Date Night: Irodion

....a taste of Greek Cuisine.
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Maybe its a remnant of our Santorini experience or maybe its just the constant prodding of a colleague at work which made us go and check!

This time its Greek cuisine. I'm not really a fan but the Greek dishes we had in Santorini were delectable that I  had great expectations.

Irodion is touted to be one of the best Greek restaurant in Vienna and my colleague gushes excellent recommendations on its food and the ambiance. So, tempted was thou!!

Its good that she reminded us to book a table in advance (well, she did the reservations :)). The place was packed and there's a line for table at 6PM when we got there.

Here's what we had:

Fish plate called "Portal to Hades" with trout, shrimp and calamari

The fish plate is, well, a mix of seafoods - trout, shrimps and calamari. This was probably a bad choice. I was anticipating the fresh variety I had in Greece (silly!!). Being in Austria, fresh seafood is a luxury and of course, they served frozen ones. The name is probably apt - Portals to Hades (the lord of the dead) - the seafoods tastes really, er, dead.

Grilled plate "Chef's recommendation" with lamb chops, grilled pork, gyros, souvlaki, and soutzoukakia

The grilled meat plate is quite interesting with all the nice sounding meat dishes it features - gyros (sliced meat roasted on vertical rotisserie -like kebabs), souvlaki (skewered meat) and soutzoukakia (meatballs).

The verdict?

The food was ok - nothing to be really ecstatic about. The service and the ambiance, however, totally made up for it. The waiters were very friendly and the service was fast. The place is cozy and takes a romantic atmosphere.

But hey, even if the food tastes flat, I guess its the "together moments" that counts...

LIFE AT ITS BEST. <3

This blog is about love and loving...and its NOT mine. Yes,I have a guest blogger! :) My sister, Catherine, wrote this very honest, very raw Facebook note and I thought its too good (and too real) not to be shared.

So here goes .....
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I used to think that I can still do it -- wait patiently. During the tough-and-almost-wanted-to-give-up times, I kept on reminding my self, "You can do it. You've made it for so many years, why give up now?" I've held on to that thought for so long, and yes, for so long means for SEVEN long years. Almost all of my friends, the ones closest to me, my sisters, and every person who knows about our story, gave me the same piece of advice -- MOVE ON.

It has been a roller coaster ride for me. And yes, I survived every loop, all the ups and downs, the twists and turns, everything. I made it because of a single thing. HOPE.

Everytime I remember all the things I did, the ones I gave up, the unending support I've shown him, the encouraging words I've told him, the good night, good morning, hello, hi and you can do it texts I've sent him, the way my family had treated and welcomed him, the time my friends had spent just to be close to him, and each and every memory I've had with him...I feel thousands of emotions.

It took me seven years to realize that the "hope" I had in me, was, oh I mean, has always been a FALSE one. FALSE HOPE. FALSE HOPE. FALSE HOPE.

Actually, you can blame me. But not totally. Everything was my choice. I chose to be someone -- fool and crazy, just for a guy who might have or might not have even appreciated me. I made myself believe that the feeling is mutual. And I know that I was wrong, very wrong.

I thought that love can endure everything, that I can take all the pain, that I can accept everything even if it kills me slowly inside. Then something happened, I don't know why and how, but it just happened.

I met someone accidentally during our company outing. I really had no idea then that this guy would change my world. I will never forget the first few words I've told him. "20 ka palang talaga? Bakit mukha kang 24?" and the other one, "Di ka talaga lumalabas ng bahay? Bakit mukha kang basagulero?" Each time I reminisce, a huge smile follows.

I don't know but something inside of me was so eager to know more about him. He asked for my number and saved the name KAT. I told him it is CATH but he insisted.

The next day, upon reaching the shore where the cars are parked, we were so thirsty that I volunteered myself to buy drinks. After I collected the money, I saw him and it's as if he's going to buy some drinks too so I shouted his name and asked, "bibili ka ba? Teka, hintayin moko." Little did I know that it's a wish granted for him. Based on his story, he then said to himself, "chance ko na to." And that was it. Our very first date. Yes, he called that a DATE.

