I remember when I first started working at WestCMR and heard about the TOAL program. I thought it was so cool that the company actually encouraged people to go experience life, travel, and make memories. Over the years, I watched coworker after coworker take their own Trip of a Lifetime, and it was always a reminder of what a special company WestCMR truly is and how much they values their employees.
I definitely never imagined that my TOAL would line up perfectly with my honeymoon, but somehow it did, and it turned into the most unforgettable two weeks of my life. My husband, Justin and I spent two full weeks traveling through Greece and Italy, hitting Santorini, Mykonos, & Rome.
Santorini: A Real-Life Postcard
Our first stop was Santorini, Greece, and it was one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen in my life. Everywhere you look feels fake in the best way possible, its even prettier in person than in the pictures! The white buildings, the blue water, the sunsets… all of it.
Our room was built into the side of a mountain where we had our own cave pool in addition to the infinity pool that overlooked the Aegean Sea. We spent our days walking through Oia, finding little places to eat, sitting by the water, and just fully relaxing and taking it all in. Santorini was the perfect place to start our honeymoon because everything was so peaceful and beautiful.
Mykonos: Beach Clubs & Late Nights
After Santorini, we headed to Mykonos, which was a complete switch in energy but so much fun.
Mykonos was definitely more lively and fast-paced. We spent our days at beach clubs and our nights wandering through “Little Venice”, finding great restaurants, and staying out way later than we probably should have. It was the perfect mix of fun, luxury, and celebration and honestly felt like the ultimate party destination. They party here until the sun rises, something we were not quite equipped for!
Rome: Espresso, Pasta & Endless Exploring
Our final stop was Rome, where we spent our next week full week exploring the city. This was also where my parents joined us, which made the trip even more special. Being able to experience such an incredible city with both my husband and my family is something I’ll always be grateful for.
As much as we LOVED Greece, there is something so special about Rome. Every street has something beautiful on it, every meal somehow lasts three hours, and there is always another hidden restaurant, piazza, or historic site waiting around the corner. It feels impossible to see it all, but that’s part of what makes it so magical. Its true what they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day!
We spent the week exploring places like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona while completely immersing ourselves in the culture. We also drank what can only be described as an unreasonable amount of espresso and of course Brunello.
Thank You, WestCMR
I am so grateful to work for a company that invests in experiences like this for its employees. The TOAL program made an already incredibly special season of my life even more meaningful, and it’s something I will remember forever.
Now it’s back to reality… although mentally I’m still somewhere in Europe ordering pasta and an espresso martini.
Arrivederci!
