It truly has been an amazing surprise birthday gift while celebrating our 16th anniversary a little early. We explored the Greek Island Kefalonia where we stayed for the first part of our trip. The beaches were breathtakingly stunning. We drove and visited towns along the island. 

Blue water layering color beaches with mountains as backdrops, some had towns in the distance, and some your view was different shades of the perfect blues I’ve ever seen. 

Too many beaches to name but our favorites were Makris Gialos and the most beautiful beach yet was Myrtos. You can find the Myrtos Cave located on the beach and it’s easy to walk and swim through. The sun peaking through the cave allowed the blues of the water to light up in the most mystical way. This was the first Blue Cave we experienced in Greece. The next two were Drogarati and Melissani Caves. 

Drogarati Cave which was discovered over 300 years ago when a strong earthquake caused a collapse that revealed the cave’s entrance. The formations of stalactites and stalagmites are truly remarkable and definitely worth walking through. The limestone felt cold and wet to the touch. 

Finally but not least, one of the most visited is the Melissani Cave. “The roof of one of the halls caved in centuries ago, letting sunlight filter in. When the sun is right overhead at noon, the sunlight hitting the turquoise blue waters creates a magical illusion and the whole Cave of Melissani suddenly feels lit with blue light.”

Myth has it that the cave was named after the nymph Melissanthi who committed suicide by jumping from the top into the cave because God Pan did not reciprocate her love. Aw, love can make you do some crazy things. 

In the past you were also able to walk up the steep hidden path leading up to the cave overhead to view the cave from above. I was told it was the most amazing view to see the lit up electric blue waters and formations from the top looking in. Sadly, a person decided it would be a good idea to jump off the top into the cave and ruin it for the rest as it will be permanently closed from above viewing. Maybe in time that will change but for now it stands.

The towns filled with colors, from homes to flowers, winding tiny roads, and the love of a community are always appealing in their own way.  

I’m always amazed and humbled by the towns we see and the people that welcome us. Being a part of their culture and town for just a day does something for your soul. The kindness we received and the welcoming into family owned restaurants as if we too were part of the family will always be carried in my heart. 

From towns like ​​Argostoli, Fiscarko, Assos, Sami, and more. We’ve visited a few. 

We ended our last night in Kefalonia at the Olive Lounge Restaurant & Bar at St. Georges Castle in Argostoli. This family owned most enchanting place was truly magical. From the atmosphere, gazing views of the town and water, location, and staff, not to forget the owner’s special attention to each guest blew me away. Each item we ordered was a burst of flavor and colors in your mouth. The meals were like no other but the owner Liana who shows genuine gratitude and love made the last night in Kefalonia complete. We met her sister Maria Tsimbourla who was just as lovely and had her contemporary artwork displayed throughout the restaurant. They are two of the nicest, kindest, humbled women you will meet. 

As our first part of the trip has ended and the next just beginning I will be taking all the love, electric blues of the beaches, and the memories we made with us. 

And now the ferry. My fear of being on a ferry for more than 30 minutes was getting stronger as the departure time was growing near. It was our way to travel from Kefalonia to Zakynthos. A special ferry to carry our luggages to the next island took about 4 hours. I hate to admit this but my stomach was turning from nerves and my anxiousness was on high alert as we pulled away from the island and into the amazing blue waters. As the motor picked up I looked into the water and felt the cool mist hit my face. My body began to relax. Seeing things all around me from a pirate boat, yachts, sailboats, and the amazing island shapes around us, relaxed me even more. I was taking it all in and remembering that soon we would be on land to enjoy another island. 

As our next destination came into view the excitement hit me all over again and I forgot the fear I felt in the beginning. It was beautiful and I knew this would be another memorable experience. Making our way off the ferry we were immediately greeted by our express rental car contact. She was lovely and the process went seamlessly. Keys in hand and we were off to Lesante, our next home for a short while. 

From the moment we walked through the doors the warm welcome and kindness engulfed us. I knew this was going to be another memorable place and it was. The beauty that surrounded us on this trip could not be put into words just felt and seen. 

Our room was surrounded by a vineyard. Gardens growing their own fruits and vegetables for serving and meals. We were surrounded by life all around us. It was a magical property. 

