Day 1 - Bristol to Mykonos
"Rise and shine!" my alarm chirped at the ungodly hour of 3.30am. Eyes bleary and limbs protesting, we stumbled out of bed, fueled by the promise of Mykonos' sun-kissed shores. We were off on our travels again. It seems like ages!! A quick shower and a coffee and a tea later, we bundled our prepacked luggage (nicely organised as always!) and headed off through the pre-dawn streets to Bristol airport.
Naples to Mykonos turned out to be the noisiest flight of our lives. Picture this: a plane packed with excited holidaymakers including a very excitable bridal party, the decibel level rising with each passing minute. Conversations, laughter, and the occasional sing-along filled the cabin. The flight attendants, bless their souls, had to restart the safety briefing not once, but twice, just to get everyone to pipe down!
Finally, we touched down in Mykonos, greeted by the warm Mediterranean air and the promise of relaxation. The sun radiated its heat as soon as we stepped onto the tarmac and instantly we relaxed. Our home for the next few days is the luxurious Akkadian Boutique Hotel, a haven specifically designed for gay men seeking a tranquil and indulgent escape. Definitely our kind of place!
Day 2 - Mykonos
Day 3 - Mykonos
Another glorious morning in Mykonos began with a culinary adventure - the hotel's buffet breakfast. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure novel, but with food. I'm particularly smitten with the Greek yogurt here; it's so thick you could practically build a Parthenon with it.
We spent the morning poolside, alternating between Kindle pages and dips in the water, the occasional cocktail in hand. The hotel has cleverly designed little shady nooks around the pool, perfect for escaping the Mediterranean sun's intense gaze.
In the afternoon, we ventured into town, navigating the narrow, pavement-less roads. It's a bit of a heart-pounding experience, as Mykonian drivers seem to have a rather laissez-faire attitude towards traffic rules.
We made a pilgrimage to the iconic Mykonos windmills, standing proudly on a ridge overlooking the sea. These 16th-century beauties, with their whitewashed walls and thatched roofs, once harnessed the Aegean winds to grind grain, a testament to the island's agricultural past.
After a few hours of rest and rejuvenation at the hotel, we ventured back out to experience Mykonos' legendary Saturday night scene.
The rest of the night was a blur of chats with other guys, stunning sea views, and the occasional refreshing spray of seawater courtesy of the crashing waves.
A late-night (or early morning) dinner at the same restaurant where we'd had lunch rounded off our evening. This time, we weren't quite as diet-conscious, but hey, we were on vacation! Their spin on garlic bread was to die for! A brioche style loaf stuffed with garlic butter, with a creamy cheese and parsley sauce poured over the top. A gloriously delicious mess of carbs and dairy! I said the diet went out the window!
We stumbled into our hotel bed around 5 am, both agreeing that we're getting a bit too old for this. But as we drifted off to sleep, we couldn't help but smile, knowing we'd had another incredible day together on this magical island. Mykonos, you've stolen our hearts (and maybe a bit of our sanity).
Day 4 - Mykonos
Today was a true holiday treat – a poolside extravaganza. We settled into a prime spot, surrounded by lush greenery, like two birds claiming the perfect nest for a day of sun-soaked relaxation. Kindles, phones, sunglasses, and the occasional refreshing drink completed our setup.
The morning buzzed with life as guests came and went, and it was heartwarming to see the hotel filling up. At one point, James vanished, leaving me to devour the last few chapters of my book (a guilty pleasure, I must admit). When he reappeared, a mischievous glint in his eyes, he beckoned me to follow him on a mysterious adventure.
We weaved through the hotel pathways until we reached one of those dreamy private mini-villas – the ones we had admired from afar, wondering what secrets they held. James, sporting a sly grin, produced a key, and we stepped into a sun-drenched courtyard with its own inviting mini pool. It was like stumbling upon a hidden oasis!
The rest of the day unfolded in a blissful blur, alternating between the main pool and our private oasis. I'm pretty sure a few envious glances were cast our way, but who could blame them? We were living the dream!
