Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The Greek Islands

If I could time travel, I would go back exactly a year ago today. This was the day that we took a ferry across the Agean Sea to the beautiful Saronic Islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. This was an optional excursion that most of the adults took, but Catie was the only student who opted to take it. The other students loved the idea of having a whole day of free time in Athens. I gave Catie the choice and she chose the cruise. Thank goodness!! I can't imagine being in Greece and not taking the opportunity to visit some of the islands. What a shame that would have been. I was so glad that Catie is so mature and understood the opportunity that she had.

I think she agrees with me; the islands of Greece are not to be missed if you ever travel there. The beauty that abounds in this area is breathtaking. The people that live there are friendly and welcoming. I even met a seventy-seven year old man that had traveled to Wilmington, NC when he was only seventeen. We had a nice conversation about sights in that area that we had both seen. Isn't it a very small world?

The first views of the islands were from the ferry. Although the ferry ride was a treat in itself, we couldn't wait to get off and explore.



Aren't the churches in Greece beautiful?



Hydra was my favorite. It didn't allow motor vehicles, so donkeys, bikes, and walking are the only form of transportation. The islands were very steep and donkeys carried both people and things up the hills. The men with the donkeys kept trying to talk Catie into letting them take her up the hill. Funny thing, none of them tried to take me up the hill. We laughed about that. We even saw one donkey carrying a flat screen TV up the hill. Too funny!



This island of Aegina is famous for its pistachios. That is one of their main exports. Catie and Greenie enjoyed Catie's favorite: baklava made with pistachios.



I just had to get a picture of the blue water. Isn't it beautiful?



I'm sure you can see why I would go back in time to this particular day. I came home and told John that I wanted to live on one of these islands. I don't think we are moving any time soon, but maybe one day!

7 comments:

Randy said...

Well, that's just wonderful. Do you speak Greek or was English pretty common there? When I think of traveling over seas I worry about a language barrier.--Randy

Roses and Lilacs said...

It all looks so beautiful, especially that amazingly blue water. I think I see a horse back there behind the donkeys. Wouldn't mind sight seeing on horseback.
Marnie

Mary said...

I'm so enjoying reading of your fabulous trip to Greece Carla - a country I've yet to visit!
Know it will remain in your memories always, and so lovely you were able to accompany Catie and share everything together.

Flying is not really fun, especially these days, but it's the only way to see a lot of places in a short time. Ships are the best for comfort and fun, but take so long..........!!! My flight to Johannesburg next month is 18 hours from JFK - and I detest sitting for that long. Fortunately I'll be in Business and that will help!!!!

Aren't these Spring days gorgeous now the early heat and choking pollen have passed? Blooms everywhere - off to finish some outdoor cleanup this morning.

Happy day dear.
Mary - A Breath of Fresh Air

Skeeter said...

Ah, that water reminds me of the Bahamas in December! We lived in Europe for 6 years and never made it to Greece! How silly of us to miss out on such a wonderful place. We were lucky enough to live close enough to have the real foods in Germany though. My favorite were Gyros (not like in USA at all) and the dish made with eggplant called Moussaka. Makes my mouth water just thinking of them. Yum….

Your kitties are growing like weeds indeed! Such cute fur babies and I would be looking for new curtains soon, hee hee….

Thanks for taking me down memory lane today...

Glenda said...

You're a wonderful tour guide and photographer! Beautiful pictures; I can almost imagine being there!

Denise said...

Beautiful pictures. I have a recipe for Baklava that I make, it is SO good :)

Joan Elizabeth said...

Thanks for the tour ... I am enchanted by it.