From San Gemini to Santorini…

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There’s no place like home, right? When it’s six degrees out (and my hands actually feel like they might freeze off), I beg to differ. Don’t get me wrong; beautiful Bondi is one of the best places to wake up to each and every day, but keep in mind, I’ve just come back from a sunkissed, cocktail-filled escape in Europe… and I kinda want to turn off my alarm and go back.

Whilst the pizza, pasta and homemade vino in Italy set the tone for the vacay, it was our last leg in San Gemini that made me incredibly grateful for the trip itself. Our whole family got their ‘party on’ in San Gemini, celebrating my beautiful mum’s 60th birthday (which was full of all the finer things in life – hello, Limoncello). If you saw my Snapchats, you probably caught a glimpse of my sisters and I soaking up our sun-and-swim time…after a coupla (hundred) cocktails, of course. Tim and I and a few of the fam headed to Florence for a night in the incredible Grant Hotel Minerva (complete with its rustic-chic rooftop pool). A brisk walk from both Santa Maria Novella train station and Florence Cathedral, I managed to stop into well-known outlet, The Mall, en route to our luxe, boutique hotel. I couldn’t believe how incredibly-priced the designer-ware actually fared, picking up a pair of cutting edge FENDI heels and La Perla swimmers. Post-shopping sustenance included drinks by the Ponte Vecchio, before a much-needed nap and more sightseeing the next day.

Post-Florence, we bid arrivederci to beautiful Italy and head straight to the crystal blue seas of Santorini for a night… (to be honest, I wish we had extended our stay here). Although it wasn’t the first time I’d been to Santorini, I much-preferred going with Tim as it’s quite a romantic spot. Our villa was absolutely breathtaking at Oia Mare Villa… however, I did feel sorry for the porter who had to carry all our heavy bags down the Santorini steps! After many, many minutes staring out at the deep blue Aegean Sea, Tim and I met up with my sister and her boyfriend at Floga in Oia which was absolutely PHENOMENAL. The menu highlight for me was my sisters choice of steaming lobster pasta.

After eating our way through Santorini, our last leg of the trip was in magical Mykonos. We stayed in a giant villa for Tim’s friends 30th birthday, eating & drinking at places like Scorpios + Nammos and an incredible restaurant called, Avli Tou Thodori located on Platis Giatos beach. My sister’s joined in on the fun, making each and every single night an absolute blast for all involved.

Which leads me to now. Freezing my butt off in Sydney and experiencing some serious holiday blues (you know, almost as blue as my feet right now!) Is it too soon to be planning my next trip?