GREECE - DAY TWO
I was up before five. Had to pack a small bag, since I am spending one night on the
island. So I got that packed up, cleaned up etc. Ready for my taxi pick up at 6:30. Since I would miss the free hotel breakfast, they packed me a breakfast to go. Some how they thought my room was for two, so I got a double breakfast packed.
My driver was Bobice. And this one knew English and was quite talkative. I gave him the other breakfast since I could no way eat two and he acted like I gave him gold. He was so excited he said "I love you" lol. 😂 But at least he drove safer than the other one, and kept his eyes on the road. During the 30 minute drive he fit in another I love you somewhere along the ride. The sun was not up yet when we arrived, which bothered me. I did not want to be alone in the dark at a port in Greece! But he found the area where other passengers were there waiting for the ferry too, so I felt safe. As I was walking away he yelled out, "I love you" once again. I just said good bye in Greek and waved. I could not figure out if he was overly amorous, or just was really excited to have the free breakfast. I think it was the free breakfast! Lol.
I sat at the port eating my breakfast to go. Watching the sky go from dark to a tinge of light to daybreak. How odd and cool it feels to be at Pireaus Port, so far away from home, watching the sky turn from night to daybreak. I love those moments during travel when it hits you how far away you are. Sometimes it is during the most mundane moments that you feel it. Biting into a small pear, watching the sky change colors, at a port on the other side of the world and realizing exactly where you are in that moment.
Soon my ride appeared. A catamaran called The Flying Cat. It will get all of us people waiting over to Hydra Island in 90 mins.
Nice cruise over. I could see the other islands in the Argo-Saronic Gulf as we passed by. Before I knew it we were pulling into Hydra Town harbor. My hotel was a a 3 minute walk, right on the Harbor. Hotel Sophia has been owned by the same family since 1934. As I walked in I was greeted by a grey-haired women named Viselici. She still had free breakfast out and treated me like a long lost family member who had stopped by. Eagerly and warmly. Insisting that I sit and eat. I sat at the oval family table and had scrambled eggs, a spinach and cheese flakey pastry (that was so mouthwatering). Also delicious fresh sliced peaches with cranberries and homemade whipped cream. Hot coffee too. It was the best! I cannot wait til breakfast tomorrow. Vicelici is making homemade bread in the morning. So breakfast won't be ready til 8:30 instead of the usual 7am. But I already know her breakfasts are worth waiting for!
I left my bag and headed toward the church bells. Angela, Vicelici's sister said they ring today because it's Cross Day. I said "Oh it's a holy day"? She explained today for them was like Best Friday. I guess she meant Good Friday. Lol. The church was lovely. So ornate. I lit a candle for family and friends. A nice way to start the day.
Most of my day was spent meandering through cobblestone streets and up walkways leading to white buildings with vibrant blue shudders and doors. Many had magenta bougonvilla flowers. So lovely. Around every corner you run into a few cats. They roam the city freely and are fed well by the locals. In the morning when the fishing boats pull in you will find the cats waiting patiently at the dock. They must get their share I am sure, from what I hear.
I walked one direction to the left up to two old Greek windmills. I walked to the other side of the harbor for a different view. Saw an incredible art exhibit. Met a couple guys from Paris briefly. We took some photos for each other all agreeing that selfies get old after awhile. It's nice to have some full length shots.
I stopped for some bottled water at this cute place, all white and with vibrant blue trim. I had a small scoop of vanilla ice cream that had sweet almond bits in it, while a darling cat meandered under my chair and encircled my legs. When I was done, I let him lick the melted ice cream in the bottom of the bowl, from my fingertips. There is hand sanitizer on each table so that came in handy. I used it after, although his tongue is probably cleaner than a humans. At least that's what they say.
I found the most delightful pharmacy that has been owned by the same family since 1800s. I had read about it so was glad to find it. I bought some perfume made with essential oils there.
My room is ready now for check in. It's only 1pm, but great it's ready early.
Violeta does the cleaning, and Vicelici's sister Angela gave me some sightseeing pointers. This hotel is lovely. My room is a loft with my living space below and bed above that. There is a shared balcony that over looks the harbor below. After settling in for a bit I went out once again. I took a water taxi to see another area, but was back to Hydra Town harbor quickly. I had a late lunch/early dinner of Penne Pasta mixed with all kinds of good things. Olives of course. I had another bottled water. You cannot drink the tap water here. It is clear and clean but not meant for drinking. Most of the islands are like that. So with each meal I get a large bottled water.
I spent the late afternoon on the balcony people watching. But my favorite thing is watching the donkeys walk by loaded up with luggage or other goods. Since there are no cars, the donkeys help people get their luggage from boat to hotel. They also cart any goods delivered. I saw one packed up with bottled water, another with boxes of goods for delivery. I wondered if they are happy. Maybe it's like us humans. We always feel better after a good workout or a long walk. Maybe the donkeys feel great after carrying things and walking around so. I guess they are a bit like pack mules!
Comments