Your favourite place in Greece

No doubt the reason that you are reading this blog means that you love Greece but what I have found in chatting to fellow Grecophyles is that each one of us has their favourite place. In a country that has some of the worlds most ancient and wonderful archaeological sites, spectacular beaches, great walks and more islands than one could see in a lifetime, I find that most of us keep going back to the same places time after time. Why is this, I wonder?

I can only speak for myself. For me it probably comes down to two things: firstly, I chose what interests me and, if I have got it right (and generally l I have), I find that my chosen spot has all that I want and more. And secondly, it’s the people I meet on the spot and become friendly with. I can honestly say that I have never spoken to someone who, after spending time in Greece, doesn’t feel that they have made a new friend.

My visit to the island of Sifnos, a few years ago now, summarises all that is kind and generous-spirited about the Greek people in a place that heaven surely can’t beat!

I travelled alone to the island some years ago, over Easter. I stayed in the village of Apollonia - it stands along the slopes of a hill surrounded by white Cycladic homes and churches – there are 365 on the island if my guide book is to be believed!

It was spring and the hillside was a mass of poppies and other lovely wild flowers. I walked over the hills, along lovely pebbled pathways from one end of the island to the other. I was sometimes quite alone, only passing the occasional man making deliveries to a nearby restaurant on his donkey, who would greet me enthusiastically and offer me delicious nibbles to chew on. The delightful thing was that the bus service was great so I’d walk to my destination and then bus back – after, of course, a truly wonderful meal, usually taken at a restaurant practically IN the sea!

I ate breakfast and dinner in the same restaurant in Appolionia. On my first visit there, the family dog came and sat companionable next to me – he was clearly worried that I may have felt a little lonely. Next time, the child of the family joined me, colouring book and crayons in hand. Fast forward a few days to me, the dog, the child and the grandparents all sitting happily grinning at each other – language difficulties stopped us from actually conversing, but hey – who needs words? We smiled a lot. They would peer at my guide book and point out pictures of what I simply HAD to see…anything majorly important was translated by their son behind the counter.

Come Easter and I was taken by the hand and led to the church to celebrate with the family. Then back to the restaurant, where I was presented with dyed red eggs and a wonderful plate of the special Easter lamb dish. When it came time for me to leave, Granddad – playing with his komboloi, muttered a few words to his son behind the counter. Turns out that the car was to be taken off blocks and I was to be driven to the port of Kamares to catch my ferry. So off we set, dog barking, child and entire restaurant waving. Once there I was plied with Greek cookies and sweets, both cheeks were firmly kissed and I was waved off on my ferry!

Suffice it to say that when I wanted to introduce my children to the delights of Greece, I took them to Sifnos…

As you read this are you remembering similar acts of friendship and kindness? That is what makes Greece so wonderful to visit – and to live in. Do let me know if you have a similar story to tell – I am going to be collecting accounts of what it is like to visit and to live there from a number of people that I will be meeting in May and will report back you with their tales!

Carol

The Overseas Guides Company

http://www.greecebuyingguide.com/