GREECE
Our first stop in Greece was Athens. Our guide took us to the touristy spots like the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
Next stop... Santorini
We had a few items of business to take care of before the wedding like meeting the mayor and answering questions and signing documents. Amid all the wedding preparations, we did manage to find some time to fit in a tour of the towns Oia and Fira. When looking at the isle from the Suites of the Gods it appears as though the cliffs are snow covered but the houses dotting the cliffs are white and built on top and side by side of each other. We were in Oia for the beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea and on the walk back the moon appeared over the caldera with incredible effect.
We had a few items of business to take care of before the wedding like meeting the mayor and answering questions and signing documents. Amid all the wedding preparations, we did manage to find some time to fit in a tour of the towns Oia and Fira. When looking at the isle from the Suites of the Gods it appears as though the cliffs are snow covered but the houses dotting the cliffs are white and built on top and side by side of each other. We were in Oia for the beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea and on the walk back the moon appeared over the caldera with incredible effect.
It is very traditional for the bride to ride a donkey to the ceremony, so Brad thought this would be a fun "surprise" for me!! Although he did have a hard time convincing me that is what I would be doing!!
The Mayor of Santorini married us.
The Honeymoon
In true Brad style we were off to a new place Turkey!!
Our honeymoon was a cruise on a gullet (a traditional Turkish wooden sailing vessel) through the Mediterranean Sea called the GEM. We had a crew of seven that took care of our every whim. They did a fabulous job even though none of them spoke English. A Turkish delight indeed!!
We ventured over to Turtle bay on a little boat then wound our way through tall grasses to a spot that where Cleopatra took mineral baths.. I see why she bathed there, after washing all the mud off your skin it was so soft.
Along the boat ride we caught glimpses of these ancient tombs built in the mountain side.
Calls to Prayer are sounded from the many minarets five times a day. We were able to see this first hand while visiting the Blue Mosque.
The Topkapi Palace has been the official and primary residence of the Ottoman Empire for approximately 400 years beginning in 1465. The Sultans had thousands of wives living in the palace.
The last couple of days in Turkey we spent in Istanbul. We shopped at the Grand Bizarre and for most of us, it did us in.. It was such an overwhelming experience. Much fun was had by all.
Once we got back home we held a reception in Salt Lake for all our friends and family. Walter from Cucina Toscana provided the food and ambiance.
The Reception was held at Cucina Nassi.
