Greece

SPECTACULAR!!!!!  That one word pretty much sums it up.  Joe and I were already planning our next trip back before we even left the for the airport on our way back home to the states.

While France still is our favorite 'foodie' place, Greece is so incredibly beautiful, it is now competing with France  and Italy for the title of "our favorite" trip.  And speaking of the food..... which was good, but the olive oil...... OMGOODNESS....... I could live the rest of my life on just bread and their incredibly delicious olive oil.  I use tons of olive oil and the difference between what I am used to vs. what they have in Greece is like comparing wine to grape juice!!!!  I'm on a quest now to figure out how I can get that olive oil here.

My husband is on the Committee Board of this International Grocers/Marketing Conference, which was the reason for this trip.  The trip is all biz for him the first 3 days and vacation the last 2 days.  We have 'Meet and Greet' dinners to attend in the evenings..... which as a spouse can be dull and boring, since all 160 participants of this conference are representing their products, marketing/packaging techniques, and themselves/companies.  So as a spouse attending, most of the conversations are about the topics that have been presented from various speakers in the forum and I have no idea what-so-ever what they are talking about and I end up standing around, nibbling and smiling.

However..... this year at the dinner Joe and I had to attend for the Committee members, Speakers and Sponsors, I had the most delightful time.  We were seated next to these two Greek men who grow, pick and manufacture this specific olive oil.  Me being the chef I am.... I became quite involved in this conversation, and it was the most interesting and fascinating conversation I have ever had during the 5 years I have attended this event.  I volunteered to be the "Olive Oil Ambassador" for here in the states!  LOL LOL  All I know is....... I want this olive oil available to use every single day!!!  You would have to taste it to believe it, but WOW!!!!!  I'm drooling as I type just thinking about it.  Joe and I along with the other Kroger couple who traveled with us went to dinner with these Greek fellas the night after the conference was over and they are just so incredibly interesting, we had the nicest time!  

The other spouse Pam and I had an absolutely marvelous time together while our husbands were doing their thing in the conference.  I have met a new, life long, and very dear friend.  Pam and I chatted for hours (that blog story later), we giggled and relaxed and mostly chatted.  Pam...... You are a true GEM!!!!! Thanks for making this the best "spouse" part of this event in all my 5 years of attending this event.

And of course I had my other companion with me as well.  Julia!  I took the biography book about her with me (Appetite for Life) and I enjoyed her company on the long plane rides as well as when I had my own down time.  I'm finally finished with this book, which was such a good read, but a long read.  Like a history book, but finally all the information about her I have been thirsty for.

Great trip, fun times, lots of giggles, and absolutely the best trip with this event ever!!!!  And that says a lot since I ALWAYS enjoy these events/trips.  And did I mention we had a view of the Acropolis out of our hotel window/balcony every day.  Breath taking!  More on Greece itself next blog.

Home again, home again jiggity jig...... USA is ALWAYS so nice to come home to, especially when it is 71 degrees!!!  There truly is just no place like home.... click click my sparkly red shoes!

YAMIS (which in Greek means.... "To your good health")