Wish You Were Here
GREECE: Sunnyvale residents Mary, Scott and Eric Wilford spent a week in Greece in June, visiting Athens — and the Parthenon, pictured — and the islands of Paros and Naxos. “Paros and Naxos are part of the Greek Cyclades archipelago,” Mary says. “Both islands have nice beaches, mountains where you have stunning views of the Aegean Sea, great sunsets, white-washed houses and ruins such as the marble gate of the sixth century BC temple of Apollo on Naxos (and) the Church of Ekatontapiliani, built by the Byzantine emperor Constantinos the Great for his mother, Saint Helen, in 326.” Travel tips: “Visit the Acropolis early in the morning between 8 and 9 a.m. to avoid the heat and the crowds! Also, hire a licensed guide — they will be near the ticket booth — to fully appreciate all the monuments and their history.”
IRELAND: Danville residents Mike and Lindsey Pennisi recently visited the Cliffs of Moher with their children, Lucas, age 5, and Reese, 8. A niece’s wedding in Charlwood, England, proved the perfect impetus for a two-week trip that included stops in France, England and Ireland.
Travel tips: “The weather in Ireland can go from cold rain to sunshine in half an hour, even in the summer. Dress in layers!” Lindsey says. “If you’re planning on driving to the Cliffs of Moher, be aware that the roads are small and windy. Do yourself a favor and request an automatic — unless you want to shift left handed! And above all else, keep children away from the edge of the cliffs! There are no rails on most of the trail, and some edges are mere inches from the dirt path.”