Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Between spending time with our friends, meetings, service, and some little excursions our days have been filled!  Last week, we ventured out on a spontaneous island visit.



Agkistri.....

After waiting a short time for the island bus, we hopped on and rode about 15 minutes away from the port, to the other side of the island.  We only had opportunity to visit one beach, so I quickly decided we would see Dragonera.  Honestly, I was very apprehensive because I just really wanted a relaxing day, and I hoped this was the right choice.   We were literally dropped off on the side of the road, in the middle of a forest, on a hot day.  So, we began our adventure.




We walked down a very steep paved road, all of us curious as to where it would lead.  Very soon we caught glimpses of the deep blue water against the green of the pine trees.   Finally, the road curved leading us to a picturesque little cove.  Small pine covered cliffs formed the edges with a pebbly beach between.   On this bright sunny day, the landscape simply glowed.





This small jewel of the Saronic Gulf is beautiful!  Rocky shoreline, evergreen hillsides, and water of the most gorgeous turquoise.  A perfect place to spend a day. 






We spent our afternoon in and out of the water, exploring this little area.   I love that camping is allowed on this beach, so quiet and undisturbed, with the waves of the sea just a few feet away.






My refreshment of choice - 2 Greek beers made on Santorini, with water filtered by lava rock. I must say, both were quite delicious!  There is something about a cold bear on a hot day, especially if you are on a beach.  And I helped Greek debt by 2€.....Who knew it would benefit the public to have a beer?!


"For each 1€ of profit, Volkan will help reduce 
Greek National debt by 50 euro cent"


Volkan Santorini beer uses lava rock filtered water.....watch out Leinie's!

After our day, we found a quaint cafe near the port where we had some delicious food, as usual.   You can count on food here, it never disappoints!






One afternoon we were able to spend time at the home of some friends.    We were served a traditional Ghanian dish alongside authentic Greek.  If there is one thing that draws cultures together, it is food!  Dessert was this fluffy yogurt/cream topped with almonds and with a side of cherries fresh off the tree from the front yard.  A perfect end to an awesome meal.  And then we danced, a few Mexican moves were taught and we learned the traditional Greek circle dance.



Ghanian rice/bean with a seasoned beef sauce,  Greek cheese pie with homemade
phyllo, baked eggplant and feta pie 




Our family here has been more than wonderful in welcoming us and going above and beyond to take care of us.  Despite all that is going on, they continue to be hospitable and extremely loving.   It's such a great feeling to know that national boundaries do not exist when you truly love people, something I have experienced first hand and will always treasure. 


Rosana - my Columbian Greek chica

                     Deborah!                                                            Victoria!                



The more we do with them, the harder it is becoming to have to think about leaving! That time is not yet, thankfully, and we have much more to do before we say goodbye!