have I mentioned Wendy and I went to traditional greek wedding?

They were really glad to have us there...

Just amazing.

And yes there are a few beautiful beaches at Amorgos.

Well, more than a few.

But be prepared to walk some miles to get to those most beautiful.

I did.

And I have enjoyed every step along.

I do not think I will be coming back to Amorgos soon.

I want to leave the memory of my travel there to sit a bit (maybe I am just a bit frightened my next trip to there might not be as fun and interesting as the first...).

But Athens I surely will be visiting again.

Truth to be told, Athens was a shock after Amorgos.

All the crowd, cars, distanced beaches, people peeing on the street and then - all the tourists :).

Big city it is.

And offers anything for anyone.

Greeks are just wonderful people.

Too much nosy maybe - they will ask you most unbelievable questions!

But relaxed they are, friendly and fun.

(Unless they start talking politics).

So, visiting Athens was almost like being home - that is how comfortable I felt.

And I have hiked every hill in Athens,

Likavitos and Filopappos being most favorite.

These two photos bellow were taken actually at Areopagus hill, by the Acropolis and Strefi hill in Exarchia.

I was a traveler in Athens.

Not a tourist.

Went to market in Exarchia to by some fruits.

Visited Academia and witnessed graduates getting their diplomas.

Saw Magbeth at the cinema *not that I understood half of that ancient english but the production was just great.

Found a cafe near my hotel that I liked.

Acoustic guitars and Antonis with his accordion jumping in here and there.

I like places where people are relaxed and clearly enjoying a good time.

And the band was just amazing.

I would close my eyes and listen to the music.

I liked Kolonaki too, Minnie the Moocher was my favorite.

But preferred this tiny cafe at Monastiraki.

Athens offers much when it comes to restaurants, bars etc.

TAF is kind of popular now among Athenians and besides the bar - there is a little gallery inside.

It is in kind of authentic old building at Monastiraki, quite shabby and dark - but it is intended to be that way since it adds a bit of an x-factor to it :).

But by day - this dark side street is just like any other there.

See?