Life is a....beach

Some days life is a ... Beach

Ah this is the life...

Greetings from under a palapa in Kamari. Abeach village on the east side of Santorini. The water is a beautiful blue and crashes on the black sand

beach. The beach is in the shadows of a huge mountain - likely some of the remnants of long ago volcanic activity.

You walk for ages along the strand with hotels, cafes and shops on one side and cafes al fresco and the beach on the other.

Getting there is half the fun

Went to Kamari today. Took the bus...that was an experience on it's own. Picked up the bus close to the hotel. It was packed full of other beach folk and tourists arriving for their holiday.

Where else do you get to ride in a big coach on narrow roads, hearing a host of languages and listen to Greek music on the sound system?

Cruising to Crete

What a great way to see some of the Greek islands.
Took the ferry from Mykonos - actually a high speed hovercraft.
Then on to Paros.
On to Ios.  This is a well developed, but less accessible island than others - in other words you need to take a boat.
In to Santorini...which looks amazing.
Finally on to Crete.  It was five hours of sailing.  A chance to relax.  A chance to see some islands.  Not bad!

Farewell Mykonos

After a three day stay it is time to say farewell to Mykonos.
This is a sun-drenched island with a reputation of parties and jetsetters.   Yes, it is true but you can still find quiet and reasonable prices.
This is a place that charms you, and you want to return.

Blue and White

Mykonos is an island of stark contrasts.
The island itself is basically rock with very little vegetation. What vegetation there is, is mostly desert-like.
The contrast of this to the blue sky and water is quite dramatic.
Add to that the whitewashed buildings and blue trim. It is quite the picturesque sight.

Along the road on Mykonos....

Myknonos town...

Makis Place

Makis Place has been home for the last three days!
Yet again proof that Tripadvisor reviews are not always accurate. People either raved about it or ripped it to shreds.
No, it's not a Hilton - but I was not expecting it. 
Thanks to Makis and family for a great stay and introduction to Mykonos.
I will return!

6 - Just like home...

I began teaching in Greek Town 38 years ago. For a good part of my career I stayed in the area, or worked in a similar area on the west side of the city.

One observation... The people work hard and are proud....

This morning out for a walk to the neighbourhood store I saw women out sweeping and hosing down sidewalks, making sure their properties look right for the day... How often I have seen this done at home!  I felt like I was walking a street off the Danforth.

5 - A Funny Feeling

This is the first time in almost 40 years that I have not been at school this week. Being the son of a teacher it is really more. I remember often going in to school to help her set up her room - moving furniture, sharpening pencils....fun stuff!

It sort of feels like I am playing hooky.

But truth be known I am not missing it that much.

4 - Greek night cap

So dinner was done.  It was my first night in Greece.

What better time to have some ouzo!

Served on ice.

Cheers!

3 - Confused

I am at the airport. The bus is taking us to the plane to Mykonos.

I though Greece was hot in summer.

Is this woman confused?

Or am I?

2 - La dolce vita

It's a warm summer evening...about 9:00. Patios in Italy are filled with diners and coffee drinkers!  This is the norm.

So civilized...

Even the dogs have a night out....

1 - History, Roots, Exploration and Adventure

Welcome to the blog for my trip in the fall of 2013.
It's a mix of history, reconnecting with  roots and friends,  exploration and definitely adventure.
It will start in Greece and Italy. Later it will move on to Ireland, and likely the UK.  Not sure where exactly from there...likely France, and ending in Spain.

October 20 I sail from Barcelona to Miamii via Madeira and the US Virgin Islands. 

Enjoy....