Anastasia

Blogging in the Sunshine

Having spent a wonderful holiday in Serres and Thessaloniki, here I am relaxing at home on this last day of the Easter break. Since Alkis and I flew back home on Thursday, I've been looking at all the photos we took, bringing back so many wonderful moments of what was probably the best Easter holiday I've ever spent in recent years. 

I slept in today and missed most of the sunshine that flooded my terrace, but I did enjoy breakfast outside and blogging in the remaining sunshine of this bright Sunday in Larnaca.  Since we came back from Greece, I've been mostly sleeping or lazing around, unpacking and doing the laundry. It's funny how much laundry can pile up after a week away!  I don't have a tumble drier, so I was really thankful for the sunshine today which, apart from drying up laundry, also inspired this post!!

 

Exploring the Greek Islands

Blue Caves - Zakynthos 2002

Since my childhood, I've been fascinated by the unique beauty of the Greek islands and seduced by their magic charm which I can't really define. Is it the immense blue of the Aegean, the amazing archaeological sites, the secluded sandy bays you can only reach by boat, the seaside tavernas where you can choose the fish from the fisherman's basket, the breathtaking views of white houses perched on evergreen hills and overlooking a golden beach, the hospitality of the islanders ? Whatever it is, I can't imagine choosing a different destination for a summer holiday.

 
Agios Nicolaos - Crete 2005

Greece and the Greek Islands

Skiathos 2005

Rhodes 2006

Kefalonia 2008

There are over 6000 islands and islets in Greece but only 227 are inhabited - 78 of those islands count 100 inhabitants. Some Greek islands have become the pole of attraction for many celebrities from all over the world - Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Skiathos but also Crete and Rhodes. In the last ten years or so, Alkis and I have been to five islands but also in Halkidiki and twice in Alexandroupolis in mainland Greece.

Halkidiki 2003

Alexandroupolis 2007

Alkis and I are soon heading for yet another Greek island. I won't disclose the destination right now, but I promise to tell you everything once we are back and show you lots of photos and, hopefully, a video.

Have you ever been to a Greek island? What did you like about it? What didn't you like? 

Relaxing in Protaras

Protaras is by far my most favourite summer resort in Cyprus and, more generally, in the eastern Mediterranean. With 300 days of sunshine, golden sandy beaches, clear waters, great hotels and a myriad of restaurants and bars, it's no wonder why European holidaymakers flock to Protaras every summer. For the party animals, Ayia Napa nearby (about 16 km) boasts the best clubs where you can dance into the small hours.

Situated at about 64 km east of Larnaca, Protaras is a tourist village - just a breath away from Ammochostos (Famagusta) - illegally occupied by Turkish forces for 37 years now.  Protaras occupies about 5km of the golden Ammochostos coastline. Having lost Kyrenia and Ammochostos - our two greatest summer resorts during the Turkish Invasion in July 1974, we had to do something in order to revive our economy which largely depends on tourism. Or else we'd die. The Greek miracle happened again and Protaras was created in the early 80s out of nothing in those difficult years following what I call "the war of the cowards." The Turks,you see, unlike Hitler, did not declare war!!!

The main reason why Protaras is my favourite summer resort in Cyprus is because it reminds me of my beloved Ammochostos where I used to spend my summer holidays as a child and as an adolescent. What's more, after a long school year and long hours at work, I took the time to relax and unwind and enjoy the sun and the sea and those gorgeous sandy beaches!

Spring Weekend at Aphrodite's Hills, Paphos

Getting away for the weekend is definitely an invigorating experience and a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors - especially in spring. Alkis and I had been toying with the idea of spending a weekend at Aphrodite's Hills since early March, but the whims of the weather made us postpone our trip until early April. Ironically, after a gloriously sunny week with temps rising to spring level, yesterday I woke to gloomy, cloudy skies which threatened with rain and reminded autumn more than spring.

It was raining lightly when we set off for Aphrodite's Hills but we were determined not to let the weather spoil our high spirits and great mood. Aphrodite's Hills is a village-style development including luxury accommodation and leisure activities such as a riding school, a tennis academy, the Aphrodite Hill Golf Resort as well as many restaurants and tavernas.  It was built at about 5 km from Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek) within the area where, according to Greek mythology,. Aphrodite and Adonis used to.roam over the hills and the valleys.

Aphrodite's Hills

The blustery wind and the rain had got stronger by the time we reached the village of Pissouri situated within the district of Lemesos - Cyprus's second largest city. We had lunch at Kastro by Pissouri Bay. The village of Pissouri is built on a commanding mountain side, just off the main road and motorway. Further south of the motorway you drive through one of the best vineyards of Cyprus producing Sultani Table Grapes, and eventually reach the bay. Pissouri has also become a centre for wind and kite surfing.

