<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0904DoortoKapodistrias.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0904 Door to Kapodistrias" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0904DoortoKapodistrias_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0904 Door to Kapodistrias" width="704" height="528" /></a>

This picture is seared in my mind and immediately transports me back to Greece and one of my favorite places, Nafplion.
<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0886Kapodistriasbed.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0886 Kapodistrias bed" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0886Kapodistriasbed_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0886 Kapodistrias bed" width="704" height="939" /></a>

We were so lucky to stay in two marvelous bungalow style bed and breakfasts.  I loved the colours in our room and the cute heart-shaped towel arrangement.   <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0892.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0892" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0892_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0892" width="704" height="528" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0898.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0898" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0898_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0898" width="704" height="939" /></a>

Yum! I know it’s a universal truth that everyone loves Italian food – but who doesn’t love Greek food?<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0902.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0902" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0902_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0902" width="704" height="939" /></a>

The town is extremely hilly and to get to our hotels –two of the highest ones – we had to climb a ton of these lovely stone steps.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0903.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0903" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0903_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0903" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0918.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0918" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0918_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0918" width="704" height="528" /></a>

One of my favorite views.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0920Kapodistriasbreakfast.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0920 Kapodistrias breakfast" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0920Kapodistriasbreakfast_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0920 Kapodistrias breakfast" width="704" height="528" /></a>

We expected a hotel breakfast but were pleasantly surprised by lovely fresh-baked breads, croissants and cheeses, jams and fresh fruit from nearby.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0923MatKapodistriasbreakfast.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0923 M at Kapodistrias breakfast" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0923MatKapodistriasbreakfast_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0923 M at Kapodistrias breakfast" width="704" height="528" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0924.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0924" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0924_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0924" width="704" height="528" /></a>

I couldn’t stop smiling at John.  I wore my swimsuit under my dress 90% of the time in Nafplion.  When we drove out of town to go anywhere, the beautiful beaches were so tempting we were able to stop for a dip.  <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0927.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0927" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0927_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0927" width="704" height="528" /></a>

On our last day there – the glorious morning sunset from our hotel balcony. <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0931.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0931" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0931_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0931" width="706" height="530" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0928.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0928" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0928_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0928" width="704" height="939" /></a>

The Boy locking up our bungalow. <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0933.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0933" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0933_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0933" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0936.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0936" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0936_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0936" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0940.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0940" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0940_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0940" width="704" height="528" /></a>

There are old forts everywhere.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1488PalamidifortressatNafplio.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1488 Palamidi fortress at Nafplio" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1488PalamidifortressatNafplio_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1488 Palamidi fortress at Nafplio" width="704" height="528" /></a>

This one was one steep climb.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1491.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1491" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1491_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1491" width="704" height="528" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1601.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1601" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1601_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1601" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1520.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1520" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1520_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1520" width="704" height="939" /></a>

We took the boat over to the watchtower/fort so we could get lovely pictures of the Nafplio shoreline.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1525.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1525" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1525_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1525" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1533.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1533" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1533_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1533" width="704" height="939" /></a>

I think the Boy captured this stunning shot – I don’t remember taking it.

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1535.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1535" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1535_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1535" width="704" height="528" /></a>

I’m a wee bit afraid of heights.  Clearly he isn’t.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1534.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1534" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1534_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1534" width="704" height="528" /></a>

So I like to make him climb and walk precarious steps and walkways for the perfect picture!  He indulged me and I’m so glad – these M shaped stones are striking.  <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1538.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1538" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1538_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1538" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1543.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1543" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1543_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1543" width="704" height="528" /></a>

We all have our photography peccadilloes.   The Boy likes to pose behind grates like this.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1544.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1544" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1544_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1544" width="704" height="528" /></a>

And like this.  <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1550.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1550" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1550_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1550" width="704" height="939" /></a>

My peccadilloes?  I like to take a lot of sideway shots of people walking.    <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1551.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1551" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1551_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1551" width="704" height="939" /></a>

And shots from the bottom of stairs.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1556.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1556" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1556_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1556" width="704" height="528" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1557.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1557" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1557_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1557" width="704" height="528" /></a>

And make everyone pose by the same object in different ways.  I have a lot of peccadilloes.  <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1563.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1563" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1563_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1563" width="704" height="939" /></a>

A shot of my dress from the back – I really like the deep v.  <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1564.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1564" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1564_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1564" width="704" height="939" /></a>

Nafplio behind me.  <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1566.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1566" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1566_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1566" width="704" height="528" /></a>

This picture brings back such joy and such memories.<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1576.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1576" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1576_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1576" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1595.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1595" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1595_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1595" width="704" height="939" /></a>

Our second hotel had fancy showers, hot-tubs, and the like but also featured all the charming details of most of the old buildings in the area.  <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1596.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1596" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1596_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1596" width="704" height="939" /></a>

