Travel to Greek Islands - Nude Beaches (IMG00989)

People from more "conservative" societies/culture might not feel comfortable with nude beaches. But as far as nature is concerned, it really makes no difference whether a human being is swimming with or without any clothes on.

From a pure naturist's point of view, the introduction of motor boats, spilled oil, beer cans and other man-made objects and wastes into an otherwise pristine body of water is really an insult to Mother Nature. Some nudists include swim wears on that list.

So, if you want to be part of nature on a beach that has no regulations against public nudity, would you be swimming in your birthday suit?

If not, why not :O


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Travel to Greek Islands - Kynos (IMG01100)

Our sailboat is currently at the main port of the Greek Island Kynos (my approx transcription from Greek). In an hour or so, we will set sail toward Athens with several stops for swimming/snokeling and cave-diving along the way.

I took this photo of a typical fishing boat just outside the cafe.



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Travel to Greek Islands - Mykonos (IMG01097)

The wind has picked up since this morning and the harbour master advise all sailboat skippers to stay put because of the rough sea. We (the crew) are therefore having some down-time in the new port to catch up with our sleep and to detox.

Even tho I am a night-owl back in Ottawa, I am not used to ordering a full-course meal at 10:30 pm, finishing all the eating and drinking past mid-night, and go to bed at 2 am. Some fellow crew members even party all nite till 6:30 am !!!

The weather forecast calls for calm weather tomorrow and we would visit Delos, a famous archaeological site of the Greek Islands.

Photo: I took this pic of the new port of Mykonos yesterday. I was told that during peak season, there would be 6-7 cruise ships each carrying abt 3000 passengers arriving at Mykonos each day !!!




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Travel to Greek Islands - Paperless Society (IMG01071)

When I first heard that one cannot dispose of used toilet paper into the bowl in the WC, I thought it was just a big joke. Sure sure !!!

Well, the Greeks are serious abt keeping their toilet plumbing system paperless.

Except in modern hotels, you have to put it nicely into the basket/container next to the toilet for non-watery disposal.

Conclusion: The Greeks have a paperless society way before the arrival of computers.


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Travel to Greek Islands - Octopus Tree (IMG01096)

The Greek chefs always dry their octopus under the sun to rid it of moisture so it won't taste rubbery. And of course, grilled fresh octopus taste sooooo good :)


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Travel to Greek Islands - Antiparos (IMG01094)

I took a photo of the boat launching/loading area next to the restaurant.


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Travel to Greek Islands - Grilled Cuttlefish at Antiparos (IMG01095)

I just finished a 100 metres underground tour of the Cave of Antiparos. It is quite a spacious cavern (5600 m2) with lots of stalagmite hanging from the ceiling.

Currently, I am eating grilled cuttlefish at a seaside restaurant (shown in photo).




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Travel to Greek Islands - Santorini 20120728-29 (IMG00977)

After what seemed like ages on the high sea, our sail boat finally arrived at Manolas late in the evening of July 28 and by the time I finished my grilled fresh squid, it was already past mid-night.

Upon returning back to the sailing boat, we discovered the anchor had slipped on the sea floor and the boat was facing the risk of running aground. The sailing boat captain and us (his crew) then spent another 45 min improvising better mooring. We were dead tired when we hit the cabin beds way past 1 am.

After a few hours sleep, we pulled up anchor and went to Vlichada where we had breakfast at Taverna Vlichada owned by Dimitris. www.vlichada-dimitris.gr

I started the day with a Cyclades Smoothies ( www.CycladesSmoothies.com ) which managed to sustain me thru a rather busy days on land.

The group rented a car and tow scooters and we toured all over islands !!! Here is a photo of the church built on the cliff face around 800 AD.

More text and pics to come, stay tuned !!!!




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Travel to Greek Islands 20120626 - Great Greek Beach (IMG00907)

Actually what you see in the photo is just a pebble beach and not the kind with fine white sand. But the water is clear and pristine without pollution, something you can't find in many countries.

Lucky for me, but not so for the locals, there aren't too many tourists on the beach even tho it is high-season for vacationning in Europe. Otherwise the place will be just crowded with hundreds of bathers and boaters.

Anyway, I am glad we are contributing to the local Greek island economy.


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Travel to Greek Islands 20120726 - Cafe Portokali (IMG00902)

We just pulled into port after almost 8 hours of non-stop sailing on white-caps. I stayed and even napped on deck to avoid getting sea-sick in the cabin below board !!!

With my feet back on solid ground, my appetite is back and am looking forward to having a nice sea-food supper on shore.

Grilled fresh octopus is my favourite and the price is cheaper than that in Ottawa.

Yum Yum !!!!




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Travel to Greek Islands (IMG00900)

The 50-ft Bavaria sailboat K and I are staying while travelling around the Greek Islands.


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Travel to Greek Islands (IMG00901)

I am currently away, will talk to you soon :)

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