The short and winding roadsof Naxos

 

We had a plan. We set our alarm. And we executed the plan. Walk to the bus stop, just up the road from Flea, in Galini, and wait for the bus to Naxos/Hora (the capital) A couple of backpackers asked us if we knew how to pay, and we didn't, but I guessed the direction the bus would come from, and I was right. This was going to be a good day!

Such a short ride to Hora on the (mini)bus but a winding one along the coast with sheer drops and blind corners. A motorcyclist over took us (and his life in his own hands). We had to stay on until the final stop so the driver could take us to the office to pay.. that's how you pay.

A few families (US) have arrived in our cave dwelling so today was a good day to get out and about as they took over the pool.  It would have been noisy and busy. Naxos was busy but in a good way; the bus dropped us off at the port, we recognised the place where we had got off the Ferry, but it was transformed. No longer was it edge of the abyss crowd chaos, but a gentle harbour, with people wandering around without that look of fear and focus in their eyes.  The statue of Ariadne might have helped, her story talks of how she rescued Theseus from the minotaur, escaped with him to Naxos, where he dumped her, but then she took up with Dionysys, the main god in these parts, think I've mentioned him previously, likes his wine...

We walked up to take a look at Apollos temple, people were swimming in the harbour below. (now I want to do that when we wait for our ferry on Thursday) Apollos temple was never finished, I didn't have my trowel so we just took a few photos. Lovely views across the harbour as more ferries came and went.

Time for a spot of breakfast. It was wall to wall restaurants along the entire front, too many to count, we chose one very randomly, and sat comfortably looking out at the ships and sailings. A coffee, bananna smoothie and that famous greek dish, bananas and peanut butter on toast... delicious

Continued our walk south and the town seemed to briefly transform there into a standard mediterranean resort, a little bit plastic, but lively, and full of bars, cafes and character. We walked along the city beach, sense more Greek holidaymakers, having a great time. A deserted (Scooby Doo style) building stood on the headland. We investigated, I almost put my foot through the rotting wood, we took photos, we descended.

Then back to the Old Town bit, white, grecian houses, markets, and some odd but amusing art and decor. Lots of photo opportunities in these white warrens. Chrissi reckoned some Banksy style art, she'd read it on the forums. Was fun, and almost took us up to the time when we'd get our bus back to home and beyond.

We chose to stay on the bus to the village we visited yesterday, as we wanted to cut down that side of the valley to the beach. I might run this route tomorrow, I really want to. I know the way now, there is a slightly longer version via a semi filled reservoir.

The beach was the one we checked out a couple of days ago, albeit we arrived from the other side.  We ended up in the same beach bar though, but did take a dip in the very active sea on the way. A beautiful fruit smoothie, some wi fi and a beer saw us through. Check it out if you are ever lucky enough to be in this part of the world https://www.facebook.com/blueoceanbeachbar

I think the sun was beginning to sap our energy a bit so we made the 1 mile trudge back to our Air Bnb. The pool was most welcome at that point, as was the hot tub, with beautiful views across to the mountains, and a lovely way to sip an early evening glass of wine.

Kept everything close to home tonight, snacking, reading. listening to music, and entertaining the cats (interested in our limited food I think) sitting outside our lovely room.  Hope not to get too bitten, Chrissi absolutely covered at the minute.  Our genial host plied us with wine from her vineyard, rose, and as darkness fell, pink floyd and all other manner of ambient music provided a backdrop for perfect relaxation.