I felt like I was a teenager again. Getting "kilig" and all especially when he confessed that he likes me. I had no intention of entertaining anyone because until then, I kept on reminding my self, "konting tiis nalang, magboboard exam na siya sa September. What's 4 months compared to 7 years, right?" For the very first time, the trick didn't work. I don't know what exactly happened because something in me felt that this time I got it right.

Days had passed and I got to know him better. Most of his stories are unbelievable but they were all true. I met a bad-boy-turned-good-boy who captured not just my interest but also my heart. Right then I realized, he is the exact opposite of the person I've waited for all of my life.

Last May 29, he asked me if I can be his girlfriend. I told him no, not yet. I even told him to wait until December 9 since 9 was my favorite number. Hahaha. He then said, "bakit mo pa patatagalin kung dun rin naman ang punta nun. Anong MU MU, di na tayo high school no." And of course, without thinking twice, oh I mean without even thinking (haha), I aswered YES.

I thought that something will change since we're not in the courting stage anymore and I was partly wrong and partly right. Partly wrong because the way he treated me since day 1 is still the same until now. Partly right because every passing day becomes a challenge for us. Each day is a getting-to-know-more-of-each-other day. We discovered each other's good side and the bad as well. We fight over the smallest and nonsense things. But we had this one rule that makes everything fall into place again. We never let the day end without reconciling. We have to settle everything first before we part ways. And the good news is, it is still working until now.

They were right when they told me, "wala sa tagal ng pagkakakilala yan. Yung iba nga, 13 years magjow tapos naghiwalay din." And in my case, I agree. One of the sayings that I will never ever forget is, "the higher the risk, the higher the return." I grabbed the chance and took the risk. And what do I have now? SOMEONE WHO LOVES ME UNCONDITIONALLY.

I'm just so happy that everything is perfectly fine. I know that this will be a roller coster ride too. It will have its own ups and downs, twists and turns, numerous loops. But there lies one difference which will make this ride fun and worthwhile. I'll be riding with someone I love the most and who loves me more than anything else in the world. We're in this together, forever.

And by the way, here's a list of some of his sweetest words.
-Alam mo, kung yung dati e di ka binigyan ng halaga, para sa akin, ikaw lang ang pinakamahalaga.
-Di ko alam, pero totoo, mamatay man ako, di ko alam bakit gandang ganda ako sayo. (HAHAHA! Walang kokontra!)
-Susuko ako? Ano ka, sinuswerte? Daig ko pa ang tumama sa lotto no! Asa ka, di na kita pakakawalan pa no!
-Basta swerte ko kasi nasayo na lahat, maganda, mabait, matalino, sexy, ano pang hahanapin ko? (Wag kokontra sabi eh. Hahaha.)

Now, tell me, how can I ask for more? :)

Thank you for your super long patience and UNDERstanding, MAHAL. And just in case I haven't told you yet, YOU'RE THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME.

I love you since day 1 and all I wanna do is GROW OLD WITH YOU. 

******* 

Awww, what do you actually say to that...so to my little sis and her 'mahal', take care of each other...keep the love and the loving alive!!!

Just like riding a bike...

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.  ~ John F. Kennedy
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It started with a day out at Venn Island, Sweden.  They thought I can't....

Last April, we visited some friends in Sweden and part of their programme for us was a visit to Venn Island. 

Rows of cottages at the Venn Island

Venn is a small island situated in the Oresund strait between Sweden and Denmark. The island itself is gorgeous (and historical) and deserves to be featured on its own. To fully explore its environs, the main mode of transport is - you guessed it - bicycles. There's a number of them you can rent for the whole day.

Me with the rented Venn bike...uphill now....:)

Initially, they were all (hubby included) apprehensive that I couldn't handle it. Before Venn, the last time I hopped on a bike is probably when I was in HS (yeah, a long time ago, Ok?!) . But riding a bike is, well, "just like riding a bike"....you never forget! Muscle memory at work there.

The Venn experience cost almost a thousand Euro back  in Vienna. New bike -check! ... Accessories -check!....biking outfits - check!... Motivation - ahh, hmmm... well....

Anyone who knows me well also knows that I hate physical activities (except... :)). I'd  much rather curl up with a nice book or watch tv the whole day. Therefore, taking up biking is a new thing for me. But again, the hubby just wouldn't let me out of this especially after buying all those nice biking outfits and accessories - the full biking regalia, as they say.
 
