• Europe,  Greece

    Food by the Foot: A Culinary Walking Tour in Athens

    After spending the fall in the Mediterranean I have come to the conclusion that I’m madly love with the regional cuisine.  Options are endless, right off the boat fish dishes, savory roasted meats, wonderful garden vegetables, robust cheeses and everything is covered in fresh olive oil.  Each meal I had was more delicious than the last and the Greeks are notorious for always wanting to feed you, something and I just can’t resist.  Even a simple Greek salad (basically a bowl of veggies in oil) tastes better in Greece.  What are their secrets to such tasty dishes? I headed to Athens for TBEX and they arranged a culinary tour so…

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  • Europe,  Malta

    My Maltese Falcon: A Day of Falconry

    History of the Maltese Falcon Even though the book may have garnered more fame, the Maltese Falcon has a major place in the country’s history.  In the early 1500’s the King of Spain gave the island to the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and because of that a yearly non monetary tax would be due to the King.  The Knights then each year sent along a Peregrine Falcon, or a Maltese Falcon.  The tradition of falconry itself goes even further with evidence dating back to 2,000 BC in Mesopotamia the use of hunting birds evolved into a sport for the wealthy nobles during Medieval Times.  The…

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  • Europe,  Greece

    Mykonos in the off Season: 5 Favorite things About the Greek Island in October

    “And why are you here in winter?!” Why come to Mykonos in winter?  This seemed to be the pressing question on the mind of each local I encountered.  Usually, the island is known for it’s summertime cruises, & romantic getaways, so solo traveler in October can leave a Greek perplexed.  In the summer it can be a crowded party town, but by the end of the season the crowds dissipate and you have a completely different island.  It’s sleepy and silent.  Here are my top five reasons why you’ll love Mykonos in the off season. 1. It’s not really Winter in Mykonos So while this time of year for the…

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  • Europe,  Greece

    Ferry vs. Flight: My Big Fat Greek Transportation Debate

    Before I came to Greece I had this notion in my head about greek island hopping.  The sun would be warm, beating down on the deck of some quaint little boat, the waters of the Mediterranean a bright blue, my tan fierce and an attractive captain manning the boat. Reality soon sets in when you head to the port and there is big old regular ferry full of other tourists and the dreams of a Grecian God on a yacht quickly fade into the distance.  Here’s the pros and cons of plane or boat travel in Greece and the boat trip that ultimately made me pick flying as the winner…

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  • Europe,  Greece

    Calling the shots: My 5 Greek Liquors

    You’ve had a wonderful Greek meal, the bill comes and along with it is most likely is a small carafe or shot glass of a Greek liquor and that aperitif can be different depending on where you are in the country.  Like many other cultures, drinking here is a social event and has often become my main source of people watching.  Cafes with outdoor seating lining the street, people sitting outside enjoying a cocktail in the late afternoon, recounting events of the day, playing cards or doing some people watching of their own.   Some Greek liquors like Ouzo are watered down and sipped slowly over Meze of dips, cheeses,…

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  • Europe,  Malta

    Sunday Fish Market in Marsaxlokk: Produce and Panties

    To Market To Market Sundays in Malta, when tourists and locals alike come in droves from the bus stop on the hill, marching like ants down into the sleepy fishing village.  Marsaxlokk is a small harbor town in the southeast of the island that becomes a busy destination when stalls pop up for fish, fruit and vegetable vendors to sell. Luzzu, traditional Maltese fishing boats float in the background a sea of bright blues, reds and yellows with the protective eyes of Osiris staring back at you. I bobbed through the foot traffic to get a glimpse at the different local fishes, fresh vegetables and quirky souvenirs that are available…

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