The owner told us she grew up in the house and when her mother passed away she decided she wanted to preserve the building – there was even a lovely winding wood staircase inside.  <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0937Mflowers.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0937 M &amp; flowers" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0937Mflowers_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0937 M &amp; flowers" width="704" height="528" /></a>

These pictures were all taken as we were getting ready to leave and go to our car – since none were allowed in the center of Nafplio.  <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1597.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1597" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1597_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1597" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1598.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1598" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1598_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1598" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1599.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1599" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1599_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1599" width="704" height="528" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1600.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1600" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1600_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1600" width="704" height="528" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1609ViewoftheHarbor.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1609 View of the Harbor" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1609ViewoftheHarbor_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1609 View of the Harbor" width="704" height="528" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1610.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_1610" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_1610_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_1610" width="704" height="939" /></a>

<a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0938.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0938" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0938_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0938" width="704" height="528" /></a>

I have never been so glad to have to wake up so early and catch the sunset over the peninsula as we walked down the hill.   <a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0943.jpg"><img style="display: inline; border-width: 0px;" title="IMG_0943" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/IMG_0943_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="IMG_0943" width="704" height="528" /></a>

One of the last pictures I took as we were leaving for our drive to Athens.  Tiles for a restoration.

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One of my goals is to see the whole world – with the Boy at my side.  I’m a grumpy traveler.  I sometimes don’t play well with others.  I’m high maintenance.  I don’t like to lose control over the situation and I <em>hate </em>being lost.  Slowly but surely, the Boy has turned all these habits around – namely because of his unusual talent for reading maps.  Seriously, I’ve seen locals look to him for directions.  That and his patience too:)   I still have a long ways to go before I become the ideal travel mate but nothing motivates me more than the possibility that I will see everything there is to see with my most favorite person.

Our first international trip together was to Greece after the Boy took the bar exam.  This was a huge sacrifice on his part since he had already been to the country pre-Olympics, but he was excited about seeing new places and re-experiencing old ones.  The trip had its stressors since we did take a third party along (think <em>You, Me and Dupree</em>)– but it’s always funny when I am travelling and especially after.  None of the bad stuff ever matters – really truly.  There will always be something – but nothing ever takes away from the romantic memories, the relaxing days, and the big smiles that never seem to stop.

Western Greece is BREATHTAKING.  It is the ULTIMATE for a romantic vacation – different from the islands which can be overly touristy (at least Crete).  Some of my best memories were made in Nafplion.

<strong>OUR ITINERARY:  We saw Greece in three parts.  In part 1, the Boy and I were alone and went through Nafplion, Corinth, Epidavros, Sparta and Mystras.  The second part of the trip took us through Athens to pick up his acquaintance, and then Delphi, Meteora and Thessaloniki.  And the last part of the trip took us to Athens and Crete.</strong>

Nafplion or Nauplion is a quaint seaport town in the Pelonnese (this is not out of the guidebook or anything).  Cars and other motorized vehicles are not allowed in the town making it pristine and even more beautiful than most villages.  Nafplion used to be the first capital of modern Greece in the 1800’s and today it is best described as the Hamptons for the Greeks.  What was remarkable about this little hideaway spot was that all the tourism consisted only Greek citizens!  We were lucky to read about this town in a book and knew that it was the perfect stop between Sparta and Corinth and we were not disappointed.   The architecture in the village is lovely and in an effort to preserve the older buildings the government has subsidized families who want to open quaint little bed and breakfasts.  The places we stayed at had five star amenities but had the distinct look we missed once you check into the Intercontinental in Athens.

The hotels we stayed at were at the highest points of the hill which I also suggest – this will give you the best views of the two beaches, the country-side, the mountains, and the breath-taking sunsets.

Since this is a style blog, I can’t let you go without talking about the dresses I wore in Greece (and the ones I brought back!)  Greece is hot in August.  I purchased the yellow dress from a small boutique called <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/wicked-wardrobe-chicago">Wicked Wardrobe</a> with the soaring temperatures in mind.

I wanted something that could be easily hand-washed repeatedly laundered by hotels, that I could wear on the streets or as a cover-up at the beach and that made a striking bold color statement – since most of the Grecian islands and their coastal towns are full of vibrant colors.  I carried a book bag because the Boy likes to but I would <em>NEVER</em> do that again.  I care less about looking like a tourist than about looking sloppy and book bags are sloppy and in a place as hot as Greece, inefficient.  The dress was deeply cut in the front and back, also giving me the best tan.

It’s worth thinking about what outfits you’ll wear because I’ve learned from experience that wearing the same <em>cute/pretty/elegant/chic/beautiful/makes you happy</em> piece in every photo is better than wearing multiple comfy and schlepy pieces.  The first way to organize your wardrobe is to look at some of the sights you are seeing and think – which one of your favorite colors would look most striking against that background and then brining along a piece that fits the criteria of easily washable and simply chic.

It’s also fun to have a signature item – the Boy loves a silly hat and I think a scarf is a nice touch.  You will always look at that item and think of your wonderful holiday.