“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step,” as Lao Tzu once said. And so, ours began at the JFK International Airport with a declaration that echoed through the hustle and bustle: “Two tickets to Germany, please!” My wife and I, ready to embark on an international adventure, couldn’t hold back our smiles, as we pictured the string of experiences that lay ahead.
The flight was scheduled for 8:55 PM, and with the six-hour time difference, we realized we’d land in Germany early in the morning. We shared a laugh over our amateur time-zone mathematics, resolving to leave the finer details of time travel to the likes of Doctor Who.
Frankfurt was our first stop. There, an old friend and fellow nurse awaited our arrival. We had met her back in the days of my St. Louis hospital rounds. Those were the times when scrubs and stethoscopes were as much a part of me as my own skin. Now, she was our charming hostess in a city that boasted a mix of traditional timber-framed houses and sleek modern architecture.
The next three days were a blur of delightful German culture – fun-filled karaoke nights and drool-worthy local cuisine. An unforgettable experience was the annual wine festival in a picturesque village outside Frankfurt. We relished the exquisite German wines, creating memories amidst the laughter and camaraderie of the local community.
On the fourth day, bags in tow, we maneuvered our way to the airport. Along the way, a kind local, embodying the spirit of German hospitality, offered to help us with our luggage and even take us to the airport. His aid was much appreciated, making our journey to the airport a breeze.
The next leg of our journey was the enchanting Agios Nikolaos in Greece. As soon as we landed, we were awestruck by the shimmering beauty of the lake, a spectacular sight where natural spring water co-mingled with the ocean. For four mesmerizing days, we reveled in the serene ambiance of the lake, the rhythmic lapping of the waves a soothing lullaby each night.
As we bid adieu to Agios Nikolaos, we left with the promise of another exciting chapter – the alluring island of Naxos. Set to spend an entire week there, we eagerly looked forward to exploring every nook and cranny.
From being seasoned parents in the heart of New York City to joyous explorers in Europe, this journey was more than we could have dreamt. We laughed, sang, tasted, discovered, and cherished every moment.
As we gear up for our Naxos adventure, we can’t wait to share more tales of our exhilarating escapade. Until then, we sign off with a “Auf Wiedersehen” from Germany, and a warm “Γεια σας” from Greece. Stay tuned, the best is yet to come!

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