Xiropigado, Greece
We had a great flight from Charlottetown to Halifax, Halifax to Heathrow, England, and finally Heathrow to Athens, Greece. Surprisingly, we both had a decent sleep over the Atlantic Ocean for a few hours, so weren't too tired when we arrived in Greece.
After picking up our rental car, we found the main highway, called Attica Odos. Then the fun came when we had to leave the main highway in Elfisina to find our hotel for the night. We quickly found the "real Athens" with narrow, narrow streets, no street signs, and everyone coming out from their afternoon siesta and out to enjoy the evening. But, we did eventually find our hotel and crashed for the night.
This morning, we headed back to the Attica Odos, and were amazed at the amount of traffic that was going west towards Korinthos (Corinth). The land is very rugged and dry, but this is still early spring so many of the wild flowers are out. We love the brilliant red poppies along the roadside.
Wending our way around Nafplion and then south towards Tripoli, we found our apartment where we'll be for the next 2 weeks.
The gentleman who met us, Vasilius, was very helpful and welcoming. He'd spent 10 years in Toronto, and his English was excellent. I think that is the biggest culture shock for me - I don't understand nor read Greek. Road signs on the major highways may have English as well, but once we get off the beaten track, which we do constantly, there is little or no English and very few road signs. However, the Greek people are so friendly and eager to help. Tom's asked for directions numerous times already - how's that for a man asking for directions??
Once we'd checked into our apartment and unpacked our clothes, we headed out for a little adventure and maybe find a store for some groceries. We forgot that it's "siesta" time from 2pm to 5pm, and it's also Holy Week. The Greek Orthodox religion has its Easter one week after ours (except for every 4th year when they coincide).
We did find the neighbouring town of Astros, and after going around in circles, we found the Astros Castle at the top of the hill. Meredith, I've got a stone for you from the Astros Castle, built over 2000 years ago.
So, now we're back at the apartment, had a delicious supper of cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and mackerel in olive oil and lemon juice. Jeni and Lisa, you will be so proud of me - I had 2 glasses of Greek red wine, a Merlot called Apmonia (Harmony)!! So smooth and so fitting for our very first day here in Greece.
The Mediterranean Sea is lapping gently on the beach just outside our balcony, the mourning doves are cooing, the sun has just set. There's a slight mist settling over the water, the evening air is gentle after the +25 degrees of the day. Goodnight wherever you are, Love you, Mum and Dad, Nana and Grampie, Fran and Tom xx
Helen Green
2018-04-05
Love your descriptions - feels like I am there with you Have fun exploring Love Helen
Jen
2018-04-05
Sounds amazing! Meredith can’t wait to see the castle rock “I wish we went with them, I love holidays! I miss you Nana and Grampie and I wish I was with you but don’t worry about me, I have some other friends here with me.”
Nancy
2018-04-06
Wow, the memories it is bringing back! And the pic of Tom through the castle "door" doing who knows what (LOL), would have thoroughly impressed Mike!! And when you are walking the streets of Sparti, think of us. We walked those streets in 2014. We stayed in a village south of Sparti at the apartment of my niece's in-laws. Everyone was so friendly, even if we couldn't communicate verbally...yup, "It's all Greek to me!" Love you. Have a fabulous time!
Lorna
2018-04-10
You should write a book, your descriptions make me feel that I am there with you! Enjoy!!