So, it began.....

Exploring Vienna's charms with a bike...

Biking in Vienna is a delight.  Dedicated lanes for bikers are everywhere and routes are especially made accessible for enthusiasts. Bike tours are being offered for tourists as an alternative to see the sights. Bike paths allow the rider an opportunity to appreciate the wonders and charms of Vienna and its sorrounding areas. There really is no reason NOT to bike in this city.

Finally, I found one physical activity I think I can handle. I love the feel of the sun on my skin, the cool breeze on my face, the artistry of the passing scenes while I bike. For a few minutes, it's between you and the pedal - your mind is at peace, your soul cleansed. Sorry for waxing poetic but if only life is "just like riding a bike" ..... *sigh* (Note: the promise of a nice meal after is a plus :))


And of course,  nothing beats having that someone special for company....

Biking made more special....(and bearable!)

Travel: Uniquely Santorini

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
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It was an unplanned vacation. We were doing our usual groceries one Saturday and there it was on the receipt - 50% off for a Santorini/Mykonos holidays for the first 50 callers.

See, I've always wanted to 'experience' Santorini after watching the movie The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2. If there was love at first sight with a place, this was it! I don't know, maybe it was the spectacular landscapes -deep blue sea, amazing sunset, breathtaking views-  featured in the film that caught my interest.

According to Wikipedia, Santorini, classically Thera, and officially Thira, is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic explosion, which happened  some 3600 years ago, destroyed the earliest settlements (the Minoans) on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera.  Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis. So, stunning view with colorful history - what else would you want???


Needless to say, I called the Billa Reisen hotline and booked the tour.

Finally, the much awaited day came and off we went on a 05:15 chartered Austrian flight to the island. We were booked at the Hotel Zephyros, a nice 3-star hotel on the Kamari side of the island.

First impression? Well, I was not ecstatic or anything. My senses simply feasted on the uniqueness of the sights around me.

Then the VEE-CAY-SHON began....

Lazing around Kamari beach with Christian Grey....

Read a book at Black Beach. Our hotel was, like, 5-minute walk from the Black Beach of Kamari.  So, naturally, first on the agenda was a day at the beach. It was a relaxing day spent with Christian Grey. :)

Most of Santorini's beaches have black sand  because of the volcanic eruption and probably, a bit inconvenient because of the pebbles. However, the emerald blue, clear waters totally made up for this.

Interesting fact: the official name of Kamari is "Episkopi Gonia" and took its name from the fascinating church of Panaghia Episkopi which was built in 1100. Oh wow!!

Trying here to survive the 1.5 km trek to the top...

Volcano Tour - Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni.  If there is one tour you should not miss while in Santorini, it would be this one. The first stop is Nea Kameni in the center of the caldera. Here you have to walk (no, climb..) the 1.5 km distance on a gravel path to reach the 130m-high volcanic crater. My GOD!! It was soooo physically challenging - its hot, its rough and its far!! All three things I shun away from! Halfway up, I almost gave up. But as they say, no pain, no gain! So, after imploring the help of all the volcanic gods and goddesses,  I reached the top (with the hubby patiently prodding)!Was it worth it? Well, for me to know, you to find out...:)

The Saint Nikolas Cathedral serving its lone inhabitant

Next, is Palea Kameni, the "old burnt island" where visitors may swim in a hot spring. Of course, the brochure won't tell you that, to enjoy the hot spring, you have to jump off the boat and swim towards it and then swim back to the boat in, like, 10m deep waters. Now, for non-swimmers like me that poses a problem, don't you think? Nonetheless, the 30-minute stop was interesting as you get to see the abode of the lone inhabitant of the island. His goats might just make their appearance too.

Now off to Thirasia, an island in close proximity to Santorini with only about 150 inhabitants. We had the choice of swimming on the island's beach with its crystalline waters or going up the main village, Manolas, which maybe reached by a flight of 250 steps from the port or by riding on a donkey.After the harrowing Nea Kameni climb, the choice was clear. NO. MORE.CLIMBING..... and imagine the poor donkey with me as passenger. :)

Look at that winding path  from the port to the village of  Manolas

Sunset at Oia.  Not to be missed! The village itself is simply gorgeous - with the typical whitewashed houses and blue-domed cathedrals. But the sunset - the sunset is  absoultely breathtaking (and oh so romantic..)! My camera did not do justice to it. Just be prepared for the throng of people (and I mean, throng!!) wanting to share the experience!

