Greece

So I finally went to Greece to meet my friend, Kostas! And here are a few pictures to prove it. To read more about my trip, click here.

It was nothing short of a miracle... after writing to Kostas for 12 years, I flew to Greece to meet him, on my birthday no less!

Kostas had a lot to do to plan his wedding of course, so I convinced him to let me loose in Athens for a few hours. Walking in the park, I actually saw a turtle trying to cross the road!

Twenty-four hours in, and I was already in love with Greek cooking... I think this woman is too!

I was came across what must be the garment district, there was shop after shop selling all kinds of fabric.

And, of course, the mopeds. They where everywhere!

I think this photo is pretty fantastic myself.

I was able to grab one spy photo of the Nigerians selling fake Louis Vuittons.

Athens was such a busy city! There were people, and clowns, all over!

I went to see the ruins of the Temple of the Olympians. It was pretty neat.

I like the little birds circling above.

Hurray for self-timers!

I can't remember what the name of this district is, but it starts with M. There is a flea market running here, and that is the Akropolis up above.

Mary, my friend's fiancee, took me with her to the final fitting for her dress. Then she took off her vail and put it on my head saying that I would catch her bouquet. This was my reaction to that!

Your vail is beautiful, Mary, but I'm not ready yet! ;)

Later we went to the beach. It was beautiful there too, but I only got to go on this one day, there were just too many things to do!

We were with some friends and cousins...

Two nights before the wedding, there was a party for the 40 closest relatives at Kostas and Mary's new apartment... this is the view... not bad!

All the unmarried girls had to make the wedding bed... a tradition I found a little disturbing!

Kostas and Mary jumped on and everyone threw rice!

The bachelorette party, me with a friend and a cousin.

We were at a "real greek bazooka" where they have live Greek, but not necessarily traditional, music and dancing.

The bride was having a pretty good time.

We didn't finish the third bottle of vodka, but being a good Lithuanian girl, I couldn't let it go to waste and snatched it off the table.

The day of the wedding... Kostas' friends came over to wash and dress him. I got to watch... ooh la la!

All dressed and ready to go, Kostas must stand on the steps of the church and wait for his bride.

I love this photo of his Dad ducking out from behind the Greek flag.

Kostas cousin Anna, who I came to love! We hung out a bunch at the wedding and the day after. His family made me feel more than welcome!

The church...

This little girl, someone's little cousin was so beautiful! I love this photo of her.

When Mary came, we all piled into the church. Everyone stands, and people were actually talking throughout the whole ceremony. I was told that Greeks love to communicate, and frankly, have a hard time being quiet!

Kostas and Mary were a very beautiful couple that day!

There were several steps in the Greek wedding... first they had a few prayers, then they exchanged rings and had white bands placed on their heads...

Then they had to walk around the table three times while everyone threw rice...

Then they signed the marriage certificate...

And went out on the steps for pictures.

The only picture of me actually at the wedding, I'm here with Mary's little cousin Panaiota.

Kostas and Mary had their first dance... the wedding was the most beautiful and elegant I have ever seen. That is actually a swimming pool in the restaurant! The whole reception was lit by candle light. Thank you Kostas and Mary so much for inviting me!

 

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