Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Corfu Town
Spent the day hiking the old fort and exploring the capital of the island. I really enjoyed all the narrow streets and street shops.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Greek Easter!
As I mentioned its Easter this weekend. It has been so nice to experience this holiday both here and in England last month. There are many fireworks and firecrackers! I woke up in the middle of the night and it sounded like WWIII had begun. Wild stuff! Good thing they warned us holidaying folks about it or I would have been quite concerned.
Today, I hiked up to the Paleokastritsa Monastery. It's at the summit of a large hill on a peninsula. It was quite the journey to get there walking up the skinny winding road while taxi and huge buses went flying by. I walked on top of a stone barrier because it was off the road but i had to be careful i didn't fall off that. I took some fantastic photographs. It's almost impossible to take a bad photo here. Being a holy holiday, it was packed with people from all over the world. I spent a lot of time just listening to all the different languages. I am getting very good at distinguishing Greek from Italian, French, Russian, etc. the monastery was beautiful. So many gardens and cats. There were about 30 cats. There are cats everywhere here. Sleeping wherever they find shade. I love that.
As I made my way back down, I often stopped to take a break and enjoy the lovely views. I can't wait until I can post more pictures. My iPod has trouble posting more than one photo. I also found a boat company which takes you all about paleo through the blue grottoes and to secluded beaches. I need to wait for another day through its too windy today the water is not as clear. Then, I walked to my favorite super market to buy some sour cherry juice for making cocktails. I got some kumquat liquor the other day. It's a Corfu specialty. I also picked up more bread to eat with my olives and yogurt and tzatziki mix. I need to pick up some local wine sometime as well my apartment neighbors Chris and Sara are raving about it. They are so nice. They let me borrow their snorkeling gear yesterday and tomorrow they are bringing me with them to Corfu Town the capital of Corfu. Everyone I have met here is so welcoming and generous.
Snorkeling yesterday was amazing I couldn't believe how beautiful the underwater world is! I would love to go again when it's sunny instead of raining. I wonder if the rock pools would look different. I actually fell asleep on the beach. I think I was out quite awhile too.. Haha. No one else was out in the whole of platakia bay. It was raining off and on and cloudy. Good thing too or I woulda been fried.
Nikos and his family are wonderful and so good to me. I am not a customer but rather part of the family. I met Nikos' parents and brother, Aristotle, today. I thought i heard that Nikos and Natasha have ten kids. My favorite is Spiros. He is about 8 and quite the character! I almost lit of a firecracker in the lounge and at the last moment threw it outside by the pool before it loudly burst. I also love his name!! He is named after St. Spirdon who came to Corfu from Cyprus.
This afternoon, I went to the pool bar and talked to Nikos before the restaurant opened. He made me a complimentary Greek Frappe. So delicious. So much better than anything on Caribou Coffee's menu. As a part of Easter tradition, I got lamb off the spit today. It was fabulous. The view was as amazing as the food. I am not sure what kind of white sauce they served with the bread but it was very tasty. it was like a garlic tzatziki. I was savoring my frappe so much Aris made me another one and I sat enjoying the view. I always find it funny when people talk in Greek about me like I can't understand what they are saying. It's pretty easy to pick out America and Minnesota from the humble jumble of Greek. But, it doesn't bother me. I don't believe they are gossiping, just conversing.
Last night I found out that I should be buying water not drinking from the tap. They said it wasn't too bad, it's just very heavy. I really noticed the difference when Nikos gave me a big bottle of pure water to take back to my apartment. Whoops. I should have asked but I saw a drinking plastic cup by the sink and assumed it was okay. It probably wouldn't hurt me, but I won't drink any more.
Well, the sun has come out and I am going to head down to the beach. Tonight I hope to take a nice long walk. I hope everyone back home is well and in high spirits as spring sets in. Greece is all about family so to all my relatives I have you all in my thoughts often here and I look forward to reuniting this summer:)
Today, I hiked up to the Paleokastritsa Monastery. It's at the summit of a large hill on a peninsula. It was quite the journey to get there walking up the skinny winding road while taxi and huge buses went flying by. I walked on top of a stone barrier because it was off the road but i had to be careful i didn't fall off that. I took some fantastic photographs. It's almost impossible to take a bad photo here. Being a holy holiday, it was packed with people from all over the world. I spent a lot of time just listening to all the different languages. I am getting very good at distinguishing Greek from Italian, French, Russian, etc. the monastery was beautiful. So many gardens and cats. There were about 30 cats. There are cats everywhere here. Sleeping wherever they find shade. I love that.
