Santorini and Beijing: Booked !

Fortunately or me, I am allowed a travel allowance back to my "place of origin" at the end of my contract!  So, I have found a wonderful {creative} way to head back to Boston by way of both China and Greece! I will stop to see the Great Wall of China in Beijing, and then head to Greece to see the Acropolis in Athens and then Santorini (Thira)! Beyond excited!  

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Planning my trip now(s) now, using my trusted Lonely Planet advisors :) : 

For Santorini : http://www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/cyclades/santorini-thira

For China: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/beijing/sights

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Greece is taking  bit more planning, but here is what I want to do/see: 

Things to see:

ATHENS

- Athens ½ day tour ($77 USD/person): Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple to Nike http://www.viator.com/tours/Athens/Athens-Half-Day-Sightseeing-Tour/d496-31401

- Acropolis

- The “Venue” Dance Club ?

- Parthenon (same as Acropolis?) -nighttime!

- The Temple of Zeus

-Panathenaic Stadium: first Olympics

- Theatre of Herodes Atticus

-Ancient Agora

- Temple of Hephaestus

SANTORINI

-Ancient Thira

-Ancient Akrotiri

-Wineries tour? http://www.viator.com/tours/Santorini/Santorini-Shore-Excursion-Private-Wine-Tasting-and-Vineyard-Tour/d959-6174PRTJTRWINETASTE (4 hours, sailing tour to wineries, 79 USD/person)

- Sailing? About $40 for a day trip (donkey ride and food not included!)

http://www.santorini-excursions.com/info.php?catid=14

http://www.santorini-sea-excursions.com/en/our-fleet/hermes

FOOD TO EAT:

-Imam (Baked Eggplant in tomato sauce)

-Saganaki (fried cheese)

-Skordalia (garlic dip)

-Lotlita's Gelato

- Loukoumades (sweet honey balls)

- Soulvaki

- Lamb

- Gyros

- Moussaka (eggplant dish)

- Baklava

-FETA :)

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Yay!

First Highlights from Thailand

Many of these pictures are stolen from my beautiful friend, Rachel's blog, but they give a sense of our first moments arriving in Ko Phi Phi!! She is much better at breaking down the phases of our trips and organizing ALL the pictures !

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 {All smiles on the 90 minute ferry from Phuket bound for Ko Phi Phi. The ferry departs from Phuket-Rassada Harbor daily to bring tourists to the island}. 

 {First views of TonSai Bay port on arrival}. 

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{First stroll along the beach at beautiful LoDahLum Bay}.

{This sums up our vacation quite literally: Me being unable to function in the intense humidity, and Rachel feeling just chipper..little sun goddess.}

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{Thai cuisine: fried rice with chicken, mango, carrots, and cashews. This dish was more appetizing before the food poisoning...}. 

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{The bungalows with authentic rooftops and mosquito nets. I loved the nets and want one for my own bed at home! There were several nights when monkeys played on the roof and kept me awake at night}. 

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Cozy!

Jungmun Beach {...and an island of pink kittens}

This weekend was fun and relaxing, and I had the chance to explore more of Jeju: the island I actually live on! Saturday was finally beautiful late Spring weather, and I enjoyed the warm sunshine and waves at nearby Jungmun Beach. Jungmun is a beautiful white sand beach, featuring Jeju-do Island’s contrasting black Hyeonmuam stones and with waves suitable for surfing.

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I also finally decided to see what all the buzz was about at one of my students' favorite local attractions: Hello Kitty Island. Hello Kitty is a familiar face in all of Southeast Asia, and Jeju is no exception, {especially with its eclectic selection of museums- it was really only a matter of time}! The museum was an interactive, realistic-sized dollhouse, where guests could explore and play in Kitty's house. It would have been a dream come true for my younger self. :) 

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 {Entrance to the house/"museum"}

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{The kitchen almost hurts the eyes! It was a blinding Barbie pink. Although, I would like to cook here..}

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{Kitty's adorable bedroom}

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{Kitty's library and study area}

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Other shots: which included a cafe with aptly made cat-faced treats, a "history" of Hello Kitty's changing emblems throughout the years, an observation rooftop patio, and eclectic wall art, among other things. 

     

^^ {Kitty in the 70's and a giant kitty in the bedroom with a few smaller stuffed friends}.

{^^ Scary versions/wall and ceiling art}.

{Kittens from around the world. This one is from the good ole' U.S.A. The balconies of the miniature castle were filled with kitties from all countries}. 

 {Love the "Konglish" sign to the right. To the left is Hello Kitty's froggy friend Keroppi - also a favorite from the original cartoon}. 

 {With a Stone Grandpa, of course}. 

 {Twirling}

 {Tasty treats: "Rare" cheesecake face cakes and a green tea latte}. 

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{It was a fun and interesting, over-the-top visit {not to mention a bit pricey: 12,000 KRW just to enter}, and a world of creativity and wonder for children. I wish I was younger {and in Korea} when this life-sized dollhouse opened :)} 

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{Especially when Kitty makes such a cuddly friend. Beware the gift shop! :)}

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Sweet Surprises

Clearly, I missed no love or attention on my birthday this year. Thank you to my Korean friends, students, and colleagues for sharing and remembering it. And my Rachel. I am truly surrounded by great, supportive people! :)

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Gifts from Rach! 

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Cards from students: 

  

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Chocolate everything cake {I sassed my way into this treat} Thanks James and Rach! 

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Cadbury eggs and some free coffee and beer coupons! Yay! Thanks Laura :) 

 

…And Kristina for my sweet door stickers! :)

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<3