May 23rd – Argostoli, Greece
Feeling better today but I can’t say that I managed to build up any reserves. I think being able to have a slower morning helped some. We didn’t arrive in port until 10 am. We also managed to avoid the over-crowded tourist groups but still had a good time. Even Aiden, Al, and Edda said so.
We explored Argostoli, Greece on a private tour with our own personal guide who seemingly was able to whisk us away from the crowds to the scenic coastal road of Fanari. There were plenty of opportunities for picturesque photo stops at a lighthouse and the Katavothres water wheels. A local explained how the area’s residents take advantage of the special water flow by using the sea water to generate their mills.
We continued through the resort area of Lassi and the beautiful Livathos villages to the Monastery of Agios Andreas. The main part of this 13th century monastery has been preserved in its original form with iconic 17th century artwork. In the village of Kastro lies St. George’s Castle, a Venetian fortress dating back to the 16th century. We took advantage of the castle’s strategic location to take simply gorgeous panoramic photos of some of the best views of the island as well as the neighboring island of Zante. Our guide said that it was one of the clearest days yet this year and he even asked Vit for one of the photos he took to use as his work photo in their small office.
From Kastro we continued to “En Kefallinia"", for a unique stop at an organic farm. It honestly smelled like home with its sweet-smelling citrus trees and gardens. While there, we walked among the scented lavender beds and enjoy tea and some homemade local sweets. We also picked up a couple of bio-friendly souvenirs one of which was a small keepsake box made of repurposed olive wood. Vit got it for me so I have something to keep my bobby pins in instead of having to dig them out of my make up bag or try and keep them from scattering all over the place when I was doing my hair.
Our journey continued as we made our way past the vineyard-studded village of Fragata on our way up the slopes of Mount Ainos where we explored the Cave of Drogarati. We took a steep, descending corridor into the cave where we arrived at a natural balcony where we saw millenia-old stalagmites, stalactites, and other colorful geologic formations. The sign said the cave lay 60 meters below the surface. Its ideal acoustics makes it a popular venue for concerts. They had a violin to prove their point and when Al mentioned I played our guide insisted I give it a try. A little embarrassed I nevertheless played a short piece and when I opened my eyes it was to find a number of people staring at me. I quickly handed the instrument back and beseeched Vit to get me out of there. He did, but we didn’t do it at a run. It wasn’t until later that I found out Vit had been recording the episode. He said he is saving it to show to Derrick.
I keep saying next, continued on, etc. but it is the truth. We just kept going fron wonder to wonder. We drove along another coastal road that led to the Cave Lake of Melissani in Karavomylos. And isn’t that a mouth full? It is a sunken lake also known as Cave of the Nymphs. The cave was discovered/re-discovered in 1951 and opened to the public in 1963. Myth says that one of the nymphs in Greek Mythology – Melissani – drowned heself in the lake when Pan rejected her love. Upon arrival our guide accompanied us down a small tunnel to an underground lake where we boarded a short, wooden boat for an unforgettable and mesmerizing ride around the lake and surrounding caves. Because of how the open cave ceiling let sunshine in, it looks like the boat is floating on air instead of water. The pictures that we took during the boat ride are simply indescribable. And Vit and I got several really nice selfies and Aiden offered to take a couple of us together as well, thoughtful for your average thirteen-year-old boy.
We made a quick pit stop at Myrots Beach and then it was back to Argostoli and a stop at Koutavos Lagoon, a famous nature reserve for wildlife. Frankie would have loved the place, especially the Caretta Turtle and various waterfowl that call the area home.
On our way back to port we passed De Bosset Bridge, reportedly the longest stone bridge in the world. For the first time the Bairds and the Donna were waiting for us instead of the other way around. I could tell that Mrs. Baird was upset for some reason but upon seeing the children she calmed down. I was to later find out from Perry – a terrible gossip, but sometimes useful – that the Donna had been winding her up with stories that something must have happened to the children since they were back before we were. That Mr. Baird had told her to stop several times because Vit had texted to let him know where they were at various times through out the day and that he would not have hired us if he didn’t think we were up for the job. Vote of confidence yes, but I’m concerned that Mrs. Baird could be so easily led down such a path.
And I might have been insulted by the tone except I was actually grateful when the Donna airily told me my services would not be required before dinner that evening, that Paula was going to play. She plays the piano. Naturally. I hope my instincts are wrong and the Donna was not alluding to the fact that Vit and Paula had a relationship at some point previous. Please don’t let this turn into another Harrington type situation.
And speaking of, I saw something on news that blew my mind. The Harrington Brothers being led into court and looking a little shell-shocked. The sound was down so I didn’t hear what the story was about but … shivers. I’d ask Dylan but I don’t want to risk having my email dropped in file thirteen by the overlords of the internet. I finally uploaded all of the pictures I’ve been taking, today’s included, and got a few hits from the family which at least lets me know they know where I am at.
I am going to bed in a moment. I’d wait for Vit but he told me he would be late and to simply go to sleep. I had to beat the little green monster into submission and I hope that in neither word nor deed Vit suspects how much I dislike Paula. More importantly I hope no one else can tell. I may not like her on principle but that doesn’t mean I want to start a cat fight of any type. More fool me as I’ve never felt this way, not even when Robert betrayed me. And that’s enough of that. Shut up subconscious, I’m going to bed and so will you. Leave my dreams alone.