Breathtaking Oia sunset...

 Ancient Thira. The next morning, all I wanted to do was to stay in bed and rest the weary me. But of course, the dear hubby was so restless 'oscillating' inside the room (this guy should know what 'relax' mean:!). Arrggghhh!!! Somebody suggested Ancient Thira - said its near, done in 1 hour, mini-bus takes you there...sounds like a good deal! So, off we went!

Next time I see that somebody, remind me to give him a good tongue-lashing!! Double arrrggghhh! It was not only thousand steps to the top from where the mini-bus takes you - some paths are so narrow and on your other side is the steep cliff, 396 m high from your possible demise. I'm exaggerating, of course!! I just did not expect this after the torment of Nea Kameni. Admittedly, the view is spectacular!! So there...

Agios Stefanos, Church of the Middle Byzantine Times

Again, two choices - go back down or struggle up! I asked somebody on his way down if its worth it! He replied "Depends!". What the &*^@ does that even mean??!!!!

So I continued...huff and puff...huff and puff...who was it who said "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step"? He was right!!! Finally, we arrived!! If you're a history buff, this place is for you...

Ancient Thira was named after the mythical ruler of the island, Theras, and was inhabited from the 9th century BC until 726 AD. According to literature, most of the ruins  of Thira date from the Hellenistic era, but there are also extensive Roman and Byzantine remains. The history of the site is actually very interesting.

By the way, the hubby fully compensated by giving me foot massages for the whole week! :)

The beach of Perissa, probably the best beach in Santorini

Take the boat from Kamari to Perissa.  Although it won't rival our beaches in the Philippines, Perissa is, probably, the best beach in Santorini. We did not go to the Red Beach so I can't compare.  There's a daily, 10 minutes,45-minute interval boat ride from Kamari to Perissa.

The whole day here was spent frolicking on the beach and lounging in one of the nipa shades drinking mojitos and yeah, sex on the beach (sadly, just the drink :)).

(Don't) Take the Southern Santorini tour.  The tour promises to take you to the Prophet Elias Monastery for the majestic view of the island then to Megalohori to admire the traditional architecture of the village and the unique craftmanship of the local masons and to Emborio for the traditional windmills. There's also wine-tasting included. But my friendly advice? Dont part with your Euro 29 for this tour.

Part of the ruins of the prehistoric town of Akrotiri

I don't know if it's just "tourist fatigue"  that hit me, but I found the view from the monastery unmajestic (quite ordinary actually), the architecture of the village practically the same as the others (therefore, boring), the windmills, well, they're windmills. AND I'm not fond of wine so...

In my opinion, the only saving grace of this tour is a visit to the archeological site of Akrotiri. The excavations feature a well-preserved prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. The first habitation at the site dates from the Late Neolithic times (at least the 4th millenium B.C.).The archeological find boasts of elaborate drainage system and sophisticated multi-storeyed buildings with magnificent wall-paintings, furnitures and vessels.

Fira: a must-see.... and a 'blessing'. Fira, the capital of the island, is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano.Typical Santorini's achitecture - white washed house, stepped streets and blue-domed churches - accentuates the beauty of the village.

The village of Fira perched on a cliff...

Our visit to Fira was made special as we happened to be 'lost' in the circuitous alleys of the village looking for the main street and found ourselves at the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral. It is a Catholic chuch amidst a sea of Orthodox churches, where the Sunday mass was about to be celebrated. The mass was in Italian, with the homily translated in English. The experience of attending the mass in Santorini was surreal -maybe serendipity or purely God's grace at work...

Guess what?! The 2nd reading from the Book of Ephesians - Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the Chuch- cemented my belief that we were indeed blessed to have heard this particular mass.

The vacation had to end, of course, but the wonderful memories created by this trip will forever be treasured. Yes, we spent 8 days in paradise.... Santorini is all I dream about and more!!! The amazing scenery, the delectable cuisine, the oh-so-gorgeous men (yeah, ok...ladies too!) and best of all, I was with  the only person I  want to have more Santorinis with. :)

Truly memorable Santorini moments...