Sole Sister Ramblers is so much more than just rambling; it's a vibrant community where connections are forged, friendships blossom, and unforgettable experiences are shared, and we are a prime example of this!
Joan: Last October, while scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon a post about Sole Sister Ramblers. Curious, I read more and discovered a new group offering walks and hikes.
I’d always wanted to explore our urban forest but was hesitant to go alone. This was exactly what I needed! I signed up for my first Ramble with the Langley/Surrey Circle. On a cloudy day, I met a wonderful group of women in Campbell Valley, British Columbia, Canada.
We introduced ourselves in a circle, and lo and behold, I found out that Betty Hansen was my neighbor! As we began to walk, Betty and I struck up a conversation and exchanged numbers over coffee afterward.
Fast forward a few Rambles, and we started carpooling, discovering many more common interests. Betty then invited me to join her on a trip to Greece. I eagerly accepted! We met to discuss our travel preferences, and it turned out we were on the same page. Then the excitement truly began.
I don’t know if you've heard that old joke about two people showing up at an airport, one has documents, and schedules galore and the other says “where are we going”? That was us; Joan and Betty from Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
For those who don’t know her, Betty is an expert planner. Having traveled to Greece many times before, she had every detail mapped out, while I was only too happy to go along for the ride, ready for adventures that involved walking 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day.
Betty: Why Greece, you ask? For me, the allure lies in its rich culture, history, delicious food, stunning landscapes, flora and fauna (did I mention cats and bougainvillea?), and the warm hospitality known as philoxenia. I find myself yearning for these experiences every couple of years, and sharing them with a friend on her first visit makes it all the more special.
We chose late September to early October, the perfect shoulder season when tourist crowds diminish, temperatures hover in the upper 20s to low 30s Celsius, and the Aegean Sea is wonderfully warm.
Joan and Betty: Our journey began in Vancouver, with a layover in Toronto before landing in Athens. From there, we took a short flight to Paros, one of the enchanting Cycladic islands.
Based in Paros and Athens, we wandered through cobbled, maze-like village lanes, strolled along golden beaches, and explored lunar-like rock formations. We tackled 200+ steep steps leading into an underground cave, walked a 1,000-year-old Byzantine road, visited ancient archaeological sites, and swam in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean.
The Greek islands rise majestically from the sea, leading to hills and mountains. Our daily routine quickly became a blend of morning explorations and afternoon swims. We navigated the area via local buses, boats (not water taxis!), and inter-island ferries, covering many kilometers each day—sometimes to the point of tragically blistered feet!
Some adventures were best done in flip-flops or barefoot. We ventured down into caves, climbed tiny village paths, walked the ancient Byzantine road from Lefkes to Prodromos, as well as day trips by ferry to the neighboring islands of Naxos and Antiparos. A highlight was a boat trip to the blue lagoon, where we swam in impossibly clear azure waters.
In charming seaside tavernas, we feasted on fresh Greek salads topped with sweet, vine-ripened tomatoes and slabs of feta, fresh seasoned squid, tender grilled lamb chops, and delicious gyros—Greece's beloved fast food, and Pastitsio, a Greek-style pasta dish similar to lasagna. Each meal was delicious, and the portions were more than generous!
And what about the trail magic? Greece is full of it! Every twisty, cobbled lane revealed treasures: vibrant bougainvillea sprouting from cracks, sunbathing cats, stunning white homes with colorful shutters, bobbing fishing boats, and the melodious tinkling of goat bells echoing across the hills.
We marveled at ancient ruins, olive and pomegranate trees heavy with fruit, and the enduring beauty of a marble road that has seen footsteps for millennium.
Our trip concluded in Athens, where we spent four days exploring the Acropolis and other historical ruins. We even took a day trip to the pedestrian-only island of Hydra, sharing cobbled lanes with mules, donkeys, and horses while admiring the distinct Venetian architecture that contrasted with the whitewashed buildings of the Cyclades.
After 16 days of discovery, we celebrated our final dinner in Athens, basking in the shadow of the Acropolis, reflecting on the incredible journey we had shared. We are deeply grateful to Sole Sisters for bringing us together, and this is just the beginning!
Next stop: Costa Rica in January—stay tuned!
READ MORE > Ramble Logs, Rambler Cafe Blog
This Ramble Log is inspiring on so many levels. Not only do I admire the scenery in the photos, but I love that you’ve been able to find travel buddies with the same interests. Thanks for sharing this.
Betty you are indeed a gift to our Sole Sister Ramblers. I loved our Huatulco holiday together too!
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