As evening approached, we opted for another cozy duvet picnic and movie night. A lighthearted rom-com on Prime set the perfect mood, while snacks from the corner shop added a touch of indulgence.
Did you know that the first rom-com is often credited to the 1934 film "It Happened One Night"? It set the stage for countless movies celebrating love, laughter, and happy endings. Yes, I went down a Google Rabbit hole to bring you an interesting fact and to pad out today's post!
It was a day filled with sunshine, unexpected surprises, and a generous dose of movie magic – the perfect recipe for a memorable vacation day.
Day 5 - Mykonos
Waking up in our upgraded villa, we couldn't resist indulging in a leisurely morning dip in our private pool. A perfect start to the day, soaking up the sun on our secluded patio.
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| We loved this banner ad for ES Swimwear - does Spencer cut it as a swimwear model? hehe |
The afternoon was pure bliss, sipping cool drinks, taking refreshing dips in the sea, and perfecting our tans. We even bumped into our friend Dale, who was also enjoying some beach time.
On the way back, we shared a taxi with our new American friends and couldn't resist showing off our upgraded villa. Their jaws dropped when they saw the private pool and luxurious amenities.
To express our gratitude to Adonis, the hotel manager (yes, you read that right!), we invited him and our American friends to join us for dinner at a local restaurant. It was a feast of traditional Greek dishes, each one beautifully cooked and presented.
Back at the hotel, we capped off the night with some late-night drinks, ensuring our new friends had wonderful memories to take home from their last night on the island. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with sunshine, laughter, and new connections.
Day 6 - Mykonos
Ah, the rhythm of vacation mornings... It's a familiar dance of leisurely breakfasts, refreshing showers, and sun-soaked hours by the pool. Today was no exception, even if we were both moving a bit slower than usual after last night's late-night shenanigans. Let's just say our inner party animals might need a nap.
So, with a collective sigh of contentment, we settled into our poolside loungers, Kindles in hand, ready to embrace the glorious art of doing absolutely nothing. The sun was warm, the water sparkled invitingly, and the occasional page-turning rustle was the only sound to disturb the peaceful atmosphere.
Just as we were reaching peak relaxation mode, our friend Dale appeared, ready for a poolside lunch date. Club sandwich for him, a juicy burger for James, and for me... well, let's just say I perfected the art of the strategic chip-steal. Sharing is caring apparently (others call it a Boyfriend Tax!). We also enjoyed a splash in our private pool - well, since we have been upgraded, we have to take advantage of the facilities! And I know what you're thinking - no we didn't!!
But the real highlight of the day was yet to come. In the evening, we swapped our swim trunks for something a bit more dapper and headed to a charming pescatarian restaurant. The occasion? A reunion with two of my London friends, Richard and Tate, who just happened to be passing through town. Talk about serendipity!
It had been ages since I'd seen Richard and Tate (about four years or so), and with a trip to their place already booked for November, this was the perfect chance for them to finally meet James. The conversation flowed over a lovely meal in a beautiful setting. James and I had both said before this trip that we needed to try to eat more fish and this gave us a perfect opportunity. James opted for a beautifully crumb-coated cod fillet, while I tried the sea-bass. Both were delicious.
Dinner done, we decided to keep the good times rolling and made our way to Lola's cocktail bar. Yes, *that* Lola's – the one that's quickly become our go-to spot for a night of fun. As if on cue, Dale reappeared, this time with two more of his Welsh friends, Rob and his husband Dan. They proved to be a great addition to our group and we had several great conversations about everything from middle-age problems to what we would change the world for the better.
The cocktails were flowing, the laughter was contagious, and before I knew it, the clock was inching towards the wee hours of the morning. And so with a slightly fuzzy head, we finally had to call it a night. Back to the hotel for some much-needed beauty sleep before another day of holiday adventures.
