Angela Kariuki, a 41-year-old mother of two from Kenya, recently embarked on a 10-day adventure to Greece with her partner. Their journey began on August 23, when they arrived in Athens without their luggage. Despite the initial setback, Kariuki's partner remained calm, and their travel agent helped make alternative arrangements to get their holiday back on track. The duo stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Athens, which offered incredible views of the city from its rooftop.
During their three-day stay in Athens, Kariuki and her partner explored the city's historic sites, including the Acropolis, where they walked through the monumental gates and learned about ancient Greek gods and temples. Kariuki, the founder of Angie's Closet, a boutique specializing in women's work-wear, expressed her enthusiasm for learning about the history of the countries she visits. She even purchased five books about Greek history, citing the subject's newfound excitement.
Kariuki and her partner used hop-on hop-off buses to get a feel for the city, which offered three main routes: the Red Line, Purple Line, and Green Line. The buses provided a convenient way to mark spots they could revisit if they returned to Athens. The couple also enjoyed breathtaking sunsets from their hotel, which was located at the top of a hill, offering stunning views of the Acropolis and the city.
From Athens, Kariuki and her partner flew to Santorini, an island that had been on Kariuki's vision board since 2020. While driving from the airport to Oia, the town where they stayed, Kariuki was struck by the island's arid landscape, which was born from a volcanic eruption. The ground was made of volcanic ash and pumice, and the island's unique features included whitewashed buildings and blue domes.
Kariuki discovered that the blue and white color scheme of Santorini's buildings was intentional, with white reflecting the scorching sunlight and helping to keep interiors cooler. The limewash used on the buildings also had antibacterial properties that helped sanitize surfaces. During their three-day stay, Kariuki and her partner spent their time walking, shopping, and absorbing the island's charm.
Kariuki recalled a memorable experience where they followed a crowd of people to watch the sunset, which was a pure YOLO moment. The dramatic landscape, with steep cliffs and volcanic formations, added to the experience. Kariuki also had a flying-dress photo shoot in a quieter town, opting for a gold dress instead of the more common blue.
Kariuki's 10-day Greek adventure also included a visit to Mykonos, although details of their trip there were not provided. Her experience in Greece has inspired her to continue exploring new destinations. Kariuki urges travellers to be open to new experiences and to experiment with different colours and activities to make the most of their trips.
Key points
- Kariuki's trip to Greece was marked by an initial setback when their luggage was lost, but they were able to recover and enjoy their holiday.
- Kariuki learned about the history and culture of Greece, which she found exciting and enriching.
- Kariuki's experience in Santorini was particularly memorable, with its unique landscape and charming architecture.
