Summer is officially here as temperatures have been rising nicely in the Eastern Mediterranean for the last few days. I have a feeling that the heat wave in Greece will hit us very soon.Without rhyme or reason, more often than not, weather conditions in Greece move our way after a couple of days. I don't really mind hot weather - what is air-conditioning for, after all? We had 33*C (91*F) at midday today but we still enjoy cool evenings outside, in the garden or on the veranda. I know it won't be long till we get those humid nights during which straight hair goes curly and curly hair turns out lovely! I sometimes wish I had curly hair! When I first came to live in Larnaca, back in the 80s, I used to really hate humid nights but now I love them, even when you feel you can eat the air with a spoon.
Kefalonia - Sunset
Summer to me rhymes with holidays. It's that time of year when you can dream of the ideal place to get away to and forget all about problems and chores and daily routine. My ideal summer holiday destination is Greece and the Greek Isles. Even on a popular, touristy island, you can always get away from the hustle and bustle. You can always explore places off the beaten track. What I love most in Greece is the hospitality of the people. There are only few exceptions. The Greeks are by nature friendly and hospitable and they'd really go out of their way to be helpful.
The Island of Symi
The Island of Skiathos
I hate holidays in the mountain. The weather is quite unpredictable and there's hardly anything you can do in the summer other than hiking. I also hate to swim in rivers and lakes and I usually avoid swimming pools. I need to feel the salty water and play with the waves! I'm not adventurous, so far-away exotic places are really not for me! I honestly can't understand why so many Greek Cypriots travel to Maldives, Bali or Phuket when the beauties of Greece are only a breath away. I also hate holiday packages. Both Alkis and I prefer to explore a place on our own rather than depend on someone else's plans.
Exploring the River Evros - Alexandroupolis
Concerning accommodation, I'd never go camping. I like 5-star hotels if and when I can afford them because, after all the long hours at work during the school year, I need to be spoilt while on holiday. I'd never book a hotel which hasn't got (a) a gourmet restaurant and (b) a ...health club!!! Food is more important than the health club, though. But I do like to work out for 20-30 minutes while on holiday. Agrotourism is something I'd like to try one day but surely not in the summer.
All photos by @anastasia.marou
Recent Comments