After countless night shifts, patient rounds, and endless paperwork, I finally carved out ten whole days for something that felt like a distant dream—vacation.
And not just any Greek vacation. Greece had been on my radar for years, and in April, I finally swapped my white coat for sandals and set off for an unforgettable journey through ancient ruins, island breezes, and Mediterranean bliss.
Chapter Trail
Day 1–3: Athens – Where History Lives and Breathes
I started my adventure in Athens, a city where mythology and modern life coexist in the most fascinating way. I wandered through the Acropolis and stood in awe beneath the Parthenon, imagining the lives of ancient physicians like Hippocrates who laid the foundation of our craft.
At the Acropolis Museum, I found myself nerding out at the medical instruments of antiquity.
Evenings in Plaka were magical—cobblestone alleys, tavernas with live bouzouki music, and the most delicious moussaka I’ve ever had. I stayed in a small boutique hotel with a rooftop view of the Acropolis lit up at night. One word: stunning.
Day 4–6: Naxos – A Healing Kind of Quiet
I chose Naxos over the more touristy Santorini for its peace and authenticity. And I’m so glad I did. The beaches were uncrowded, the mountain villages welcoming, and the food—farm-to-table perfection. I spent a day hiking to the Temple of Demeter, another reconnect-with-nature moment that helped me breathe in a way I hadn’t for months.
As a doctor, I’m used to constant noise—alarms, pagers, conversations. In Naxos, I remembered the sound of silence. It was healing in its own right.
Day 7–8: Santorini – Because Yes, It’s Worth the Hype
No Greek vacation is complete without Santorini. I took the ferry in and arrived just in time for a caldera-side sunset in Oia. The island’s white-washed buildings and blue domes were as picture-perfect as Instagram suggests—but experiencing it firsthand, with a glass of Assyrtiko wine in hand, was something else.
I splurged a bit on a cliffside stay with a private plunge pool. Call it post-call self-care.
Day 9–10: Delphi – A Spiritual Farewell
Before heading home, I visited Delphi, the navel of the ancient world. Nestled in the mountains, the ruins and their views were almost meditative. I stood where people once sought answers from the Oracle, and oddly enough, I felt like I’d found some of my own.
Conclusion
I returned home with a sun-kissed glow, a calmer mind, and a renewed sense of purpose. Greece reminded me that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Even caregivers need care, and sometimes the best prescription is a plane ticket and a change of scenery.
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