14The best summer of my life… thus far.
I could not have dreamt of a more perfect summer. Every day gave me a new opportunity to reach outside my comfort zone and experience something amazing. I met so many intelligent, outstanding and crazy individuals that I hope to never forget.
Arriving home was certainly exciting, but I miss traveling somewhere completely knew every weekend. Before I knew it I was already working and on my way back to school. I rediscovered myself and what makes me who I am. Sometimes a person’s fears can stop them from having life changing experiences for the better and I will do my best to never let that happen to me.
In Tangier, we started our trip by stopping at the Sea Coast and attempted to see a bit of Spain in the distance. Although it was a beautiful day it was too hazy at the time. We then ate lunch McDonalds, which has the finest view in all the land. Again, cultural experiences were witnessed as a child was able to eat, but her parents were not and were accused of eating a fry. After lunch we strolled through the Medina and Casbah of Tangier. Equally as interesting as Rabat, Tangier’s Casbah was much more old fashioned. We visited the local movie theater walked by the famous cafe featured the The Bourne Ultimatum!
On our way home the next day, we stopped in Asilah. When my parents had gone to visit in May my dad lost his glasses in the while swimming leaving a bad omen on the town. Luckily, Kris and I were able to have a much better experience. Asilah is a beautiful community with white structures with beautiful paintings on the walls and a breathtaking view.
On my last day in Morocco, Gabi took me to her office and around where she used to live. Now that she is moving to to Cairo, Egypt she is already out of her apartment, so it was nice to see where she shopped and walked during the last year and a half.
My last trip this summer was completed by visiting three Moroccan cities- Rabat, Tangier and Asilah. While in Rabat Gabi, Kris and I enjoyed leisurely walks to the Hassan Tower, the food markets and fine Medina shopping. By crashing at Gabi’s friend’s and Kjartan’s apartments, we were able to stay within the Casbah for the week. Luckily, the weather became much more cooperative as the week went by. Because Ramadan had began the night upon our arrival the town was very calm during the day, which made for a very comfortable vacation. There is good and bad to visiting at this time. Although I was disappointed that many businesses were closed, it was really interesting to see how people are affected by Ramadan. Days are very slow and relaxed, but at sundown everyone becomes alive from the excitement and satisfaction of a home cooked meal and something as simple as a glass of water.
Off to Morocco! The ladies and I spent all day Wednesday, the 11th flying from Santorini to Milan to Casablanca. The next day we decided to take the day easy by doing some Yoga. Gabi’s friend was kind to let Kris and I stay at her place. I’ve added some pictures from her living room. More to come soon!
After our arrival to Santorini I picked up my sister Gabi and her best friend Kris from their hotel in Fira so we could check-in to our new hotel in Kamari. Studios Mary was very pleasant after we were handed the remote for the air conditioning. Soon enough we had a bite to eat at our soon-to-be favorite restaurant (they had fabulous roasted vegetables…something I had been missing in London) and were lying on lounge chairs by the water. At night we soon found that Kamari is the much more relaxing part of the island with not much nightlife… but that didn’t stop us ;).
The next day, the three of us rented ATV’s and were able to pick up Danielle who was staying in Fira to watch the sunset Pygros. It was easily one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed in my life. Later, I spent the night with Danielle in Fira. We ate at a delicious restaurant close to her hotel and had a beautiful view of Fira, the capital…very romantic we jokingly mentioned all throughout dinner. Towards the end of our meal we were invited to a dance club by one of the waiters and local of the town, Adam. He was very sweet and ended up spending time with him the next night as well.
On our last day we Gabi, Kris and I made the most of our ATV’s and explored most of the island. We attempted to visit the Red Beach, but it was not all that we had hoped. Although the water was beautiful the location was unbearable in that sand was flying everywhere and it was much too crowded. It was unanimous that rather than be miserable we would just head back to our favorite part of the island and lay out in Kamari.
The water is so clear there and scenery is magnificent. I would go back in a heartbeat.
The last week in London was gone in a flash. Workdays were quite enjoyable as I began to connect with everyone in the office much more on a personal level than ever before. I suppose that’s how it always is… At night friends and I made the most of our time by going out to our favorite places one last time. On my last day at BLOW PR Caitlin, a fellow intern, and I brought cake for our co-workers, as it was also her last day. Full of laughs until the very end we enjoyed a few cocktails around the corner with our boss Michael, friend Sarah and one of the account manages, Ivan. Although it was sad to say goodbye, I am now officially returning for London Fashion week so no tears for me!
On my last day in London I somehow found time to visit the Natural History museum with friends Connor and Helianna. Afterwards I spent the rest of the night packs for Greece. It just so happened that Danielle, fellow “dreamer” was also going to Santorini to meet her mother so we were able to fly together for the grueling 6:10 am flight.
