EVEN HAPPY STORIES HAVE TO END

Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Naxos Island, Cyclades, Greece
It's hard to imagine that anything could top Santorini, but these islands get addictive. Each has its own unique character and features. We took a short ferry to Ios, which, as I’ve mentioned previously, was a return to the place where Bonnie had hurt her foot 6 years ago. We wanted to make up for lost time. And it was much better this time around. Our main objective was to veg out on one of their exquisite beaches for our short 2-day stay, and this is what we did. It was wonderful.

The beach was loaded with 20 and 30-year olds, since Ios has a reputation as a party island. Here, the discos open at midnight, and go til dawn.

One night, we ended our beach day with a dinner at a fish restaurant perched at water’s edge, as the waves gently crashed against the rocks. We had gone there on our last visit, and it was just as good this time around. Another night, we wandered into the narrow crooked streets of the town built up a mountain, and had Greek drinks at a little tavern accompanied by their musicians. One such drink is called Rakimelo, which is a strong Cretan liquor with honey and spices added and served warm. It goes down very easily, especially when taken as shots with a hearty "Yamas" toast. Even Bonnie, the absolute picture of moderation, let loose. Needless to say, we stumbled back to our hotel.

Our last island is Naxos, a relatively large island with a lot to offer visitors. First off, it’s a very pretty place where 'real people’ live. In other words, it’s not just a resort island, but one with agriculture, a mountainous interior surrounded by sandy beaches, lovely villages, amazing scenery, and loads of history/archaeological sites to boot. And best of all, we had 3 days with Amy and Atiq. While we stayed at different properties, we saw each other daily, spending hours talking, having great meals, and doing all the things we never seem to have the time to do when they come into Toronto. Of course, Amy is glowing and growing, and she was the best-looking “well-rounded” girl on the beach in her 2-piece bikini.

One day, we rented a cute little red Hundai and spent the entire day, driving in the mountains, visiting picturesque villages, churches, old quarries, orchards, and other interesting sites along our route. Atiq’s driving was excellent, as he manoeuvered the car through some tight passages, around a multitude of hairpin turns, along narrow mountain’s edge roads where there is no room for error, etc. It was one of the best days of our entire trip. We all felt that Tammy should have been with us to truly complete the family experience.

Amy and Atiq are already talking about trips they intend to take once the baby has arrived. Actually, Bonnie and I were quite surprised by the number of people travelling the Greek isles with their infants alongside. Everywhere we went we saw couples with their babies, and we thought: “Hey, that will be A&A & ? this time next year!”

Well, this blog entry will represent our last for this trip . It’s been a wonderful adventure, particularly since so much of it was impromptu and unplanned. We had so many memorable experiences, met many interesting and lovely people, stayed at terrific places, and so enjoyed our time together. We’re sorry that it’s coming to an end, as we’ll be flying home from Athens on the 15th. But, reality calls, and we certainly will have our job cut out for us upon our return, with the forthcoming downsizing move. I’m also sorry that this will be my last blog on Travelpod, which I’ve come to truly appreciate for all the benefits it’s provided me over the past 10+ years. I’ll be looking for a suitable replacement application, but I doubt any will make me happier that the one I have to say goodbye to. One final note of thanks. I want to thank you for your interest in our trips, for your supportive comments and news from home, and for your love and friendship. We truly appreciate how fortunate and blessed we are.

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