Chalkida and the Lucy Hotel




We are driving 45 Kms from where we live to the city of Chalkida, the capital of Evia . Earlier this summer I spent 3 wonderful days here again on the other side behind the Castle, but this time we are just in front of the waterfront in the centre of the city.



The unique phonomenon of the straits of Euripus attracts not only tourists but also travelers from other parts of the country especially during the summer months. Of course this is not the only reason that people come here. It is interesting as a city itself with many worth visiting sites, historical buildings and above all it is the passage to the (island) of Evia. I have put the word in brackets because in reality it is an island and is connected to the mainland with two bridges. Half of the city is built at Viotia –the mainland while the other half is built on the island itself.



In the place of this bridge that stands today and separates the city from the mainland there used to be a wooden one (411 BC) . Through the years it changed several times. The wooden swing bridge was changed to an iron bridge and finally in 1962 it was changed to what it is today –a sliding bridge for small ships to pass through.

The year 1993 a suspension bridge joining the mainland from the south makes the entrance to the city more impressive and shortens the distance from Athens to about 70 Kms or an hour's drive.



The waters at the straits of Euripus gulf move on one direction for 6 hours stand still for 8 minutes and then move to the opposite direction. Of course the explanation has to do with the position of the moon and how it affects the waters.

The hotel we are staying this time is the Lucy and we have an eyeful view of the round area from the 3rd floor. Christmas decorations are still on in the streets with decorative huge wreaths hanging from posts that stand next to the street lamps and some high trees on the opposite side are nicely decorated with yellow lamps which glow in the distance . The photo I took of these lighted trees late in the afternoon seem as though there is a fire on! As it gets darker with the setting of the sun behind the mountains the scenery is more spectacular.

I hope I don't disappoint friends with the coming entries as I don’t plan to do much site-seeing this time since it is winter and very cold outside. We are here to relax because I badly need it. I have been suffering from an eye infection and an allergy the last couple of months and I feel I need this change. The weather is variable today. At times the sky is so clear and has the color of this navy blue that I love, with a huge bright sun shining above our heads. The greyish cloak of darkness in the sky however makes me want to stay indoors so everything depends on the mood and the weather.  

After taking some of the photos you see in this entry we get in the car, cross the bridge taking the road leading to the Castle of Karababa. We want to have a light lunch at the Xenia café-bar Club and at the same time enjoy the view from the most panoramic point of the city.


If you wish to read my Review on TripAdvisor about the Hotel go to the link below:

http://www.travelpod.com/hotel/Best_Western_Lucy_Hotel-Chalkis.html