As I made my way back down, I often stopped to take a break and enjoy the lovely views. I can't wait until I can post more pictures. My iPod has trouble posting more than one photo. I also found a boat company which takes you all about paleo through the blue grottoes and to secluded beaches. I need to wait for another day through its too windy today the water is not as clear. Then, I walked to my favorite super market to buy some sour cherry juice for making cocktails. I got some kumquat liquor the other day. It's a Corfu specialty. I also picked up more bread to eat with my olives and yogurt and tzatziki mix. I need to pick up some local wine sometime as well my apartment neighbors Chris and Sara are raving about it. They are so nice. They let me borrow their snorkeling gear yesterday and tomorrow they are bringing me with them to Corfu Town the capital of Corfu. Everyone I have met here is so welcoming and generous.
Snorkeling yesterday was amazing I couldn't believe how beautiful the underwater world is! I would love to go again when it's sunny instead of raining. I wonder if the rock pools would look different. I actually fell asleep on the beach. I think I was out quite awhile too.. Haha. No one else was out in the whole of platakia bay. It was raining off and on and cloudy. Good thing too or I woulda been fried.
Nikos and his family are wonderful and so good to me. I am not a customer but rather part of the family. I met Nikos' parents and brother, Aristotle, today. I thought i heard that Nikos and Natasha have ten kids. My favorite is Spiros. He is about 8 and quite the character! I almost lit of a firecracker in the lounge and at the last moment threw it outside by the pool before it loudly burst. I also love his name!! He is named after St. Spirdon who came to Corfu from Cyprus.
This afternoon, I went to the pool bar and talked to Nikos before the restaurant opened. He made me a complimentary Greek Frappe. So delicious. So much better than anything on Caribou Coffee's menu. As a part of Easter tradition, I got lamb off the spit today. It was fabulous. The view was as amazing as the food. I am not sure what kind of white sauce they served with the bread but it was very tasty. it was like a garlic tzatziki. I was savoring my frappe so much Aris made me another one and I sat enjoying the view. I always find it funny when people talk in Greek about me like I can't understand what they are saying. It's pretty easy to pick out America and Minnesota from the humble jumble of Greek. But, it doesn't bother me. I don't believe they are gossiping, just conversing.
Last night I found out that I should be buying water not drinking from the tap. They said it wasn't too bad, it's just very heavy. I really noticed the difference when Nikos gave me a big bottle of pure water to take back to my apartment. Whoops. I should have asked but I saw a drinking plastic cup by the sink and assumed it was okay. It probably wouldn't hurt me, but I won't drink any more.
Well, the sun has come out and I am going to head down to the beach. Tonight I hope to take a nice long walk. I hope everyone back home is well and in high spirits as spring sets in. Greece is all about family so to all my relatives I have you all in my thoughts often here and I look forward to reuniting this summer:)
Saturday, May 4, 2013
The Greek way of life
It's not in a rush. It's quick for friendships slow for anything else. Nikos the owner is a wonderful person. He makes me feel like I am a part of the family along with my apartment neighbors also on holiday. Nikos was delighted to receive the hat I brought him which Papa had sent me to give to him. He has a massive collection of hats. Each one has a story. As a thank you, he made me a big fruity non alcoholic drink. He calls everyone by their Greek name. The closest name he found to Karel was Krystalo. It means the beautiful clear blue water along the shoreline seen from above on the hillside.
All the guests were invited to meet with our holiday representative, Mikey. Whom, I must admit was gorgeously attractive. He looks Greek but he is actually from England. He gave us a quick overview of the island and different attractions. I haven't decided whether or not I will do any add ons. I know for sure that I want to go on a boat tour through sea caves. But I am likely going to cut out the middle man and book through the boat company instead.
Today, I went for a walk to a super market. I needed to pick up some sun screen and food, especially since the last time I ate was before I checked in at the airport yesterday. The super market didn't offer much but I got the essentials. After that I headed down to the rocky beach and laid in the sun. I went swimming in the Mediterranean Sea! The underwater world is beautiful. It was quite cold and very salty. Though its hard to walk on, I prefer stones over sand for beaches. The sand doesn't get everywhere. I didn't stay out too long because I didn't want to fry. Good thing I can enjoy the breathtaking view from my room or balcony.
