Our Annual Adventure

[insert huge sigh of relief]

Our "honeymoon" is finally planned and pretty much booked.

It's in quotes because we will be flying back from Greece (via New Jersey) on our one-year anniversary. I'm pretty convinced that makes it our first Annual Adventure rather than a bona fide honeymoon.

A while ago, Matt and I settled on Hawaii. We got the idea from our book about the best hikes in the world, and we wanted to go to Kauai to check one of them out (plus take surfing lessons and snorkel and eat fruit). But then we kept going back and forth about when to go on the trip, due to Matt's work schedule. First it was going to be May; then it was going to be July.

Then we realized we could only use my frequent flyer miles to go to Hawaii in May but not July. Simultaneously, we learned that Matt could only take his vacation in July, not May.

Argh!

I kept writing "plan honeymoon" on my action plan and then promptly ignoring it.

Last weekend, while I was in DC, I talked to my friend Amy about possible places to go (we were really intent on using our frequent flyer miles...). She suggested Kenya and some other cool locales. I confessed that I was a little under-excited about the prospect of planning the trip (which is weird because planning is seriously one of my hobbies). She mentioned going on a tour with GAP Adventures.

Later that night, I did a little browsing and came across a sailing trip in the Greek Islands. On a boat! In Greece! Yes!

Fortunately, Matt had the exact same reaction (until I mentioned we would have to sleep in twin beds in really camped quarters--or on the deck under the stars!).

The extra-cool part is that we're flying into Paris and hanging out for four days before heading to Milan (just for a night in an airport hotel) and then onto Greece. We'll also have one night in Athens at the end of our trip.

Here's the itinerary for our sailing adventure:

Day 1 Santorini

Arrive Santorini for 11AM for first day of sailing.

Day 2 Sifnos

In the morning, an optional bus trip on Folegandros shows you one of most beautiful areas in the Cyclades. Sail to Sifnos, an island so hidden and charming that E. Hemmingway would have chosen to stay a while.

Day 3 Paros

A morning sail will bring us to Parikia on Paros. Explore the town or even better take an optional excursion to visit ‘Antiparos’ with its world famous shallow beaches and wonderful cave.

Day 4 Syros

Sail to Syros and lunch at the uninhabited island Didimi, with swimming and snorkeling from the boat. Moor for the night at the old Cycladic Capitol, Ermoupolis. Explore the town with its stunning architecture and a traditional charm.

Day 5 Mykonos

Set sail for an adventurous day in Mykonos. There are plenty of options on the island, such as a day trip to Delos. If you prefer, just relax in a local cafe near the sea. If shopping is what you like, then this is definitely the place!

Day 6 Naxos

Today enjoy life as a sailor and make your way to Naxos. Sit on deck and watch for dolphins or try your hand at sailing!

Day 7 Naxos

Starting in the morning, explore the hidden sights of Naxos such as the Kitron Brewery and the Temple of Demeter, which sits at an altitude of almost 3000ft, and has spectacular views of Naxos’ green valleys. Lunch is taken in Martinas Tavern, which offers a unique and authentic atmosphere. Finally, a drive downhill finds us at the famous beach of Apollon, where swimming and relaxing ends a perfect day!

Day 8 Ios

Spend our day on a fantastic little island known as Ios which is famous for its sandy beaches and chapels. Explore this picturesque town at leisure or enjoy the night life in one of its popular discos.

Day 9 Santorini

Set sail for our last port of call, where we began our sailing adventure for one last night together and some time to explore this amazing island.

Day 10 Depart Santorini

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We'll be traveling for 16 days total (Hoss will have a blast at Camp Canine). The trip is going to cost a lot of money (everything--including 17 days for Hoss at Camp Canine) will be about $6,000. Is it crazy that we're spending three times as much money on a trip than we did on our wedding?

We put money into our vacation fund every month, so we won't be going into any debt. But still. That is a crap-load of money...Feel free to call me hypocritical for skimping on our wedding and splurging on a yearly trip.

I need to get a good bikini (I'm not normally a bikini wearer, but the Mediterranean Sea just screams bikini to me). And I need to make this Amy Butler hat.

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