Day 7 - Mykonos
A quiet day today, mainly by the pool beneath the sun, its rays playfully dancing through the lush canopy of palm trees that graced our poolside haven. Hours melted away in a blissful haze of reading, napping, the odd drink and the occasional refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. Pure, unadulterated relaxation mode activated.
And then, as if on cue, a burst of vibrant colours exploded in the night sky. Fireworks! A spontaneous display of celebration, echoing from the heart of the town. Apparently, a local football team had clinched a victory, and the whole island was basking in the afterglow.
The night wouldn't be complete without a final stop at Lola's. Cocktails flowed, conversations sparkled, and once again, we found ourselves making new connections. This time, a delightful couple from Nottingham joined our ever-growing circle of Welsh friends.
Another unforgettable evening, filled with laughter, friendship, and a touch of unexpected magic. As the night drew to a close, we carried the warmth of these moments back to our hotel, tucked away in our hearts until the next adventure unfolds.
Day 8 - Mykonos to Santorini
The adventure began at the bustling port, where we boarded a colossal catamaran-style ferry. Now, I hadn't given much thought to ferries, assuming they were all more or less the same. However, in this part of the world, where islands are scattered like jewels across the Aegean, ferries are the lifeblood connecting communities. And this particular ferry was unlike any I'd seen before! It was a behemoth, yet it manoeuvred with the agility of a speedboat, leaving me awestruck.
Once ashore, we were greeted by a symphony of sounds – coaches revving their engines, eager to whisk away package holidaymakers, and taxi drivers waving name cards amidst the throng of passengers. We opted to have a leisurely lunch and let the initial frenzy subside. A delicious beef schnitzel, a welcome change from the usual chicken, hit the spot perfectly.
Our taxi ride across Santorini unveiled a starkly beautiful landscape. The parched earth, dotted with clusters of whitewashed buildings – homes, farm structures, and the occasional village with shops – painted a picture of resilience and quiet charm.
Finally, we arrived in the captivating town of Oia, our home for the next few days. The narrow, winding streets were too tight for cars, so we embarked on the final leg of our journey on foot. The path was framed by a kaleidoscope of colourful buildings – shops overflowing with treasures, inviting restaurants, charming hotels, and traditional houses. Our driver, a true hero, expertly navigated the crowds with our hefty suitcase balanced on his shoulders.
As we ventured deeper into the town, we stumbled upon a long queue of eager tourists. They were lined up to capture that iconic Instagram shot of the blue domes of Santorini. Our hotel, it turned out, was located right next to this picturesque spot!
The hotel itself was sheer bliss. The staff welcomed us with refreshing drinks and cool towels, instantly melting away the travel fatigue. While our room was being prepared, we relaxed at the bar, sipping cocktails and gazing out at the breathtaking caldera. The panoramic view of Oia, with its colourful buildings clinging to the cliffs and the imaginative architecture of terraced pools and sun decks, was simply mesmerising.
We spent the rest of the afternoon basking in the serenity of the hotel, recharging our batteries for the evening ahead. As the sun began its descent, we ventured out to explore the town and discovered a charming restaurant with a sunset terrace. It seemed most restaurants in Oia boasted such terraces, and who could blame them with a view like that? We savoured another delectable meal as the sky transformed into a canvas of fiery hues.
Day 9 - Santorini
You'd think that after all the incredible places we've explored together, the magic would start to fade. But waking up in our Santorini haven, with a view that stretched across the caldera and out to the endless Aegean Sea, took my breath away all over again.
We'd pre-ordered breakfast, not knowing what to expect. It turned into a delightful surprise - a parade of pastries, egg dishes, yogurt parfaits, mini pies, and fresh fruit. Each plate was a work of art, and the flavours were divine. It was, hands down, one of the best hotel breakfasts we've ever had - maybe even better than that memorable breakfast buffet at Animal Kingdom Lodge with its amazing French Toast Bread Pudding! The view was definitely more impressive (sorry giraffes!).
Feeling refreshed, we ventured into town. We passed the now-famous blue domes, where a line of eager Instagrammers waited for their perfect shot. We smiled, knowing we had that view anytime we wanted.
