How It All Started…

This is how it all began. Fill your wine glasses… this might take a while.

So here I am… running through the busy airports in Paris, trying to catch my breath; trying NOT to miss my connecting flight. My flight from the US was delayed and I was running out of time. I get to my terminal and I join the decreasing queue of impatient travelers trying to board. Final destination? Santorini baby! As in, Santorini, Greece. Have you ever been? I haven’t. It was my first trip there, and I was excited to be getting away. What’s the occasion? Well, two days prior I turned 36, and this year, I promised myself I would celebrate in style.

I’m not big on celebrating birthdays. Except for my son’s. I celebrate all of his. But my birthdays are more laid back. Usually a glass of wine. Maybe two if it falls on a weekend. And possibly a new set of goals I hope to accomplish. But this year was different, and I’ll tell you why soon enough. This year, I was going to spread my wings and fly. I join the other eager passengers and then it’s time to take off.

Not a bumpy ride. Just a long one. I’m tired and ready to land already. The pilot asks the service crew and passengers to prepare for landing. I have a window seat so I look out the window.

I love the window seats in the plane as they allow me to reflect and that is what I did for this trip

I’m staring at the clouds, the wings of the plane, the view of the island from above. It all looks beautiful, and as we descend, I brace myself for landing and I close my eyes.

I kept looking out at the wings of the plane and the sea of clouds, wondering what the next few days would hold for me.

Moments later, I am at the baggage claim trying to pick up my suitcase and then I hail a taxi.

At the airport, as I picked up my bag, I noticed this welcome sign. But more importantly, I noticed the fine print below it: Here, every angle is a story to share.

The driver is Greek, but luckily his English is fluent. Lots of tourists on the island speak English, so that worked to my advantage. I give him an address on a piece of paper. He takes me to a beautiful resort.

The hotelier gets someone to take my things to my room. “Your party is expecting you,” is all she said. I was excited already. I go to my room and open my door. Guess who I see? My friend Victoria and her beautiful kids: Latyna, Axel and Ariana. They are all so excited.

Victoria starts hugging me and we jump up and down for a while! We are like teenage girls again. The kids just stare at both of us in amazement. My Goddaughter Ariana gets a kick out of seeing us both together and so we hug each other all over again and she starts laughing emphatically.

“Girl, it’s time to party!” The mischievous nod on her face tells me this is gonna be a fun trip. After that, I take a moment to bond with my God-daughter.