It's been fun to be in such a foreign place. I can never read any signs and many people don't speech English. This makes for some interesting conversations!
Not only are the people and language different, the culture is vastly different from Britain and America. It's extremely laid back. Corfu is very rundown as a result but it only adds to its character. The people are very welcoming and nice.
Tonight I might take a walk. It's Greek Easter right now so festivities are in full swing! I also would like to start my book. Penelopiad. Corfu is famed to be the last stop of Odysseus's voyage before returning home. So, I thought it would be fun to read a book about that story told from Penelope's perspective. But at the moment, I am off to snap some photographs:)
Wifi is a bit unreliable so if I don't post don't worry.
Here is me in the Minnesota hat before giving it to Nikos. Hope everyone is well!
All the guests were invited to meet with our holiday representative, Mikey. Whom, I must admit was gorgeously attractive. He looks Greek but he is actually from England. He gave us a quick overview of the island and different attractions. I haven't decided whether or not I will do any add ons. I know for sure that I want to go on a boat tour through sea caves. But I am likely going to cut out the middle man and book through the boat company instead.
Today, I went for a walk to a super market. I needed to pick up some sun screen and food, especially since the last time I ate was before I checked in at the airport yesterday. The super market didn't offer much but I got the essentials. After that I headed down to the rocky beach and laid in the sun. I went swimming in the Mediterranean Sea! The underwater world is beautiful. It was quite cold and very salty. Though its hard to walk on, I prefer stones over sand for beaches. The sand doesn't get everywhere. I didn't stay out too long because I didn't want to fry. Good thing I can enjoy the breathtaking view from my room or balcony.
It's been fun to be in such a foreign place. I can never read any signs and many people don't speech English. This makes for some interesting conversations!
Not only are the people and language different, the culture is vastly different from Britain and America. It's extremely laid back. Corfu is very rundown as a result but it only adds to its character. The people are very welcoming and nice.
Tonight I might take a walk. It's Greek Easter right now so festivities are in full swing! I also would like to start my book. Penelopiad. Corfu is famed to be the last stop of Odysseus's voyage before returning home. So, I thought it would be fun to read a book about that story told from Penelope's perspective. But at the moment, I am off to snap some photographs:)
Wifi is a bit unreliable so if I don't post don't worry.
Here is me in the Minnesota hat before giving it to Nikos. Hope everyone is well!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Greece!!!
I made it safely!! Thanks for any prayers said on my behalf. Greece is beautiful and Paleokastritsa is paradise!!:) I am in a blissful mood! But, I am not sure if I am supposed to be using this wifi so I will tell you more later!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Embracing Alnwick
Although I have spent many hours today preparing for the next three weeks of traveling, I definitely made time to enjoy the beautiful day. Chris and Mary took me on a private tour of the castle. I learned so many new interesting details about the state rooms and the history of the paintings and artifacts. One could spend their entire lives studying the Percy family history and never learn it all. Actually, many historians pick a single Percy and dedicate all their attention on that one person. Chris and Mary are quite impressive when it comes to their knowledge. They can tell you nearly every potter, sculptor, painter, craftsman who did any work of significance in Alnwick Castle. I also spent an hour out at Duchess' Viewpoint. Just taking in the beautiful English countryside. Its these moments that I am so glad I came to England to study abroad. It was the best thing for me to do at this time in my life. Alnwick will stay in my heart forever. Tonight, Chris and Mary are taking me out to the Italian restaurant in town. Afterward, I will be finishing all the last preparations for tomorrow. I leave Alnwick at 6 am and I will be in Greece by 2 pm. Excited!! Poor Kari and Kasey. Mom and Dad are in Fiji. I am in Greece. And they are just at home. Well, time to move on to my long to do list. I will try to buy some internet access right away once I am at my apartment, that way you know I have made it safe and sound!
Pictures from the week:
Pictures from the week:
My messy room as I prepare!
My suitcase needs to grow for when I go home.
But, for now its fine because I am leaving it at the castle while I am backpacking!
The Pasture - A great spot for my scone picnic yesterday!
Cassie, Erica and I before our final banquet.
The pretty banquet set up. The food was extra delicious.
The view from the top of Lion's Tower!
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