Richard Blanchard’s Trip of a Lifetime with WestCMR

After a decade of dedicated service at WestCMR, I was thrilled to embark on my well-deserved Trip of a Lifetime (TOAL). This incredible perk, along with an extra week of PTO, allowed my wife and I to create unforgettable memories.

Our adventure began in the historic city of Athens, where we spent the first few days immersing ourselves in ancient Greek culture. We marveled at iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea. We wandered through the bustling Plaka neighborhood, sampling delicious Greek cuisine and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

Next, we jetted off to the picturesque island of Santorini, Greece. We were fortunate to stay at the luxurious Adronis Boutique Hotel in Oia, where we indulged in the breathtaking views of the Caldera from our private pool in the Water Retreat Suite. The sunsets were simply magical, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple.

During our time in Santorini, we embarked on an exciting excursion that took us to the stunning Red Beach, the mysterious Black Beach, and the ancient ruins of Akrotiri. We also enjoyed a delightful 5-course tasting lunch at the renowned Anhydrous Winery, pairing exquisite wines with delicious local delicacies.

For the most part, we simply relaxed and soaked up the sun at the resort, cherishing the tranquility and beauty of our surroundings. We spent our days lounging by the pool, reading books, and sipping on refreshing cocktails. In the evenings, we dined at romantic restaurants, exploring the island’s culinary scene.

This TOAL experience was truly the trip of a lifetime, and I am incredibly grateful to WestCMR for making it possible. It was a dream come true to visit such iconic destinations and create lasting memories with my loved one.