Right before our time in Greece ended we were able to experience the island and beaches from a different angle, the water. That’s right, I said it. We saw the island in all its glory from the water. This time I wasn’t as frightened. I knew this was the only way to check off items from my bucket list. 

We were able to see the electric blue light from beneath the water in the caves. One cave had the biggest clams I’ve ever seen. From there the boat picked up speed. Cool blue water softly sprayed our face and cooled us as we made our way to Shipwreck Beach known as Navagio Beach. This was a big check off my list and I was super excited.

This is an exposed cove, which is also referred to as “Smugglers Cove,” on the coast of Zakynthos, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. 

Story goes that the ship was carrying contraband heading from Turkey for Italy when a storm hit. The ship’s engine blew and the visibility was almost nonexistent. While the ship ran aground in the cove, the crew abandoned her to evade arrests and punshipment from the Navy. The only way to visit Shipwreck Beach is by boat. 

As we moved away from Shipwreck our driver Leo brought us to a secluded little beach of our own. We jumped off the boat into the water and enjoyed a swim as the boat anchored until we were done. We swam to the beach to explore a bit before swimming back to our boat. Anchors pulled up and the motor began. The cool blues splashed us again which made my cheeks tingle and I couldn’t help but smile. Once we were further in the deep the motor turned off and we coasted for a while. I looked out and couldn’t believe the beauty around me. The sun was blistering but the breeze off the water made it just perfect. The warmth on my face and the beauty that surrounded us couldn’t have made that moment any more remarkable but then I looked to my left, and there he was. The man that made this all possible. My life’s partner. My soulmate. I couldn’t believe we were there. 

It was one of my wishlist gifts. What a way to celebrate my 50th. What a way to celebrate us soon to be 16 years married. 

This island exploration was coming to an end and we had to say our goodbyes. Although a goodbye was in order, what we experienced here will forever be with us as we continue our journey. 

I do believe a little part of me remains in the blue caves and a little all around the islands. That’s my way of always staying close. 

Ευχαριστώ και αντίο Ελλάδα!

One last surprise before we returned home. A quick stop in London. With our plane connecting in London but it was going to be too long of a wait. Asher decided one more surprise was in order. I knew we were staying over but didn’t know what the rest of the surprise would be until the taxi pulled in front of the hotel and I was let out of the taxi. At first I hadn’t noticed where exactly we were until I looked down at the welcoming mat and immediately popped my head up to the front of the building. I was in such a surprise I couldn’t believe it. I immediately turned to Asher with the biggest smile on my face while my eyes sparkled with excitement. 

We were staying at The Cadogan in London. 

You may be thinking it’s just another hotel and in fact it is to most but to me it’s a bit more. 

A short story, if I am capable of that. 

Many years ago before my twins were born I worked for a hedge fund in the city for quite a very long time. When we opened an office in London, anyone who flew there stayed at The Cadogan. I stayed there a few times when I was in London on business. But sadly Asher and I were never in London at the same time. I was unhappy the last time I stayed at The Cadogan because my stay had to be extended and I was sad to be away even longer. I remember that day with my eyes tightly closed, I wished that he would be there with me. I thought my wish would never come true until now. 

He actually made it possible for us to be in London at the same time and together at The Cadogan. 

The Cadogan. I couldn’t believe it. Here we were standing in the lobby of the hotel sharing our story with the front staff. Sharing our memories of the hotel but sad all the best features were no longer there. During Covid the hotel shut down and was purchased by Louis Vuitton and renovated. The one of a kind oldest round elevator that stood in the middle of the lobby was gone. 

Things definitely changed but the feeling I felt looking around the lobby and finding the man I promised to love for the rest of my life remained the same. The love I felt for him at that moment will be the imprint in my heart that I needed. 

He did all of this for me. He researched. He peaked at my Greece wishlist. He made many of my wishes come true. He did all of it to make my 50th birthday the most memorable birthday I will ever experience. He made it a memory not for the fear I felt of turning 50 but for the beautiful loving moments that lead me here. Lead us here. 

Now that is what 50 looks like to me.