One of the places I've always longed to visit is Santorini, Greece. Any photograph I've ever seen from here has been breath-taking.  For my birthday this year, I was allowed to pick two locations to visit. So I chose Dubrovnik, Croatia and Santorini, Greece.  Well, Santorini didn't disappoint. It is spectacular island tip to island tip.  Unfortunately, I ended up really sick and wasn't able to take advantage of all that Santorini offers, but I was able to squeeze in some photo ops. 

While in Santorini, we stayed at the AromaSuites (http://www.aromasuites.com/hotelprofile.htm) and oooh, was it lovely.  Each room offers perfect views of the water and some of the most stunning sunsets I've ever experienced (sick or not).  We also happened upon a wonderful, mouthwatering and heavenly delicious restaurant, 1500 (in Fira, Phone: +30 22860 21331). We ate at 1500 every night for dinner, drank some of the best wine, ate some of the best (and fresh catch) seafood and met some of the most wonderful locals...including Alessandro, owner of 1500 and Alessandro's jewelry store (also in Fira).  Alessandro is an extremely handsome, gracious and charming man who runs several successful businesses in the area.  He treated us like family during our stay and truly is one of the most kind hearted people we've come to know.  And the man serves up some of the BEST octopus we've ever had....should you find yourself in Santorini, find 1500 and order the octopus. You can thank me later. It's like dessert, it's so sweet!

Although our trip was short and laden with illness, it was a great place. I look forward to returning one day and sharing another fine dinner and glass of wine with our dear friend, Alessandro.  Opa!