a beach day on the Greek Island of Hydra

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With our time in Greece quickly coming to an end, we are looking forward to spending a couple of days on the island of Hydra. The hydrofoil ride over from Pelopennese, was a first for us. It's a boat on skis, you "vibrate" across the water.
Before we knew it we were docking at Hydra Town. If we had needed help with our luggage or getting to the Hotel Leto, we could have hired one of the many donkeys waiting at the landing! No need, we formed the luggage parade, and off we went up the narrow streets. You do not have to worry about stepping out in front of a car. The island's only cars seem to be for the trash collection and police. The only thing to watch out for, is that you might get bumped by a run away donkey! More about that later. So donkeys and mules are everywhere, transporting anything from bottled water to furniture! Once the novelty of seeing them wore off, I felt a bit sorry for them. But they have been used for this purpose for many years, and they were great fun to watch. Although, their little faces did look unimpressed that I found them so cute.

The island is beautiful, for lack of a better word. The town of Hydra is nestled against the hills and reaches down to a small protectd harbor. It is apparent this is a wealthy tourists destination by all the jewelry shops. And by the size of boats, and some could be classified as yachts, in the little harbor. A few were too large, and moored outside. This time of year, activity is winding down. We had conversation with a store owner who told us of the crowds and tourists throughout the summer.

We ate wonderful meals in Greece. Possibly the favorite place we were for supper was Taverna Leonidas. Not just for the delicious Greek cuisine, but also for the homey atmosphere. When we walked in the door, we felt like they had welcomed us into their own home. And it was, it has been their family's restaurant for the last 89 years, serving traditional meals like goat and rabbit. The couple that prepared the food and served it, were former New Yorkers that returned to the island 15 years ago to go back into the family business. They were absolutely gracious. I had goat and Keith had roasted chicken. The little kitchen was open to the dining room, and Leonidas literally ran back and forth between us, the stove, and the ice box, which is in the dining room! He was impossible to photograph! Oh- And about watching out for run away donkeys. When we left the taverna, we all were startled by that "run away donkey"! He came trotting out of the dark, still had his saddle on, but his day was over and he was headed "for the barn"! Maybe I should add to our 'favorite' place to eat, since we enjoyed Cristina's also. Seated at a table on the roof, and being served a really tasty homemade meal with good "new" friends, thats hard to beat.

Not just the roasted goat, but Greeks have the best food: tzatiki - yogurt, garlic and cucumber; mezedes - small portions of appetizers; marides - fried anchovies; souvlaki, green beans, tarama salata - carp roe (Greek caviar) salad; melitzana salata - eggplant salad; THE BREAD; mousaka, grilled fish, green beans and potatoes, black eyed pea salad, saganaki - fried cheese... ah ah, I'm hungry!!

And finally, we got our much anticipated late-summer afternoon at the beach. We walked down the coast, about half an hour, through a few small harbor communities, passing up a couple of beaches. We were looking for a sandy beach. Rocky, pebbly beaches are the norm, and I guess a sandy beach isn't all it's cracked up to be. We come to Plakes Vlichon. Quiet, calm, clear turquiose water. Sitting under the thatched umbrella and floating in the crystal Saronic Gulf, was heaven on earth. Everyone there was very reserved, no radios, no loud talking, the only thing to distract was a half grown puppy that made sport out of stealing shoes!

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Photos

She found herself a drink
I think a man was cleaning the grill, when she decided to have a taste

cat at the dock
Hydra

street side
grocery store

nets drying
(and a little squeeze)

Comments

[Graciela]

GREAT PICS
I LOVE your pictures, they are great. Exellent!!!!!!!!!!! You deserve a 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Peter Smith]

THE CAMERA
I don't know if I've asked this before but specifically what camera and model are you using for these pix? You have memories now that will last a lifetime, I hate you won't get to see Heidelberg, perhaps it's too touristy! I don't know what I'll do when ya'll come back to the States for good. Do you think you'll make a pilgrimage back to the Old Country somewhere down the line? Where WILL you go?? Take care, Peter

[Brenda DuPree]

Fab
Your travelogue is exceptional! We have enjoyed it immensely! Thanks, Lou and Brenda

[Betty Joan]

Loved the video
Watching the donkeys was interesting I can imagine how much fun it would be in reality. A beautiful place.

[mikki]

My Two favorit things
Cats and Birds!!!