TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

Eating out in Samos Island, Greece is very cheap, you spend approximately 30+- euros for 2 pax (1 starter + 2 mains + 2 drinks). We normally have coffee somewhere else at a lounge or bar. Thus, we ate out every night (we still have a week to go to enjoy this island!) and I will be posting all our dinners (and lunches) at different restaurants. Hopefully, those who stumble upon this blog whilst planning for their prospective Samos holiday will have an idea where to eat and what to expect. My way of giving back to travellers and holidaymakers out there. First night dinner at Ostria Restaurant We were quite intrigued with this restaurant because you cannot see the dining area except for a pathway leading to the beach. The pathway is partly covered with vines crawling on a trellis with grapes hanging from it. The restaurant is indeed located on the sea side which makes it very attractive and quite romantic as well. The restaurant has no website but it is listed on Trip Ad...

Ephesus is an ancient Greek city (later became a Roman city during the Roman Empire), one of the largest cities in the 1st century BC and very famous in the Christian world because of Paul's ministry. The apostle Paul lived here for sometime (see Ephesians book in the New Testament, Bible). Trivia: Did you know that Saint Paul was not officially part of Jesus' Twelve Disciples? He gained the title Apostle Paul because of his work and dedication in spreading Christianity outside of Jewish territory. Before Paul, Christianity was strictly for the Jews, a tributary religion of Judaism, although Judaism never acknowlegded Jesus as the messaiah (son of God), they are still waiting for the messaiah to come. Judaism even saw Jesus as one of the false messaiahs albeit the most influential of them all. I have always seen Paul as the best sales person and marketeer in the whole wide world. Without him, there would have been no Christianity today. This would have been an extinct relig...

Or let me rephrase that—Do you still remember struggling with the Pythagorean Theorem in high school? I do. It took me ages to understand the whole mathematical equation because I simply did not want to understand it. Pythagoras statue at my back. Pythagoras was born in Samos Island, Greece. Reminiscing school: Pythagoras Theorem Mathematics was not my strongest subject in school. Actually, I hated school. I never excelled in my elementary and high school years because I disliked studying. I only get excited when it’s the first week of school because everything is new—new bag, new shoes, new uniform (I went to a private girl’s school and we have to wear silly uniforms), new notebooks, new pencils, pen, everything is new. I was obviously the quintessential mediocre student who sat through class uninterested and was just buying time. But if there was a subject about ‘will’ or ‘ambition’ then I would have probably scored perfect. I was a little girl who could not wait to grow u...

Now that we have our rental scooter, Dutchman and I have started exploring Samos Island. One of our first stop that left a very long and positive impression on us, that we even both agreed to come back here another time, is Potami in Karlovasi (northwest of Samos). This is Potami in a nutshell but there are other attractions and cool places in the area as well, so read along... The Metamorphosis Church As we slowly approached Potami, we saw this white and idyllic (chic-styled if I may add) small Orthodox Church. Something told me to stop by and we were glad we did. The church sits on a rock cliff and is also a viewing point! From its viewing platform are stunning views of the Potami Beach below. As for its name, I have no idea why it is called the Metamorphosis Church. I highly suggest a quick stop over here for the scenic views. Potami Beach This beach is very distinctive because of its two side by side bays that is beautifully separated by a rock. P...

Greetings from the Greek Island of Samos! There’s so much to tell but let me first update about what we do best at the moment: Beaching (and laying by the pool as well) and doing nothing. Below is a quick peek into our temporary beach life. To the beach! This is the pathway from our apartment in Kampos leading to the Votsalakia beach. Our apartment, which merits a separate post, is just a 3-minute walk to the beach. We have a beautiful view of the island’s highest summit and the olive tree pasture that nestles under the mountain from our bedroom balcony. Light lunch at Chesters Beach Bar Greek Salad, warm Pita bread (this bread was soooooooo good) and iced coffee. They also have nice music here. Lounge jazz and flashback to the 80's. Beaching continues... Chesters have one of the nice beach areas with sunbeds and parasols. If you eat here at Chesters you get to use the sunbed and parasol for free =) After 3 days of doing nothing, w...