After our stop in fantastic Santorini , we made our way to the equally awesome island of Mykonos  for the wedding of Monicca’s childhood friend . Legend has it that this island is the site of Zeus’ battle against his father, Cronus, and the Titans . Today, Mykonos is known as one of Europe’s clubbing and nightlife capitals (along with Ibiza) , and also has the distinction of being THE ultimate gay destination in Europe . * Taking the Catamaran (a really fast sea vessel) to Mykonos from the port of Santorini took around 3 hours , which I happily took to do some leisure reading.

Our Santorini adventure continued on as we explored Santorini’s other, more well-known, and visited town , Oia . Taking the bus in the island is the more fun and hassle-free way of getting around as it can get rather expensive to rent a car (especially if you only plan to explore the towns and not the beaches), and taxi cabs are few and far between . * While Fira is Santorini’s capital and busiest town, Oia is where all the tourists and couples flock to experience Santorini’s picturesque beauty .

As I was getting my cultural and historical fix in Athens and Northern Greece , I knew that for Monicca, this whole trip was leading up to her personal highlight, Santorini . Sure I knew from all the pictures and movies shot here how beautiful the island is; but what got me really excited was when I read that the Legend of Atlantis was actually based off of this island! To get a chance to explore the so-called most beautiful city in antiquity, destroyed by the gods because of its citizens’ hubris ? Count me in! * The departure gate at Athens’  Eleftherios Venizelos . You know you’re going to have an epic time when all your fellow passengers are wearing shorts and sandals .

Not just known as the title of Linkin Park’s epic second album, Meteora , (translating to “suspended in the air”) is home to one of the most important and beautiful Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. On day two of our travels across Northern Greece , we actually went up a couple of these monasteries to experience this extraordinary early Christian site and get a glimpse of the lives of its inhabitants. * Made by the same natural forces that shaped the Grand Canyon and Petra , the scenery of Meteora is dominated by six monasteries that are built on top of  natural sandstone rock pillars .

After spending much time admiring the hustle and bustle of  Athens , and before flying off to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the  Cyclades   (Greek islands in the Aegean) , we set off to tour the  Greek countryside  to gain a further understanding and appreciation for the link between Greek history and the mythological and legendary stories found within her culture. On Day 1 of our tour, we visited the renowned  Oracle of Delphi  and the  Battlefield of Thermopylae . * What’s a tour without  tourist traps ? Fortunately here in Greece, they come with excellent  Greek coffee ,  gelato  and  Paprika-flavored Pringles . Add the very fresh Greek countryside air to the mix and you have a hell of a great time!