This is our first morning sailing around the calm and tranquil waters of the Aegean Sea. Our crew prepared to set sails, and with very light winds we had the opportunity to learn about names of the lines and rigging, as well as all the practical information about Sea Cloud. We had a very laid-back morning and got to meet the expedition staff, followed by a talk about photography, “For Cameras of all Sizes and Abilities” given by photographic instructor Max Seigal.

We practiced our photography skills and took advantage of the new things we had learned in the afternoon when we landed on the island of Folegandros. This remote Cycladic that means “iron hard” or “very dry” offered a lot of excitement from the very first moment that we set foot on the island. Many small fishing boats loaded with colorful nets were “resting” by the pier of Karavostasi port. We took the only bus up to the chora, which was surprisingly busy today. The municipal elections were taking place, and the voters and candidates were gathered just outside the elementary school, waiting for the first exit polls. We had the option to either hike up to the Church of Paleokastro at the highest point of the chora with Effie Perperi, or take an easy walk around the Venetian Castro and the main square with Sophia Theona. The view from the top was more than rewarding and spectacular, and we had an introduction to the Greek Orthodox religion, as well as learning more about the historical of the Cycladic island group. We also explored the main square as well as the back streets and alleys built like a labyrinth to protect from pirate raids.

Our initiation into the Greek world would never be complete without sampling the most popular drink that contains raki (a spirit distilled from grapes) and meli (thyme honey) known as “rakomelo.” And because one small shot of rakomelo is never enough, we made sure that we got our supplies for the rest of the night.

A bit before dinner we returned to the port of Karavostasi, some by bus and some by foot, and a couple of brave ones took a swim in the crystal clear but rather cold waters, as it is still early in the season. During dinner, served on the lido deck, we completed our first “Greek night” with delicious Greek recipes accompanied by Greek music and the obligatory drink for such occasions, which is ouzo! That was just the beginning of a big party that lasted well beyond our late-night departure for the early morning destination of Santorini…