Woke late 08.30 never normally that late, even with vague music and voices from the bars nearby into the early hours. Bike collected by 9.45 brand new bike however it was missing its wing mirrors, had to wait few minutes for a replacement. Naxos is the largest Island within the cyclades. The main town again called Chora. Small villages line each main road from Chora, each very old and less attractive than the old town market from last evening. Fields of vines fill the gaps between villages. Generally the landscape is bland in comparison to some other Islands. Two quaint areas towards the centre of Naxos, kalamitsia and Filoti have lovely hidden backstreets of interest. Museums and churches can be found nestling between cottages and narrow streets. All painted with whites and blues. The Island is less interesting with regard to monasteries and attractive towns than some others however, the old town in Chora makes up for this. We head to Chora sea front for gyros. During the daytime ferries bring and take many tourists to and fro, keeping a steady stream of youngsters with brightly coloured suitcases and even brighter coloured clothes. The town thrives on these young people Island hopping, they are all within the same age range, 18 to 28 possibly school leavers or university graduates enjoying a burst of freedom from their studies. Unfortunately this also makes the town a little louder than others, in addition, these guys appear to be the bike and quad brigade that over run each road and street around Chora. The port police have their work cut out, chasing late arrivals and ushering the wanderers, blowing whistles at the oblivious and reprimanding the chancers. I could not do their job and to think they have this continuously for a whole season, no wonder they appear irritated and tired. We find some beaches in Plaka, slightly south of Chora, gorgeous sandy and filled with gently roasting bodies. Sunbeds line the waters edge each of the many restaurants and bars having delegated areas brightly highlighted in rainbow colours. The waves are lively spilling their frothy bubbles onto sparkling sand. Screaches and screams fill the air each time a power driven wave forces someone from their fluorescent inflatable into the aqua ocean. We join the crowd, outrunning and jumping each wave as it slams against the shore, laughing as our feet misjudge the timing and we splash rather clumsily into the sea. So refreshing yet exhaustive trying to maintain balance whilst enjoying the cool waves. We toast ourselves dry in that unforgiving sun, just enough to climb back into clothing appropriate for the heat. We do cover up, acutely aware of the damaging rays, we hadn't realised how destructive the sun can be. Plastic can rot, colours fade skin burns and people wither, over long periods of time the damage is irrepairable. Gallons of water are consumed by the day suncream applied repeatedly and hats adorned where possible. We followed a few more roads to nowhere in particular, before giving into the heat. Afternoons are for dozing in shade we head back to 'Kejstral' Collect our spare fuel cannister for the boat (while we have the bike it is so much easier) top up 20 litres at the nearest station for €25.20. Siesta time. As we had seen as much as we wanted, we returned the scooter. Showered using the free water meaning I can leave the shower running between hair wash, condition and soapy sponging, luxury ! Kevin had some fiddling to do as outrshore power plug was highlighting reverse polarity, no idea why as all had been working fine until now. Eventually abandoning it and unplugging electric as no explanation in books or internet were aiding the issue.!! As an occasional treat we decided to eat out, during our wander through the old town we were drawn to a traditional Greek restaurant called Flamenco's with live music. Two authentic mandolin playing chaps sat under a bamboo and flower covered hut surrounded by diners in their finery. In a lovely white walled garden pretty lights glowed to guide us into position around our dedicated tables. Green and white linen laid over rickety white tables with flowers abundantly decorating every wall, ledge and surface. A real garden feel to this very busy well managed restaurant. €38 for a three course meal with Karafe of wine and we enjoyed every minute of this amazing place. Businesses in this town seem to be doing pretty well as far as we can see :) Back for bed as nearly midnight.
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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