See the world

I'm back "home" now after taking a trip to Greece that's been put off for too long. I made an online friend through mIRC back in 2003 when I first got my computer, and we've managed to stay in contact after all this time. It was spring break from school, and I felt the need to get away from anything familiar. Initially, my intent was to go to Puerto Rico so I can see my pet boxer who's been gone for two years now. But alas, that didn't work out and opted for Greece which was my backup, so to speak.

It was a nice trip, albeit a bit too short it feels like. Getting there felt like an eternity though since between layovers, it took roughly 20 hours to get to Crete on Saturday, when I left the US on a Friday. I instantly recognized my friend, we shook hands and made our way to his car where we both gave each other a hug, the real greeting we deserved. I got to see different parts of the island, had Greek food, saw a carnaval, met couchsurfers, etc. The food was amazing, even the local cheese was to die for that I wanted to bring some back so bad but of course, it wasn't allowed. I definitely would want to go back during the summer since it was still cold out, and having the beach/water close to you was in vain since you can't really swim in it.

During my trip, I just explored the city mainly and learned more about its history, after having heard about it four years ago when I took History of Western Civilization. I walked the grounds of Knossos, went around the Venetian walls and fortress, seen things linked to El Greco, Nikos Kazantzakis, etc. My friend ended up taking me to Chania and Rethymno as well so I think I did decent for only having stayed seven days, big thanks to my friend.

I actually saved a job I found in that part of Greece but didn't get to apply for it since I got confused where the posting was, finding it AFTER the fact, of course. It'll be real nice (at least I think) to live in Europe where it's relatively easy to just hop on the plane and go to a different country, even for a weekend. A few people I've met have been travelling for a while, and it made me a bit jealous, I'll admit. I've always wanted to bum around Europe for a few months, and see/experience different things. It bummed me out but at the same time, I'm excited about making it happen and I've promised myself that I'll work towards that goal when I return to the U.S. I'm gonna make it a point of travelling more from now on, though that months of backpacking around Europe might wait a little bit, perhaps I'll even go to school/work there, baby steps...