Koufinisia & Naxos
We took the approach of total immersion this morning into the cerulean waters skirting the edges of Koufinisia Island. Sculpted cliffs acted as visual sirens, drawing the snorklers and kayakers closer and closer to the rocky shoreline. The shallow waters were punctuated with the bristly forms of tiny purple sea urchins. Small fish were startled as the divers jumping from the side rail began their morning commute from swimdeck to diving platform. With a finale of families diving in unison, we pulled anchor and headed for the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades islands, Naxos.
We gathered in a candy shop to sample the local flavors of Naxos. Soft morsels of powdered sugar-covered citron candies and crunchy almonds rolled with honey and sesame seeds provided an excellent introduction. The citron is grown here along with many other fruits; they filled the shop shelves as a colorful rainbow of preserves, marmalades and liquors.
Winding our way uphill through the passages and alleyways we admired the waves of bougainvillea blossoms splashed against the whitewashed walls. At the top we visited the Roman Catholic Church.
Following our cobbled slalom course back downhill to the harbor, we found the cephalopod laundry hanging out to dry. A local favorite, the octopus are pounded tender after catching and then hung out in the sun laundry-line fashion until someone puts in their order, then it is time to grill.
At the portal of the Temple of Apollo we gazed westward towards the sunset looking forward to another day exploring the sights and flavors of the Greek Isles.
PANORAMA
Peaceful nights
Aphrodite’s apple
Night skies full of stars
Open seas
Running with the wind
Ariadne’s arch calls
Making friends forever
Aristophane’s comedy
Daniel Lastres, age 11
