Ashley Gets Lost

I’m going to share some favorite photos from our photo tour with Stefanos, and then I’m NEVER TALKING ABOUT ATHENS AGAIN. Just kidding. I’m sure I’ll be back or remember something funny that happened while we were there.

Someone posted in a greek travel group about their experience with Stefanos, and I knew I wanted to do it on our trip. Felix is not into getting his photo taken, and we did not have senior photos taken as Felix decided to take a non traditional path to finishing school. I had to promise him that he wouldn’t have to be the subject of a million photos and that it would mean so much to me, so he agreed to join me.

We met in the square by the nearest metro station and made our way to Plaka, which is the historic neighborhood in Athens where most of the famous ancient biz is located. Stefanos gave us some history of the various nearby neighborhoods on the way. As if by magic, he was able to conjure the feeling that we were alone and not surrounded by a whole bunch of people. We only had to wait for people to leave the background of our photos a few times.

I had already been to most of the areas he took us, but it was so interesting to hear the history behind them. Like this area, one of the oldest in Athens, where the villagers whitewashed their houses to give them the feel of their original island homes.

After a quick stop for a coffee and a bathroom break, we headed up Philopappos Hill, which is next to the Acropolis. We passed by Socrates’ jail cell on the way! They used it to hide treasures from the Germans during WW2.

The view of the Acropolis was amazing, and he explained the various temples to us. Then we continued up to the summit, where you get a 360 degree view of the city. It was almost like viewing Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower!

At this point Felix was over getting his photo taken, but I authorized Stefanos to sneak a couple of him looking out over the city.

The sunset was absolutely gorgeous. Wildfire smoke in the air made it even more impressive. After this, we made our way back down, and he took us down a street where local vendors sell their handmade goods or fun old treasures. He showed us some restaurants he likes and took us to Little Kook for some photos.

It was a wonderful experience! I am so grateful to have some nice photos of Felix, and having a bunch with both of us is icing on the cake! I booked through Air BnB, but if anyone is interested in booking their own tour, please let me know so I can connect you with him directly. He’s coming to Crete to shoot a wedding this fall, and I’ve asked him to take a few photos of our whole family while he’s here. He has a real knack for making you feel like old friends by the end of the tour.

And for a quick every day life update: Friday night we ate dinner with these cats (plus more, if I’m being honest, and I’d never lie to you about pussy). Also this local dog who we call “Ol Soft Ears” sat with me for quite a long time, before we even had food to share!

He has a real name, but I can’t remember it. And his ears are so soft. His face gives me Chunk vibes. He’s a good boy who needs a good bath.

I am making significant progress on my crochet project! This is not a final layout or anything, but I have one half of the squares finished (minus weaving in ends, but nobody wants to do that). I have more flowers completed too, but I was scared about the part where I had to turn them into squares. Turns out it is not hard and feels like magic.

Last but certainly not least, WE ARE UNDER CONTRACT ON THE COLORADO HOUSE AGAIN. Third time is the charm, I hope! We weren’t even on the market as we decided to take it off for a month and regroup, but our agent had a friend over who used to live in the neighborhood and wanted back in. Her husband is a gardener and loves that there is land for it, plus a fenced in yard for dogs. We have a few more things to finish up over there, but I am just so relieved to be taking steps in the right direction.

I think I’m going to the beach for the fourth time this week in just a bit, and I think maybe I should save my legs for the first time since Athens. It’s like I couldn’t do it until I finished talking about the trip.