Germany 1975
by Chrissy H (Posted May 5th)
I still can’t believe I finally made it to Germany. For years I had flipped through travel guides and bookmarked photos online, dreaming of the day I’d get on a plane and actually see it all for myself. When the wheels of the plane touched down in Frankfurt, my heart was pounding. Out the window I could see fields and rivers stitched together like a quilt, and I knew my adventure was just beginning.
The airport was overwhelming, full of announcements in German that I couldn’t understand, but somehow I found my way to the train. Sitting by the window, I watched the country roll past me: crooked little houses with red roofs, castles that looked like they belonged in fairy tales, and wide stretches of green that felt endless.
My first big stop was Berlin, and walking along the Berlin Wall was surreal. I ran my hand along the rough concrete, covered in layers of graffiti, and tried to imagine what it must have felt like to live divided from family or friends by something so solid and cruel. Passing through the Brandenburg Gate, I felt this mix of awe and gratitude, like I was stepping into a piece of history I had only read about in textbooks.
But Germany isn’t just history it’s alive, colorful, and warm. In Munich, I ate pretzels the size of my head at Viktualienmarkt, listened to musicians playing lively songs, and laughed at how messy I got eating bratwurst dripping with mustard. The highlight had to be Neuschwanstein Castle; climbing up the path to those towers made me feel like I had stumbled straight into a storybook.
Still, my favorite moments weren’t just about places they were about people. A kind woman helped me figure out the ticket machine when I got stuck, some college students invited me to share their table and taught me a few German phrases, and an older man told me about his childhood village as we waited for a train together. Every night I sat in my hostel room, scribbling down the day in my journal, trying to capture the way the church bells echoed through the valleys, the way the air smelled after the rain, and the way strangers made me feel at home in a foreign place. Germany gave me so much more than photos of castles and cities it gave me a sense of wonder, a reminder that the world is bigger than I ever imagined, and that I’m braver than I thought I could be. Standing by the Rhine at sunset on my last night, I promised myself this would only be the beginning of many journeys to come.
Sunsets, Santorini, and Souvlaki: My Greek Adventure
By Josie P (Posted July 27th)
I just returned from the most unforgettable trip to Greece, and I can’t stop daydreaming about the turquoise seas, sun-drenched ruins, and plates of food that seemed to never end. Greece had been sitting on my bucket list for years, and finally stepping into its history and beauty felt like walking into a dream.
First Impressions in Athens
My adventure began in Athens, a city where ancient and modern worlds live side by side. As soon as I arrived, the warm air wrapped around me, carrying scents of olive trees and grilled lamb from nearby tavernas. I checked into a cozy little hotel near Monastiraki Square and wasted no time heading to the Acropolis.
Climbing the hill was a workout in itself, but the moment I stood before the Parthenon, I forgot the sweat on my back. Those marble columns, glowing golden in the late afternoon sun, felt both powerful and fragile—like guardians of a story thousands of years old. From up there, the city stretched out endlessly, whitewashed buildings tumbling across hills like seashells scattered on a beach.
That evening, I wandered the Plaka neighborhood, a charming maze of cobblestone streets and bougainvillea-draped balconies. A little family-run taverna served me my very first moussaka. The flavors—creamy béchamel, tender eggplant, spiced meat—made me realize why Greek cuisine is as much about comfort as it is about flavor.
Island Hopping Bliss
After soaking in Athens, I hopped on a ferry to the islands, which felt like entering an entirely different world. First stop: Mykonos. Known for its party scene, I found a quieter side by staying in a small guesthouse by the beach. Early mornings were magical just me, the gentle waves, and fishermen preparing their nets. During the day, I got lost in the iconic narrow lanes lined with white houses and bright blue shutters. And yes, I did treat myself to a little dancing under the stars at a seaside bar. When in Mykonos, right?
Next came the crown jewel Santorini. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be breathtaking. The island is famous for its dramatic cliffs and villages that cling to the edges like pearls on a necklace. My hotel had a balcony overlooking the caldera, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen sunsets as dramatic as the ones in Oia. The sky would melt from gold to pink to violet, and everyone locals and tourists alike paused to watch, as if it were a sacred ritual.
One of my favorite days was spent hiking from Fira to Oia. It took about four hours, winding along cliffs with the sea on one side and vineyards on the other. By the time I reached Oia, my legs ached, but the view was worth every step. A reward of souvlaki skewers and a glass of chilled white wine never tasted so good.
History Meets Hospitality
Greece is more than beauty it’s also history woven into every stone. On a day trip to Delphi, I walked among ruins that once drew pilgrims seeking the oracle’s wisdom. Standing there, I tried to imagine ancient people traveling for days to hear cryptic prophecies whispered by priestesses. It gave me chills to think how much had happened on that same soil.
But what struck me most about Greece wasn’t only its history or scenery it was its people. Everywhere I went, I was welcomed with warmth. Shopkeepers taught me new Greek words, waiters poured me extra glasses of ouzo “on the house,” and a kind elderly woman in a village showed me how to weave olive branches into a crown. Their generosity made me feel less like a tourist and more like a guest.
A Taste I’ll Never Forget
Of course, no travel blog is complete without food. Greek cuisine stole my heart or should I say my stomach? I savored fresh seafood in Naxos, flaky spinach pies in Athens, and sticky-sweet baklava that had me ordering second helpings. My absolute favorite dish, though, was simple: a Greek salad made with tomatoes so ripe they tasted like sunshine, creamy feta, olives picked just miles away, and a drizzle of olive oil that could have been bottled gold.
Reflections on Greece
As my plane lifted off from Athens on the final day, I pressed my forehead against the window, not ready to say goodbye. Greece gave me more than photos and souvenirs it gave me moments of peace, awe, and connection. I felt small beneath ancient temples, alive under island sunsets, and full of gratitude with every shared meal.
Travel, to me, is about more than seeing new places. It’s about letting those places change you. Greece reminded me to slow down, to savor simple pleasures, and to recognize the beauty in traditions that stretch back centuries.
So, if Greece has been sitting on your bucket list too, consider this your sign to go. Pack a pair of walking shoes, an appetite for feta, and a heart ready for wonder. Trust me Greece will welcome you with open arms, just as it welcomed me.
Until the next adventure,
Josie