Pissouri Bay

 
The rain had stopped at last by the time we finished lunch.

Alkis looks great and relaxed!

Soon after lunch, we headed for The Intercontinental at Aphrodite's Hills.We stayed at one of the hotel's loveliest suites.

The bedroom

The living room

The bathroom

Relaxing by our private swimming pool.

 or simply enjoying the splendid view

For the evening, we booked a table for two at Leander Restaurant. I loved the fusion of japanese and european cuisine. The food was just divine! And, as always, Alkis impressed me with his choice of wine - a great French Bordeau - Fleuri. But, most importantly, I had a great time with my significant other!

Just before dinner

At Leander Restaurant - waiting for the first course and having a great time with Alkis

Mozarella Stick - the Chef's compliment

Japanese garden salad for me with tofu, cashew nuts and apple

Maki for Alkis

Such a great fusion of beef "chateaubriand", pepper steak sauce and scampi garnished with mashed potatoes, spinach and mushrooms. Congratulations to the chef! What a gastronomic performance that was!

Today, we woke to a bluer sky and a sunnier day. After breakfast, we went for a walk and to my surprise, I discovered the first spring greeting.

The first poppies!

...and some yellow daisies

We had coffee after this invigorating, morning walk in the heart of Mother Nature.

On our way back home, we stopped at Petra Tou Romiou - the Rock of the Greek or Aphrodite's Rock.

On reaching Petra Tou Romiou, one can see an impressive rock formation with the largest rock close to the beach. According to Greek mythology. Aphrodite (Venus), the greek goddess of beauty and love was born here. She rose from the white foam of the soft waves, floating on a sea shell and came to rest at Palepafos where her temple was erected.

In his Odyssey, Homer writes:

But laughter-loving Aphrodite went to Cyprus, to Paphos, in her precinct and fragrant altars...

The moist breeze of zephyr  brought her there on the waves of the sea, with a noise of thunder among the soft foam....

 

Moody March and a Sunday Outing

The village of Mosfiloti - a haven of peace and quiet

March arrived on the Island of Venus quite aggressively greeting us with downpours, stormy days and stone- cold nights while temperature ranged from 2*C inland to 5*C on the coast and to -5 in the mountains (23*F-41*F). Then all of a sudden we had sunny days, clear blue skies and temperature rising to 25*C (77*F). Just when I thought that spring had come at last, today felt more like early autumn. Despite the slate-grey sky and the fine drizzle, Alkis and  I decided not to allow moody March to spoil our Sunday trip to the surrounding countryside.

The village of Mosfiloti is essentially a rural community with pine-covered hills on either side of an evergreen valley. It owes its name to the "mosfilia" - loquat tree - a fruit tree which thrives in the area. Mosfiloti is located at an altitude of 250m, at about 22 km from Larnaca. The village is surrounded by the mountains Pipis, Vizakeri, Petromoutos and Kalogeros,  regarded as the "lungs" of the village, which provide the luxuriant vegetation and Mosfiloti's natural beauty. We had lunch at Kokkinou Restaurant - strongly recommended if you visit the area. The food is excellent - mostly local cuisine- and the service is impeccable.

Kokkinou Restaurant

 

Christmas in Vienna

Saint Stephen's Cathedral

If you asked me to describe Vienna in one single word, I'd hesitate a lot. It's hard to find one word to describe the city where Europe's heart beats fast. Vienna is definitely a multi-faceted city: romantic, cultural, modern, musical, magical, surprising, light-hearted, tranquil, safe, peaceful, sophisticated, warm and friendly, awe-inspiring. This was my first impression of possibly the most seductive city in Europe.

Day 1 - Wednesday, December 22, 2010

I spent most of the morning packing while Alkis was at work - yes, it was his own choice to go to work. I made a mental note while packing: google "workaholic and cure!" Alkis came back at 1:00 pm, we had a snack for lunch and then called a taxi to drive us to the airport. I hadn't flown Austrian Airlines before and, I must admit, that was the best flight I've ever had in years! I completely forgot all about my fear of flying during the 3-hour flight to Vienna, Austria. Must be this delicious Viennese coffee they served after a light lunch!

