The school year may have already come to an end but I've still got work to do such as preparing final reports. This is the hardest time of the school year for me as I need to be just and fair in my assessment of my students' performance. Most of them did well in their final exam despite the fact that they found the exam was much harder this year. My primary aim as an educator is to set high standards in the learning of a foreign language and I'm glad to see that this goal has been attained to a great extent. This inevitably leads to a feeling of satisfaction and contentment which can be so very rewarding.
Kefalonia 2008
Alexandroupolis 2010
Skiathos 2005
Hopefully, my well-deserved summer break which begins a week today will be just as rewarding. With temperatures going up - we had 32*C / 90*F today - it's high time I thought about going to the beach and planning what I regard as the ideal summer holiday. Both Alkis and I feel that the ideal place for a summer holiday is mainland Greece or a Greek island. From the enchanting writings of Homer to the celebrities of Greek mythology, Greece has touched the lives of us all whether we realise it or not. The Trojan War, Helen of Troy, the first Olympics, Alexander the Great, Plato, Aristotle, the Biblical city of Ephesus... the list is endless.. And of course, virtually everyone is familiar with the Greek gods and goddesses - Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Hera, Aphrodite.... Greece is magical like no other country in the world and only when you go there can you really feel this air of enchantment.
Rhodes 2006
What's your ideal kind of summer holiday? What do you most enjoy doing ? A favourite destination?
Ohh yes!! The summer vacation! I'm finished with all grading and am officially on vacation!! You look so happy on the beach!!
I should be heading to the Black Sea next month and cannot wait to soak up the sun and fresh air!
Wishing you an amazing vacation this year!!
Posted by: Bobbin Talk | June 08, 2011 at 11:56 PM
After a few hectic months working hard here in Los Angeles, I look forward to a couple of weeks back home. I'm planning a holiday in Scotland or Wales regardless of the weather!
Posted by: Jim | June 09, 2011 at 12:47 AM
I will certainly never forget my vacation in Greece a few years ago. I was 17 then and travelled with my parents and brothers. We spent 4 days in Athens and 1 week in Corfu. We had a great time. My ideal vacation is somewhere sunny, a beautiful sandy beach and a nice hotel. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos of your holidays.
Posted by: Haruko N | June 09, 2011 at 01:15 AM
I'm glad you and your students have had a good school year. I'm with you-I think the beach is the perfect summer break vacation : )
Posted by: Tipper | June 09, 2011 at 02:36 AM
I love the Greek islands and have been to many of them, but in the summer I prefer far-away and exotic places like Brazil, Mexico, the Maldives, Saint Mauricius, Poukhet. These are some of my favourite destinations. When on holiday abroad I love doing a lot of sightseeing.
Posted by: Stefania | June 09, 2011 at 05:05 PM
Thank you, Aneta, same to you. My summer holiday in Kefalonia was one of the best I've ever had. The island is packed with natural beauties and great beaches.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 09, 2011 at 08:55 PM
I've never been to Scotland or Wales, Jim, but I hear you've got some truly amazing scenery over there!
Posted by: Anastasia | June 09, 2011 at 08:57 PM
Haruko, I lived and worked in Corfu in 1983 and really fell in love with the island. My favourite beach there is Paliokastritsa and Dasia.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 09, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Tipper, Alkis used to love holidays in the mountain and, in the past, we often spent a few days in Troodos or Platres - the mountaineous area in Cyprus. Now, he loves the beach as much as I do! :-) Happy Summer to you and your family.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 09, 2011 at 09:03 PM
I must admit, Stefania, that I'd love to visit such far-away and exotic places if only I got over my fear of flying. I also enjoy sightseeing for a day or two but I mostly love swimming and lying on a sandy beach.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 09, 2011 at 09:07 PM
I never take a vacation in the summer because I am busy planning other people's holidays and making sure they have a great time at their destination. In November I have a few weeks off work which I usually spend with friends and family in Holland and sometimes I plan the...perfect holiday for myself! :-) This is usually Venezuela's Margarita Islands, Mauritius, Seychelles or Kuranda. Last November I went to Queensland's Kuranda - I have friends there- and had a great time! Enjoy your summer break and get a good rest because you deserve it after all the hard work!
Posted by: Alexia M | June 09, 2011 at 09:42 PM
Sounds like a great vacation plan...I would love to go to Greece. Its history enchants me.For me, summer means going outdoors----parks, beaches, and resorts. This summer (US summer), my husband and I will go to the Philippines. Its his summer vacation, while I'm back for school.
Posted by: Account Deleted | June 10, 2011 at 12:34 AM
I can't think of a better summer destination than the greek islands. My favourite is Sifnos where I always spend a few days in August. The locals are very friendly and hospitable,they make you feel you are one of them. Galaxidi is another favourite destination.
Posted by: Constantinos | June 10, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Being married to a pilot for 20 years, believe me, the plane is the safest means of transport. In the past, I used to worry a lot every time my husband was on a flight. But once we had a good talk about safety on board, I feel more relaxed and reassured.
