I work hard and play hard(er). Lately though, it’s been much more of the former and in an attempt to save my last damn nerve, Hubby and I decided to head for Greece to reboot. But seeing as how I have a difficult time putting down my computer and he’s preparing for next semester, it doesn’t really count as a ‘real’ vacation. Instead, we thought we’d switch up the pace and change the scenery… work a little, play a lot, and enjoy each other’s company… without Gia. *GASP* I know, right?! But don’t fret, she’s safe and partying it up in STL with Momma (I cried like a baby), who didn’t hesitate to remind us that all that ‘reconnecting’ is how we ended up with Boogie #1.
Today, accompanied by our host, translator, unofficial tour guide and new friend, Ioannis, we took a world wind tour. Met up at 11am and spent much of the next 6 hours sight seeing… on foot.
Today, among many, many other things, I-
1. Messed with one of those ‘stand still’ guards you’re not supposed to mess with. 
2. Saw the museum that my cousin, master architect and #successfulblackman Chris Lee helped design. What?! 
3. Climbed and conquered Lycabettus Hill— 912 feet of madness… steep as hell but totally worth losing that lung for the view.
4. Picked olives, oranges, and smelled wild Rosemary in the Presidential Garden. 
5. Picked lemons from the front yard of our condo for a recipe… 
6. Tried Ouzu and nearly lost my damn liver. Think black jelly beans + the kick of corn liquor… Got damn. Never again.
Our fab host and new friend, Ioannis… dispelling myths, translating ish and generally providing an amazing service!
@Anonymous 9:07pm if you don't like reading about her vacation then don't. It's really that simple. Nikki thanks for sharing your vacation photos with your readers. I love reading about your experiences as well.
Does everyone really need to know about your vacation (that should be private?) to Greece. No offense but maybe you should stick to hair, instead of having all your buisness on this website.
You guys all look great! Seems like an amazing trip, keep enjoying for us all:-)
Looks like a great time!! Ioannis is hot. I will be sure to add Greece/Ionnis to my bucket list.
Me and the Hubby just got back home here in Minneapolis. The first thing I did was check up on all the "CNNews" I missed and see that you're in Greece. Made our Chicago trip look L-A-M-E compared to yours LOL!
Amazing pics, Nik! Who planned your trip and where'd u find that amazing condo!
Looks like yall had a great time. Greece is my top ten list to visit…..soon……Africa had to come first and Italy is 2012…so maybe 2013…and maybe I can find Ionnis…damn he was hot!!!!!!!!…..however i dont think hubby would approved of my drooling our entire vacation over another man……lol
Gorgeous!!
Going to Greece is on my bucket list.. It is so beautiful!!! Do they dance on top of tables at the restaurants like they do in the states?!
Im loving your Greecian style Nikki, simply fab!
Thanks for sharing your trip! I love to travel vicariously because my money ain't right. You're looking fab and representing the US curlies well!
Loving the up-do! How do you manage your hair when you're out of town? Sometimes I wouldn't know what to do without my entire hair collection stash haha
you look AWESOME and it looks like you're having an amazing time!
Wow, what beautiful views! You, your hair, and your hubby look like y'all are having a ball. Enjoy and thanks for sharing. Greece is definitely on my list. 🙂 ~KF519
Greece!!!
Wonderful place! Been there twice and will go for the third in 2012 (I live in Germany, so it's not that far…)
LMBAO @ your Ouzo experience….
You look adorable and so does hubby…. you should visit Europe more often and perhaps host a meetup here …. * hint… hint*
Enjoy your time, bring back a brother or sister for Boogie…. have fun 🙂
And if you can get your hands on some Korres products ( body this time, not hair)
try them, they are amazing and much more affordable in Greece ..
Love from Berlin, Monika
Love to see my Sistahs doing big things….nothing like seeing the success and happiness of others! Thanks for sharing Nikki!
Nik, you look like you had a BALL! I don't see how you could do any work in that palace of love…..Hmm I wonder if in 9 months you'll be introducing a Boogie #2 LOL ok sorry – unless you want that?
Nikki, you do indeed work hard. What a blessing to be able to have some time away to nurture your relationship with your spouse in an absolutely gorgeous place. (Wipe that snot off ya nose–Gia is fine!) As I always say, go on wit ya bad self! Enjoy! (mzcnnd)
DEAD at losing your lung to the cause! That view is breathtaking. Have fun for all of us!
That condo is ballerific!
Loving these photos! Please tell how you found the condo and your gracious fixer/tour guide Ioannis, too!
Oh fab vacation spot! So I heard. Never been…on to do list..love the pics..I know you guys had a fab of a time.
I went there in June and loved it. We have some of the same pictures. Did you go to any of the other islands?
