Travel brings power and love back into your life – Rumi
Destination: Greece.
Greece is filled with so many historic structures, legends and mountainous views. From the Temple of Partheon, the new Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum to the old city of Athens, Plaka – we were bound to visit them all. First, our itinerary from the United States to Greece involved a brief stop over in Switzerland, which afforded adequate time to refill our water bottles and grab a snack. Much scrutiny was given to the number of carry-on bags; what can I say, security had a keen eye for large bags.
Soon, we were up in the air again and within four hours landed in Athens, Greece. We prepared well in advance for transportation using the Welcome Pick-Ups as our service provider. A few texts were exchanged, and our driver met us at the right spot, greeted us warmly, and helped with nearly eight suitcases. Don’t judge, we aspired to pack light!
We had four days to explore Greece. Two days before our scheduled eight-day Mediterranean Cruise aboard the Norwegian Jade and two days after to get all the sight-seeing in. Flanked by three seas, Greece can captivate any traveler with the blue- rippling waters of the Aegean Sea to the east, the sun-glistened horizon of the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the deep Ionian Sea of west.
First, we ventured to find the American Embassy. Just 0.25 mile from our hotel we were in front of the embassy. Since it was a very breezy day, we walked until we arrived at the train station. Here are a few travel tips:
- Be sure to secure a map at your hotel so you can plan your train ride.
- Have adequate Euros to pay for the rides.
- Signs are posted in Greek, not English – read carefully.
- Greek residents are cordial and will provide help if you ask.
- Keep a close eye on purses or bags. Pickpocketing is common.
- Store cell phones when not in use.
- Try a Greek dish, there is adventure in every bite.
- If visiting Santorini, wear comfortable shoes for the climbs.
- Pack lots of patience when climbing to the top of Santorini to take the air-trolley back to the ship; wait time can be over two hours in peak season.
- If you opt to walk down, be very cautious, walkways are quite slippery.
- Experience the breaking of the plates… Smashing!
- Book tours directly with your cruise ship so you get back to the ship at the right time.
Photo Credit: The Arnolds
Richly to your success,
Dr. Simone
About the Author
Simone Arnold is a vice president of product management at a Fortune 500 Company. She is also an alumna and contributor to the Center for Education and Information Technology Research and the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research at the University of Phoenix. She researches emotional intelligence, workplace diversity, and statistical procedures and applications for continuous performance development. She holds a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She is Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from PECB. As the Chief Inspiration Officer at MotivEight, LLC, she intentionally affirms to help professionals grow through speaking, training, and mentorship.