Posted by: Stefania | June 10, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Great photos! Apart from a great teacher, I think you are a very talented photographer as well! I don't really like beaches or lying in the sun with tons of sunscreen lotion on my body! So, the ideal summer holiday for me is high up on the mountains of Troodos where I can breathe fresh air, go hiking, explore nature through the many nature trails. Besides, it's never too hot! I love to visit the Greek islands in early spring when they are not yet packed with tourists. I can then enjoy the peace and quiet. I usually rent a car and explore the island. I am also interested in learning about their customs and traditions, so the best way to learn is by mixing with the islanders who are always very friendly and helpful, and willing to answer questions on the history of their island. Serifos, Naxos, Lefkada and Ithaca are some of the islands I visited and loved most.
Posted by: Lakis Ioannou | June 10, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Thassos is my most favorite summer destination. For me, it's one of the most beautiful islands. First because it's so calm and peaceful with so much green and pine woods which often reach down to amazing sandy bays. Then, it's got some really unspoilt and secluded beaches you can only reach by boat. Other islands I love are Samothraki in my area, Andros and Alonisos.
Posted by: Karolina | June 10, 2011 at 09:32 PM
J'adore les îles grecques! J'ai déjà été à Santorini, à Rhodes et à Crète et j'espère visiter Chypre un jour!
Posted by: Jean-Paul Bouvier | June 11, 2011 at 08:37 AM
What a lovely summery post! Your photos of the greek isles prompt you to visit. Unfortunately, we can't afford a holiday abroad this year but we are going to spend a couple of weeks in Yorkshire.
Posted by: Laura | June 11, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Although I love travelling abroad when I can afford it, I can't imagine spending a summer vacation in another country. Greece is filled with natural beauties which I enjoy most in the summer. Lying on a sandy beach, sipping my frape and gazing at the incredibly blue waters of the Aegean - that's the ideal summer vacation for me.
Posted by: Christina | June 11, 2011 at 11:03 AM
I'm well aware that the plane is probably the safest means of transport, or so I am told, yet I am completely unable to control my fear of flying. I'm working hard on it, though.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 11, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Oh yes! I really need a good rest! I know how busy summer is for you but I'm sure you will enjoy your holiday in November in one of those exotic places you mention.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 11, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I'm sure you will have some time off school and enjoy the beautiful beaches of your country. By the way, what's the weather like there at this time of year?
Posted by: Anastasia | June 11, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Right after Easter, Alkis and I tried to book a holiday in Sifnos for July but the hotels we really liked had already been fully booked. I hope we'll be luckier next summer!
Posted by: Anastasia | June 11, 2011 at 12:22 PM
I agree Lakis. It's amazing what you can learn about the history, customs and traditions of a greek island just by chatting to the locals. Alkis used to like mountains a lot but it's been a few years now that he enjoys beach holidays most.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 11, 2011 at 12:27 PM
When we first visited Alexandroupolis in 2007, we wanted to go to Samothraki as well but we hadn't booked a hotel in advance and everything was full. On our second visit last summer, we had so many other things to do like visiting museums and the book exhibition, exploring Dadia and enjoying the beach and the sea that we didn't have any days left for Samothraki. I love Thrace so much and hope that on our third visit we'll visit Samothraki!
Posted by: Anastasia | June 11, 2011 at 12:34 PM
ça sera un réel plaisir d'accueillir ta famille et toi à Chypre - j'espère bientôt :-)
Posted by: Anastasia | June 11, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Enjoy your holiday in Yorkshire, Laura.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 11, 2011 at 12:40 PM
....and then in the evening, dinner at one of those lovely tavernas by the seaside enjoying local cuisine and a glass of ouzo. Like you, Christina, in the summer I can only relax on a greek island and occasionally in mainland Greece.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 11, 2011 at 12:46 PM
We always go to a greek island in the summer. Last year we took a cruise for a week and had a great time.
Posted by: Sophia | June 11, 2011 at 07:14 PM
I live in England so in the summer I look forward to spending a long holiday in Cyprus visiting friends and relatives, doing water sports and having fun on the beach.
Posted by: Marilou Kyriacou | June 11, 2011 at 07:54 PM
My ideal summer would be to spend it with Mesut in Turkey and explore the countryside. However, this summer is dedicated to short local travel, and healing my back. Mesut is disappointed, as I am, but as he says, I have to "guard my heatly" (health). I need to have my back in good working order before another school year happens. I do not want my kids to feel they have to take care of me when I have a hard time being mobile. Enjoy your summer and relax. One summer, I will get to Cyprus.... hopefully!
Posted by: Faith's Thoughts and Dreams | June 12, 2011 at 06:08 PM
I can't wait to welcome you to Cyprus one day, Faith! Mesut is right. Health comes first. Take good care of yourself and enjoy your summer break.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 13, 2011 at 08:46 PM