We wandered down narrow streets lined with shops and cafes, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The sound of children playing in a schoolyard caught me by surprise. Their laughter echoed through the town, a reminder of everyday life amidst the tourist bustle. We reached a quaint church at the edge of town, marking the end of our exploration.
That evening, we were joined by our friends Dan and Rob, who had also made the move to Santorini. James had hinted at a photo opportunity with the sunset, but I had no idea what he was truly planning.
We enjoyed cocktails at the bar, then showed our friends our room and the hotel. We made our way to the terrace restaurant, where a romantic table awaited us under a decorated canopy.
As we posed for photos, James grew more affectionate. He began to speak, his words filled with love and a promise of forever. Then, he knelt down and presented me with the most stunning ring.
"Will you marry me?" he asked.
I was shocked, elated, dazed and overwhelmed with love all at once.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I said, "Yes!"
The whole moment was captured on video, a precious memory we'll cherish forever.
We sat down to dinner, still buzzing with excitement. The hotel staff, who must witness proposals often, were genuinely thrilled for us. They brought out celebratory champagne and we toasted to our future.
The meal was extraordinary, a symphony of flavours that danced on our palates. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day, one that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
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| The moon rising over Santorini |
Day 10 - Santorini to Athens
Unsurprisingly, after the whirlwind of emotions and romance the night before, sleep came easily. We awoke to another glorious Santorini morning, savouring a final, leisurely breakfast amidst warm congratulations from the hotel staff. It felt like the whole island was in on our secret!
All too soon, it was time to bid farewell to our Santorini sanctuary and embark on the final leg of our journey: Athens. Thankfully, we had wisely switched our ferry to a later departure, giving us a chance to bask in the afterglow of our engagement without rushing.
We packed, exchanged hugs with the wonderful hotel staff (some of the warmest we've ever met), and navigated the bustling streets to our waiting taxi. The porter expertly manoeuvred our suitcase through the crowds, a feat I'm certain I would have failed at, leaving a trail of bumped heads in my wake.
As we drove across the island, we took a final moment to appreciate the stark beauty of the landscape. The volcanic terrain contrasted dramatically with the endless azure of the sea, a sight that never ceased to amaze.
At the ferry port, we collected our tickets and braced ourselves for the organised chaos of boarding. Again the way these ships move through the water is amazing - they appear to just glide into position with such grace and ease. This time, we were seasoned pros, navigating the throngs of people and luggage piles with ease. Our suitcase was strategically placed for a quick getaway.
Unlike the grand ferries we're used to in the UK, these vessels were more like water buses, connecting the islands. We made several stops along the way, picking up and dropping off passengers at picturesque ports. Athens, on the mainland, was our final destination. After a scenic five-hour journey, we arrived.
The usual taxi scramble ensued, and we soon found ourselves in a yellow cab, zipping through the city towards our hotel. Our first impressions of Athens were...mixed. Concrete buildings dominated the skyline, a far cry from the ancient Greek grandeur we'd imagined. The traffic was a chaotic ballet of near-misses and rule-bending, adding to the sense of disorientation.
Finally, we arrived at our hotel, eager to refresh after our journey. Stepping into the lobby was like entering another world. Opulent and decadent, it was a feast for the eyes. Mirrors, gold accents, sculptures, and towering columns created an atmosphere of sheer extravagance. Our room echoed this lavishness, and while the view from the window was less than inspiring, the rooftop restaurant promised something special.
As the sun began to set, we made our way to the rooftop. The panoramic view was breathtaking. There, in all its glory, was the Acropolis, crowned by the majestic Parthenon. It was a sight that transcended time, connecting us to the heart of ancient Greece.
We were too late to snag a table at the hotel restaurant, but the streets below were teeming with inviting eateries. We settled into a charming spot, dining al fresco in the shadow of the Acropolis. The world buzzed around us as we savoured delicious food and each other's company. Athens was slowly weaving its spell.
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