Hydra

This past weekend was my first venture to a Greek Isle. My apartment, our friends Therese, Matt, and Tony, and myself headed to the island of Hydra. This particular island allows no motor vehicles and all travel is done by foot or by donkey (which really is a tourist thing to do). The weather was spectacular and the views amazing. I know that it sounds like I say that about everywhere, but seriously, this place was gorgeous.

We checked ourselves into our hotel and grabbed some lunch before exploring the island. Not as much was open as it will be during high season (June through August), but it was still relatively crowded. We saw some people in more traditional dress performing some Greek dances on the street by the water and we wandered around a small fortress looking place (I say fortress because it had canons, really I'm not sure what it was). Then we decided to climb to the top of this mountain to a monastery. And when I say mountain, I mean mountain, as in those 999 steps to the top of the Palimidi in Nafplio was a cakewalk in comparison. But it was worth the struggle and fatigue. On one side, the view was of mountains, the ocean, and just a vast landscape untouched by human hands. On the other side, a view of the city of Hydra Town with its white-washed houses and colorful boats. It was truly spectacular and there was a sense of calm and peace in the air I haven't felt anywhere before.

Dinner was an adventure we experienced entirely in Greek, as we impressed even ourselves as to how much we could understand and ask for. The food was delicious, as usual, but considering it was one of maybe two tavernas open we didn't have much choice in eating there. On our way in we passed some other Americans whom we identified more by the fact that they read one of my counterparts sweatshirts than the look of them. They informed us that it was good food at a reasonable price, so we were encouraged that at least the only place open on the island was a good one. It was a pleasant meal with good company.

The next day, after hunting down someone who worked at the hotel and checking out and such (they were kind enough to let us leave our bags in one of the rooms) we headed out to get our ferry tickets and locate a beach. Now when I say beach, I don't mean what you think I mean. In Hydra beach means pebbles, rocks, and boulders. It sounds awful, but if you have a towel you can sort of wedge your way comfortably into the grooves of the pebbles, or do as we all eventually did and lay on the rocks like seals. It was great to be in the sun and there was a nice breeze. I was even brave enough to go for a dip in the ocean. It was freezing, but well worth it and surprisingly refreshing (although I know there are some pictures of me looking rather in pain).

We were sad to leave the beauty of the island, but this trip has inspired me to seek out many more Greek Isles in time here in Greece. If they are all as nice as Hydra, I don't think it will be possible to have a bad time here :-)