A mix of cypress pines and green olive trees carpet the countryside from mountain to the sea in Corfu - a Greek Is on the west coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea.
Our introduction to this island wasn't as beautiful as described. After a 5 hour bus ride from Thesalloniki and a 2 hour ferry trip to the island we immediately headed north to the area we had been told was the place to stay. Both of us were woken at our stop and slightly dazed from the long trip. All we could hear were English voices and see signs that read 'English Breakfast', Gutbusters Breakfast' 'Steak and Chips' 'English soccer matches live broadcasts tonight!', and most storekeepers had very English accents. Had we landed in the right place or were we simply spoilt by the fact we had been living and breathing Lesbos for so long? It was difficult to spot a Greek let alone find a friendly taverna with squid and sardines.
So, having eventually found some accommodation we set out to make the most of our few days here. It was a perfect opportunity to rent a scooter and head out of this place called Sadiri, at least for a day. And, what a day we had.
Firstly, we weren't satisfied to share a scooter so with two scooters we ventured out beyond the excessive load music and English undertones to explore Corfu island island and of course it offered all the beauty that Greek islands have - villages perched high on the mountain sides, ocean views with islets and blue grottos; snorkelling that provided crystal clear views of the thousands of fish of all varieties; hairbends that challenged our riding skills - some requiring foot on road to help balance the scooter; village signs we couldn't pronounce (Platonos); the Albanian coastline stretching in the distance; sheperds grazing their goats and traditional tavernas with Mythos on tap and tastie tomatoes in the Greek salads.
Bikes were returned after 24 hours with two very exhausted riders but also very satisfied and with the realisation that Corfu and its geography and vegetation is a stark contrast to that of Lesvos. Resting our weary bones we were lulled to sleep by the Karioki Bar across the road to the sour tunes of 'Living Next Door to Alice' and after a hard days ride the song that stuck in Pavlos' mind was Rawhide - it was enough to give you a Rawhide, Jimmy (see you go!).
The next morning we started the day with an English Breakfast! and a very bad cuppaccino before heading back to Corfu city. We are always amused and intrigued by the spontaneous happenings that a trip brings. By bus through some very narrow village streets always offers excitement - a simple reversing of these big buses in the narrow streets because of an oncoming truck brings the heart to the throat.. Further on a car had parked in a narrow street preventing the bus to pass. So, what should the bus driver do? Of course, hand held firmly on horn until a villager reacts. Mama, dressed in black comes from her small cottage with arms waving and shouting ella, ella. She sauantered up the street still yelling but trying to find owner. In meantime, horn still bellowing but to no response. So with some precision manouvering, the bus driver scaled the garden, scraped the reavision mirror and still mama was yelling 'ella'.
Corfu city endeared us with its historic area, galleries, huge bizarres and outdoor restaurants and tavernas. Whilst this was a short stay (3 days) the island does have some very beautiful attractions.
Thessaloniki in northern Greece mainland and the second largest city in Greece, was our first stop after Lesvos. Although suffering from a case of missing our temporary home and arriving on a Sunday when, in Greece, everything is shut (oincluding galleries), we managed to find the harbour walk, an authentic 'sweets' café and a great fish restaurant where we past the time for about 3 hours. The following day was a different story. The 50% sales had hit Thessalonki and we just had to shop - a new outfit for Robby (for Venice) and new Teva sports shoes for Pavlos (to help him walk faster). Thessalonki was simply a connection point on our way to Dalmation Coast.
We are now on an ocean liner having left Corfu this morning at 7 am for Venice. This is a 24 hour journey. We packed food supplies, our cards, dominos and books and have already enjoyed the swimming pool, a few glasses of wine - a very comfortable way to travel. We have reclining seats, no cabins as we are saving our pennies for Venice. Not sure which restaurant we'll go to on board tonights, but plenty to choose from and will certainly uplaod this blog with the onboard facilities.
By the way, we are back to one small wheelie bag and a small backpack. Hoping this will see us through for the next 2 months. The other two suitcases we left on Lesvos and will retrieve on our return.
See you in Venice or soon after. Think it will be a train trip to Split in Croatia going via Trieste, Italy.
Love to everyone.
PS We are blowing you kisses - did you notice?
PSS Internet on board boat was slow. Now in Venice.
