Skyros Island, Greece
The first part of Sea Cloud’s inaugural journey to Greece and Turkey started with the ship crew putting the sails up. What an experience! Lines were laying all over the deck and the crew moved up and down very fast so they could take advantage of the winds and move the sail to the right position, in order to get to our destination. Shortly after lunch we tendered to Linaria port, the main port of Skyros, our first port of call. The one and only bus of the island took us to the Chora, which is the main town. On the way we had a big surprise, two beautiful Skyrian Horses, a rare and endangered species, found only on Skyros Island. They were just there in the middle of a field covered with colorful wild spring flowers. A mother and her 13 month old daughter, Nina and Peggy, gave us the chance to photograph them, hug them and be really close to their beautiful face and mart eyes. There are only 187 left and the society of the island is doing their best to protect them.
On the way to Chora we enjoyed the view of the Byzantine Castro (fortress) that crowns the steep hill above the city. Tha castro has been abandoned for years now, since the earthquake of 2001 destroyed part of it. The monastery of St. George has moved near the area of Magazia by the water.
Our guides Effie and Gemma took us on a wonderful walking tour, exploring the quiet alleys of Chora, since the locals were practicing the mandatory siesta. Skyros Island is known for its exceptional architecture, pottery and unique wood carved furniture decorating their homes interior. The visit of the “Faltaits Family museum” was the eyewitness. Mrs. Anastasia Faltaits, one of the family members, gave us a tour of the museum and shared many stories from the past. The museum has a wonderful collection of everyday used vessels, stools, carafes, clothes and traditional men’s shoes called trohadia, as well as embroideries and very rare manuscripts and documents. Many of us got souvenirs, which were unique copies of the museum exhibits, and made our way towards the “Eternal Poetry Square”. Aside for the spectacular view, we stood in front of a young men’s statue named Rupert Brooke. He was a man that joined the British Royal Navy during World War I but unfortunately got infected by a mosquito bite and died. The closest island to bury him was Skyros, and because he was a romantic poet, this square was dedicated to him.
Another big surprise was waiting for us around the corner. A group of locals heard the news that a sailing ship was anchored at the island, so they prepared a very warm welcome for us. Among the opening that three Byzantine Churches offered, they set a table with typical Skyrian treats: delicious thyme honey, dry rye rusk and mouthwatering goat cheese “grugere” and of course ouzo on ice and water. They felt very proud that we choose their island to visit and we felt honored to receive such a big welcome. We all left exchanging promises that we’ll see each other again someday, and we took a little bouquet made of aromatic herbs, laurel bay leaves, sage and rosemary.
Just before we made our way back to the bus, we stopped over at Mrs. Anna’s home. An 87-year old, who was full of smiles and happiness, offered to show us her tiny home so we could have a taste of real life on the island. Her husband was about to have a haircut by their grandson, while we were taking sneak picks of their pictures hanging on the walls, as well as admiring the traditional furniture and embroideries made by the hands of Mrs. Anna when she was preparing her dowry!
Full of memories, smells and images we tendered back to our ship, since we had to prepare our selves for the cocktail party and Captain’s Welcome Dinner. During dinner, under the candlelight and the music of our pianist Peter we pulled the anchor and set sail for our next destination, somewhere in the Aegean Sea. No worries for when and where we’ll be next morning, since the plan is to enjoy the next day at sea, and get the most of this sailing experience and the magic of the Aegean Sea!