Just arrived - Vienna International Airport

We arrived on time - 7:30 pm local time - and couldn't wait to meet the...snow! I don't usually like snow but when you live on a sunsplashed Mediterranean island, you sometimes long for  white Christmas. Once out of  Vienna International Airport, I could only feel the ...cold.  Minus 2 C. And NO SNOW! The taxi driver said there had been a lot of snow the previous week but it hadn't snowed for the last four days! When most of Europe was literally frozen - covered with snow to such an extent that most European airports closed, causing havoc, Vienna was spared! During the taxi ride to our hotel, Alkis asked me not to complain too much about not having snow. We were lucky to be in Vienna when other airports such as Heathrow in London and Roissy -Charles De Gaulle in France - not to mention Germany - had closed because of the snow.

Twenty minutes later, we were shown to one of the best rooms of Vienna Marriott Hotel situated near Saint Stephen's Square. We unpacked and soon afterwards we went for a walk in the city centre where Alkis kept taking photos of the fabulous Christmas tree and the Christmas decorations at Saint Stephen's Square.

I guess Alkis did his....best as a photographer! We ended our first night in Vienna at Huth's - a Viennese restaurant where I tried the boiled beef roll! I can't say I loved it but I do like trying the local cuisine when I travel.

Day 2 - Thursday, December 23 2010

After breakfast, we walked to the city centre, did some window shopping and had coffee and Sacher Torte at Sacher Cafe.

Vienna Marriot Hotel

Day 3 -  Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve. We decided to spend yet another day exploring the city centre in Vienna. We also did some Christmas shopping and bought each other presents. In the evening , we enjoyed one of the most beautiful Christmas Eves I've ever had - filled with Christmas Carols, Mozart, and Strauss Waltzes. The food was delicious! I loved the parfait of smoked trout with crayfish and...honey cucumbers, the Christmas goose with caramelized chestnuts and red cabbage and all the desserts!

The Christmas Eve Buffet at Vienna Marriott Hotel

Christmas in Vienna - Vienna Marriott Hotel

Christmas Eve 2010

Day 4 - Saturday, December 25 2010

Christmas Day. Having attended the Christmas Mass at Saint Stephen's Cathedral, we had a coffee at Sacher Cafe and then went on to see the Vienna Boys' Choir sing Christmas Carols. They were beautiful!.Then we had lunch at Huth Da Moritz - one of the best Italian restaurants in Vienna.

In the evening , we enjoyed a good Igler ( red austrian wine) and candlelit dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 - Sunday, December 26 2010

Bratislava, Slovakia is only a one hour train ride from Vienna. So, being adveturous, Alkis and I caught the train to Bratislava and then all ...the wrong buses to the city centre! After having toured Bratislava on various bus rides, we got off a bus at the airport and asked the bus driver how to get to the city centre. He didn't speak English or German or French or Greek but he was so helpful! He told us in his language the bus number .... osso sometihing. I thought osso could be eight and said so to Alkis. Then Alkis drew in the air  83. The slovakian bus driver smiled and said YES! Well, it was the only English word he knew. And he showed us which bus to take in order to get the 83 to the city centre. At the bus stop, a young lady whose English was almost perfect clearly explained how to get to the city centre. And so we did. But it was freezing cold! Minus 4, pretty much like in Vienna but there was a cold wind that made things worse. So, that's all we saw in Bratislava.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, Slovakia

Day 6 - Monday, December 27, 2010

Salzburg. Being a great Mozart lover and a great Sound of Music freak, I couldn't leave Austria without visiting Salzburg. We set off at 7:00 am on a day trip tour. We were 6 people  - 5 Greeks and an Australian! AND Peter - our Austrian driver and guide. We had a stop at Linz for a coffee break. Peter explained that not far from there was Hitler's birthplace - Braunau-am Inn (Upper Austria). He went on to say that Adolph Hitler went to school in Linz before leaving Austria for Germany. And YES! Snow at last !

Linz, Austria

Next stop: Mondsee - The Moonlight Lake - the lake where part of The Sound of Music was filmed.  I couldn't believe I was looking at that very lake where Maria and the children fell into the water! We had a brief stop to take pictures. But I think that even the best photographer will be unable to capture so much beauty!

Next stop: Wolfgang Lake and Saint Gilgen - the village where Mozart's mother was born.

And finally, the beautiful town of Salzburg. We visited Mozart's birth house and the castle. I only wish we had some more time to visit the house of The Sound of Music located at about 25 km outside Salzburg.

Salzburg Castle

Salzburg Cemetery

That was the place where the Von Trapp family escaped from the Nazis in The Sound of Music. Fox wasn't allowed to film in the cemetery, so they made an exact copy of it in the studios.