Feeling better today but I can’t say that I managed to build up any reserves. I think being able to have a slower morning helped some. We didn’t arrive in port until 10 am. We also managed to avoid the over-crowded tourist groups but still had a good time. Even Aiden, Al, and Edda said so.
We explored Argostoli, Greece on a private tour with our own personal guide who seemingly was able to whisk us away from the crowds to the scenic coastal road of Fanari. There were plenty of opportunities for picturesque photo stops at a lighthouse and the Katavothres water wheels. A local explained how the area’s residents take advantage of the special water flow by using the sea water to generate their mills.
We continued through the resort area of Lassi and the beautiful Livathos villages to the Monastery of Agios Andreas. The main part of this 13th century monastery has been preserved in its original form with iconic 17th century artwork. In the village of Kastro lies St. George’s Castle, a Venetian fortress dating back to the 16th century. We took advantage of the castle’s strategic location to take simply gorgeous panoramic photos of some of the best views of the island as well as the neighboring island of Zante. Our guide said that it was one of the clearest days yet this year and he even asked Vit for one of the photos he took to use as his work photo in their small office.
From Kastro we continued to “En Kefallinia"", for a unique stop at an organic farm. It honestly smelled like home with its sweet-smelling citrus trees and gardens. While there, we walked among the scented lavender beds and enjoy tea and some homemade local sweets. We also picked up a couple of bio-friendly souvenirs one of which was a small keepsake box made of repurposed olive wood. Vit got it for me so I have something to keep my bobby pins in instead of having to dig them out of my make up bag or try and keep them from scattering all over the place when I was doing my hair.
Our journey continued as we made our way past the vineyard-studded village of Fragata on our way up the slopes of Mount Ainos where we explored the Cave of Drogarati. We took a steep, descending corridor into the cave where we arrived at a natural balcony where we saw millenia-old stalagmites, stalactites, and other colorful geologic formations. The sign said the cave lay 60 meters below the surface. Its ideal acoustics makes it a popular venue for concerts. They had a violin to prove their point and when Al mentioned I played our guide insisted I give it a try. A little embarrassed I nevertheless played a short piece and when I opened my eyes it was to find a number of people staring at me. I quickly handed the instrument back and beseeched Vit to get me out of there. He did, but we didn’t do it at a run. It wasn’t until later that I found out Vit had been recording the episode. He said he is saving it to show to Derrick.
I keep saying next, continued on, etc. but it is the truth. We just kept going fron wonder to wonder. We drove along another coastal road that led to the Cave Lake of Melissani in Karavomylos. And isn’t that a mouth full? It is a sunken lake also known as Cave of the Nymphs. The cave was discovered/re-discovered in 1951 and opened to the public in 1963. Myth says that one of the nymphs in Greek Mythology – Melissani – drowned heself in the lake when Pan rejected her love. Upon arrival our guide accompanied us down a small tunnel to an underground lake where we boarded a short, wooden boat for an unforgettable and mesmerizing ride around the lake and surrounding caves. Because of how the open cave ceiling let sunshine in, it looks like the boat is floating on air instead of water. The pictures that we took during the boat ride are simply indescribable. And Vit and I got several really nice selfies and Aiden offered to take a couple of us together as well, thoughtful for your average thirteen-year-old boy.
We made a quick pit stop at Myrots Beach and then it was back to Argostoli and a stop at Koutavos Lagoon, a famous nature reserve for wildlife. Frankie would have loved the place, especially the Caretta Turtle and various waterfowl that call the area home.
On our way back to port we passed De Bosset Bridge, reportedly the longest stone bridge in the world. For the first time the Bairds and the Donna were waiting for us instead of the other way around. I could tell that Mrs. Baird was upset for some reason but upon seeing the children she calmed down. I was to later find out from Perry – a terrible gossip, but sometimes useful – that the Donna had been winding her up with stories that something must have happened to the children since they were back before we were. That Mr. Baird had told her to stop several times because Vit had texted to let him know where they were at various times through out the day and that he would not have hired us if he didn’t think we were up for the job. Vote of confidence yes, but I’m concerned that Mrs. Baird could be so easily led down such a path.
And I might have been insulted by the tone except I was actually grateful when the Donna airily told me my services would not be required before dinner that evening, that Paula was going to play. She plays the piano. Naturally. I hope my instincts are wrong and the Donna was not alluding to the fact that Vit and Paula had a relationship at some point previous. Please don’t let this turn into another Harrington type situation.
And speaking of, I saw something on news that blew my mind. The Harrington Brothers being led into court and looking a little shell-shocked. The sound was down so I didn’t hear what the story was about but … shivers. I’d ask Dylan but I don’t want to risk having my email dropped in file thirteen by the overlords of the internet. I finally uploaded all of the pictures I’ve been taking, today’s included, and got a few hits from the family which at least lets me know they know where I am at.
I am going to bed in a moment. I’d wait for Vit but he told me he would be late and to simply go to sleep. I had to beat the little green monster into submission and I hope that in neither word nor deed Vit suspects how much I dislike Paula. More importantly I hope no one else can tell. I may not like her on principle but that doesn’t mean I want to start a cat fight of any type. More fool me as I’ve never felt this way, not even when Robert betrayed me. And that’s enough of that. Shut up subconscious, I’m going to bed and so will you. Leave my dreams alone.