Country #4 *** GREECE***

Well for those of you who know me well had to see it coming.  Greece has become my second home away from the US since I met my husband over 6 years ago.  Although my husband is from Athens, we try our best to travel the country, and try to visit someplace new every time we are there.  This time was no exception.This year our trip took us from a group of islands called "The Sporades" (which is the same group of islands that the movie Mamma Mia was filmed)   then down to a group of islands called "The Cyclades".

 

We landed in Athens and drove about 4 hours north to the city of "Volos". This is where we were to catch the ferry to Alonissos (the island we were heading to).  However by the time we reach Volos we were too late for the afternoon ferry and had to spend the night.  Not to worry though, my husband found a wonderful little hotel overlooking the port.  We relaxed a little, freshened up and went for a walk.  The port in Volos is lined with nothing but sailboat after sailboat. MY husband was in love.  After walking around, we decided to grab a bite to eat, and a MYTHOS (Greek beer).  Although the night was still young we were exhausted from traveling and decided to call it a night. 

 We woke up early since we had to catch the 0745 ferry.  The ferry takes about 3 1/2 hours and makes stops at two other islands, Skiathos, and Skopelos (which is where Mamma Mia was filmed.)  We chose Alonnisos simply because it was the least touristy of the 3 islands.  This is usually how my husband and I decide where to go when we are in Greece.  We decided what area we would like to visit and try to find a place that is not overwrought with tourism. 

We finally arrived in Patitiri which is the principal port and capital of Alonnisos.  When we got off the boat there were two very important tasks to accomplish.  1. FOOD  2. PLACE TO STAY!!  After walking a little through the port and checking out menus and prices (in Greece the tavernas always have a menu on display outside) we found a great place, which ended up being one of the best meals of the trip.  The waiter came over and without thinking twice the words came out of my mouth " Μια μπίρα παρακαλώ! " (Mee-a beer-a paraka-loh!)  After the MYTHOS (Greek Hellenic Beer) arrived  we had an amazing lunch of Greek Salad, Moussaka, and Sutzukakia (Meatballs in red sauce.)  During all this my husband also managed to find a place for us to stay, so since both tasks were accomplished I ordered another Mythos.

After checking in to our room, we showered, I took a short nap while my husband went for a swim.  That evening we took the bus and went to "CHORA" which is the main town on the island, and every island has one. The village was cute, with it's cobblestone streets, tavernas, coffee shops, and local artist shops.  Since we had a rather large lunch neither one of us were hungry, so we found a coffee shop overlooking the sea had a couple coffees, watched the sunset, and the moon come up.  It was a long exhausting, but awesome first day.  Tomorrow the exploring begins.