Day 7 - Tuesday 28 December 2010

On our last day in Vienna we visited the Hofburg Palace. What was for 700 years the residence of the Habsburg Dynasty - to be more accurate from the 13th century to 1918 -is in fact a cluster of buildings erected at different times and in different styles. What I loved most was the Sisi Museum. Photos were strictly prohibited in both the palace and the museum but here's the main entrance.

Vienna, the Austrian capital, sits on the banks of the Danube, right at the foot of the last slopes of the Alps and is surrounded by that large green belt made up by the Vienna woods. Life in what was once the capital of one of the most powerful 19th century empires  unfurls at the pace of a slow waltz. At the same time, it is the city of lively flea markets and modern fashion stores, of Sachertorte, appfel strudel, schnitzel, the unique viennese coffee and select pastry shops, of the Habsburgs and the headquarters of different international organizations. Now you see why it is impossible to describe Vienna in one single word.

Coral Holidays in Paphos

As almost every year, at the end of the summer and just before school starts, Alkis and I spend a weekend at Coral Bay, Paphos. Coral Bay is located north of Paphos and consists of a rugged, 600- metre coastline of fine golden sand and a pair of headlands and boasts one of the island's most desirable beaches. It seems that in the distant past, coral reefs composed a part of its underwater structure - hence the name Coral Bay.

We set off on Friday afternoon and just before dusk, we checked in at the Coral Bay Beach Hotel- one of the finest hotels in the area, which stands only a few metres away from Coral Bay. We were just in time for an aperitif on the veranda of our room while contemplating the sun set on the bay. And since old habits die hard, we had a romantic dinner at Doria Restaurant by the seaside - not far away from Coral Bay. When in Paphos, rain or shine, we always have lunch or dinner at Doria's. The food is excellent, the service is impeccable and the view to the sea is amazing.

On Saturday, we spent all day on the beach swimming in the incredibly blue waters of Coral Bay. I even enjoyed the waves which we don't often have in the south. I'm a good swimmer but that's all - not as brave as Alkis, anyway. Short siesta after lunch followed by more swimming and coffee on our veranda. But I missed the sunset this time as I was getting ready for our second night out. (Yes, it takes me ages to get ready!). Some great friends from Paphos had called earlier and invited us to dinner at Koi - the most trendy Japanese and Thai restaurant in Paphos. I love Japanese food, but just for once I didn't have sushi but chicken on a skewer for starters served with satay sauce and teriyaki beef with apple sauce and vegetables cooked in the wok. It was also great to see good, old friends after such a long time!

Time flies when you are having fun. So Sunday arrived in a flash. By 5:00 pm we were back home. Alkis helped me unpack and then we spent the rest of the evening talking about what it was a great weekend away and browsing through our Coral Holiday photo album on the laptop.

More Photos

Soufli - The Silk City

Soufli is built by the banks of River Evros in the form of an amphitheatre on the slopes of the hill of Ai-Lias, just below Rodopi Mountains. It is located in Thrace (Northern Greece) at about 65km from Alexandroupolis. Soufli became internationally renowned at the end of the 19th century due to its ideal location on the crossroads of east and west - the Silk Road as it was called. At that time, Soufli experienced great economic growth. It was the trading and administrative centre of 60 villages on both sides of River Evros.

To this day, the town is reputed all over Greece for its unique silk embroidery. This is why sericulture is what defines the architecture of Soufli.  The cocooneries are well ventilated and built of brick and stone thus ensuring the right conditions for the breeding of the silk worms. In the various silk shops, most of which are located in the town centre, you can find a wide range of silk garments,scarves,napkins, tablecloths all entirely handmade. On my last visit to Soufli, I purchased this lovely tablecloth which decorates nicely my dining table and brings back memories of the Silk City.

Serres-Alexandroupolis: Summer 2010

Wednesday, July 14th 2010

I had been looking forward to this day since May 25th - that was the day when Alkis and I finally confirmed our summer holiday. We got up at 4:00 am as we had an early flight to catch and by 5:00 am we were at the airport.( I was too sleepy to take any photos of the fabulous new Larnaca Airport which became operational on November 10, 2009). 

Photo Credit

Cyprus Airways took off on time and two hours later we landed at Macedonia Airport, Thessaloniki.. Thanasis, Alkis's youngest brother,  picked us up from the airport and drove us to Serres - Alkis's hometown, located in Central Macedonia at about 80 km from Thessaloniki. We stayed at Philippos Xenia Hotel which we really loved. Most importantly, we truly enjoyed getting together with family that we haven't seen in a long time. Needless to say that I ate the best bougatsa ever! We also made time for the two of us, so on our third day in Alkis's hometown, he surprised me! We had lunch at Ais Yiannis - one of the most attractive areas in Serres.

