No apologies from me for being away for so long! I hate when other people do that on their blogs. Fact is, I need a break every once in a while and I have a life. This is one of the first things that always goes when I am busy. Though I am happy to report that I am busy HAVING FUN!
I feel like I need to post a few more pics of the Greece trip because it just is not complete yet. And when I turn our European adventures into a family book, the kids will know I slacked on this part.
So....
We sailed to an island called Hydra or Cat Island it was by far the most beautiful place. The only mode of transportation on this island was donkey's, small horses or your own two feet. No exceptions. The houses were built in such a way up the mountain with windy staircases and very small allies that walking seemed like the best way to navigate around it.
Sailing into the harbor was thrilling! So beautiful! But since it was Good Friday there were already many other yachts that had beat us there. We had to park the boat 3 deep so trying to get on the island by climbing over other strangers boats wasn't exactly ideal.
A stunning restaurant with the best views!
Walking around the island and exploring was delightful and warm! We finally found the sun. We even laid out a bit here.
Whenever I see fun door- we always have to take a pic or two!
Jadyn in the neighborhood.
While exploring we found a small grocery store to buy some water from. The kids and I stayed in the 'parking lot' while Keith made the purchase. Jadyn thought this was terrible mean for this small horse to be carrying huge bags of dog food on its back, until it owner came out and hopped on sideways and took off. She almost could bear it.
NO matter where you lived in Hydra- you will always have a great view!
But with stairs like these all over the island- you must be in good physical health to live here. I swear they all live to be near 100, perhaps we could learn something from them.
Later that day we heard there was going to be some kind of ceremony to celebrate Good Friday. So after a beautiful meal in a mom and pop family owned restaurant we started to make our way over to the other side of the island. The walk over was stunning.
While waiting for the ceremonies to begin we ran into a heard of cats. I have never seen anything quite like it. I wish I had a picture of this couple sitting down to eat outside and there being at least a dozen cats sitting under their table at their feet waiting for scraps.
This lady quite obviously feeds them and when she does, they come out of the woodwork. The kids were so excited to get in on the action.
A few minutes later someone threw a firecracker just behind us and the cats jumped 10 feet into the air and simply disappeared. The kids were not happy.
When it got dark all the people on the island gathered on a small beach and waited for the festivities to begin. Since I am not Greek Orthodox I had no idea what was going on. But it was super cold! There was a procession of men who where a bit underdressed. They had made their way all over the island chanting and carrying a cross and this large structure.
They marched it right into the water where they chanted for quite a while. I think I remember something about a priest being on the beach with a microphone reading something also.
Did I mention how cold it was here?
Here is the vacation gang with our sailor Thanos. Hydra seemed like the best place for a group shot.
For the life of me I can't remember the name of the last island we visited. We once again rented quads and went out to explore it. We headed to the ruins of some temple to check it out. I hate to say this, but I am about sick of looking at ruins, they are now all the same to me. Once you have seen Rome, Pompeii and Athens, there really isn't much more that can impress you.
There isn't much left to this place, I was struggling for a picture here!
But what I will never get sick of is beautiful views of the Sea.
In fact, I think I have located my new vacation home!
And with this last shot I think that about wraps up Greece!!!!! Gotta love it!
How gorgeous!
Posted by: Holli | 08/19/2011 at 09:36 PM
When we sailed Greece (isn't that awesome to be able to say!?) we went to Hydra TWICE because we loved it so much! The only bad part was when some big ol'yacht emptied it's poo water into the harbor at 4 AM one night. Never in my life have I been woken up because something smelled so bad. Oh and the tangle of tied off boats was fun too!
Posted by: Megan | 08/14/2011 at 07:06 PM