Love Greece! I spent a summer there many years ago – enjoy your time there!
Nikki YOU BETTA GET IT!!! You're my idol! Enjoy Greece!
Ill be there in September!!..I hope you have a great trip!
Ioannis…um yep, he kinda fine. O-O
Ok, you have to tell us where you stayed and set me up with your host, Ioannis! he is fine!
Priceless pictures and your stories are the best. I want you to enjoy your time but keep the stories coming!
You did it on em! Keep striving for bigger and better things and inspiring us all.
Joya
You look FABULOUS! I love these shots of you and your hair and those boots!
I'm so excited for you! Greece is a beautiful country with beautiful people. Have a gyro for me!
you look great nikki…thanks for sharing..love this blog
I hope you saved some pictures to sell cause these things are worth so much more than a thousand words … like seriously
Don't bring back any Boogie #2s–hahahahahaha, beautiful condo and surroundings and of course, you look chic!
I hope you and your hubby, and your liver make it back to PA….safe and sound.
OMGOD! Not Greece! That's my dream vacation. You and hubbs look happy, I hope you enjoy yourselves!
Wow Greece. You look so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
I'm loving this! A little jealous, but loving it! You deserve this time off,so take it!
Your hair looks amazing Nikki, and the country? Just fabulous!
Quite cool to be in Greece; they are having a hard time with their economy but Greeks are people with big hearts..have an awesome stay in Greece
Greece is my next destination and I want to stay where you're staying! What's the view from your room like?
beautiful pics! u and hubby look fab! enjoy each other an im sure we'll get a post saying boogie is gonna be a big sis soon! :0)
I want to take this exact same vacation, condo and all! With whom did you book?
Damn Nikki! Don't hurt 'em girl!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!
Greece is my dream vacation!
Have fun!
These pics are HOT!! You guys look good and the scenery is GORGEOUS!
Where are you STAYING?!?! That place is gorg!
I'm so proud of you Nikki! Make another Boogie!
You look absolutely stunning! Love these pics!
So happy for you! Enjoy your vacay… get the fires burning at home for sure
Nik, enjoy the time abroad – it goes quickly! Keep us posted and enjoy this most deserved break!
I've been dying to go to Greece! Keep those pics coming. I'm living vicariously through you! Hope you have lots of fun and that you get the rest you deserve 🙂
Wow, in love with those landscape pics!!! You and hubby look great. Inspired! Glad you took time away, we all need it at some point.
You look great! You and Gene look like you're having fun and enjoying each other.
I need to go to Greece, too! That scenery is divine! 🙂
Bring me back a few Gyros…..next to Tacos, Gyros are my next favorite….
Now, onto the most important question???
You climbed up 912 feet of mountainside with those cute little boots on??????? Girl, I would have needed to put on vortex Nike shock cross country Reebok tone-ups or something and had one of those zip cables to help pull all of this sexiness to the top….LOL.
Have fun!!!
Wow. Thx for sharing the gorgeous pix!
You & hubby look great! I hope your having a wonderful time and enjoy each other! Greece looks AMAZING!
Amazing photos! The views are breathtaking! You and Hubby look so chic and fab! Thanks for sharing. Yay, Black folks doin' Greece…love it!
So….next time I am going to need you to hide me in that Not Rational Bag and take me with you! OmG you look awesome and I can tell you are having a much needed blast! Enjoy every minute!!!!! Blessings.
When I grow up I want to be just like you! I'll be 30 in February, but still…O_o
Thank You, thank you, love seeing black people doing thangs!! : )
Great photos! Greece is on our travel list for summertime.
Beautiful!
Nik, living vicariously through your vacay girl! Enjoy and definitely reconnect. Do I hear the pitter patter of more feet in 2012? 🙂 Cool beans that your mom steps up to watch Boog. As much as I love your updates…get off the computer and play some more. 🙂
GodDAMN!…. wow… do your thang girl.. i aint mad..
Amazing!! Greece is so beautiful and you were captured in truly amazing shots!
OMG! the views are breath taking!!More pic's!! So I can pretend like I'm there also ;0)
The first picture of you on top of the hill GORGEOUS!!!!
Have a wonderful trip.
Enjoy! and Eat well!
ENJOY!!!! it looks wonderful:) bring back a BOOGIE#2:)
Hot dayum Nikki does Greece! Love the views..you and hubby look fab! Enjoy each other!!
Wow! How exciting! Glad you two got away. Especially, to such an amazing place with beautiful views.
Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for sharing! Enjoy yourself!
You look amazing!
I'm glad you are enjoying yourself. You look amazing, Hubby looks great, the country looks breath taking…. you get my point. 🙂 More pics please and hilarious stories please.
Damn. Damn. Damn James! Do the damn thang Nik!