Opaaaa!!!

Hey Travel Lover

Is there a word or sound you hear that triggers excitement overload? Are you a fan of the Titans and the Olympians? Have you seen the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”? If you said Yes to either of the last two questions then you shouldn’t be new to the Greek expression Opa! It is used to express shock, surprise or enthusiasm

When I was in secondary school, after reading a book on Greek mythology, I got fascinated by the Greeks and their gods and remember spending hours poring through various encyclopedias to get as much knowledge as possible about Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Apollo to mention but a few. You can imagine my excitement when I arrived Athens, Greece.

The stay in Greece was to be a short one, so, apart from the popular tourist activities in Athens, my friend and I decided on a tourist maximizing activity that will take us out of Athens. We chose a 1-day cruise from Athens to three Islands and back to Athens. The itinerary also included pick up from our hotel as well as drop off at the end of the day. It was one very memorable day filled with picturesque views, lots of sunshine and blue seas.

The first Island we docked at was Hydra, I found the pronunciation interesting as the “Hy” was pronounced as “Ee”. During our one hour stay on this pristinely peaceful Island, We rode on a donkey, which was the main means of transport apart from walking.Shhhhh...it was my first time on a donkey. We also came across a Japanese couple bedecked in their traditional attire, I couldn’t wait to own a Japanese Kimono after my conversation with them.

The next Island was Poros, it was the smallest of the three Islands but equally as picture perfect as Hydra. We did a bit of sightseeing and window shopping here. With the adorable crystal blue sea and beautiful beaches, there was a whole lot to love in Poros.

The final Island was Aegina, this was the largest and here we had three additional activities to pick from, a walking tour of Aegina, a classical tour where you visit a temple and a church and finally a swimming tour where a speedboat will whisk you to one of two private islands to swim in the crystal clear water and enjoy the sandy beach. We chose the swimming tour, and I thoroughly enjoyed the speedboat ride. I however refused to swim despite lots of encouragement from my friend.

Back at the ship, after several mouthwatering dishes and exotic wines, we got entertained by a live orchestra and dancers. Somewhere, Somehow, Sometime, I found myself dancing with the band. I had actually been pulled from my seat to join in and that was where the shouts of Opa! electrified the air and glued the experience to my memory forever.

So Travel Lover, whenever I hear Opa, I remember this totally enjoyable day and the activities we engaged in and then I smile and also say Opa!!! Do you have a word or sound that evokes incredible memories? Would you like to visit a place you have read so much about? Is Greece on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments section

Till Next Time

Truly Yours

Ajalaress