GreeceAs I mentioned, my mom came to visit me in September. We spent some time in the north of Greece and the rest of the time on the Greek Islands. Few, if any, people visit Greece without seeing at least one island, for which Greece is known. The Cycladic islands are the most popular and - I think - the most beautiful. Of course, everyone else thinks so too, so they are a bit touristy. Mom and I went to Santorini, Naxos and Paros. Lots of sun, sand and sights! A few nights at each was not long enough. Paros is my favorite island but Santorini is the most stunning. All have towns built right along the water's edge so most meals are eaten just a stone's throw from the sea. Ahhh.... Greece!
|
Meteora
Near the city of Kalambaka is Meteora, seen in the pictures above. There are a number of monastaries built on top of these rock formations, made famous for housing people when the Turks invaded Greece. They're also known for being in a James Bond film, I forget which one. Mom and I amazed ourselves by hiking up to almost every one. The scenery was just so beautiful and it made for a great day. |
Greek Salad on Santorini
Santorini is the most stunning of all islands with so much whitewash and the blue doors and windows. Here is mom in front of a home where the azalea was growing and blooming like crazy. This is one of my favorite pictures because I think it captures so much of what Greece is about. On the right is a picture of Thira, the capitol city which is built right into the cliff. The city is known for the sunsets, which happen over the volcano that's in the cresent of the island (not shown here). |
Oia
This picture is of Oia (said E-ah), the town on the very tip of Santorini. The island was once large and round but a volcano went off in the center (hundreds of years ago) and most of the island is now underwater. Santorini today is cresent shaped and has both red and black volcanic beaches. You can see how the towns are built up and can again see that everything is so white! There's a windmill set near the top of the hill that used to catch the ocean breazes. There isn't an island that doesn't have one (none in working order now) and they're also very picturesque.
|