Our introduction to this island wasn't as beautiful as described. After a 5 hour bus ride from Thesalloniki and a 2 hour ferry trip to the island we immediately headed north to the area we had been told was the place to stay. Both of us were woken at our stop and slightly dazed from the long trip. All we could hear were English voices and see signs that read 'English Breakfast', Gutbusters Breakfast' 'Steak and Chips' 'English soccer matches live broadcasts tonight!', and most storekeepers had very English accents. Had we landed in the right place or were we simply spoilt by the fact we had been living and breathing Lesbos for so long? It was difficult to spot a Greek let alone find a friendly taverna with squid and sardines.
So, having eventually found some accommodation we set out to make the most of our few days here. It was a perfect opportunity to rent a scooter and head out of this place called Sadiri, at least for a day. And, what a day we had.
Firstly, we weren't satisfied to share a scooter so with two scooters we ventured out beyond the excessive load music and English undertones to explore Corfu island island and of course it offered all the beauty that Greek islands have - villages perched high on the mountain sides, ocean views with islets and blue grottos; snorkelling that provided crystal clear views of the thousands of fish of all varieties; hairbends that challenged our riding skills - some requiring foot on road to help balance the scooter; village signs we couldn't pronounce (Platonos); the Albanian coastline stretching in the distance; sheperds grazing their goats and traditional tavernas with Mythos on tap and tastie tomatoes in the Greek salads.
Bikes were returned after 24 hours with two very exhausted riders but also very satisfied and with the realisation that Corfu and its geography and vegetation is a stark contrast to that of Lesvos. Resting our weary bones we were lulled to sleep by the Karioki Bar across the road to the sour tunes of 'Living Next Door to Alice' and after a hard days ride the song that stuck in Pavlos' mind was Rawhide - it was enough to give you a Rawhide, Jimmy (see you go!).
The next morning we started the day with an English Breakfast! and a very bad cuppaccino before heading back to Corfu city. We are always amused and intrigued by the spontaneous happenings that a trip brings. By bus through some very narrow village streets always offers excitement - a simple reversing of these big buses in the narrow streets because of an oncoming truck brings the heart to the throat.. Further on a car had parked in a narrow street preventing the bus to pass. So, what should the bus driver do? Of course, hand held firmly on horn until a villager reacts. Mama, dressed in black comes from her small cottage with arms waving and shouting ella, ella. She sauantered up the street still yelling but trying to find owner. In meantime, horn still bellowing but to no response. So with some precision manouvering, the bus driver scaled the garden, scraped the reavision mirror and still mama was yelling 'ella'.
Corfu city endeared us with its historic area, galleries, huge bizarres and outdoor restaurants and tavernas. Whilst this was a short stay (3 days) the island does have some very beautiful attractions.
Thessaloniki in northern Greece mainland and the second largest city in Greece, was our first stop after Lesvos. Although suffering from a case of missing our temporary home and arriving on a Sunday when, in Greece, everything is shut (oincluding galleries), we managed to find the harbour walk, an authentic 'sweets' café and a great fish restaurant where we past the time for about 3 hours. The following day was a different story. The 50% sales had hit Thessalonki and we just had to shop - a new outfit for Robby (for Venice) and new Teva sports shoes for Pavlos (to help him walk faster). Thessalonki was simply a connection point on our way to Dalmation Coast.
We are now on an ocean liner having left Corfu this morning at 7 am for Venice. This is a 24 hour journey. We packed food supplies, our cards, dominos and books and have already enjoyed the swimming pool, a few glasses of wine - a very comfortable way to travel. We have reclining seats, no cabins as we are saving our pennies for Venice. Not sure which restaurant we'll go to on board tonights, but plenty to choose from and will certainly uplaod this blog with the onboard facilities.
By the way, we are back to one small wheelie bag and a small backpack. Hoping this will see us through for the next 2 months. The other two suitcases we left on Lesvos and will retrieve on our return.
See you in Venice or soon after. Think it will be a train trip to Split in Croatia going via Trieste, Italy.
Love to everyone.
PS We are blowing you kisses - did you notice?
PSS Internet on board boat was slow. Now in Venice.
1 comment:
Hi Robby and Paul,
Just wanted to let you know that I am still following your travels with interest...and quite a huge amount of envy! [grin] If your travels take you anywhere near Turkey I would highly recommend visiting Gallipoli. It was one of the most profound moments of my recent travels. As you are travelling around I am jotting down places that will be added to my next itinerary. :-) Robby, you will get back to find the Framework completely transformed! But its time for a change so I think the future is going to be great. But I'm sure you aren't thinking about work now so keep travelling...and keep having fun!
Love, Marlene
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