The Cruise

The cruise! What a great time! We enjoyed ourselves immensely. Although we enjoyed the free time on the cruise we soon docked in Patmos and we found joy in shopping among the many touristy shops and cafes. The beach was beautiful even when you could no longer touch the floor you could see many fish swimming below among the coral and reefs. Although the water was chilly it was the perfect refreshing temperature to cool ourselves on the ridiculously hot day. Also, as we admired the sweet feeling of the water and the soft sand on our toes we enjoyed a rather cheap ice cream or cold beverage which quenched almost any unquenchable thirst. We had an amazing time and the never ending ocean can make you smile even on the downiest of days.
The ever poetic,
Alma (AC) Lopez <3

Good-bye Turkey, hello GREECE!!! Even though we had an amazing experience in Turkey, Greece was something everyone was looking forward to. On the first day we all arrived at Patmos, one of the Greek Islands, where Kelly, AC, Brittney, Marie, and I went into the clear, warm, blue water. Then we walked around and did a little shopping. After a little bit of walking around, we found an internet café and paid 2 euros for 30 minutes on a laptop were we took turns checking our emails and seeing that we have a ton of Facebook notifications. We bought ice-cream from the little café (and watching some of the Fifa World Cup) we continued walking and shopping before we met up with the rest of the group. Now half of the LVHS girls own Ray-Bands. Greece has been an experience that I will never forget.
Love always,
Melissa Padilla J

These past few days in Greece have been ones that we will a never forget, with the amazing shopping, great food, and extravagant adventures that we have taken part in. First, we all took a small pirate-ship type boat out to the volcano of Santorini, hiking more than we expected. Although complaints were made during the trip up, once we hit the top it was well worth it. The view was dream-like being able to see hundreds of white homes through Greece, the ocean and more islands. This view though, only was perfect in person, and though many pictures were taken they didn’t seem to sufficiently capture the beauty of it all. After a long walk down this volcano, everyone boarded the ship and we went off to the Santorini hot springs where girls jump off the boat and took fun pictures. Thinking nothing could really top off this fun time, we were off to the island again and this time we docked at its base and took a bus ride to the top. Once on the top of island we had a decision to make: either we got down by walking the distance, taking a quick cable-car, or having a unique trip donkey. Most of us decided to take the donkeys which were smelly but cute and a more-than-likely once in a life-time experience. Though half of us were screaming from terror and the other half were laughing and riding with no-hands, (Brittney) it was the highlight and great end to the already amazing day. Topping off the night though, we all went back to the cruise ship and got ready to dance the night away at the disco. Today we are now off the ship and in Athens. Though running-off a lack sleep today was just an easy day of walking around Athens and shopping until our feet fall off. Though tired, we fought our ship motion sickness and all bought gifts for friends, family, and ourselves that we will enjoy forever. Now, while others are ready to shower and get to bed Marie and I are getting ready to have a great night of dancing and an authentic meal at the Greek evening. We are all living life to the fullest here in Greece and will be home soon enough.
~Amy Batchelor