Travel Thursday: Santorini by Bit of Ivory Photography

"I had been dreaming of blue and white for the longest time, and Santorini was definitely a location on my travel bucket list. We took a private tour around the entire island, and it was really neat to hear some of the history.
* The lift was donated by a very wealthy Santorini family to help promote tourism. (Though the donkeys are still very much part of getting up the cliff.)
* The houses are painted white for very practical reasons-- it's more affordable. :)
* Everything is imported to the island from mainland Greece (food, animals, etc).
* Most of the blue dome churches are actually owned privately, by families.

And like most of my adventures, I bring back something from each place. So from Santorini, we have beautiful wool-embroidered pillow sleeves in our living room. -Chelsea of Bit of Ivory

Photo credit: Bit of Ivory Photography

Travel Thursdays: Athens by Bit of Ivory Photography

From Chelsea of Bit of Ivory Photography: Because I was a former art teacher, Athens had strict "I taught it, so I have to see it!" meaning. The city's rich history held its draw and seeing all of the Grecian ruins and temples was very humbling. There is something to be said about architecture that holds thousands of years through weather and man-instigated events.

As you probably noticed, I do love getting some shots of the roaming local animals! :) I have major respect for Athens and their care for stray animals. (They feed, water, and spay/neuter strays. They hang out at the ruins, they never feel threatened, and just let the tourists walk around them. It made me smile!)

Some sites in the photos:
* Temple of Zeus
* The Parthenon
* Ancient Agora
* Temple of Hephaestus

Photo credit: Bit of Ivory Photography