Blogs from South Aegean, Greece, Europe - page 98

I am going heavy on the pictures, light on the content this time, folks. Here is the Reader's Digest update: Spent a few days in Santorini, Greece, rented a 4-wheeler and didn't kill ourselves even with Chris at the wheel (or handlebars). It was only a 50 cc and I'm pretty sure my parent's neighbor's 6 year old son has one that powerful. We were CRUSIN' uphill. Came to Naxos and almost didn't get off the ferry. We are talking a BIG ferry and they almost couldn't put the ramp down on the pier due to winds and turbulent seas... Seriously almost didn't let us off. Once they did I think my 40 ound bag was the only thing that kept me from flying off into the harbor. The next day was nice and we sat ... read more

Second go-round... Back on Kalymnos. Two weeks of climbing, three rest days, swollen fingers, fire in my muscles, and David Sharpe! Beautiful People My new friend Shay Har-noy lives in America, but we ended up crossing paths in Israel. I was telling him how one of the things I love about climbing is all the hot men with their tops off. He exclaimed, "I know! You would think other women would have caught on by now! Even men who are in their forties with kids will still have six-packs." Dave Sharpe drew my attention to the obvious. Women who climb are in good shape, and he is happy to watch them, as I love to admire the men. Step Up As I have previously mentioned, lessons learned in climbing will translate into real life. Sometimes ther ... read more

We remain on the island of Mykonos; today is our last full day here, as we leave tomorrow for Athens. Although the weather has turned cool, this has been a perfect time to be here. The tourist are all but gone, and some of the shops have already closed for the season, so we practically have the island to ourselves! The Porto Mykonos Hotel is idyllic, with it's whitewashed villas, heated pools, expansive balconies, and perfect hillside location. There is even a lovely chapel on the property. Sidewalks twist and turn in every direction, leading guests around the property and down to the village of Mykonos. Every day there are one or more smaller cruiseships coming into port, but they seldom stay overnight, leaving the island peaceful and quiet. Large ferries come in and out each ... read more

After the rain yesterday we were ready to do something today. Not much fun watching Greek television. Can't really understand too much. The english channels don't start until 8 or 9 at night. I woke up with a very sore back. Too much walking yesterday. We took a taxi into town, (we are staying in a village called Imerovigli) Got on a tour called the Caldera tour. By boat it takes you to the volcano island. They neglect to tell you that it's a 1/2 hour hike up a steep hill. There are 4 points in the hike A,B,C,D. With my back today, I made it to point A!!!!!! Nic went all the way and enjoyed it! By the time she got back down to me My Ibuprofen had kicked in and I felt better. Our ... read more

Our next port of call was the Greek Isle of Patmos. Our first view of Greece almost brought tears to my eyes. The water was the deepest, yet brightest blue I have ever seen...almost purple. Patmos was everything I pictured.....white houses with blue doors, fishing boats, men sitting around drinking ouzo (ahhh, makes me homesick for Papoo), and everything perched high up on the cliffs..I was surprised that the Islands really look like big brown rocks jutting out of that incredible azure water. We even found ourselves a taxi driver that looked like a long lost Moskonas Uncle. We headed up to the Cave of John the Apostle..the cave in which John was exiled to and received the book of Revelations from Jesus. ..it was appropriately holy and cavelike. I couldn't help but think,...if you are ... read more