The Waterfalls in Ai Yiannis, Serres

The view from the taverna where we had lunch

After a long time, Alkis in his homeland Serres, Macedonia, Greece

Saturday, 17th July 2010

Alkis and I are early risers, so we truly enjoyed a short walk from the hotel to the town centre, right after breakfast. We did some shopping - I could hardly resist the really low prices in Serres! - and then we sat at a café in the central park and talked away the hours. Alkis would tell me stories of his youth and show me the high school he gratuated from. Time flew by and at 1:00 pm we were having lunch at the taverna next to the train station. We took the intercity train to Alexandroupoulis. The train left with a 50-minute delay. I loved the journey through the evergreen villages of River Nestor - such as Paranesti. It was 6:32  pm when the train entered  Alexandroupolis.

Alexandroupolis is a charismatic town. It is located in the centre of a unique natural landscape consisting of the Delta of River Evros home to a wide variety of rare seabirds and the National Park of Dadia where you can see 36 out of 38  prey birds protected in Europe today.

 

The Forest of Dadia , Alexandroupolis

Dadia, Alexandroupolis

Alexandroupolis is to me the most beautiful town in Greece. I have been to many Greek islands and other places in Greece but never before have I seen such unspoilt beauty, such quiet beaches, such clear waters as in Alexandroupolis. When Alkis and I first visited Alexandroupolis in August 2007, we made a promise: that we'd come back one day. I'm so glad we did!

It was a sheer pleasure swimming in amazingly clear waters on a quiet, non-touristy beach,  a few steps away from our hotel's pool area. With such a beach right next to us, we never swam in the pool!

In the evenings, we loved to go for a walk along the seafront or along the beach, enjoying the sunset - a unique sunset that can put Santorini to shame!!!

Being a bookworm, I certainly couldn't miss the Book Exhibition.

On Friday,we celebrated our 34th anniversary since the day we met. It was on a Friday, July 23rd 1976.

  

And we did appreciate greatly the gifts offered by the management team at Grand Hotel Egnatia

Saturday, 24th July 2010

Time to say goodbye to Alexandroupolis and promise that we'll be back again soon.

Relaxing at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens, a few minutes before taking the flight back home. I may be home right now but my mind keeps drifting back to Serres and Alexandroupolis.

 

What's in my Suitcase

It's that time of year again when I switch off almost everything: my mobile phone, the telly, my computer, and generally all electric appliances - the only exceptions being my i-pod and, of course, my digital camera. When on holiday, I love listening to my favourite music while lying on the beach and taking hundreds of photos or recording videos. This time, I was very tempted to take the laptop as well as there is free direct internet connection in our hotel room, but I eventually decided not to. I don't think I'll have time to spend on the Internet in the next ten days. However, I have scheduled some fun stuff and some not ...so fun while I'm away. Hope you enjoy it.

The day I was most looking forward to has almost arrived. Early tomorrow morning, Alkis and I are off on holiday for ten days. So today is packing day - another favourite occupation. I spent all morning packing and I only have to pack some last-minute items later tonight. It took me time and....sound argumentation to talk Alkis into taking two suitcases - not just the small red bag we use for weekend getaways! I was shocked when he suggested that!. We need one big suitcase for me and a smaller one for Alkis. As I firmly believe in the equality of the two sexes, here are my arguments:

1. Women need to have options both in clothing and shoes / accessories for those beautiful plans made on the spur of the moment. Shall we go for a gourmet restaurant or a small local taverna? A quiet café or a club? Exploring the area or lazing around?

2. I save money even if I have to pay for some extra luggage weight. Hotel laundries cost a fortune and surely I won't wash clothes by hand in a hotel bathroom!!! First of all because coffee, chocolate and red wine stains won't come out and secondly because no one likes to spend even a minute of a holiday looking for the cheapest laundry or dry cleaner's in town! Personally, I'd rather spend time looking for the best museums!

3. I don't usually shop when on holiday - except some souvenir gifts for friends and family. So packing some more clothes than the ones you think you'll need is an effective way to face unpleasant and unexpected situations.

4. Men are happier with just a pair or two of shorts and a couple of T-shirts. And most men don't need make-up!

In my suitcase I packed:

• make-up and cosmetics
• 3 pairs of shorts and many T-shirts
• 8 bikinis
• 5 sharongs
• 4 sun dresses
• a couple of smart outfits
• all sorts of underwear
• sandals
• 2 extra handbags
• books
• hats and caps
• beach towels

So what's in your holiday suitcase ?