“Syros Island, Greece ~Two Days of Exploration”

• June 8, 2020
• By Daryl
• 2 Comments

I followed a cat lady to the inner sanctum of a shell of a building. The ancient door, barely hanging on, is unlocked to reveal a cat sanctuary. The elder feeds her hungry felines every day. They are so happy to see her. This gives new meaning to the many buildings with floors and roofs rotted away by the sands of time. This building has been part of her family forever. 

We spent two full days exploring this island with our rented car. We traverse narrow roads and cobblestone walkways previously used by donkeys pulling carts; just wide enough for two to pass.

Restaurants and coffee shops have chairs and tables that flow out under grape trellises, or patio umbrellas. A double Greek coffee is so inviting with just a few bites of lemon cake, and a few moments to rest and enjoy the view.

The small villages seem to go from one house, seamlessly to the next house. Each home is painted bright white, with cave-like walkways that flow under their neighbors. The old churches so close the walls, connect and support the community. This must give them a spiritual connection that most communities don’t have. Tiny restaurants and coffee houses operate out of their personal kitchens, onto their private patios. One such place sold wood carvings and turned bowls that her husband hand crafted; something I used to do in my wood shop.

Driving through the countryside, we see the neighborhoods that cling to cliffs, next to coves with their rock-framed beaches. Tiny sailboats and fishing boats dot the shores. People are enjoying the slightly tepid waters that is so clear, fish can be seen swimming just below. 

Harbors with brightly colored boats are tied up, waiting quietly for the skippers to take them out. Wooden umbrellas that look like big cocktail umbrellas dot the beaches, perfectly placed straight as an arrow. The sights put us in a peaceful calm, thankful for our rich traveling adventures.