Greece

Well, we made it! After two long flights, a 7 hour unexpected layover in Madrid, another long flight, a sleepless night in Athens with our neighbors knocking on the wall to stop our screaming toddler and a HOT ferry ride to Poros, we made it to Independence with Mike and Serena waiting for us with open arms. It was so nice to have some familiar faces waiting for us after almost 3 solid days of traveling in less than desirable conditions.

I'll give a full blow by blow once home and decompressed, and also load up the pics I have. Unfortunately on the first full day in Poros the SLR broke and we haven't been able to fix it. Seriously!?!? I will say this though -- there have been high high's and low low's. Lucca has been a serious champ. It's often 95 degrees in the cabin at night and between that and all the new experiences I've been so proud of him. He has loved having family time, loves swimming with his raft and running in the squares with the local kids. I've never heard him giggle like he does when he's proud of himself for walking alone in the water. He also has fallen madly in love with "mikasuri" which is Serena. They have a snuggle puddle every day and he wants to do everything with her. Shan also has been a champ. Between having a hot tired toddler, he has also had a hot tired and stressed wife. I've been a bit emotional and this has turned out to be more challenging than I'd anticipated. He's been amazing at picking us all up. We've stayed at some amazing places and even had our own island one night. We're eating like champs -- life isn't too bad when you can have a cold beer, salami and cheese sandwich and watch the sunset. Lucca hasn't quite taken to the local cuisine and the poor kid has had nothing but pb&j's and grilled cheese sandwiches the entire trip. Oh, plus the occasional ice cream, sucker or pastry. Totally well balanced diet!

Mike and Serena have done such a great job with the boat -- it's perfect! Despite the heat, the boat is super comfy and we all have our respective nook's to make our own. I never saw the boat before, but I can tell they have put much sweat and tears into it. I really admire their tenacity -- it's not just the grand fairy tale adventure I thought. It's a lot of work and there's a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and they handle it all with such ease and grace.

We joked on the first night that this would bond us for life -- either good or bad :). It definitely has and I'm so grateful and happy that we got to come get a glimpse into their grand adventure.

We miss everyone back home and although we'll be sad to return to reality, I can't wait to return to 80 degree days, our bed and our new backyard.

Love you all.
Heather, Shan, Lucca.

ps
Yesterday I asked Shan if this is what Sri Lanka feels like in the hot months -- he said he's never felt heat like this in either Sri Lanka or Tennessee in the middle of the summer. I knew it wasn't just me -- it's seriously hot.