Samos, Greece Getaway
Güven and I have made it our mission to go all out on life experiences and opportunities for connection and travel during our final chapter living in Bodrum, Turkey. If you’ve been here a while, then you know that this experience moving our family of 5 to the other side of the world back in March 2022 has been some of our best days individually and collectively. While we know life will look a lot different next month (we’re relocating back to Ohio!), we’re awake to the awesomeness of today and love these memories we’re designing and living out.
Last weekend, Güven and I drove 3 hours to a port village called Kusadasi, Turkey and boarded a (fast) 45 min. Ferry to Samos, Greece for a little honeymoon celebrating a decade of Güvie (Güven + Allie?!).
Our original plans were to Rhodes, Greece, but due to wildfires and evacuations, and with the recommendation of a close friend we rescheduled for the Greek island of Samos!
We arrived to the port in Vathy around noon on day 1 and after an hour and a half customs line 😑, we walked to Solid All Day Bar for a chill and design-y space with a delicious food and coffee menu. The avocado toast and honey apple pancakes were the perfect start to our child-free getaway.
We walked around and found a car rental company (100 EUROS for 2 days), and drove 30 min. to the sweetest, yellow-est, greek village vibe-est airbnb in Mili. After participating in the island honored siesta hours from 2-5pm, Güven and I dressed in our island linen outfits and had the most calm, beautiful, and delicious dinner at Pergamonto in Pythagoreio (15 min. drive from our airbnb). Their special that night was the watermelon salad and those tastes were some of the highlights of the entire trip.
After dinner, we walked the streets and searched for the blue and white painted street on the edge of town. We got there at night, and while it was lit up, the impact was different than if we had experienced it during the daytime of course. At the end of the street, there was a little stoop where Güven and I sat and stared out at the reflection of the giant moon on the water. It was windy but warm, dark but bright. It was such a beautiful first day.
After a lazy (for us) morning waking up in our bright airbnb, we drove to a cute little coffee and brunch spot, Hygge* (@hygge_est2020) in the same town as our dinner the night before, Pythagoreio. After a delicious breakfast burrito and red velvet pancakes, we drove 30 min to the north coast of the island to experience Tsamadou Beach. It was a secluded pebble beach surrounded by forests and cliffs. The water was deep, clear, and turquoise blue and had a white sandy bottom. Clothing and bathing suits were optional in this Greek paradise. I’ll leave it at that.
Our amazing airbnb host reserved and decorated a table for us at her favorite seafood restaurant on the island, Nektarios in Iraion. We enjoyed tasting the local mescal wine and eating sea food risotto. We finished the night with some Greek coffees and hand holding through the streets sharing memories from our decade of life together.
The next morning we woke up super early to catch our morning ferry and drive home. We left from a different port than we arrived so beware of that if you plan a trip!
Samos left me feeling so high on life. I have been home for 3 days and I am still carrying the happiness from that trip with me all day. I feel grateful for life experiences like these. While listening to the Goop Podcast recently, Cleo and Rachel Cargle were discussing how they want to live in an expansive and abundant way. The messaging resonated and also affirmed me in my own path to expansion.
Moral of the story: Visit Samos, Greece!
About Together Textiles:
Cozy, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally woven on looms in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local communities while splitting time between Turkey and America. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles or read the blog togethertextiles.com/blog.
