I have (though not orthodox easter, and not during covid). We stayed in a tiny airbnb in the centre of Athens which was amazing, then went out to the coast and mountains near Kardamyli, which was absolutely gorgeous.
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Any chance you have a record of what Airbnb?
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I do! It was https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/16278854?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=854a2e40-d364-47a1-9b78-b33c0b428a88 - cheap and cheerful but it was right in the centre of Athens and we had the best time and could go right out for fresh baking every morning.
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I have been to Greece twice, not during a pandemic.
Most recent trip was in May 2015, went to Thessaloniki, Kalabaka, Athens, Ios and Santorini
The first time was 2012 , went to Samos, Patmos and Kos
I enjoyed this restaurant in Ios - Log into Facebook | Facebook
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If one were to choose between Bend in the spring/summer or Phoenix in the spring, which would one choose? Phoenix would likely have a side trip to Tucson.
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Thank you!!
I went to Greece in pandemic times (Oct 2021) but Iām in Europe already so that makes things easierā¦
COVID wise you had to show proof of vaccination for most indoor places (museum, restaurants) but not outdoor (terracces, outdoor sightseeing). Within the EU countries recognize each othersā COVID pass systems so not sure how itād be for Americans.
For reference: I went to Athens and the island Aegina closest to it. We stayed in a rather nice hotel on the north side of the center, in an āedgyā neighbourhood (read mostly: lots of immigrants, low SES, nothing truly dangerous).
If you happen to go to Athens I would recommend the area of Theseio to stay as itās a very upcoming neighbourhood with aaaaall the cute new hotspots/restaurants/fancy cafes and also walking distance from the main city center.
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Noted, thank you!
Thought this newsletter about vacationing (with kids!) while ābrokeā was interesting. Also liked the aside about asking your rich friend a million questions 
https://link.thecut.com/view/5e3858e524c17c15d9800c9fgujm3.1yp/279551b1
Some choice quotes:
In a culture that equates luxury with power, to consume luxury is to show the world, and yourself, that you have a bit of power too. Some people might think this behavior is highly irresponsible, and I gently suggest that they kill the cop within.
Mostly, itās a matter of having fun in the dwindling public spaces afforded us by our landscape. [ā¦] Resist the habit of organizing your days around activities and, instead, try to slowly explore the weird interstitial spaces in cities and towns on foot. If most of this sounds like ābehaving eccentrically in public,ā maybe that says something disappointing about how rigorously our public spaces structure our behavior.
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Hopefully everyone can read that at the link? I didnāt see a place where the newsletter is āpostedā as a normal article on the Cutās site, but Iāll keep looking in case it shows up. I think my real name may be at the bottom of this shared link so justā¦ignore 
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Looking into flights for the company meeting in France. Iām so excited!!! Weāre going to Chamonix so Iāll be flying into Geneva Switzerland. 
I get to add countries to my list. Iām thinking of flying into Geneva arriving Sunday afternoon staying there one night to have a little time to chill and explore the area then take a train to Chamonix Monday late afternoon. Company meeting is Tuesday and Wednesday. Then Iāll fly back home Thursday.
I really hope Iām not too jet lagged on Sunday/Monday to be able to see Geneva.
Anyone been to either location that has any recommendations?
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Switzerland is gorgeous. I donāt have Geneva recsāI was in Lucerne. Fight the jet lag and get out there! Excited to live vicariously through whatever pics you share!!
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Iām so excited to get to see the Swiss and French alps. All pictures Iāve ever seen are just breathtaking! Iāll definitely post some here.
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Have the best time! I went on an Alps road trip a few years ago that included Chamonix, and it was an absolute dream. It felt a lot like a US ski town like Vail to me, probably because we model our ski towns on the Alps.
I donāt have any specific recs for the town itself, but are you planning on going up the gondola/funicular? It was still ski season when I went so the prices reflected that, and we didnāt spring for it. If Iām reading right that that will be your base in the Alps, I would recommend going up.
Let me know if youāll be going to other towns and I can give recs.
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I imagine the company meeting will be more, bonding with colleagues and doing local activities so I hope the gondola is one of the options since weāll be right there. If not I may do it on my own. I canāt not go up the highest mountain in Europe if Iām staying in the town at the base right?
I think Geneva and Chamonix will be there only two places.
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Fun! I know youāll have a great time. Please eat some fondue for me.
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You got it!
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RIGHT
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Next trip is to Disney with the kids and Mr Pug. Iām so excited. The weather looks great and this should be a relatively less crowded week there. No school vacations or marathons or holidays just the art festival which is so fun. We leave next Tuesday through the following Wednesday. Oh and I managed to pay for half the trip with travel hacking.
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You are going to have so much fun!!